This year’s Mexican Grand Prix contrasted drastically from last year in so far as in the last race for 1964 the Championship was not decided, while far 1965 the Championship had been clinched back in August at the German Grand Prix. Of the three drivers whose fortunes were in the balance until the last lap drama 12 months ago, the champion was unable to return this year as he was still suffering from his Mosport accident.
The 5-kilometre circuit, situated in a multi-purpose sports park, calls for considerable driving skill due to the variety of corners and the changing cambers. It also highlights the mechanical skill of the pit staff, as the over-7,000ft altitude of the vast plain on which Mexico City is built produces mixture and heating problems found at no other Grand Prix circuit.
The entrants were basically as at Watkins Glen, with the substitution of Bondurant by Scarfiotti as the third Ferrari driver. Lotus had three cars for Clark, Spence and Solana (the local Mexican champion). Clark’s car was fitted with a 32-valve Climax V8 rebuilt from the engine which broke at Watkins Glen, and flown out to Mexico. Spence had a 90 crank engine with the high exhaust, while Solana was to drive a 33 with a flat crank engine.
