1952 Ferrari Shortnose

“Driven by Giuseppe “”Nino”” Farina/ The 1952 pre-season confirmed that the Scuderia was sure to dominate Formula 1, and so the decision was made to run the 1952 World Championship to Formula 2 regulations. Though there was stronger competition, the Italian team was well-equipped to win in F2 with the lovely Tipo 500!

Giuseppe “”Nino”” Farina had migrated from Alfa Romeo for the 1952 season, having grown dissatisfied with being overshadowed by the younger Juan-Manuel Fangio at the Milanese team. His time at Alfa Romeo had not been all bad, however: Farina will forever be known as the first Formula 1 World Champion, earning that title in 1950 driving a factory 158 Alfetta.

The first Championship Grand Prix of 1952 was held at the Bremgarten circuit in Switzerland, and Farina, nephew of Pinin Farina, continued to shine. He put the #28 Short Nose 500 F2 on pole with a stunning qualifying time that was a full 1.4 seconds faster than the fastest race lap set by eventual race-winner, Taruffi, in the #30 Tipo 500 F2.

Farina led easily until, just 16 laps in, misfortune struck and the 500 F2’s magneto failed. In support of the team leader, Andre Simon was brought in to surrender the third factory-entered 500 F2 to Farina, as was common practice in the day. Farina had the #32 into second place before once again suffering a failure that ended his race prematurely. But still, it was a good day for the team, with Farina on pole, Taruffi victorious, and Rudi Fischer’s Ecurie Espadon entered 500 F2 in second place!

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