A superb candid photograph from the starting grid of the 1971 Spa 24 Hours at Spa-Francorchamps, showing British racing driver John Fitzpatrick in discussion with a Ford team engineer shortly before the start.Fitzpatrick was competing for Ford Köln, sharing the works Ford Escort RS1600 #53 with François Mazet. The Escort, powered by the Ford-Cosworth BDA engine, qualified an impressive eighth overall before retiring from the 24-hour race with flywheel trouble.Also visible to the left is Jochen Mass, whose name can be seen on his Ford racing overalls. Mass was driving the works Ford Capri RS2600 #21 with Gerry Birrell, qualifying seventh before retiring with camshaft trouble.The photograph wonderfully captures the atmosphere immediately before the race, with drivers, engineers and team personnel gathered among the cars on the old Spa-Francorchamps starting grid. The original pit buildings, Uniroyal timing tower, packed grandstands and period Castrol, BP and Chevron advertising provide a superb backdrop.Original period black-and-white motorsport photograph – Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium, July 1971