The 1954 season saw the introduction of the 2.5 litre engine rules and the return of Mercedes-Benz to Grand Prix racing. Juan Manuel Fangio took his second drivers title after starting the season in a Maserati 250F before switching to the new Mercedes-Benz as the new W196 was not ready until the 3rd race of the championship. Ferrari had a solid season with good drives from Froilan Gonzalez and Mike Hawthorn. After winning the tilte the previous year Alberto Ascari moved to Lancia but their new D50 was only developed for the final race. Onofre Marimon was killed during practice at the Nurburgring and was the first driver to die at a World Championship race.