Was it possible that Wales could have a Formula 1 world champion? Was it possible that TV viewers across Wales, and indeed the world, would see a Welsh being flown from the cockpit of a racing car as it paraded in triumph around a grand prix track? He was also on pole position at the 1975 British Grand Prix, leading for two laps, and secured two podium finishes.Īt this stage of his career he was only in his mid-20s and establishing himself as a world class Formula 1 driver. The other was Tom Pryce.īorn in the village of Rossett near Wrexham in 1949, Pryce was described as ‘the James Dean of motor racing’ and remains the only Welshman in history to have won a Formula 1 race. There have only been four Welsh Formula 1 drivers: three of them raced for a season or two in the 1960s with little success. Wales don’t do Formula 1, do they? Not really.

Being sat behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car is not where we picture a Welsh sporting great. When you think of the most iconic figures in the history of Welsh sport chances are they will be wearing a rugby shirt, a football kit, or perhaps a pair of boxing gloves.

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