Lees ahead of many (future) greats
1981 European Formula 2 Championship at Spa-Francorchamps. Geoff Lees is, at the wheel of his works Ralt RH6/81-Honda, on his way to his second victory of the season in the Belgian Ardennes. The British driver will go on to secure a third win at Donington and cruise to the title.
This race at Spa-Francorchamps was the 9th of 12 rounds counting towards this 1981 European Championship, which was very competitive, as evidenced by the seven different winners: Mike Thackwell (Ralt-Honda) won at Silverstone, Stefan Johansson (Lola-Hart) at Hockenheim, Roberto Guerrero (Maurer-BMW) at Thruxton and Thierry Boutsen (March-BMW) at the Nürburgring, Eje Elgh (Maurer-BMW) won at Vallelunga, Corrado Fabi (March-BMW) at the Mugello, Geoff Lees (Ralt-Honda) at Pau and finally Thierry Boutsen (March-BMW) at Enna-Pergusa.
In the end, Geoff Lees (Ralt-Honda) was going to win the championship ahead of Thierry Boutsen, who at the wheel of his factory March 812-BMW was often be the fastest as evidenced by his five pole positions, but three retirements at the beginning of the championship had jeopardised his chances.
Geoff Lees will participate in 12 Formula One Grand Prix (5 starts), often in back-of-the-grid cars, see this privately-entered Ensign here-below in 1978, and will not be able to score championship points. Untapped potential, for sure.
