STEWART FASTEST

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32567, 29 March 1971, Page 26

STEWART FASTEST

Grand Prix

practice

(N.Z.P A.-neuter — Copyright)

ONTARIO (California).

The British driver, J. Stewart, the former world champion, is favourite to win the Quester Grand Prix todSThe Scot was consistently fastest in practice in his Ford-powered Matra-Tyrell, lapping the 3.2-mile course at an average speed of 113.59 miles an hour. The race will be run in two stages of 100 miles each. The over-all winner will be decided on total times. Today’s race will match the top European drivers, in their lighter, more manoeuvrable Formula I cars against the Americans in their heavier, but faster, Formula A machines.

The twisting Ontario circuit, with its 19 bends and comers, is expected to favour the lighter Formula I cars.

The New Zealander, D. Hulme, driving a McLaren Ml 9, who lapped at 111.033 miles an hour in practice, said: “I think the highestplaced American will be somewhere around sixth. The course favours a quicker, more agile car, and the Europeans are generally better road racers than the Americans.”