1954 German Grand Prix

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Flag of Germany svg.png 1954 German Grand Prix
Race 7 of 9 in the 1954 Alternate Formula One season
512px-Circuit Nürburgring-1927-Nordschleife.svg.png
Date August 22, 1954
Official Name XVII Großer Preis von Deutschland
Location Nürburgring, Nürburg, Germany
Course Permanent racing facility
22.810 km (14.173 mi)
Distance 16 laps, 364.960 km (226.768 mi)
Weather Sunny
Pole Position
Driver Flag of Italy svg.png Giuseppe Farina Alfa Romeo
Time 9:50.33
Fastest Lap
Driver Flag of Brazil svg.png Hernando da Silva Ramos Gordini
Time 9:59.64
Podium
First Flag of the Netherlands svg.png Dries van der Lof Aston Martin-Jaguar
Second Flag of Thailand svg.png B. Bira Aston Martin-Jaguar
Third Flag of Brazil svg.png Hernando da Silva Ramos Gordini


The 1954 German Grand Prix was the seventh race of the 1954 Formula One World Championship and was held at the Nürburgring Nordschleife on August 22nd 1954. The race was won by Dries van der Lof, his second career victory, allowing him to close the gap to the championship lead behind B. Bira, who finished second. Hernando da Silva Ramos finished third.

Background

Six races into the season, six different drivers had won a Grand Prix. The championship leader was not one of them. Bira still led the world championship by a very considerable margin, despite not having won a single race thus far in the season. With five consecutive second places, he had 30 points to van der Lof's 15. Would things change in Germany? Could Bira take his first win, and therefore secure the title (which he was mathematically possible)? Could any of Brabham, Manzon, Ramos, Bettenhausen, van der Lof or Farina take a second win? Or would an other driver take a surprise victory? Consalvo Sanesi certainly needed one to save his season... Either way, 44, then 42, and finally 43 drivers would be taking part this weekend.

Following the decimation of Scuderia Anglo-Italia in Switzerland, a major shuffle was needed in the team. The now conscious Piero Taruffi was reportedly consulted in the replacement selection process, and this resulted in the addition of three drivers to the team roster. Jacques Swaters and Maria Teresa de Filippis would be stepping into the two vacated seats, de Filippis bringing her own chassis with her, while privileged Bentley customer Geoff Richardson agreed to finance a fourth entry for Stan Jones.

Karl Kling stepped back into the Loyer for his home race and Sebring.

Balkan Eagle were in deeper financial issues than ever before. In fact, they hadn't even made the trip from Bremgarten. It was not known whether or not they would reappear further down the line, though they would later merge with Leader.

After skipping the Swiss Grand Prix, Reatherson were back, still with Lance Macklin in the car.

Aldo Gordini returned to Anglo Racing Engineering for the final European rounds in the absence of Balkan Eagle.

Erne Racing Development also returned in Germany with Marimon and Mieres.

With team leader Bracco also injured, Scuderia Ambrosiana had also had to find a new driver. They decided to hire sportscar ace Umberto Maglioli, who unsuccessfully entered a few races in '53. Since then, however, he had won the Targa Florio, 12 hours of Pescara, 1000km of Buenos Aires, Imola Grand Prix and Supercortemaggiore.

Ivor Bueb stepped back into the RRAC Maserati, once again.

David Hampshire's Bentley was only slightly damaged in Bremgarten, but he was unable to repair the car in time to ship it to Germany and had to withdraw his entry.

Similarly, Edgar Barth's Ultimate chassis couldn't be repaired, and Jean Behra would therefore be the team's sole representative in Germany. This would only add to the pressure on his shoulders, as the Frenchman had not been performing well thus far.

Ecurie Nationale Belge made their long-"awaited" return in Germany, with André Pilette and Olivier Gendebien stepping into the cars. Things had been made slightly more awkward by team boss Jacques Swaters, who would also be competing, but for another team.

Rennkollektiv EMW returned as well, for their home race, with Hans Herrmann still driving the car. Very little was expected of them.

Assasti Millanti were a late entry. They had previously decided not to take part, but with Hampshire and Barth withdrawing, they saw an opportunity and quickly entered.

