Who needs F1?

Sir,

I was fortunate to be in the Casino Square grandstand for the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique. Whilst every event from Formula Junior through to the Grand Prix cars of the ’20s and ’30s provided exhilarating racing, the event which will live in my memory forever is the Voitures de Sport Ferrari — the classic Ferrari sportscars race.

The sight of 30-plus 1950’s Ferraris, including eight Testa Rossas, charging around the circuit was incredible. However the main reason I will remember the event is for Peter Hannen’s drive in a 750 Monza. Due to mechanical problems, Peter started from the pit lane, last of 32 competitors. At the end of the event, only 10 laps later, having driven like a man possessed, he finished in second place only 1.5 seconds behind Frank Sytner in a 500 Testa Rossa. What a drive! This must go down as one of the drives, if not the drive of 1997.

Here’s hoping the event is repeated — who needs F1 when we’ve got driving like Hannen’s?

I am yours, etc

Stephen Giles, East Yorkshire