A superb period photograph from the 1971 Spa 24 Hours at Spa-Francorchamps, showing Jochen Neerpasch, head of Ford's Cologne motorsport operation, in conversation beside the circuit.Neerpasch had established and managed Ford's Cologne competition department and was the driving force behind the development of the formidable Ford Capri RS2600 racing programme. The Capri became one of the dominant European touring cars of the early 1970s.The 1971 Spa 24 Hours was an important success for Neerpasch and Ford Köln. The works Ford Capri RS2600 #22 of Dieter Glemser and Àlex Soler-Roig won the race, while the sister #21 Capri of Jochen Mass and Gerry Birrell retired.This atmospheric photograph captures Neerpasch and the crowds at the original high-speed Spa-Francorchamps circuit, with the famous old pits and prominent Martini advertising providing a wonderful period backdrop.Neerpasch left Ford for BMW in 1972, where he became the first head of the newly established BMW Motorsport GmbH, making this an interesting image from the final full season of his highly successful period directing Ford's racing activities.