May memories

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Sir,

Congratulations on an excellent May edition. Nigel Roebuck’s piece on Jacky Ickx was most enjoyable and I was particularly interested by the Belgian’s thought on the 1970 season. Obviously, nothing could compensate that year for the loss of Piers Courage, Bruce McLaren and Jochen Rindt, but the racing was really quite special.

I remember being caught up in the widespread excitement at Ferrari’s mid-season resurgence and Bernard Cahier’s glorious photo of Clay Regazzoni about to be swamped by delirious fans at Monza captures the mood perfectly. As you state, this was only the Swiss driver’s fifth Grand Prix and the win was the highlight of a brilliant first season. In fact, he only drove in eight of the 13 races, the victory at Monza, three second places, a pole, three fastest laps and third place in the championship. Not bad for a beginner!

Rob Walker’s piece on his and Jo Siffert’s 1968 defeat of Chris Amon and Ferrari at Brands was a good read too. Motor racing is full of ifs and buts, but I wonder what Chris would have achieved in 1970 if he’d stayed at Maranello. Would Regazzoni have ever had his chance? And had Ickx and Ferrari not had such a miserable 1973 would Lauda and Montezemolo ever have worked their magic?

I AM, YOURS, ETC,

John Winfield, Orston, Notts