Letters: a nod of approval from Luca Montezemolo

Chris Harris’s appreciation article of Luca di Montezemolo in the 2025 March issue [The Luca I know] brought back a happy memory. Fifty years ago, I set off for Silverstone to attend the 1975 F1 Daily Express Trophy meeting. I sidled my way through one of the lesser pit garages and into the pitlane, then moved carefully towards the Ferrari pit. Positioning myself against the wall I was able to take photos and caught Lauda making a practice stop. When he looked me straight in the eye, I panicked slightly, especially as Luca di Montezemolo was running to greet and debrief Lauda and I suspected I was about to be ejected from the pitlane. No such thing. The Ferrari principal nodded at me to acknowledge my presence and then continued to discuss set-up with Lauda. So, I did not spend as much time in Montezemolo’s presence as Harris, but have always felt a connection. A class act.

Andrew Hodgson, Bury, Lancashire

The FIA and their WRC media colleagues at Promoter GmbH must be congratulated for the fantastic TV and results service on the 2025 Monte Carlo Rally. This is what the WRC has needed to project the excitement to a wide audience.

I’m a long-term rally professional. I worked for Ford Motorsport in the early days and then Mountune Racing preparing the Ford ‘works’ engines which included a Monte win with François Delecour! Even so, over recent years I’ve struggled to understand results and suffered poor TV but that’s now been changed – very well done indeed to all concerned.

Roger Allen, via email

I’ve always thoroughly enjoyed reading Andrew Frankel’s considered reviews, however in the March 2025 issue, in the review of the Alpine A290 [The uphill battle of the sporty EV], he commits an error I cannot forgive. I quote: “Me and my fellow jurors were asked to consider….” Andrew, really, “My fellow jurors and I” please!

Roger Crudge, via email

That’s Andrew’s informal tone, rather like a comfortable pair of slippers – Chief sub

Thank you for today’s March issue received on January 28. I expect the May issue to arrive by the end of February, the June issue by August and the bumper Christmas edition by September. I imagine you chaps are already working on the 2026 numbers including a look back at the outcome of the ’2025 Formula 1 Championship (with space for a head-and-shoulders and bio of the winner, no doubt already written and layout confirmed) and a look forward to Ferrari’s shock replacement of Lewis Hamilton with fresh-out-of-retirement Sebastian Vettel.

Frank Barnard, Somerset

This has come up before. It is a publishing protocol (possibly outdated) aimed at ensuring the issue is still relevant to buyers even towards the end of its on-sale date – Ed

So, Chris Harris, the Italian police Audi A6 that picked you up from the airport at Rome had an “atomic transmission”? No wonder it was seriously fast… Great article though, and I’m looking forward to the film.

Richard Hilditch, via email 

This was in fact a case of hyperbole for dramatic effect – Ed

As a subscriber of this terrific magazine, I have a suggestion for this year. I have a real interest in the F3000 series, mainly the 1985 to 1995 multi-chassis/engine era before it became a one-make series.

With this year being 40 years since its inauguration, would you maybe consider doing a magazine dedicated to this F3000 era. They are fantastic-looking cars and there were some great sponsors and drivers and teams involved. I think a magazine covering this series would be really popular.

Thank you for your continued hard work with the magazine.

Mike Skeet, via email 

Perhaps not a whole magazine but we will be marking the creation of the F3000 International Championship later in the year, so watch this space – Ed

I was immensely saddened to read of the passing of Gordon Cruickshank (Parting Shot, February issue). I always enjoyed reading his book reviews and reminisces of motor sport in general. He’s another connection with the old magazine now lost.

However, I had no idea of his other interests in the arts and how he still managed to drive and seemingly enjoy life to the fullest despite his disability; he was truly a man with great determination and talent.

My thanks to Andrew Frankel for his warm and touching tribute to his friend.

Neil Kirby, Essex

I met Gordon Cruickshank on the Pirelli Marathon and I kept in touch. After his accident he was eager to get back into competition again so he eagerly agreed to navigate for me in an Aurelia B20 on a strange event held at Longcross. This was ideal for him as it was held round a central control point meaning that we were never far from help if needed.

The first leg was down the Snake with all its adverse horizontal and vertical bends. Gordon, who could only just hold a pencil, had of course no control over his legs which flew every which way. At the control, when he had stopped giggling we tied his legs to the floor. As you know one should, according to the rulebook, be able to exit a vehicle in 30 seconds! Not a chance.

We finished, got a second in class. He wrote a page or so in Motor Sport shortly afterwards. Gordon was a dear, dear man and I am missing him.

Anthony Hussey, Esher, Surrey

As a subscriber to Motor Sport magazine for many years I was saddened to read about Gordon Cruickshank’s passing, I always enjoyed his impeccably researched and written articles. By unhappy coincidence I also found myself in Stoke Mandeville following a cycling accident in 2004 which left me a tetraplegic.

During an equally lengthy rehab I was fortunate to be allocated a side room for a brief time. With just enough function to slowly turn pages (no tablets or e-readers then!) I was reading an edition of Motor Sport when a nurse popped in, saw the magazine and asked if “that chap Gordon” still wrote for it. I said yes and asked why. He said this had become known as “Gordon’s Room” because he filled it with so many books, papers and magazines, etc. Apparently, it was too much work to move him! It was not a ploy that I was able to emulate sadly.

I told Gordon I was a graduate of the Stoke Mandeville class of 2004/05 and had enjoyed a stay in his room which amused him. He was surprised that nurses still remembered him.

In answer to Andew Frankel’s rhetorical question, I and several other tetraplegics that I know hold driving licences and drive regularly thanks to the availability of modified vehicles and a wide variety of adaptations. However, I suspect Gordon was certainly unique in participating in regularity rallies in classic cars. He will indeed be much missed. My condolences to his family and colleagues.

Peter Etherton, Farnham, Surrey

How is a poor country like Rwanda financing major football teams, basketball and, dare I say, a future Formula 1 grand prix?

Racing in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain is one thing but Rwanda? If a race is thought necessary in Africa why not at Kyalami?

Jon Jeffrey, Llandudno Junction

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