James Davison to race historic F1 at Silverstone

James Davison will race a Lotus 81 in the Masters Historic Formula One support races at this weekend’s British Grand Prix.

Masters Historic Formula One is a series which welcomes three-litre F1 cars from 1966 to 1985, in year-based classes names after some of the category’s most famous drivers.

Davison is set to line up with Classic Team Lotus in chassis #2 which was driven by Mario Andretti, Elio de Angelis and Nigel Mansell.

“I am delighted to drive with Classic Team Lotus this weekend,” said the Melburnian.

“It is a privilege to drive such an iconic F1 car in the pioneering era of the Chapman family.

“I look forward to the weekend and giving the car a positive run for the car owner Andrew Beaumont.”

Also in the 22-car field will be Red Bull Racing chief technical officer Adrian Newey in a Lotus 49 and Jean-Denis Delétraz, who contested three grands prix including in Adelaide in 1994, in an ATS D4.

Davison has twice previously raced historic F1 cars at a grand prix, namely a 1978 Riccardo Patrese Arrows at the 2016 United States Grand Prix and a 1977 David Purley LEC at the following Mexican Grand Prix.

Meanwhile, the British Racing Drivers’ Club has signed a new contract to keep F1 at the Silverstone Circuit until at least 2024.