Race weekend

Qualifying

Farina took his second consecutive pole position ahead of Robert Manzon and Dries van der Lof. Both Ernes made it through, as well as Mike Hawthorn's Loyer-Ferrari, Jean Behra's Ultimate, Aldo Gordini's ARE, all three Mercedes drivers and more surprisingly, Ron Flockhart's works Maserati. Meanwhile, Wharton, Fitch and Maglioli would be massively disappointed at not making the cut. The others were expected to fail to qualify, with Paul Frère over a full minute behind Farina.

Race

Alberto Ascari got the best start while Farina led the field on the first lap from Manzon and van der Lof. Farina's race, however, was short-lived, as his gearbox failed on the second lap. The oil took Peter Collins out of the race as well, leaving 32 cars still in the race. Manzon now led from Bettenhausen, van der Lof, Ramos, Bira and Whitehead. On the third lap, Bettenhausen took the race lead from Manzon. Further back, Moss' transmission failed, and the oil also made Pilette spin out. On lap 4, Onofre Marimon took Stan Jones out of the race in a boneheaded defensive move. He tried the same move on Lance Macklin on the following lap, but only succeeded in taking himself out.

On lap 7, the race completely changed once again, as Tony Bettenhausen's engine failed out of the race lead. Troy Ruttman span out at the same time, probably on his compatriot's oil. This left 26 cars in the race. Ramos promptly passed Manzon for third place and started catching up to Bira. Van der Lof was now in the race lead. On the following lap, Macklin and Flockhart both span out in separate incidents. Then, Consalvo Sanesi had an oil leak and Jean Behra span out on the oil. Then, Peter Whitehead's engine blew, leaving just 21 cars. Then 19 when Trintignant span out and Mieres' engine blew. Jack Brabham's suspension then failed, as did de Filippis' gearbox and von Brauchitsch's engine.

In the end, Dries van der Lof became the first driver to win two races this season, reducing his gap to Bira to 12 points with 18 of them still to play for. Bira himself scored another second place, a record sixth consecutive podium. Ramos finished third, his first podium since his win in Belgium, and also scored the fastest lap, beating teammate Robert Manzon. De Graffenried scored his first points of the season with fifth place while Dorino Serafini finished sixth to take the first championship point for Officine Renzo.

