JOSE FROILAN GONZALEZ

SILVERSTONE. July 14, 1951. The Alfas are finally beaten in Formula 1 motor racing. Beaten by team owned by a man who once ran their racing department, Enzo Ferrari. The man driving the Ferrari 375 into history books, José Froilán Gonzalez, from Arrecifes, near Buenos Aires.

The first decade of Formula 1 World Championship was a golden era for Argentine motorsports. The second race of the inaugural season in 1950, the Monaco Grand Prix, was won by the legendary Juan Manuel Fangio. “The Maestro” from Balcarce would go on to win three more races to finish second in the championship.

The 1951 British Grand Prix was round five of eight championship races that season, which back then included the Indianapolis 500. Gonzalez won the race over Fangio after starting from pole position.

Gonzalez would repeat his success at Silverstone three years later, again driving for the Commendatore.

In 1954, he also won the Le Mans 24 Hours with French driver Maurice Trintignant.

F1 Weekly is deeply honored to present our conversation with “The Pampas Bull” on podcast 532. Our sincere “muchas gracias” to Señor Gonzalez, and his assistant Rubén.

 

Special thanks to Argentine journalist Juliana Anich who arranged the meeting and also for her translation expertise.

 

The man who gave Enzo his first taste of success in Formula Uno was kind enough to give me a signed copy of this poster.

“The Pampas Bull” is still strong and cheerful. We are in his office on Uruguay Avenue in downtown Buenos Aires.

“Satchmo” was so right. What a wonderful world.

 

— Nasir Hameed

Thank you to all the wonderful people who listen to F1weekly podcast.

P.S.

 

All at F1weekly.com extend their sincerest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Dan Wheldon: 1978-2011.

 

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