From a wealthy background, this sophisticated Spaniard had the means to try his hand at Formula 1 over a three-year period but it was obvious that he lacked the hunger or speed to be truly competitive.

    He won his first event, a hill-climb, in 1960, and continued to race in his own country, usually with a Porsche, until he joined the European Formula 2 circus in 1967 for his first sustained attempt at professional racing. His season with the Lola was not too successful, so in 1968 he switched to sports car and GT racing, winning the Jarama 6 Hours with Rindt, and finishing fourth in the Sebring 12 Hours with Lins, both in Porsches. Alex finished second in the Buenos Aires 1000 Km in 1970 with his Porsche 908, again teamed with Rindt and cleaned up in Spanish G5/6 races with his Porsche 917.

    After failing to qualify for a Grand Prix in three attempts with Lotus, Soler-Roig joined March for the 1971 season, but although he made the grids he felt dissatisfied with the engines he was given and quit in mid-season, preferring to concentrate on his drive in the European touring car championship with Ford Germany, which yielded two victories in the Capri, co-driving with Glemser. His short spell in the Marlboro BRM team at the beginning of 1972 was a disaster, but a return to touring cars brought further wins at Zandvoort and Jarama with the help of such talents as Glemser, Mass and Larrousse before Alex called it a day at the end of the season.

(c) 'Who is Who' by Steve Small, 2000