Cevert and 002

François Cevert and his Tyrrell 002-Ford at speed, on his way to a fine second place behind team mate Jackie Stewart, at the 1971 French Grand Prix held at the Circuit Paul Ricard. It was for the popular French driver’s best career result so far.

The Tyrrell-002 was designed for the 1971 and 1972 Formula One seasons by Tyrrell’s chief designer, Derek Gardner. It was essentially the same design as the Tyrrell 001, but had a longer monocoque, as François Cevert was taller than team mate Jackie Stewart, who will become 1971 World Champion at its wheel.

François Cevert drove every race of the 1971 season in the 002. After a string of retirements due mainly to accidents, this 2nd place finish at the French Grand Prix, was a relief for the young French driver.

Two more podium finishes followed in Germany (2nd again to team mate Stewart) and a close third at Monza, confirmed the progress of François Cevert in the 002. The United States Grand Prix held at Watkins Glen saw Cevert take the first win of his career in a modified 002 (picture-below), after rivals Stewart and Ickx’s challenges faltered.

It would turn out to be Ceverts only Grand Prix victory (although he scored many podiums regularly shading team mate Stewart) – at the circuit where he so sadly would be killed at 2 years later…