STORY OF THE DAY: Taruffi claims his only championship victory at Bremgarten
The Swiss Grand Prix at Bremgarten on 18 May 1952 opened the World Drivers’ Championship season, which was being contested to Formula Two regulations. Piero Taruffi won in Ferrari 500 F2 number 30, recording the only World Championship victory of his career. Rudi Fischer finished second in another Ferrari, giving the marque a commanding start to the new campaign.

Nino Farina led initially from pole position, but his Ferrari developed trouble and Taruffi inherited first place. He then controlled the remainder of the race while the pursuit was disrupted by mechanical problems and retirements. With Alberto Ascari competing at Indianapolis and Luigi Villoresi unavailable, Taruffi turned his opportunity as Ferrari’s leading finisher into a clear and disciplined success.

The Ferrari 500 was a purpose-built Formula Two car powered by a two-litre, naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine designed under Aurelio Lampredi. Its straightforward chassis, strong torque and lower fuel consumption made it exceptionally effective over Grand Prix distances. The model became the benchmark of the two Formula Two seasons used for the World Championship in 1952 and 1953.

Piero Taruffi was an Italian engineer, author and versatile competitor whose career encompassed motorcycles, Grand Prix cars, record attempts and long-distance road racing. He joined Ferrari for major single-seater and sports-car assignments, bringing considerable technical understanding to his driving. His Bremgarten victory stands as his defining World Championship result, while his later triumph in the 1957 Mille Miglia completed a distinguished career.