Six.wheel Tyrrell stars at Paul Ricard

The stunning debut of Simon Bull’s six-wheeled Tyrrell P3 – driven by Martin Stretton at France’s Paul Ricard circuit over Easter – suggests champion Bob Berridge will not have an easy ride in the FIA Thoroughbred Grand Prix Championship.

Despite minimal test mileage on Avon’s experimental 10in front tyres, 1996 champion Stretton qualified the ex-Ronnie Peterson car within 0.19sec of Berridge’s Williams FW08B. He finished third, behind Berridge and Joaquin Folch’s Lotus 87B, despite a disconnected a front brake.

“I can’t complain,” said Stretton. “Most people would be grateful for four brakes but the car’s potential is unbelievable. We did not deviate from Monza 1977 chassis settings. I am confident that we can win this year.”

American Duncan Dayton qualified a splendid fifth with the ex-Jack Brabharn/Rolf Stommelen Brabham BT33-3 but an engine failure sadly precluded him from starting.

Other Grand Prix Historique de Provence highlights included HGPCA wins for Dayton (Brabham BT7A) and Philip Walker (Lotus 16), a Euro Formula 2 double for Bob Juggins (Lola T240) and a maiden International Supersports Cup victory for Paul Whight (Mclaren M8D) after first leg winner Charlie Agg’s March 707 ran a bearing.