Escape road

In 1965, Graham Hill led the first 24 laps of the Monaco Grand Prix, then had to drive the harbour chicane escape road to avoid a slower car. He got out, pushed his BRM back on track (picture above) and resumed. By lap 65, he’d fought his way back into the lead and went on to win.

The Monaco Grand Prix was round 2 of 10 in the 1965 Formula One World Championship. The 100-lap race was thus won by Graham Hill from pole position in a BRM. He had shared the front row with the Brabham-Climax of Jack Brabham.

Note: Jim Clark, Dan Gurney and Mike Spence did not participate in the race, since Team Lotus chose to race in the 1965 Indy 500, held the following day in Indianapolis, and won by Clark.

Graham Hill’s recovery drive was remarkable. During his chase – the two Ferraris of Bandini and Surtees were leading – he beat the lap record several times. On lap 65, Hill had gotten past both Ferraris and went on to build up a sizeable lead, eventually winning by over a minute.