Masters boosted

Several F1 cars returning to racing after decades away will headline the two major events that open the Masters Racing Series season. 

Belgian racer Bernard de Dryver will bring the ex-Niki Lauda March 721G back to racing, probably for the first time since the 1972 season. The third F1 model produced by March during 1972, the 721G was effectively an F2 chassis mated to a DFV, and Lauda used this car from the French GP onwards. 

“It was rebuilt in Belgium and has been in the museum at Stavelot for the last four years,” said de Dryver as he shook the car down at Donington Park during the Masters test day.

Also coming back to the grid after a long absence will be a Hesketh 308E raced by Rupert Keegan in 1977. Now owned by Graham Williams, the car will race in Grand Prix Masters this year.

The first Masters event will be at Donington on May 6/7 for an event titled ‘La Grande Passione’, which includes the opening races for the Historic Grand Prix Car Association. Alfa Romeo will be a featured marque and the Alfa Bimotore from the Donington Collection will be on display.

On May 27/28, the Masters categories race on the Brands Hatch GP circuit, alongside the opening Group C/GTP races of the season. Motor Sport readers can get half-price entry (normally £20) to the Coys auction – call 020 8614 7888, quoting ‘Motor Sport Brands reader offer’.