![]() He may have been placid out of the car but, once on board the chuckable Lotus 72, 'SuperSwede's' extrovert talent flowed through sideways, full-throttle attacks at anything resembling a corner. Having made his F1 debut with the fledgling March team in 1970, Ronnie's signature with Lotus contract for 1973 brought a frisson of excitement among F1 followers. ![]() Peterson's previous time with Lotus had been less productive. The anticipated crowning of the American as champion at Monza would be the culmination of a happy and respectful working relationship between the two. Not only was Peterson quick and spectacular, he had also proved he was an honourable man, refusing more than once to outshine Andretti when, by Mario's own admission, Ronnie was more than capable of doing so. And was happy to do so.Īfter a struggle with March and Tyrrell, which brought just one victory during the previous two seasons, a return to Lotus (for whom Peterson had driven in 19) revived his career to the point of being offered a contract to replace James Hunt at McLaren for 1979. Peterson had won two of them but, by dutifully finishing second behind Mario Andretti in Belgium, Spain, France and Holland, Ronnie had stuck by the terms of his contract. The Italian Grand Prix would be round 14 of a 16-race season. ![]() Ronnie seemed resigned and calm - situation normal - as he stood with his hands deep in the pockets of his yellow overalls while watching the Lotus mechanics install a fresh Ford-Cosworth DFV in the spare car (no such thing as grid penalties in 1978). ![]() The damage was severe enough to force a switch to the less competitive back-up car, a Lotus 78. ![]() His appearance 40 years ago at Monza was exactly that, despite having suffered the trauma of crashing during a 30-minute warm-up session on race morning.Ī return of brake trouble evident during practice had sent the black and gold Lotus 79 through catch fencing at the Della Roggia chicane and into the barrier. It's difficult to imagine what he might have looked like, since the Swede with the blond hair had a perpetual boyish expression, usually coupled with an innocent, slightly puzzled look. Ronnie Peterson would have turned 74 this year. You have reached a degraded version of because you're using an unsupported version of Internet Explorer.įor a complete experience, please upgrade or use a supported browser ![]()
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