Beating the red cars

The 1971 Nurburgring 1000-km was held only two weeks after the Targa Florio. As at the Sicilian race, the Porsche factory loaned their 908/3 models to their best customers, the JW (John Wyer) Automotive-Gulf team and Hans-Dieter Dechent’s Martini Racing Team, but whereas the factory had been in charge in Sicily, here at the Nurburgring, the two teams had total control, with Porsche staff members in close attendance.

Picture above: Helmut Marko takes over from Gijs van Lennep (orange helmet) on the Porsche 908/3 entered by the Martini Racing. They finish in third position.

For Porsche, danger came mainly for the works Ferrari 312PB of Jacky Ickx and Clay Regazzoni who dominated the event, until being forced to retire because of an overheating engine.

Victory went to the fastest 908/3 of Vic Elford (picture below) and Gérard Larrousse (Martini Racing), followed by two 908/3 of Rodriguez/Siffert (JW Automotive) and Marko/Van Lennep (Martini Racing).