Date August 4, 1963 | Course length 22.810 km (14.173 mi) | |
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Official name XXV Grosser Preis von Deutschland Location Nürburgring
Nürburg, West Germany Course Permanent racing facility Distance 15 laps, 342.150 km (212.602 mi) | ||
The 1963 German Grand Prix was a Formula One motor race held at Nürburgring on August 4, 1963. It was the sixth round of the 1963 Formula One season. The 15-lap race was won by Ferrari driver John Surtees after he started from second position. Jim Clark finished second for the Lotus team and BRM driver Richie Ginther came in third.
Contents
Race report
Jim Clark led away from pole in his customary fashion. Behind him Lorenzo Bandini spun in front of Innes Ireland who collected him, Willy Mairesse had an accident, and Chris Amon sustained a knee injury when the steering broke, catapulting him into the trees. Graham Hill retired leaving Clark to battle away with John Surtees and Trevor Taylor before engine problems befell Taylor. When Clark's engine went down to just 7 cylinders, Surtees was able to pass him easily to lead him home to take his first F1 victory. Richie Ginther completed the podium. Gerhard Mitter finished in a superb fourth place in his home race from Jim Hall and Jo Bonnier.
This race was notable for being the only time Jim Clark ever finished second in a World Championship race.