History
After the severe accident at the 8th Circuito Automobilistico di Modena on 28 September 1947, when Giovanni Bracco's Delage 3000 crashed into the crowd at 130 km/h, killing 5 spectators and injuring 19, street racing in the city was brought to an end. It was then decided to build a modern racetrack, similar to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (where spectators could watch the entire race), to serve the hometown automakers Ferrari, Maserati, and Stanguellini.
Construction of the track, which would also serve as an airport (later inaugurated on 12 December), began on 28 March 1949. On 7 May, the aerodrome was officially inaugurated by the Minister of the Merchant Navy, Alberto Simonini, alongside other civil, military, and religious authorities.
Race
The public was eager to see the duel between Juan Manuel Fangio and Ascari. Ascari was driving a new Ferrari 166 F2/50 featuring a De Dion tube rear suspension and a rounded nose, while the Argentine was equipped with an older model.
The Grand Prix started at 15:50 under the rain. Dorino Serafini made the best start, taking the lead, but was quickly overtaken by Ascari, followed by Fangio in third. A few laps later, El Chueco regained second position, but on lap 19 he was forced to retire due to an engine connecting rod failure. Ascari won the race at an average speed of 108.875 km/h, followed by Mario Tadini two laps down. Piero Carini in an OSCA finished third, after a long battle with Sergio Sighinolfi's Stanguellini (who later retired on lap 29).
Alberto Ascari