The Racing Years

1950: the world's first drivers' championship with the world's most famous drivers. Featuring cars such as Porsche, Ferrari, Maserati, Alfa Romeo and Jaguar, the main races include: The Grand Prix, Belgium Grand Prix, Silverstone, Indy 500 and German Grand Prix.

Beginning in wintry January with the Monte Carlo Rally, it's a Grand Prix showdown between Alfa Romeo—with their aging Alfetta 159s driven by the defending World Champion—and the Ferrari 375s.

1952: a crisis in Grand Prix Racing. Alfa Romeo retires while at the top, leaving Ferrari and BRM as Formula 1 contenders. But race organizers decide that Formula Two is more entertaining and should become the World Championship Formula.

In The Grand Prix, the rivalry continues between two Italian teams: Ferrari and Maserati. 1953 is a classic year for sports car racing, with the Mille Miglia and Le Mans joining a new Sports Car World Championship.

1954 is a pivotal racing year, with a new Formula 1 using 2.5 liter engines. Defending world champion, Alberto Ascari, signs for Lancia, Mercedes prepares for their Grand Prix return, Maserati debuts the 250F and Ferrari introduces four new models.

In 1955, Juan Manuel Fangio is back to defend his Grand Prix World Championship for Mercedes, with rising British driver, Stirling Moss, alongside in the W196. The Trident chooses Frenchman Jean Behra is the new team leader, and Ferrari has Nino Farina and Maurice Trintignant under contract.