Frère, racing driver and journalist

Paul Frère, racing driver and journalist, here at the wheel of the HWM-Alta 52, at Spa-Francorchamps, during the 1952 Belgian Formula One Grand Prix. The Belgian, qualified in eighth, finished fifth, two laps behind the winner, Alberto Ascari (Ferrari). See how exposed the driver was, in this era of motor racing.

Paul Frère (30 January 1917 – 23 February 2008) was a racing driver and a respected automotive journalist from Belgium. He participated in eleven World Championship Formula One Grands Prix debuting on 22 June 1952 and achieving one podium finish with a total of eleven championship points.

He drove in several non-Championship Formula One races, winning the 1952 Grand Prix des Frontières and the 1960 VI South African Grand Prix. He also won the 1960 24 Hours of Le Mans driving for Ferrari with fellow Belgian teammate Olivier Gendebien (picture-below).