1951 French Grand Prix
| 1951 Formula One Season | |
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 1951 French Grand Prix
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| Date | July 1, 1951 |
| Round | 4 |
| Track | Reims |
| Laps | 77 |
| Weather | Hot & Sunny |
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| Driver | |
| Time | |
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| Driver | |
| Time | |
The Formula One circus came to France for the Fourth Round of the World Championship.
Alfa Romeo recalled Luigi Fagioli to their four car lineup, and Ferrari included Jose Froilan Gonzalez for the first time.
As ever, Giuseppe Farina and Juan Manuel Fangio were the fastest in qualification. Alberto Ascari took third place for Ferrari.
Come the race, Giuseppe Farina made a bad start, and was pushed down to third, behind Fangio and Ascari. Ascari suffered a Gearbox problem, and had to retire. He took over from Jose Froilan Gonzalez when he pitted. Similarly, Fangio had problems and had to retire his car. He took over from Fagioli.
This all allowed Farina to take a comfortable lead. He hit trouble after his second pitstop, and dropped down the field. This allowed Ascari to take the lead, with Fangio chasing.
However, Ascari tben had brake difficulties, which allowed Fangio to pass, and claim a shared victory with Fagioli. Luigi Villoresi rounded off the podium for Ferrari. Farina could only come fifth.
This result increased Fangio's lead in the World Championship. Alfa Romeo still appeared to be the more reliable force, but Ferrari seemed to be gaining the edge on them in terms of ourtight pace over a long period.
Results
Bold type denotes bonus point for setting the fastest lap.
| Pole Position - Juan Manuel Fangio, Alfa Romeo, 2:25.7 |
| Fastest Lap - Juan Manuel Fangio, Alfa Romeo, 2:27.8 |
| Shared Drives |
| Luigi Fagioli and Juan Manuel Fangio, Alfa Romeo - Luigi Fagioli 20 laps - Juan Manuel Fangio 57 laps |
| Jose Froilan Gonzalez and Alberto Ascari, Ferrari - Jose Froilan Gonzalez 35 laps - Alberto Ascari 42 laps |
| Juan Manuel Fangio and Luigi Fagioli, Alfa Romeo - Juan Manuel Fangio 15 laps - Luigi Fagioli 40 laps |
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| Tracks: Clermont Ferrand • Dijon Prenois • Le Castellet • Magny-Cours • Reims • Rouen |
