Rudolf Krause

Rudolf Krause (30 March 1907 - 11 April 1987): German racing driver from East Germany who competed in two Formula One World Championship Grands Prix in 1952 and 1953, making him one of the few East German drivers to compete at the highest level of motorsport without defecting to the West. Born in Oberreichenbach, Reichenbach im Vogtland, Germany, Krause began his motorsport career in 1927 racing motorcycles before transitioning to automobiles in the early 1930s. He raced self-modified cars, many built in his own workshop in Reichenbach, demonstrating technical expertise alongside his driving abilities. During the 1930s and through the upheaval of World War II and its aftermath, Krause continued competing when possible, though opportunities were limited.

After Germany's division following the war, Krause found himself in East Germany (the German Democratic Republic) and became one of the leading drivers in East German motorsport. He was a top contender in East Germany's Formula racing Grand Prix and championships between 1950 and 1953, primarily driving BMW race cars modified in his workshop. In the final year of the East German Formula 2 Championship's existence, Krause won the title, establishing himself as East Germany's premier racing driver. Krause's Formula One opportunities came in 1952 and 1953 when East German drivers were occasionally permitted to compete in Western European races.

He participated in the 1952 German Grand Prix at the Nürburgring, failing to finish. His second and final World Championship appearance came at the 1953 German Grand Prix, also at the Nürburgring, where he finished 14th—his only classified World Championship finish. He never scored championship points. Uniquely among East German racing drivers of his era, Krause chose not to defect to West Germany to further his racing career, despite the significantly greater opportunities available in the West.

His decision to remain in East Germany likely stemmed from family commitments, political beliefs, or unwillingness to abandon his workshop and business. This choice limited his international racing opportunities but earned him respect in East German motorsport circles. After his brief Formula One appearances, Krause continued competing in East German national events through the 1950s before eventually retiring from active competition. He died on 11 April 1987 in Reichenbach im Vogtland, East Germany, at age 80.

Krause represents the forgotten East German racers whose talents and accomplishments were largely unknown in the West due to Cold War divisions, and whose international opportunities were severely restricted by political circumstances beyond their control. Known for: Being one of the few East German drivers to compete in Formula One, winning the 1953 East German Formula 2 Championship, choosing not to defect to West Germany despite limited opportunities, racing BMW cars built in his own workshop, and finishing 14th in his only classified F1 race at the 1953 German Grand Prix.