51 years ago, Charade welcomed Formula 1 for the last time
On July 2, 1972, the Charade circuit was the host of the French Grand Prix for the fourth and final time. At the end of this race, won by Jackie Stewart, Helmut Marko had to put an end to his career.
51 years already. Since 1972, the Auvergne slide has changed a lot and has undergone a facelift. The pit lane is now marked and separated from the track by a concrete wall. A control tower has been installed in the paddock. The fields where the trucks used to park are now covered in asphalt. But the most remarkable change is in the layout itself. Back then, the Charade circuit was 8 kilometers through the forests and hills of the Auvergne volcanoes, whereas today it does not exceed 4 kilometers.
In front of 50,000 people.
On July 2, 1972, the natural curves of the circuit welcomed an impressive crowd for the last time. However, on that day, the people of Auvergne didn’t know it yet. On this site, considered the most beautiful in the world by Henri Pescarolo or Jacky Ickx, a tragedy was about to signal its end.
Also read: Charade, the most beautiful circuit in the world
In front of over 50,000 people – a record for an F1 race at Charade – the drivers set off on a « challenging » track, as stated by Henri Pescarolo. In a setting that no longer complies with any safety standards today, it’s like « Vikings », « gladiators » are taking off. Leading the pack is Chris Amon. The Australian will forever remain a legend at Charade. At the wheel of his Matra, he secures the pole position. A record that can no longer be surpassed.
When you are on circuits like Charade, the driver knows that he cannot afford to play with the track limits and must respect the layout. The slightest exit is a perpetual danger, as the late Patrice Besqueut, circuit historian, told us in 2021.
Also read: Charade takes on the colors of yesteryear
Throughout the passes, the XXL wheels of the cars throw small stones onto the track. During the Grand Prix, it’s the same story. Many drivers see their tires suffer or even puncture. The fastest man in Charade’s history pays the price for it. However, it doesn’t prevent him from finishing on the podium.
Helmut Marko needs to stop his career here.
The Australian is doing well. Although he could have dreamed of something better, another man among the 24 brave ones who took off, is not as lucky. Helmut Marko, in the eighth lap of the race, had to stop his BRM, his Grand Prix, and his career. While he was in a fight against the man on his way to his first world title, Emerson Fittipaldi, the Austrian received a stone in his helmet.
These 24 gladiators prefer to compete on the brand new Paul-Ricard circuit or the one in Magny-Cours, which will be added to the long list of French tracks used by Formula 1.
This tragic drama is unfortunately the event that is remembered from this final single-seater race at Charade. Jackie Ickx’s victory and Chris Amon’s dominance have been forgotten by collective memory. But these two men will remain forever engraved in the history of the circuit. And no matter what happens there, it will always be considered the most beautiful in the world. And enthusiasts will continue to maintain it and share the events that took place there.
