East London 305

East London

A new Grand Prix circuit was opened in the countryside between East London and the Indian Ocean in July 1959, using part of the 1936-39 Prince George circuit.

A new Grand Prix circuit was opened in the countryside between East London and the Indian Ocean in July 1959, using part of the 1936-39 Prince George circuit. The Mercedes-Benz and Auto Union teams had raced here in 1937, although the decision to run a handicap race ensured a local win. East London was the scene of the 1962 Formula 1 title decider between Graham Hill and Jim Clark. Clark led convincingly before suffering an engine failure that handed his rival the title. Later, however, the Scotsman won three F1 GPs at East London, including victories in his 1963 and 1965 championship seasons. The South African GP became a non-championship affair in 1966 and the race moved to Kyalami a year later.

Circuit

1959

Type

Permanent road course

Length

2.436 (Miles)

Fastest Race Lap

John Love (Lotus 49-Ford), 1m22.4, 106.428 mph, F1, 1969

Fastest Qualifying Lap

John Love (Lotus 49-Ford), 1m23.0, 105.658 mph, F1, 1969

Latest Races

3,413

Championships

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19,330

Results

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25,216

Drivers

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14,546

Teams

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917

Circuits

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