Belgian Grand Prix 1956 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Peter Collins claimed his first Grand Prix victory at the Belgian Grand Prix, demonstrating the young Englishman's emerging talent with a commanding performance at the fearsome Spa-Francorchamps circuit. The Ferrari driver led home teammate Paul Frère, a Belgian journalist and racing driver making a rare Grand Prix appearance on his home circuit. Stirling Moss shared third place with Cesare Perdisa after swapping between Maserati entries during the race.

Spa's 14-kilometer layout through the Ardennes forest demanded courage and precision, with drivers navigating fast, sweeping corners at speeds approaching 300 km/h with minimal safety protection. Collins' maturity in managing the race distance while pushing hard enough to secure victory impressed observers and established him as a future championship contender. The young Briton's smooth driving style and mechanical sympathy suited Ferrari's Lancia-Ferrari D50, extracting maximum performance while preserving the car's complex mechanical systems.

Ferrari's one-two finish provided a morale boost after Moss' Monaco victory for Maserati had suggested the championship battle would be closely fought. Collins' emergence as a race winner gave Ferrari three competitive drivers alongside Fangio and Eugenio Castellotti, though this depth would later create internal complications. For Collins, the victory launched a championship campaign that would end with one of motorsport's most selfless gestures.