1950 British Grand Prix
The 1950 British Grand Prix was the first race of the Formula One World championship, held on May 13th 1950. The race was won by Monégasque veteran Louis Chiron ahead of Mauri Rose and Toulo de Graffenried.
Background
For the first race of the new Formula One World championship, the three biggest manufacturers of the time (Ferrari, Maserati and Alfa Romeo) were all present with four cars each. Alfa Romeo brought dependable hands Giuseppe Farina, Juan Manuel Fangio and Maurice Trintignant, joined by veteran American racer Mauri Rose. Ferrari brought regular drivers Dorino Serafini and Luigi Villoresi as well as noted privateers Toulo de Graffenried and Peter Whitehead. Maserati signed Alfa Romeo refugees Luigi Fagioli and Piero Taruffi alongside regular driver Felice Bonetto and driver-for-hire Reg Parnell.
Other manufacturers were present, such as Gordini and Talbot-Lago, both with satellite operations. Alexander Racing Team entered the Gordini for promising American Tony Bettenhausen while Motorsport Bleu entered Talbots for regular driver Louis Rosier, the Siamese prince B. Bira and local entrant Bob Gerard. Lancia also made a much-discussed entry, bringing the great Tazio Nuvolari back to Grand Prix racing at the age of 57. Aston Martin also made a low-key entry for defending American champion Johnnie Parsons, while two new constructors appeared. The Spanish Phoenix team landed premium hands Alberto Ascari and José Froilan Gonzalez when they were left driveless, while All-American Racers built their own car for Harry Schell.
Jacques de Rham's Scuderia Maremmana team also entered two cars, securing the cars thanks to first driver Clemente Biondetti, who brought his own Ferrari-Jaguars for himself and Indy 500 winner Bill Holland. Johnny Claes also founded his own team, entering two Maseratis for himself and Louis Chiron, while Harold Clive Berkinson's EXTRAS team entered Peter Walker. Jacques Swaters' Ecurie Nationale Belge also entered two modified Gordinis for Arthur Legat and André Pilette. Dennis Poore was the final entrant in a privately-entered Alfa Romeo.
