Great Read: The rare '50s Ferrari raced by a host of F1 stars

Ferrari with rarefied history | View in browser FROM OUR ARCHIVE, DECEMBER 2015 | GORDON CRUIKSHANK Great Read: Ferrari 290MM 0626 – sports car with unrivalled history The charismatic Eugenio Castellotti, the leading young Italian driver of his generation, was sadly killed in a test at Modena on this day in 1957. His greatest win came at the wheel of Ferrari's 290MM 0626 in the 1956 Mille Miglia. Though the car had a relatively short racing life, a star-studded roll-call of drivers campaigned it There are several elements that gild the story of any competition car, which highlight its innate abilities, pedigree and rarity. One factor is its success – did it win any significant races? Another, its pilots: did any famous bottoms wriggle down in the captain's chair, reach for the ignition and look up tensely for the starter's flag, tach needle quivering and clutch leg tensed… And, assuming it's a 1950s Ferrari, if you had to choose a driver you'd like to have steered your car you might well choose Juan Manuel Fangio. Or Eugenio Castellotti. Or Luigi Musso, Peter Collins, Phil Hill, 'Taffy' von Trips… READ MORE PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES / BERNARD CAHIER F1 | DAMIEN SMITH Can Verstappen emulate Vettel's greatest F1 season? Is Sebastian Vettel regretting his decision to retire from Formula 1 in the wake of Fernando Alonso's spirited performance for Aston Martin in Bahrain? He's bound to have the odd pang about what he appears to have given up, in the shape of the potent AMR23. But if there is a ripple of regret, let's hope it just washes over him and disperses. Vettel made his decision to stop for good reason: he knew it was time. Once you know you're done, take a leaf from Jackie Stewart: no looking back, no regrets – and stay retired. It's usually for the best, which is why it was faintly alarming when rumour briefly swirled that Vettel was ready to offer his services had Lance Stroll not been passed fit to race in the season opener because of his cycling injuries. Taking on a still fully committed Alonso probably wouldn't have ended too well for a man who knows what it is to graze the heavens... READ MORE PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES / BERNARD CAHIER SHOP PROMOTION Bestsellers: Motor Sport shop Ferrari 857S | Ian Wagstaff | Hardback Winning Italian Duo | Ferrari 860 Monza Spider | Fangio/Castellotti | Sebring | 1956 | By Dirk Becker | Limited Edition Print Lancia D50 | CMC Model | 1:18 scale Vintage Peter Collins Mille Miglia 1957 Print Signed Louie Klementaski Gilles Villeneuve full size Ferrari display helmet Ultimate Ferrari 250 GTO - The Definitive History Share this newsletter: Stay up to date  Update your preferences to select the content you wish to receive.   UPDATE NOW  Unsubscribe | Privacy Policy. Motor Sport magazine, 18-20 Rosemont Road, London, NW3 6NE Company no. 05471049, Vat no. 871 544 60