Classification

Entry list

No Driver Entrant Chassis Engine
2 Flag of France svg.png André Simon Flag of Germany svg.png Mercedes-Benz Team Europe Mercedes-Benz WM-2 Mercedes UM153 4.5 V10
4 Flag of the United Kingdom svg.png Bernie Ecclestone Mercedes-Benz WM-2 Mercedes UM153 4.5 V10
6 Flag of Belgium svg.png Johnny Claes Mercedes-Benz WM-2 Mercedes UM153 4.5 V10
8 Flag of Belgium svg.png Jacques Swaters Flag of the United Kingdom svg.png/Flag of Italy svg.png Scuderia Anglo-Italia Bentley Speed 4 O.S.C.A. 156s 1.5 L6s
10 Flag of Italy svg.png Giuseppe Farina Flag of Italy svg.png Alfa Romeo SpA Alfa Romeo AR160 Alfa Romeo ARV8 1.5 V8
12 Flag of the United Kingdom svg.png Stirling Moss Alfa Romeo AR160 Alfa Romeo ARV8 1.5 V8
14 Flag of the United Kingdom svg.png Peter Whitehead Alfa Romeo AR160 Alfa Romeo ARV8 1.5 V8
16 Flag of Monaco svg.png Louis Chiron Flag of China svg.png Leader Leader LF153 O.S.C.A. 156s 1.5 L6s
18 Flag of Germany svg.png Karl Kling Flag of Austria svg.png Loyer Racing Loyer LR101 Ferrari 555 2.5 L4
20 Flag of Italy svg.png Alberto Ascari Flag of Spain 1945-1977 svg.png Phoenix Racing Organisation Phoenix PRO-4 Mercedes UM153 4.5 V10
22 Flag of the United States svg.png Tony Bettenhausen Flag of the United Kingdom svg.png Jaguar - Aston Martin Racing Aston Martin AM-04 Jaguar JFE-2 4.5 V12
24 Flag of the Netherlands svg.png Dries van der Lof Aston Martin AM-04 Jaguar JFE-2 4.5 V12
26 Flag of Thailand svg.png B. Bira Aston Martin AM-04 Jaguar JFE-2 4.5 V12
28 Flag of France svg.png Maurice Trintignant Aston Martin AM-04 Jaguar JFE-2 4.5 V12
30 Flag of the United Kingdom svg.png Lance Macklin Flag of Ireland svg.png Reatherson Racing Developments Bentley Speed 4 Jaguar JFE-2 4.5 V12
32 Flag of France svg.png Robert Manzon Flag of the United Kingdom svg.png/Flag of France svg.png Alexander Racing Team-Gordini Gordini G-953 Gordini ART-004 3.0 V6
34 Flag of Italy svg.png Consalvo Sanesi Gordini G-953 Gordini ART-004 3.0 V6
36 Flag of the United Kingdom svg.png Peter Collins Gordini G-953 Gordini ART-004 3.0 V6
38 Flag of Brazil svg.png Hernando da Silva Ramos Gordini G-953 Gordini ART-004 3.0 V6
40 Flag of France svg.png Aldo Gordini Flag of the United Kingdom svg.png Anglo Racing Engineering Gordini G-953 Gordini ART-004 3.0 V6
42 Flag of the United Kingdom svg.png Mike Hawthorn Flag of Austria svg.png Loyer Racing Loyer LR101 Ferrari 555 2.5 L4
44 Flag of the United States svg.png Troy Ruttman Flag of Italy svg.png Asso di Fiori Aston Martin AM-04 Jaguar JFE-2 4.5 V12
46 Flag of Italy svg.png Luigi Villoresi Aston Martin AM-04 Jaguar JFE-2 4.5 V12
