Viel Kontinuität, wenig Neuanfang? Akteure und Diskurse im französischen und westdeutschen Autorennsport der frühen Nachkriegszeit 1945–1955

Abstract

Franco-German relations in car racing in the period after World War II have so far been in academic obscurity. Little is known about the resumption of sporting contacts in that field. This article therefore aims to explore some of the routes of the history of French-West German relations in this sport for the first post-war decade (1945–55). The focus is on – in chronological order – the resumption of car racings in both countries, the first appearance of German drivers and brands at racing events in France, personal continuities, and cross-border contacts in this discipline as well as the 1955 Le Mans disaster. Like football, car racing can also be described as a symbol for diplomatic relations between France and the Federal Republic of Germany. The political and social conditions of the time were clearly reflected in this context. For example, the resumption of sporting contacts after 1945 also took place more quickly here than after the First World War. However, motorsport in general and car racing in particular had a somewhat exceptional status – especially regarding its systematic promotion in the French occupation zone as well as their very present international character.