Manfred Winkelhock

Manfred was a likeable man, friendly and unassuming, for whom Formula 1 was not the be-all-and-end-all of his life. He was quite content to enjoy his racing in sports-prototypes and touring cars, happy to be part of the Grand Prix scene while it wanted him.

He started racing in the Scirocco Cup in 1976, but soon began a long and happy association with BMW which saw him rapidly progress through their junior team from saloons to Formula 2. He was to spend three seasons in the formula, coming close to victory at Hockenheim in 1981, when his troubled Ralt was overhauled almost within sight of the finish.

An abortive drive for Arrows apart, Manfred’s Grand Prix career began with the ATS team at the start of 1982. There were those who thought his style harsh and crude, but there was no doubting either his commitment or bravery as he manhandled the cars for all they were worth. Unfortunately, as the statistics show, his Formula 1 efforts were largely frustrated by a catalogue of retirements and he was no doubt glad to be able to go racing properly in the Kremer Porsche – particularly in 1985, when the season had started so brightly with a second place at Mugello and then a win at Monza, with Marc Surer.

Tragedy was to strike at Mosport, however, when in an unexplained accident Manfred’s Porsche left the track at high speed. The driver was finally freed from the wreckage, and taken to hospital critically injured. Though no bones were broken, his head injuries were severe, and he died some 24 hours later.