48 Flag of Switzerland svg.png Toulo de Graffenried Flag of Italy svg.png Scuderia Ferrari Ferrari 555 Ferrari 555 2.5 L4
50 Flag of Australia svg.png Jack Brabham Ferrari 555 Ferrari 555 2.5 L4
52 Flag of Argentina svg.png Roberto Mieres Flag of Ireland svg.png Erne Racing Development Aston Martin AM-04 Jaguar JFE-2 4.5 V12
54 Flag of Argentina svg.png Onofre Marimón Aston Martin AM-04 Jaguar JFE-2 4.5 V12
56 Flag of Italy svg.png Umberto Maglioli Flag of Italy svg.png Scuderia Ambrosiana Ambrosiana A-003 Alfa Romeo ARV8 1.5 V8
58 Flag of the Dominican Republic svg.png Porfirio Rubirosa Ambrosiana A-003 Alfa Romeo ARV8 1.5 V8
60 Flag of the United Kingdom svg.png Ivor Bueb Flag of the United Kingdom svg.png Royal Racing Automobile Company Maserati AM53 Maserati 200F 2.0 L6
n/a* Flag of the United Kingdom svg.png David Hampshire Flag of the United Kingdom svg.png Hampshire Racing Alliance Bentley Speed 4 Bentley 16VL-1 3.0 V16
62 Flag of Germany svg.png Manfred von Brauchitsch Flag of the United Kingdom svg.png/Flag of Italy svg.png Scuderia Anglo-Italia O.S.C.A. F154 Bentley 16VL-1 3.0 V16
64 Flag of Belgium svg.png Paul Frère Flag of Italy svg.png Officine Alfieri Maserati Maserati AM53 Maserati 200F 2.0 L6
66 Flag of the United Kingdom svg.png Ron Flockhart Maserati AM53 Maserati 200F 2.0 L6
n/a* Flag of Germany svg.png Edgar Barth Flag of Germany svg.png Team Ultimate Ultimate 002 O.S.C.A. 156s 1.5 L6s
68 Flag of France svg.png Jean Behra Ultimate 002 O.S.C.A. 156s 1.5 L6s
70 Flag of the United Kingdom svg.png Ken Wharton Flag of the United Kingdom svg.png F.H. Warden Competition Bentley Speed 4 Bentley 16VL-1 3.0 V16
72 Flag of Italy svg.png Giannino Marzotto Flag of Italy svg.png Officine Renzo Ferrari 555 Ferrari 555 2.5 L4
74 Flag of Italy svg.png Dorino Serafini O.S.C.A. F154 O.S.C.A. 156s 1.5 L6s
76 Flag of Belgium svg.png André Pilette Flag of Belgium svg.png Ecurie Nationale Belge Bentley Speed 4 Bentley 16VL-1 3.0 V16
78 Flag of Belgium svg.png Olivier Gendebien Aston Martin AM-04 Jaguar JFE-2 4.5 V12
80 Flag of Italy svg.png Maria Teresa de Filippis Flag of the United Kingdom svg.png/Flag of Italy svg.png Scuderia Anglo-Italia O.S.C.A. F154 O.S.C.A. 156s 1.5 L6s
82 Flag of Germany svg.png Hans Herrmann Flag of Germany svg.png Rennkollektiv EMW EMW 02 Mercedes UM153 4.5 V10
84 Flag of Australia svg.png Stan Jones Flag of the United Kingdom svg.png/Flag of Italy svg.png Scuderia Anglo-Italia Bentley Speed 4 Bentley 16VL-1 3.0 V16
86 Flag of the United States svg.png John Fitch Flag of Italy svg.png Assasti Millanti Leader LF153 Jaguar JFE-2 4.5 V12

