Tonetti takes narrow Lurani Formula Junior wins

Two half-second victories for reigning Lurani Trophy Historic Formula Junior title winner Roberto Tonetti (Brabham BT6) over Manfredo Rossi di Montelera (Lotus 22) at Hockenheim last weekend marked the return of the competition to ‘post-brexit, POST-COVID normality’ in Europe.

Audi’s three-time Le Mans 24 Hours winner Marco Werner (Lotus 22) was among 26 drivers representing 12 nations. The German qualified on the front row but suffered clutch failure on the grid for Saturday’s opener. Tonetti and Rossi swapped the lead throughout, finishing ahead of Philipp Buhofer (ex-midland Racing Partnership Lola MK5A).

Sunday’s sequel was an action replay, with Tonetti’s pale blue Brabham again just ahead of Rossi at the chequer. Stephane Rey (Lola MK5A) resisted a tough challenge from Werner for the final podium step.

Briton Adrian Russell (ex-henri Grandsire Lotus 22) was overjoyed with fifth overall on his Lurani debut. Aggregate class winners included Scot Malcolm Wishart (front-engined Faranda), Australian Marty Bullock (Australian-built Wren) and veteran Colonel Bob Birrell (Lotus 20).

Next stop for the Lurani circus is Austria’s Red Bull Ring in June.