Heydays of Formula 2

Philippe Alliot (Martini) is decided to stay ahead of the pack (the Ralt-Hondas of Jonathan Palmer and Mike Thackwell have already passed) at the start of the Zolder (Belgium) round of the 1983 European Formula 2 Championship. Following him are some great drivers: Stefan Bellof (Maurer), Enrique Mansilla (March), Christian Danner (March), Alessandro Nannini (Minardi) and Didier Theys (Martini) and Beppe Gabbiani (March).

These were the heydays of Formula 2 with an impressive number of different chassis – Ralt, March, Martini, Maurer, Minardi, Spirit, AGS, Toleman, Merzario… – which formed an impressive grid. Unfortunately, the F2 championship was replaced at the end of 1984 by F3000, in an attempt to get rid of the Cosworth V8 engines, which had become obsolete in F1! Too bad.

The 1983 European Formula Two season was contested over 12 rounds. 14 teams, 39 drivers, 10 chassis and 3 engines competed. Ralt Honda driver Jonathan Palmer clinched the championship title. That’s the F2 that we dream of!