Mozambique Grand Prix

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Mozambique Grand Prix
Circuito de Lourenço Marques
Race information
Number of times held12
First held1958
Last held1971
Most wins (drivers)Rhodesia John Love (5)
Most wins (constructors)United Kingdom Cooper (3)
Circuit length3.380 km (2.089 miles)
Last race (1971)
Pole position
Podium
Fastest lap

The Mozambique Grand Prix or Grand Prix de Moçambique, was an open-wheel motor race held in the 1950s and 60s in Lourenço Marques (now Maputo) the capital of the colony of Portuguese Mozambique.

A race was held on a small street circuit in 1950 with the Grand Prix being established some eight years later. The circuit was expanded in 1961[1] before being replaced by a purpose built facility in 1962.[2]

Competitors were drawn from the South African Formula One Championship, although it was never part of the championship. The more northerly climate and international location to the South African and Rhodesian racers proved a popular combination and the race attracted strong fields. The race was briefly renamed the Governor General Cup in 1966– 1967[3] before returning to the Grand Prix.

The circuit was redeveloped and moved slightly inland from its beachfront location in 1970.[2] The race was last held in 1971 as the Portuguese Colonial War grew more serious and the circuit closed a year later after the last Three hour sportscar race was held. The new independent Mozambique government banned motor racing and the race track fell into disuse.[2]

Winners of the Mozambique Grand Prix[edit]

Results sourced from:[4]

Year Driver Constructor Location Report
1958 South Africa Ian Fraser-Jones Porsche Lourenço Marques street circuit Report
1959–1960 Not held
1961 South Africa Bruce Johnstone Cooper-Alfa Romeo Lourenço Marques street circuit Report
1962 South Africa Peter de Klerk Alfa Romeo Special Circuito de Lourenço Marques Report
1963 South Africa Peter de Klerk Alfa Romeo Special Circuito de Lourenço Marques Report
1964 Rhodesia John Love Cooper-Climax Circuito de Lourenço Marques Report
1965 Rhodesia John Love Cooper-Climax Circuito de Lourenço Marques Report
1966 South Africa Dave Charlton Brabham-Climax Circuito de Lourenço Marques Report
1967 Rhodesia John Love Brabham-Repco Circuito de Lourenço Marques Report
1968 South Africa Jackie Pretorius Lola-Ford Circuito de Lourenço Marques Report
1969 Rhodesia John Love Lotus-Ford Circuito de Lourenço Marques Report
1970 South Africa Dave Charlton Lotus-Ford Circuito de Lourenço Marques Report
1971 Rhodesia John Love Surtees-Ford Circuito de Lourenço Marques Report

References[edit]

  1. ^ de Carli, Guido. "MOZ - MOZAMBIQUE LOURENÇO MARQUES (URBANO)". TRACKS IN THE WORLD. Retrieved 2012-11-23.
  2. ^ a b c de Carli, Guido. "MOZ - MOZAMBIQUE LOURENÇO MARQUES". TRACKS IN THE WORLD. Retrieved 2012-11-23.
  3. ^ "Lourenço Marques". ChicaneF1. Jonathan Davies. Retrieved 2012-11-23.
  4. ^ "Racing down under: Non-championship races in South Africa 1945-today". The Grand Prix Winners. 2009. Retrieved 2012-11-23.