RUMBLINGS, November 1948

made of cheese. Villoresi has car 4CTL=1594, Ascari 4CTL1597, identified, at least until they warm-up, by white and blue blanking strips in their radiator grilles. One car has larger air-escape holes in the brake back plates than the other, but, that apart, they are identical. Pirelli tyres, 6.50 by 16 at the rear, are fitted, with 6.00 by 16 tyres in reserve. Lodge plugs are used, and the brakes are Ferodo-lined. Villoresi has his ” Jersey ” mechanic, both drivers a sort of personal manager in attendance. Villoresi wears blue overalls, white helmet, the plumper Ascari a blue jersey and blue overall trousers and helmet. With but a short push the engines start and run with a harsh, clean note. ” Bira ” shows Villoresi the race distance and laps, bonnets are replaced and locked with the fasteners, even these having lightening holes, and out they go, the light rain stopping just in time. After a brief stop for new plugs they really get down to it, in company with ” Bira,” the E.R.A.-Riley and Chiron’s Talbot. This short final practising session entirely alters the complexion of things, for the times are :

Villoresi min. sec. Ascari min. sec. (Maserati) 2 54.6 (Maserati) 2 56.4