Formula 1 News

In spite of reports and news to the contrary in many publications, the new F.1 Porsche is hardly any nearer completion than is the V8 Coventry-Climax engine for the 1961 season. That Porsche are working on a new car and new power unit, varying from a flat six-cylinder to a flat 16-cylinder, depending on the source of information, is certain, but it will be a surprise if it appears before the middle of the season. Similarly, Coventry-Climax, on whom the hopes of Lotus and Cooper depend, are not likely to have their 1½-litre V8 working before the end of the season.

However, the fact that both Porsche and Coventry-Climax are at work on new power units is most heartening, and with Ferrari well satisfied with his V6 Dino engine and rear-engined car, the future looks well. Of course, there are the usual rumours about other Grand Prix cars that are going to appear, but we will be well satisfied to begin with when we see Cooper, Lotus, Porsche and Ferrari on the starting grid. If others, such as Maserati, Stanguillini, Osca, and the many British specials being built, also reach the starting grids, then the new F.1 is going to be very exciting.

At the moment the first race to the new Formula will be the Pau Grand Prix on Easter Monday, a full-length motor race round the streets of the historic town at the foot of the Pyrenean Mountains on the borders of France and Spain. There will also be a short race for the new Formula cars at Goodwood, in the B.A.R.C. mixed meeting on Easter Monday.