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Kaufmann won twice at Paul Ricard
The podium : Rossi , Kaufmann and Lheritier
Double victory for Kaufmann
Wolfgang Kaufmann won both Historic Formula 2 races at Paul Ricard in June , reports Christian Freyer .
Kaufmann was able to run his March 782-BMW for the first time this season in an F2 event as the HVM team welcomed European F2 racers to the Historic French Grand Prix event .
“ We were finally able to drive in front of spectators again ,” said Wolfgang . “ To experience this atmosphere with fans in the stands and especially in the paddock was incredibly intense and beautiful .”
Manfredo Rossi Di Montelena turned
out to be the toughest opponent over the weekend . The Italian , a fixture in historic racing , started from pole position in the first race and also won the start . For many laps , the Kaufmann and Rossi fought for the lead to the friends of the spectators , then in the closing laps Kaufmann was able to stretch out a little lead and win the race .
“ The emotion on the winner ’ s podium was already very high ,” said Kaufmann . “ We always had a fair fight ; my opponent is a real sportsman and was the first to congratulate me immediately after the race .”
Inaugural Heritage Sporting Trial
In race two on Sunday Kaufmann started from pole position , but Rossi took the lead again . “ When everything was up to temperature , I really fired up and pulled myself up again .” The battle was even closed than the day before and Kaufmann finally dived ahead for victory after a fine weekend of F2 racing .
Fabrice Lheritier ( March 742 ) completed the podium in the first race as Marc Devis , Pascal Gerbout and Mark Hazell made it an all-March top six . On Sunday , Lheritier narrowly headed Gerbout in the battle for third with Laurent Vallery- Masson a strong fifth in his March 77B .
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HSCC racers were well represented at the Inaugural Heritage Sporting Trial which took place at Crewkerne , Somerset on 4 July .
This new form of trials are for post war and early 1950s trials cars that were not fitted with ‘ fiddle ’ brakes –
Jeremy and Cal Bennett in the J1 Appleton Special independent rear wheel braking – such as the Dellow .
Forty-one competitors entered the event in a wide variety of period cars , but it was the sight of two competition Allards that created the most interest . Jeremy Bennett , who normally prepares Historic F3 engines , owns the famous J1 Appleton Special , ‘ JYH 613 ’, which he shared with his son Cal , who promptly beat him to take the class for Early Trials Specials .
Tim Kary used his 1172 Imhof effectively to be second in the Heritage class whilst former Historic F2 racer Tim Barrington had a good drive in his modified Dellow .
Martyn Halliday brought along his freshly restored trials Lotus Mark 6 , ‘ HEL 46 ’, for what would have been its first event since 1963 . However , a defective new fuel pump and other teething problems prevented him from taking part .
In all , the event was very successful and if anyone has a suitable trials car and fancies joining in , please contact Martyn Halliday at martyn _ halliday @ msn . com or 07739 464170 .