 Practice: Because of Formula 1 restructuring, Monaco doesn't host a Grand Prix in 1951.
In 1952, a change of rules stipulate that only cars of more than 2 litres can compete in the 'Grand Prix de Monaco', the smaller cars can enter the 'Grand Prix de Monte Carlo', which is the Formula 2; this results in the situation that sports cars can run together with Formula 1 cars in the Grand Prix. The A.C.M. chooses this year for the formula 'Sport'. An incredible array of cars take part with Stagnoli in a Ferrari, Manzon driving a Gordini, Levegh behind the wheel of a Talbot, and Parnell racing an Aston Martin DB3. The Ste-Devote curve is changed reducing the circuit to 3.145 km. Due to the hot June weather, team mechanics have to deal with huge overheating problems. The practice sessions are plagued by accidents, but there is only one casualty; after a heavy crash in his Lancia at the exit of the tunnel, Luigi Fagioli is taken to hospital, where he unfortunately dies three weeks later. Stirling Moss makes his first appearance in Monaco and takes pole position in his Jaguar C type.
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Race Result
1 Vittorio Marzotto (I) |
Ferrari 225S Spyder |
3h21’28.4” 93.660km/h |
2 Castellotti (I) |
Ferrari 225S coupé |
+ 15.2” |
3 Stagnoli/Biondetti (I) |
Ferrari 225S Spyder |
+ 2 laps |
4 Lucas/Simon (F) |
Ferrari 225S coupé |
+ 4 laps |
5 Pagnibon (F) |
Ferrari 225S coupé |
+ 5 laps |
6 Wisdom (GB) |
Jaguar C |
+ 6 laps |
7 Collins (GB) |
Aston Martin DB3 |
+ 8 laps |
8 Cotton (GB) |
Delahaye 135S |
+ 15 laps |
Fastest lap: Stagnoli, Ferrari, 1’56.4”, 97.268 km/h
Retired:
Levegh |
lap 5 |
engine |
Mascarenhas |
lap 5 |
petrol tank / fire |
Bracco |
lap 7 |
|
Parnell |
lap 24 |
engine |
Manzon |
lap 24 |
accident |
| Moss |
lap 24 |
accident - disqualified |
Hume |
lap 24 |
accident |
Rosier |
lap 37 |
overheating |
Carini |
lap 41 |
bridge |
Macklin |
lap 73 |
engine |
World Driver Championship
1952 |
date |
winner |
Champion |
Bremgarten |
05-18 |
Piero Taruffi |
|
Indianapolis |
05-30 |
Troy Ruttman |
|
Spa Francorchamps |
06-22 |
Alberto Ascari |
|
Rouen |
07-06 |
Alberto Ascari |
|
Silverstone |
07-19 |
Alberto Ascari |
|
Nürburgring |
08-03 |
Alberto Ascari |
|
Zandvoort |
08-17 |
Alberto Ascari |
Alberto Ascari |
Monza |
09-07 |
Alberto Ascari |
|
Castelotti
Lancia write off
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Race
Moss takes the lead in the jag. At Aston Martin they have problems with disappearing water levels. Manzon after having battled to 3rd place, takes 2nd place away from Stagnoli and is 17" behind Moss. For 22 laps Moss led, only attacked by Manzon in a Gordini, who passes on the 23rd lap. Until a ste-Devote pile up.
Pile up in the Ste-Devote
The Aston engine of Parnell blows up in the Ste-Devote and aligns his car against the straw bales, Stagnoli brakes too hard and does a double spin. Moss and Manzon find an obstructed road, spin and end up against the poor Aston, then Hume spins and reverses into the pile. Lucky ste-Devote corner no one gets hurt. Moss restarted, but got a black flag for receiving outside help. Castellotti and Marzotto in their Ferraris managed to squeeze by, giving them a comfortable lead on the remaining 10 cars.
Mid race Castelotti seeks the pit and the Spyder of Marzotto takes the lead followed by Castelotti and Stagnoli. In lap 61 Castelotti passes Marzotto and they keep on fighting and exchanging places up to lap 71, when only 8 cars are left in the race. A ballet of regular pit stops is orchestrated to add water to cars and drivers in the scorching heat. Finally the victor of the battle is Count Vittorio Marzotto.
At the gala evening the creator of the Grand prix Antony Noghès takes his leave from the Comité d'Organisation.
Moss in the Jaguar
Marzotto received cup from Prince Rainier III
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THE HISTORY OF THE GRAND PRIX OF MONACO BY ROY HULSBERGEN
