The Pedro and Jo show

Sir,

I would like to say how enjoyable I found your article on Pedro Rodriguez and Jo Siffert. It was an appropriate tribute to two immensely talented drivers whom I think are often overlooked. I am too young to have watched them in the flesh, but the descriptions of them racing in Porsche 917s are captivating. It seems they were prepared to disregard danger in order to simply go faster than anyone else. Even from outside the car, one could see their determination and know that they were on the absolute limit.

I will quote just one example of their incredible speed. At Spa in 1971, the fastest lap was by Siffert, an average speed of 162.09mph. That sounds fast even 30 years later, but the old Spa was eight miles long and one of the scariest circuits in the world.

It was also nice to hear that their relationship was competitive but not acrimonious. I am sure that Siffert’s famous “he tries to kill me” comment was tongue-in-cheek; he was known for his humour.

They could have been big stars in Formula One as well as sportscars. I hope their exploits are never forgotten.

I am, Yours etc,

CD Smith, Congleton, Cheshire