Today the Grand Prix of Italy will be held at the circuit of Monza. Without doubt Michael Schumacher has a big chance of winning this Grand Prix for the fourth time and many see him as the greatest racing driver of all times. But 70 years ago, during the Italian Grand Prix of 1932 a man appeared at the starting line, who also deserves a right to that title. Tazio Nuvolari, born in Mantua, that day accomplished a feat few people will be able to match. That Grand Prix he finished only third place but drove the whole race almost single-handed!

During the practice for the race Nuvolari, driving an Alfa Romeo P3, almost hit the 16-cylinder Maserati of Fagioli, who skidded in front of him. Whist trying to keep his car on the track, Nuvolari sprained his wrist. The pain didn’t stop him from starting on the day of the race. Nuvolari took the lead from the start but, as the pain increased, tried to rest his wrist by taking his hand from the steering wheel while driving with a speed of more than 200 kilometres per hour at the straight end. The pain must have been unbearable, a P3 steers a lot heavier than a Formula One car of today. During the last lap fate intervened, Nuvolari ran out of fuel but still managed to finish third place.

The stamp was issued in 1992 by the Italian Postal Service to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Nuvolari’s birthday in 1892. (stamp collection Rutger Booy)

September 13, 2002