Hill and Championship runner-up Jim Clark had dominated the end of the 1962 season, and it was the Scot who claimed pole position for the opening round. A poor start saw the Scot drop behind Hill and the Englishman's team mate Richie Ginther, but after a long battle the Team Lotus racer was leading. Then, in the closing stages, the gearbox seized and threw Clark into the barrier, leaving Hill to sweep to victory.