Special Feature

Grand Prix History – The Pre-WWII Racing Years

The People. The Teams. The Races. The Ultimate Guide.

Dennis David

Motor Racing History – The Pre-War Grand Prix Period

Formula Libre

Grand Prix racing in accordance with a strict formula based on engine size and weight was abandoned in 1928.In its place, races were run under Formula Libre rules. In lieu of the major manufacturers, drivers raced as privateers or in partnership with specialist racing-car builders such as Alfa Romeo, Maserati and Bugatti dominated racing during this period in the hands of drivers such as Louis Chiron. In 1929 William Grover Williams won the first Monaco Grand Prix driving a Bugatti. The Bugatti race cars were some of the most beautiful cars ever built but suffered from inadequate brakes.

A famous quote attributed to Ettore Bugatti after criticism of his brakes was:

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