Defending World Champion Niki Lauda was a Brabham driver for 1978, having left Ferrari before the end of the previous season in acrimonious circumstances. His place had been taken by the promising young French-Canadian Gilles Villeneuve.
Andretti Wins for Lotus in Argentina
The 1978 season started in Buenos Aires and it was Mario Andretti who claimed pole position in his Lotus 78, which had shown much promise in 1977. The American dominated the race too, leading from start to finish. Lauda finished second in his Brabham-Alfa Romeo, with Patrick Depailler third in the new Tyrrell 008. Unlike the previous P34, Tyrrell had decided to revert to a conventional four-wheeled car.
Reutemann First for Ferrari in Brazilian GP
Jacarepagua was a new circuit for Formula 1 and it played host to the 1978 Brazilian Grand Prix. The drivers soon discovered that it was a highly physical track, a combination of intense heat and many corners. Carlos Reutemann launched his Ferrari from the second row of the grid to take the lead and the Argentinean never lost it. Emerson Fittipaldi finished a highly encouraging second in his Copersucar while Lauda was again on the podium, in third.
Peterson Triumphs at Kyalami
Both Ferrari and Brabham had new cars in Kyalami for the South African Grand Prix. The race also saw the return of Renault with their unique turbocharged car. In qualifying it was Andretti on top, however, as he took pole for Lotus. The drive of the race came from a young Italian, Riccardo Patrese. He managed to get his Arrows into the lead before retiring with a blown engine. At the flag it was Ronnie Peterson’s Lotus in front, followed by Depailler in second and John Watson third. In fourth place was Alan Jones, driving the neat Williams FW05?
Ferrari Dominate US GP West
Long Beach was the next stop for the Formula 1 teams, as the street circuit hosted the US Grand Prix West. Ferrari had switched from Goodyear tyres to Michelin in 1978 and they worked well at the Californian track. Reutemann started from pole with Villeneuve second. Villeneuve led for the first half of the race before misjudging a pass when he came to lap Clay Regazzoni. The resulting collision put the French-Canadian out of the race, while Regazzoni was left with a Michelin tyre print on his helmet. Reutemann assumed the lead and scored his second win of the year. Andretti was second and left Long Beach sharing the World Championship lead with Reutemann. In third place was Depailler for Tyrrell.
Depailler and Tyrrell Winners of Monaco F1 Race
It was Wolf’s turn to unveil a new car at the next race in Monaco. Although the WR5 appeared in practice, Jody Scheckter reverted to his old car for the race. Reutemann started from pole but got tangled up at the first corner with Lauda and James Hunt. As a result the Argentinean found himself in last position. Lauda’s team-mate Watson led until Depailler squeezed past around half distance. Lauda made a pit-stop before recovering well and passing Scheckter for second with two laps to go. Meanwhile, Depailler and Tyrrell celebrated the maiden win for the 008.
1978 Formula 1 season review continues here.
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