REVIEW : HISTORIC F2
The season started at Donington Park
Wrigley by a point
Despite Covid , it was another great season for Historic F2
In the final reckoning of the 2021 Historic Formula 2 Series it was Matt Wrigley ( March 782 ) who has taken the Bruno Giacomelli Trophy class by a single point over Andrew Smith ’ s earlier March 742 . From 10 races at five events , top overall scorer was Nick Pancisi ( March 712 ) who claimed the Jochen Rindt Trophy for the 1600cc Formula 2 cars . Pancisi had a tremendous season to finish clear of rivals Julian Stokes ( Tecno ) and Paul Bason ( March 712 ).
Marc Mercer ( March 73B ) clinched the Vern Schuppan Trophy for the earlier Formula Atlantics from Mark Goodyear , who switched from his Lotus 59 to a March 75B in the middle of the season . Callum Grant ’ s blistering pace in his March 79B , which included a famous overall win at Donington Park , ensured that he won the Gilles Villeneuve Trophy for the later Formula Atlantics from Peter Micklewright ( March 76B ) and David Mercer ( March 78B ).
The 2-litre F2 cars in the Giacomelli Trophy usually set the overall pace and it was Wrigley who clinched the crown by a single point for the fastest lap in the final race of the season at Dijon in France . Though Wrigley started his
Martyn Donn heads a battling pack
season in his Chevron B42 , he spent most of the year in his March 782 , Smith and Miles Griffiths ( Ralt RT1 ) ensured that it was never easy for Wrigley , but both missed the season finale at Dijon .
Other strong contenders in the hugely competitive 2-litre class included Matthew Watts ( March 782 ), Mark Charteris ( March 742 ), Manfredo Rossi ( March 762 ) and Mike Bletsoe- Brown ( Chevron B27 ).
Despite the restrictions on travel due to COVID and a re-arranged calendar , more than 60 drivers took part in the season with competitors from the UK joined by drivers from Denmark , France , Italy , Germany , Austria and the USA .
The season started at Donington Park at Easter , just as UK motor sport came out of lockdown , and the weekend will be remembered for a magnificent victory for Callum grant in his Formula Atlantic March 79B . Next up was a double-header on the Silverstone Grand Prix circuit during the Club ’ s International Trophy weekend in May ,
“ We were disappointed that COVID prevented us from running more European races ”
while Classic Silverstone was once again a major event in the schedule . And once again , some horrible weather took its toll on the weekend . However , a bumper F2 grid delivered some great racing . At the end of August , the F2 cars made a fabulous sight and sound at the Oulton Park circuit in Cheshire . Finally , in October , we were able to head back into Europe for the closing two races at
Dijon in France . Everyone loved being back on a European track , and a decent grid delivered another great F2 spectacle .
Andy Dee-Crowne said : “ We were disappointed that COVID prevented us from running more European races . However , I ’ m very pleased to confirm that we are currently finalising the 2022 calendar which will once again take Historic Formula 2 to some of the best tracks and best historic racing festivals in Europe . Our UK-based drivers have missed competing with our European friends this year and restoring an international schedule is our prime aim for 2022 .”
Dan Clayfield in his March 782
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