The Racing Years

Beginning in wintry January with the Monte Carlo Rally it's a Grand Prix showdown between Alfa Romeo—with their aging Alfetta 159s driven by the defending World Champion—and the Ferrari 375s.

1952: a crisis in Grand Prix Racing. Alfa Romeo retires while at the top leaving Ferrari and BRM as Formula 1 contenders. But race organizers decide that Formula Two is more entertaining and should become the World Championship Formula.

In The Grand Prix the rivalry continues between two Italian teams: Ferrari and Maserati. 1953 is a classic year for sports car racing with the Mille Miglia and Le Mans joining a new Sports Car World Championship.

1954 is a pivotal racing year with a new Formula 1 using 2.5 liter engines. Defending world champion Alberto Ascari signs for Lancia Mercedes prepares for their Grand Prix return Maserati debuts the 250F and Ferrari introduces four new models.

In 1955 Juan Manuel Fangio is back to defend his Grand Prix World Championship for Mercedes with rising British driver Stirling Moss alongside in the W196. The Trident chooses Frenchman Jean Behra is the new team leader and Ferrari has Nino Farina and Maurice Trintignant under contract.

In 1956 Mercedes withdraws from motorsport. World champion Juan Manuel Fangio decides not to retire and determines his future is with Ferrari.

In 1957 defending world champion Fangio returns to Maserati and continues his career with the Trident replacing Stirling Moss. Fangio arrives at the Medina Circuit to try out the latest version of the 250F.

1958 was destined to be a battle between British drivers Mike Hawthorn Stirling Moss Peter Collins and Tony Brooks. Also racing: Ferrari's Dino 246 and Vanwall—with BRM and Cooper nipping at their heels—and Lotus a Formula One newcomer.

1959 is a dramatic year for racing with the retirement of both the Constructor's Cup winner and the 1958 World Champion. Maserati is gone Ferrari is the last of the old guard and Cooper BRM and Lotus are emerging.

The 1960s dawns with the Formula 1 scene centered on Britain. Defending World Champion Jack Brabham and Stirling Moss continue their duel as Lotus and Cooper become front-runners. In sports cars Ferrari is challenged by Porsche especially in the Targa Florio.