British Formula 5000 1970

Peter Gethin was back to defend his title using a new McLaren M10B entered by Sid Taylor. The car had been built up at the McLaren factory using a slightly lower mounting position for the engine, but otherwise the M10B was identical to the M10A. Lola's Mike Hailwood and Frank Gardner struggled with the new monocoque Lola T190 until Gardner developed a longer wheelbase version. Surtees' UK challenge faded, despite success in the US, and neither Lotus nor Leda had any luck in the UK.

After winning eight of the first 12 rounds, Gethin was promoted to the McLaren F1 team to replace its departed founder, and Reine Wisell took over the Taylor M10B, winning another three races and ensuring nobody could stop Gethin taking a second title. Howden Ganley in a similarly modified M10B finished consistently on the podium to take second in the championship.

The races

27 Mar 1970 > Oulton Park

30 Mar 1970 > Brands Hatch

05 Apr 1970 > Zolder

19 Apr 1970 > Zandvoort

26 Apr 1970 > International Trophy at Silverstone

03 May 1970 > Brands Hatch

09 May 1970 > Castle Combe

25 May 1970 > Mallory Park

01 Jun 1970 > Mondello Park

06 Jun 1970 > Silverstone

21 Jun 1970 > Monza

28 Jun 1970 > Anderstorp

12 Jul 1970 > Salzburgring

09 Aug 1970 > Thruxton

15 Aug 1970 > Silverstone

22 Aug 1970 > Gold Cup at Oulton Park

31 Aug 1970 > Snetterton

13 Sep 1970 > Hockenheim

19 Sep 1970 > Oulton Park

27 Sep 1970 > Brands Hatch

1970 Guards Formula 5000 Championship table

Previous: the 1969 season

Next: the 1971 season

This series ran over 20 rounds and used the traditional 9-6-4-3-2-1 points system. Points tables from Race Report No 4 p149. For further details, see Wolfgang Klopfer's excellent Formula 5000 in Europe: Race by Race p35.