AUTO #22 Q1 / 2018
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UP FRONT Gallery News
AUTO ASKS The Big Question
DRIVING FORCES Harry Tincknell
TECH REPORT FIA’s new safer helmet; Autonomy at CES 2018
COVER STORY Formula E moves up a gear
AUTO FOCUS Billy Monger’s F3 challenge Detail behind the Halo device Merc magician Dieter Zetsche FIA Foundation’s helmet drive Autonomous car simulators The FIA’s power players #3500LIVES – actor Michael Fassbender
All-American Legend
REAR VIEW Alan Jones Ford GT40
INSIDE THE FIA Club World: Ecuador
AUTO GRAPH Figures add up for the FIA’s #3500LIVES campaign
FINAL LAP Remembering Dan Gurney
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With the passing of American racer, constructor and innovator Dan Gurney, the world of motor sport lost a true legend. FIA President Jean Todt pays tribute to a man who inspired his love of racing
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LUCA COLAJANNI
Not many people have made as indelible a mark on motor sport history as Dan Gurney. Born in Port Jefferson in the US on April 13, 1931, Daniel Sexton Gurney raced all over the world, not only as a driver but also as a racing car and motorcycle constructor of such creativity that his name was a byword for innovation. In fact, an aero device fitted to wings universally known as the ‘Gurney flap’ is still used today on racing cars and even planes. Gurney was the first American driver to make his name not only in the US Indy and NASCAR series but also in the major European categories, Formula One and the classic endurance races. He pulled off a memorable feat in the space of just eight days in 1967, driving a Ford GT40 to victory at the Le Mans 24 Hours– on the podium of which he is credited with inventing the custom of spraying Champagne – and then a few days later he won the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa in an Eagle F1 car of his own design and build. It was a great victory and also the only time an American driver has won a Formula One race at the wheel of an American car. Gurney was also one of the founders of the US CART series. In the space of a 15-year driving career, from 1955 to 1970, Gurney took part in 312 races in 20
‘We owe a lot to his character and innovations; motor sport would not be what it is today without him’ FIA PRESIDENT JEAN TODT
countries, driving 100 cars built by 51 constructors including his own race-winning Eagle. In 1965, he and his friend and colleague, Carroll Shelby, set up the All American Racers team and constructor that garnered victories in the most important US races, including two wins in the Indianapolis 500 as well as taking three Indycar titles. Gurney’s passion for all things mechanical, his creativity and a love of innovation also extended to two wheels with the Alligator, a motorcycle featuring an unusual riding position that was very low compared to the usual standards. “He was a great driver who truly inspired my love of motor sport,” said FIA President Jean Todt on January 14, the day of Gurney’s death. “I was very fortunate that he became a good friend. We owe a lot to his character and his innovations, and I know that motor sport would not be what it is today without him.”