* Hampshire and Barth were forced to withdraw from the race weekend as their cars were unavailable.

Qualifying

Pos No Driver Constructor Time Gap
1 10 Flag of Italy svg.png Giuseppe Farina Alfa Romeo 9:50.33 -
2 32 Flag of France svg.png Robert Manzon Gordini 9:54.29 + 3.96
3 24 Flag of the Netherlands svg.png Dries van der Lof Aston Martin-Jaguar 9:55.29 + 4.96
4 22 Flag of the United States svg.png Tony Bettenhausen Aston Martin-Jaguar 9:56.00 + 5.67
5 38 Flag of Brazil svg.png Hernando da Silva Ramos Gordini 9:57.24 + 6.91
6 26 Flag of Thailand svg.png B. Bira Aston Martin-Jaguar 9:58.48 + 8.15
7 34 Flag of Italy svg.png Consalvo Sanesi Gordini 10:00.13 + 9.80
8 14 Flag of the United Kingdom svg.png Peter Whitehead Alfa Romeo 10:02.02 + 11.69
9 8 Flag of Belgium svg.png Jacques Swaters Bentley-O.S.C.A. 10:02.20 + 11.87
10 50 Flag of Australia svg.png Jack Brabham Ferrari 10:03.02 + 12.69
11 36 Flag of the United Kingdom svg.png Peter Collins Gordini 10:04.26 + 13.93
12 28 Flag of France svg.png Maurice Trintignant Aston Martin-Jaguar 10:07.04 + 16.71
13 44 Flag of the United States svg.png Troy Ruttman Aston Martin-Jaguar 10:08.81 + 18.48
14 80 Flag of Italy svg.png Maria Teresa de Filippis O.S.C.A. 10:09.28 + 18.95
15 48 Flag of Switzerland svg.png Toulo de Graffenried Ferrari 10:11.17 + 20.84
16 20 Flag of Italy svg.png Alberto Ascari Phoenix-Mercedes 10:11.23 + 20.90
17 12 Flag of the United Kingdom svg.png Stirling Moss Alfa Romeo 10:11.70 + 21.37
18 74 Flag of Italy svg.png Dorino Serafini O.S.C.A. 10:14.12 + 23.79
19 54 Flag of Argentina svg.png Onofre Marimón Aston Martin-Jaguar 10:15.06 + 24.73
20 76 Flag of Belgium svg.png André Pilette Bentley 10:15.66 + 25.33
21 62 Flag of Germany svg.png Manfred von Brauchitsch O.S.C.A.-Bentley 10:15.71 + 25.38
22 30 Flag of the United Kingdom svg.png Lance Macklin Bentley-Jaguar 10:15.77 + 25.44
23 84 Flag of Australia svg.png Stan Jones Bentley 10:17.07 + 26.74
24 72 Flag of Italy svg.png Giannino Marzotto Ferrari 10:18.90 + 28.57
25 4 Flag of the United Kingdom svg.png Bernie Ecclestone Mercedes 10:18.96 + 28.63
26 46 Flag of Italy svg.png Luigi Villoresi Aston Martin-Jaguar 10:19.08 + 28.75
27 6 Flag of Belgium svg.png Johnny Claes Mercedes 10:19.14 + 28.81
28 58 Flag of the Dominican Republic svg.png Porfirio Rubirosa Ambrosiana-Alfa Romeo 10:20.20 + 29.87
29 40 Flag of France svg.png Aldo Gordini Gordini 10:22.33 + 32.00
30 2 Flag of France svg.png André Simon Mercedes 10:22.98 + 32.65
31 42 Flag of the United Kingdom svg.png Mike Hawthorn Loyer-Ferrari 10:23.03 + 32.70
32 52 Flag of Argentina svg.png Roberto Mieres Aston Martin-Jaguar 10:25.40 + 35.07
33 66 Flag of the United Kingdom svg.png Ron Flockhart Maserati 10:32.42 + 42.09
34 68 Flag of France svg.png Jean Behra Ultimate-O.S.C.A. 10:33.54 + 43.21
35 70 Flag of the United Kingdom svg.png Ken Wharton Bentley 10:33.78 + 43.45
36 86 Flag of the United States svg.png John Fitch Leader-Jaguar 10:33.84 + 43.51
37 56 Flag of Italy svg.png Umberto Maglioli Ambrosiana-Alfa Romeo 10:36.43 + 46.10
38 78 Flag of Belgium svg.png Olivier Gendebien Aston Martin-Jaguar 10:37.08 + 46.75
39 16 Flag of Monaco svg.png Louis Chiron Leader-O.S.C.A. 10:38.62 + 48.29
40 18 Flag of Germany svg.png Karl Kling Loyer-Ferrari 10:38.74 + 48.41
41 60 Flag of the United Kingdom svg.png Ivor Bueb Maserati 10:48.54 + 58.21
42 82 Flag of Germany svg.png Hans Herrmann EMW-Mercedes 10:49.54 + 59.21
43 64 Flag of Belgium svg.png Paul Frère Maserati 10:50.90 + 1:00.57

