1961 Natal Grand Prix

The 1st Natal Grand Prix was a motor race, run to South African Formula One-style rules, held on 17 December 1961 at Westmead Circuit, South Africa. The race was run over 89 laps of the circuit, and was won by British driver Jim Clark, in his Lotus 21.

1961 Natal Grand Prix
Non-championship race in the 1961 Formula One season
Race details
Date	17 December 1961
Official name	I Natal Grand Prix
Location	Westmead Circuit, Durban
Course	Permanent racing facility
Course length	3.62 km (2.2496 mi)
Distance	89 laps, 322.213 km (200.214 mi)
Pole position
Driver	Jim Clark	Lotus-Climax
Time	1:26.1
Fastest lap
Driver	Stirling Moss	Lotus-Climax
Time	1:24.8
Podium
First	Jim Clark	Lotus-Climax
Second	Stirling Moss	Lotus-Climax
Third	Jo Bonnier	Porsche

There were no great differences between the local rules to which this race was run and the international Formula One rules, but for example sports car bodies were permitted, such as the Porsche special driven by Jennings.

Clark led the race from start to finish, with only Stirling Moss, who had started from the back of the grid, able to stay on the same lap by the end. The local South African entrants were outclassed, with the first of them finishing three laps down on Clark.[1]