Paul Pietsch (1911-2012)

[Pupik]

http://formula-one.speedtv.com/article/f1-1930s-gp-driver-pietsch-dies-at-age-100/

Truly the last of the pre-war Grand Prix drivers; while not the most famous of the Silver Arrows era, and made only three starts in the World Championship (the last being in 1951), I think he is also one of the oldest racing drivers of all time.

Paul Pietsch – the last surviving driver of the pre-war Silver Arrows era – has died just a few weeks short of his 101st birthday.

He was a unique living link to the days of Tazio Nuvolari and Bernd Rosemeyer.

Born in 1911, the German spent his early career as a privateer. He started with a Bugatti in 1932, before getting his hands on an Alfa. He showed enough promise to interest both Mercedes and Auto Union, signing for the latter after a test at the end of 1934.

As teammate to Rosemeyer, Hans Stuck Sr. and Achille Varzi, Pietsch drove for Auto Union in six races in 1935. His best result was third in the Italian GP, where he shared his car with Rosemeyer. He left the team after his wife famously had an affair with Varzi, and following a divorce, Pietsch sat out the 1936 season.

He returned in 1937, mainly driving private Maseratis. In perhaps his most famous race, he drove for the works Maserati team in the 1939 German GP, briefly leading ahead of the fancied Silver Arrows. He eventually finished third after mechanical problems delayed him.

After WW2, he resumed his career, making three World Championship starts between 1950 and 1952. He drove a works Alfa Romeo in his home race in 1951, but his day ended in an accident.

Pietsch was equally well known off track for founding a famous motoring publishing company [Auto Motor und Sport]).

R.I.P. Paul Pietsch. Here's a great write-up of the man, thanks to 8W.

 

[Mac K]

RIP Paul