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The German mid-70 reaction

Between Wolfgang Von Trips' 1961 title bid and Michael Schumacher's first title in 1994, German drivers went through a long drought in Formula 1. That, coming from a nation that utterly dominated GP racing in the second half of the 30's, must have been a blow.

German drivers during this interval usually did well in long-distance racing, hill climbs, touring cars and even in Formula 2. In fact, German drivers had been runner up in the European Formula 2 championship two years running, 1973 and 1974 (Jochen Mass and Hans Joachim Stuck), during a highly competitive era.

During a short spell, between the Spanish Grand Prix of 1975 and the U.S. Grand Prix East of 1977, the three main German drivers of the time rehearsed a bit of a reaction, that did not really come to fruition. All three, Jochen Mass, Rolf Stommelen and Hans Stuck, lead a Grand Prix in that period. Plus Jochen won the first half Grand Prix of the history of the sport.

Most unusually, Jochen Mass's single win came in the same race in which a fellow German, Rolf Stommelen, was leading for the first time as well, in a Lola, of all cars. The weekend had been one of those dramatic ones, which seemed destined to end in tragedy and so it did. The guard rails at Montjuich Park in Barcelona were coming apart, the drivers threatened a walkout, and at the end, only Emerson Fittipaldi and Arturo Merzario stuck to a plan, both doing a slow first lap in protest.

The two Ferrari's clashed at the start, with Emmo out, and other top racers in trouble, it seemed as if a surprise would spring about. In fact, Mario Andretti led in the Parnelli, and then Rolf Stommelen took the lead, in a car that up to that point had not frequented the front at all. However, the rear wing support collapsed, and Rolf crashed. He sustained serious injuries that sidelined him for a while, however, some spectators were not so lucky and perished. Jochen Mass picked up the lead, and thus, for the first time since 1961 a German driver won a Grand Prix, albeit under sad circumstances.

Rolf would never again be competitive in GP racing, however Mass had a plum ride at McLaren, where he stayed for three seasons. The closest he came to winning a race on sheer speed was the also tragic German Grand Prix of 1976. Jochen started on slicks, on a drying track, and by the end of the first lap had a 30 second lead over second place. Then Niki Lauda crashed, and Mass' advantage evaporated in the second start. From that point on, Mass always played second fiddle to James Hunt.

As for Hans Stuck, he ended up taking the seat vacated by Carlos Pace at Brabham Alfa Romeo in 1977. When Hans was negotiating his retainer at Bernie Ecclestone's office, the astute Brit said that Arturo Merzario was on the other line and would drive for 35 thousand dollars the whole season. Hans, who wanted 100 grand, then accepted driving for 30. Arturo was not at all on the line, but would have been a logical choice for the Alfa Romeo-engined team.

John Watson, the other Brabham driver, was very fast during the rest of the season, led races, however, had a dismal finish record. Hans, on the other hand, was not very fast in qualifying, however, posted a couple of podium finishes. By Watkins Glen, the German had to prove his worth, if he were to have a shot getting a good drive in 1978.


Hans and James Hunt in 1977

Hans did well at the Glen, and it was raining. Few raced better under the rain than Hans. He qualified second, and led the first few laps, but then trouble struck, and that was the end of Hans' life at the top in F1.

In the mid 80's, Stefan Bellof came into F1 and looked like a sure future champion. Unfortunately, his 1984 points were taken away due to Tyrrel's disqualification and he never had the opportunity to show what he was capable of.

Germans would only lead and win again in 1992, when a certain Michael Schumacher broke the pattern,  eventually winning his first Formula 1 title (and Germany's) in 1994.

Carlos de Paula is a translator, writer and auto racing historian living in Miami

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