Just for you Roger...
Posted 17 March 2004 - 22:03
Quote
Originally posted by Henk Vasmel
Jim Clark used engine 703. Graham Hill had driven his car before, so I would guess engine 702 then. I cannot find any positive proof now.
According to Michael Oliver's excellent 'Lotus 49' (page 40), Clark did use engine 703 and Hill used engine 702.
Both engines suffered timing gear damage resulting from the torque reversal problems present in the early DFV's that would damage the gear train. Hill retired from this event on lap 11 due to a timing gear losing two adjacent teeth disabling the cam drive. Clark also suffered the loss of two gear teeth but as they were not adjacent, his 703 was able to continue running thus winning the first time out.
Luck or acute mechanical sensitivity on Clark's part? Both I would think.