Otelle Nucci (often spelled Otello Nucci) was a South African racing team. It was named after the sponsor, local businessman Jack (Otelle) Nucci, and was managed by driver and engineer Doug Serrurier. After running with several obsolete European cars, they finally started building their own LDS cars for sale to the South African and Rhodesian market. The LDS cars were based on early Cooper-Climax designs, but able to accommodate almost any engine in the back.
The team’s debut came during the 1962 South African Grand Prix, held at East London, when it entered a car built by Doug Serrurier, a respected South African driver, constructor, and engineer. Serrurier drove a locally built LDS Mk1, a car inspired by the Cooper designs of the time, and powered by an Alfa Romeo Giulietta straight-four engine. Unfortunately, the car suffered from mechanical issues and retired from the race, marking a disappointing start to the team’s efforts.
In 1963, Otello Nucci Racing returned with a more concerted effort, fielding two entries in the South African Grand Prix. Serrurier again piloted the LDS Mk1, while up-and-coming local driver Peter de Klerk entered a bespoke machine known as the Alfa Special. De Klerk’s car was constructed around a custom chassis and featured the same Alfa Romeo 1.5-litre engine. That year, Serrurier managed to finish the race in 11th place, while de Klerk retired due to mechanical failure. The results were modest, but the participation of two South African-built cars in a World Championship event was a point of national pride and a testament to local engineering ingenuity.
The team’s final appearance in a World Championship event came in the 1965 South African Grand Prix. Once again, Peter de Klerk entered the Alfa Special and delivered a solid performance, finishing 10th overall in a race dominated by European factory teams. Doug Serrurier, on the other hand, attempted to qualify a newer LDS Mk2, this time fitted with a more powerful Coventry Climax FPF engine. However, he failed to make the grid, bringing the team’s World Championship efforts to a close.
Outside of official Formula One Grands Prix, Otello Nucci Racing also took part in several South African non-championship events such as the Rand Grand Prix and the Natal Grand Prix, which were run under similar technical regulations. These events provided additional opportunities for local talent to compete against international drivers, and while the team never achieved major results, they contributed to the vibrancy and competitiveness of South Africa’s racing scene during the 1960s.
Although Otello Nucci Racing never scored a World Championship point or developed into a major force, its participation is remembered as part of South Africa's unique chapter in Formula One history. Through the combined efforts of individuals like Doug Serrurier and Peter de Klerk, and with the backing of Otello Nucci, the team embodied the privateer spirit of the era—competing with limited resources, homegrown engineering, and a deep passion for racing.
Formula One Complete Results[]
| Chassis | Engine | Tyre | Drivers | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1962 | 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
| LDS Mk1 | Alfa Romeo Giulietta L4 1.5 | D |  Doug Serrurier
|
Ret | |||||||||
| 1963 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
| LDS Mk1 | Alfa Romeo Giulietta L4 1.5 | D | Doug Serrurier
|
11th | |||||||||
| Alfa Romeo Special | Peter de Klerk
|
Ret | |||||||||||
| 1965 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
| Alfa Romeo Special | Alfa Romeo Giulietta L4 1.5 | D | Peter de Klerk
|
10th | |||||||||
| LDS Mk2 | Climax FPF L4 1.5 | Doug Serrurier
|
DNQ | ||||||||||