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SIR STIRLING MOSS

Sir Stirling Craufurd Moss (17 September 1929 – 12 April 2020) was a British Formula One driver. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest drivers never to win the Formula One World Championship. Over his illustrious career, Moss competed in 529 races across various motorsports competitions, securing 212 victories. His remarkable achievements have earned him a place in the International Motorsports Hall of Fame.
Moss’s racing career spanned from 1948 to 1962, during which he won 16 Formula One Grands Prix. He raced for teams such as Mercedes-Benz, Maserati, Vanwall, Rob Walker, Cooper, and Lotus. His preference for British cars was evident, as he famously stated, “It is better to lose honorably in a British car than to win in a foreign one”.

• Moss’s victory in the 1955 Mille Miglia is legendary. Driving a Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR, he completed the grueling 1,000-mile open-road race across Italy in just 10 hours, 7 minutes, and 48 seconds. His average speed was an astonishing 97.96 mph (157.65 km/h). This remarkable feat remains etched in motorsports history.
• Representing Mercedes-Benz, Moss secured his first Formula One victory at the 1955 British Grand Prix. His skillful driving and determination led him to triumph on home soil, marking the beginning of his successful Formula One career.
• Moss’s win at the 1956 Monaco Grand Prix showcased his exceptional talent. Despite driving a less powerful car (a Maserati 250F), he outperformed the competition on the tight and treacherous streets of Monte Carlo.
• The 1957 Pescara Grand Prix witnessed Moss’s tenacity. Racing for Vanwall, he conquered the challenging 16-mile circuit in Italy, securing victory against formidable opponents.
• In a thrilling battle at the 1961 German Grand Prix, Moss piloted a Lotus-Climax 18. Despite starting in the back, he displayed remarkable skill, overtaking rivals and clinching victory. This race exemplified his determination and strategic prowess.
• Moss’s victory at the 1961 Monaco Grand Prix was a testament to his adaptability. He drove a Lotus 18/21, showcasing his ability to master different cars. His win in the principality remains a highlight of his career.
• At Monza, Moss raced for Rob Walker Racing Team in a Lotus 18. His victory at the 1961 Italian Grand Prix was significant because it marked the first Formula One win for a rear-engined car. Moss’s pioneering spirit and driving finesse were evident.

Sir Stirling Moss was knighted for his outstanding contributions to motorsport. The honor was bestowed upon him in the year 2000.
Despite never clinching the Formula One World Championship title, Moss’s skill, determination, and sportsmanship left an indelible mark on motorsports history. His legacy endures as a testament to his extraordinary talent and unwavering passion for racing.

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