1961 Coppa Italia

Infobox Grand Prix race report
Type = NC
Country = Italy
Flag_suffix =
Grand Prix = Coppa Italia
GP_Suffix =
Official name = I Coppa Italia
Location = ACI Vallelunga Circuit
Date = 12 October
Year = 1961
Course = Permanent racing facility
Course_mi = 1.1
Course_km = 1.77
Distance_laps = 30 x 2
Distance_mi = 66.1
Distance_km = 106.378
Weather =
Pole_Driver = Nino Vaccarella
Pole_Country = Italy
Pole_Team = Cooper-Maserati
Pole_Time = 59.1
Fast_Driver = Nino Vaccarella
Fast_Team = Cooper-Maserati
Fast_Time = 58.1
Fast_Country = Italy
First_Driver = Giancarlo Baghetti
First_Country = Italy
First_Team = Porsche
Second_Driver = Ernesto Prinoth
Second_Country = Italy
Second_Team = Lotus-Climax
Third_Driver = Nino Vaccarella
Third_Country = Italy
Third_Team = Cooper-MaseratiThe 1st Coppa Italia was a motor race, run to Formula One rules, held on 12 October 1961 at Vallelunga Circuit. The race was run over two heats of 30 laps of the circuit, and was won by Italian driver Giancarlo Baghetti in a Porsche 718.

After the Italian Drivers' Championship finished as a tie between Giancarlo Baghetti and Lorenzo Bandini, a deciding race was organised. However, the fairness of this idea is in question since it was well-known that Bandini would not be available to take part. [ Article at 8W [http://www.forix.com/8w/baghetti.html] ] Baghetti's team, Scuderia Sant Ambroeus, borrowed the Porsche from Ecurie Nationale Suisse, [ Article at 8W [http://www.forix.com/8w/baghetti.html] ] and their driver won both heats to take the national title.

Results

References

* "The Grand Prix Who's Who", Steve Small, 1995.
* "The Formula One Record Book", John Thompson, 1974.
* Baghetti article at 8W [http://www.forix.com/8w/baghetti.html]
* Article at Atlas F1 - Rear View Mirror [http://atlasf1.autosport.com/2000/nov08/mirror.html]