Today we're going to look at a particular driver. Fergus Anderson is a character without equal in the history of Grands Prix. This time, exceptionally, let's go back even further in time.
1940. World War II rages, and France is already under German yoke. The Nazis continue the blitzkrieg and plan to attack the United Kingdom, a far from easy task. Adolf Hitler requests a list of people deemed dangerous, to be arrested as a priority in the event of an invasion of the island. Reinhard heydrich, of the Central Reich Security Office and Walter Schellenberg, senior SS leader, do not know it yet but they will write in this report – later named “
Hitler's Black Book » – the surname of one of the greatest pilots of the time.
Even before starting his professional career, Fergus Anderson is someone. Although the information in question is, today, difficult to find without in-depth research. Still, at the end of the war, Fergus is alive, free. In reality, his level on motorcycles had always been good, from his youth in the 1920s. His name, evocative and known after the war, made him participate in important races.
When the world championship was created in 1949, he positioned himself for a solid handlebar. He joined forces for the first time with
Moto Guzzi before signing with the Italian firm in 1950. It is one of the first contracts in history: Anderson is a precursor, despite his advanced age (41 years old).
The great Fergus. Photo: Rossi
In the following years, he even advised the brand on development, while scoring podiums and victories. Its first takes place on the route of
Bremgarten, 500cc category, in 1951.
Fergus and Guzzi focused on the 250cc for 1952. The season started in the best possible way but
Enrico Lorenzetti ultimately wins by four points.
1953 was the year of consecration. His employer, following the advice of his driver, entered the 350cc, high category. Anderson finds Lorenzetti on his team, and the battle will be tough. Three victories at Spa-Francorchamps, Rouen and Berne leave the Italian no chance. This first world champion title is accompanied by a historic victory in Spain: Indeed, Fergus won in the 500cc category at 44 years old and 273 days a record that still stands today.
The worst part is that Anderson did it again in 1954 ! New 350cc title and retirement immediately. Having become a manager at Moto Guzzi, the collaboration does not go as planned. The British is limited in his decisions and does not take long to leave the ship. BMW, seeing the opportunity, recruited the double world champion.
The TT Assen 1953. Notice the people in the stands. Photo: Joop Van Bilsen / ANEFO
The story of this great character could have continued but unfortunately, death is never far away on the circuits. On the road circuit of Floreffe in Belgium (not far from Namur), Anderson is pursuing
John Surtees and Bill Lomas, two sizes from the 1950s. Suddenly, he is destabilized by gravel and thrown against a telegraph pole. The doctors at the Namur hospital were unable to save the unfortunate man. According to his wish, he was buried on Belgian territory, not far from the fatal site.
He may not have the track record or recognition of a
Surtees or Duke. However, Anderson is one of the most respected among the Ancients, and his story should not be forgotten.
Photo: Joop Van Bilsen / ANEFO
