The Champions

Sir, 

In a fascinating article dedicated mostly to prewar racing W.B. suggest that Wimille ‘dominated’ the 1946-49 era. On reflection it may be observed that he was strongly challenged in each of the 3 years to 1948 before his untimely death in Argentina before the 1949 season had begun. 1948 also saw the demise of his two major challenges from 1946 and 1947 namely Achille Varzi at Berne in 1948 and Count Trossi from cancer. Their place was taken by Villoresi in 1948 who had also won in Nice in 1946.

Taking each year in turn I calculate from my records, which are not comprehensive, that in 1946 Varzi and Trossi bettered Jean Pierre.

1947: Again I calculate Varzi ahead of Wimille with Trossi fractionally behind.

1948: My records show Villoresi at 27 points ahead of Wimille at 25.

I should add that for 1946 my records do not include 2nd and 3rd at Nice and Marseille and that for the other years the results are based on 1st-3rd only including fastest lap.

I should be interested to see if a full analysis bears out my calculations, especially as W B’s book the History of Motor Racing (p194) states that Wimille would have won the 1948 Championship if it had been instituted. The 1949 Season on the same basis shows Ascari as champion followed by Villoresi and Rosier.

Northfield A.A.DOW Birmingham