CLIMAX TO RETIRE

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30678, 18 February 1965, Page 18

CLIMAX TO RETIRE

Decision “A Disaster”

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright) LONDON, February 17. Coventry Climax, the firm which makes motorracing engines, will withdraw from the sport at the end of this season. The decision was a shattering blow to Britain’s grand prix racing teams—Brabham, Lotus and Cooper, “The Times” said.

The newspaper said that judged against their record, Coventry Climax’s decision was “puzzling.” In the seven years, from 1958 to 1964, they captured three world constructors’ championships, three world drivers’ championships and 86 victories in 141 international Formula One races—including 34 in world championship events.

In a statement today, Coventry Climax said the volume of research and development it now was undertaking made it impossible for work to continue. on a new design of three-litre power unit for use when the grand prix world championship formula changes from one and a half litre next year, Reuter reported. Mr Colin Chapman, chairman of Lotus, described the decision as “a disaster.” He said: “Right now, it looks very much as if Lotus will have to pull out of racing too, what with this and the general financial problems for next year’s new formula.” Mr John Cooper, managing director of Cooper cars, said: “It is a terrible blow to us. We intend to stay in grand prix racing if we can, and shall probably go to B.R.M. for our engines.” The company’s decision means that unless the Commission Sportive Internationale postpones introduction of the 3-litre capacity formula next January—a move now thought to be out of the question —only B.R.M. of Great Britain, and Ferrari, of Italy, are likely to be producing grand prix engines in 1966, “The Times” said.