Arthur Owen

Arthur Owen (23 March 1915, London, England - 27 April 2002) was a British racing driver whose single Formula One appearance belied a more substantial career in other forms of motorsport. Born in London and later residing in Bedfordshire, Owen began his racing career driving a 1929 1500cc Alfa Romeo before progressing to the R5B E.R.A. 'Remus' and the R1A E.R.

A., which he handled fearlessly through the 1958 season. His equipment choices reflected the evolution of British motorsport, as he subsequently purchased a DB3S Aston Martin, though this proved unsuccessful and short-lived. Owen then moved to a Lister-Jaguar and also campaigned a Formula 2 Cooper for a private team. His sole Formula One World Championship appearance came at the 1960 Italian Grand Prix at Monza, where he entered a privately prepared 2.

2-litre Cooper T51. Unfortunately, his F1 debut ended almost immediately when he crashed on the opening lap at the South Corner due to brake failure, retiring with suspension damage and scoring no championship points. Despite this disappointing F1 result, Owen continued his international racing career. He competed in the 1962 Macau Grand Prix driving a Cooper single-seater, qualifying on pole position before crashing early in the race.

His finest achievement came at the first Japanese Grand Prix held at Suzuka on 3-4 May 1963, where he finished third driving a Lotus 23 sports car. Arthur Owen remains one of Formula One's lesser-known competitors, remembered primarily as a dedicated privateer who briefly touched the pinnacle of motorsport during the 1960 season.