While the Argentinian Juan Manuel Fangio seemed unbeatable (b) on almost all circuits in the world, it was different in Great Britain. In 1950 he made his debut on the island during the British European Grand Prix at Silverstone circuit with a Alfa Romeo Tipo 158. Unfortunately, he had to leave the scene prematurely because the Alfa Romeo had given up.
His next appearance came at the International Trophy Race in May 1951. It rained cats and dogs. He did not get further than fourth place in his factory Alfetta. Charged like an atomic bomb, he wanted to prove himself shortly afterwards during the Grand Prix of Great Britain. He had to acknowledge his superior in his protégé 'Pepe' Gonzalez – on Ferrari – and finished second after a fierce battle. Gonzalez also scored the first points in the World Championship for the Maranello brand. And then came the Easter Monday of 1952. Fangio would perform at Goodwood in 'his' Alfa Romeo. However, the Milanese brand withdrew. As well as Maserati. Fangio stood by and watched. No car. John Cooper presented his new Cooper-Bristol Formula 2 car there and immediately made his third car available to Fangio. Unfortunately, the bike didn't run well all day and he couldn't get any further than sixth place. Mike Hawthorn won twice that day with the new Cooper Formula 2…