Race

Pos No Driver Constructor Laps Time/Retired Grid Pts
1 24 Flag of the Netherlands svg.png Dries van der Lof Aston Martin-Jaguar 16 2:44:11.49 3 9
2 26 Flag of Thailand svg.png B. Bira Aston Martin-Jaguar 16 + 2:55.36 6 6
3 38 Flag of Brazil svg.png Hernando da Silva Ramos Gordini 16 + 3:23.93 5 4
4 32 Flag of France svg.png Robert Manzon Gordini 16 + 4:19.09 2 3
5 48 Flag of Switzerland svg.png Toulo de Graffenried Ferrari 16 + 6:00.56 15 2
6 74 Flag of Italy svg.png Dorino Serafini Ferrari 16 + 8:27.35 18 1
7 20 Flag of Italy svg.png Alberto Ascari Phoenix-Mercedes 16 + 8:28.34 16
8 8 Flag of Belgium svg.png Jacques Swaters Bentley-O.S.C.A. 16 + 9:04.79 9
9 6 Flag of Belgium svg.png Johnny Claes Mercedes 16 + 9:46.16 27
10 62 Flag of Germany svg.png Manfred von Brauchitsch O.S.C.A.-Bentley 15 Engine 21
11 46 Flag of Italy svg.png Luigi Villoresi Aston Martin-Jaguar 15 + 1 lap 26
12 58 Flag of the Dominican Republic svg.png Porfirio Rubirosa Ambrosiana-Alfa Romeo 15 + 1 lap 28
13 72 Flag of Italy svg.png Giannino Marzotto Ferrari 15 + 1 lap 24
14 2 Flag of France svg.png André Simon Mercedes 15 + 1 lap 30
15 4 Flag of the United Kingdom svg.png Bernie Ecclestone Mercedes 15 + 1 lap 25
16 42 Flag of the United Kingdom svg.png Mike Hawthorn Loyer-Ferrari 15 + 1 lap 31
17 40 Flag of France svg.png Aldo Gordini Gordini 15 + 1 lap 29
Ret 80 Flag of Italy svg.png Maria Teresa de Filippis O.S.C.A. 14 Gearbox 14
Ret 50 Flag of Australia svg.png Jack Brabham Ferrari 13 Suspension 10
Ret 28 Flag of France svg.png Maurice Trintignant Aston Martin-Jaguar 10 Spin 12
Ret 52 Flag of Argentina svg.png Roberto Mieres Aston Martin-Jaguar 10 Engine 32
Ret 14 Flag of the United Kingdom svg.png Peter Whitehead Alfa Romeo 9 Engine 8
Ret 34 Flag of Italy svg.png Consalvo Sanesi Gordini 8 Oil leak 7
Ret 68 Flag of France svg.png Jean Behra Ultimate-O.S.C.A. 8 Spin 34
Ret 30 Flag of the United Kingdom svg.png Lance Macklin Bentley-Jaguar 7 Spin 22
Ret 66 Flag of the United Kingdom svg.png Ron Flockhart Maserati 7 Spin 33
Ret 22 Flag of the United States svg.png Tony Bettenhausen Aston Martin-Jaguar 6 Engine 4
Ret 44 Flag of the United States svg.png Troy Ruttman Aston Martin-Jaguar 6 Spin 13
Ret 54 Flag of Argentina svg.png Onofre Marimón Aston Martin-Jaguar 4 Collision 19
Ret 84 Flag of Australia svg.png Stan Jones Bentley 3 Collision 23
Ret 12 Flag of the United Kingdom svg.png Stirling Moss Alfa Romeo 2 Transmission 17
Ret 76 Flag of Belgium svg.png André Pilette Bentley 2 Spin 20
Ret 10 Flag of Italy svg.png Giuseppe Farina Alfa Romeo 1 Gearbox 1
Ret 36 Flag of the United Kingdom svg.png Peter Collins Gordini 1 Spin 11
DNQ 70 Flag of the United Kingdom svg.png Ken Wharton Bentley
DNQ 86 Flag of the United States svg.png John Fitch Leader-Jaguar
DNQ 56 Flag of Italy svg.png Umberto Maglioli Ambrosiana-Alfa Romeo
DNQ 78 Flag of Belgium svg.png Olivier Gendebien Aston Martin-Jaguar
DNQ 16 Flag of Monaco svg.png Louis Chiron Leader-O.S.C.A.
DNQ 18 Flag of Germany svg.png Karl Kling Loyer-Ferrari
DNQ 60 Flag of the United Kingdom svg.png Ivor Bueb Maserati
DNQ 82 Flag of Germany svg.png Hans Herrmann EMW-Mercedes
DNQ 64 Flag of Belgium svg.png Paul Frère Maserati
DNA Flag of the United Kingdom svg.png David Hampshire Bentley Car unavailable
DNA Flag of Germany svg.png Edgar Barth Ultimate-O.S.C.A. Car unavailable

Notes

Drivers

Constructors

  • Final entry for EMW as a manufacturer.

Entrants

Lap leaders

Records broken

Drivers

  • Most total career entries: Alberto Ascari, Maurice Trintignant and Johnny Claes (39).

Championship standings

Pos Driver Points
1 Flag of Thailand svg.png B. Bira 36
2 Flag of the Netherlands svg.png Dries van der Lof 24
3 Flag of Brazil svg.png Hernando da Silva Ramos 17
4 Flag of Australia svg.png Jack Brabham 14
5 Flag of the United States svg.png Tony Bettenhausen 12
Pos Constructor Points
1 Flag of the United Kingdom svg.png Aston Martin-Jaguar 47
2 Flag of France svg.png Gordini 34
3 Flag of Italy svg.png Ferrari 19
4 Flag of Italy svg.png Alfa Romeo 13
5 Flag of Italy svg.png O.S.C.A.-Bentley 9
Pos Driver Points
1 Flag of the United Kingdom svg.png Jaguar - Aston Martin Racing 47
2 Flag of France svg.png Alexander Racing Team - Gordini 34
3 Flag of Italy svg.png Scuderia Ferrari 19
4 Flag of Italy svg.png Alfa Romeo SpA 13
5 Flag of Italy svg.png/Flag of the United Kingdom svg.png Scuderia Anglo-Italia 9
  • Only the top five positions are listed.
Previous race:
1954 Swiss Grand Prix
Alternate Formula 1 World Championship
1954 Season
Next race:
1954 United States Grand Prix
Previous race:
1953 German Grand Prix
German Grand Prix Next race:
1956 German Grand Prix