1976 Austrian Grand Prix
The Grand Prix of Austria in 1976 was held on 15 August at the ring Austria near Zeltweg and was the eleventh round of the Formula 1 season 1976.
- 3.1 Start -up
- 3.2 race
- 4.1 Drivers' Championship
- 4.2 Constructors' Championship
Reports
Background
Niki Lauda was two weeks after his serious accident at the Grand Prix of Germany at the hospital remains in a critical condition. Because of this, and in protest against the recently carried out by the Sports Authority redemption of disqualification of James Hunt at the Spanish Grand Prix, Scuderia Ferrari told from the participation in the Austria -GP and even threatened with a withdrawal from the World Cup. At times, then was even discussion about a complete cancellation of the race.
Since Chris Amon had declared his Formula 1 career to be over, it was his place in the team Ensign Racing vacant. Transitional awarded to the cockpit to the local guest driver Hans Binder, which thus came to his Grand Prix debut.
With Otto Stuppacher and Karl Oppitzhauser wanted two more local drivers the opportunity to participate in a March 761 or a Tyrrell 007 private teams ÖASC Racing Team at their home race. Due to lack of motorsport experience of both the nomination was rejected by the organizers.
Training
Due to changing weather conditions during the entire weekend, the lap times achieved on Friday in dry track conditions in the first practice were no longer offered in the course of the remaining training sessions and thus counted for the grid.
McLaren driver James Hunt was able to beat John Watson Penske and achieve the pole position. The second row of the grid was formed by two Swedes Ronnie Peterson and Gunnar Nilsson. This was followed by Jacques Laffite and Tom Pryce before Vittorio Brambilla and Carlos Pace.
All 25 training participants qualified for the race, as the organizers had up to 26 starting positions provided.
Race
Despite light rain in the morning of the race day, the track was dried up to the start. After both counterparties were started equally well from the front row, Watson took advantage of in the first curve to the advantage of the inside lane and went by before Hunt in the lead. Peterson moved soon afterwards to Hunt over, while Nilsson, Pryce and Laffite were unchanged in fourth, five and six.
While Peterson took the lead on lap three, the started from tenth Jody Scheckter worked until the seventh round to second place forward. Three laps later he took over the leadership of Peterson.
As Scheckter was shortly afterwards easily stopped by a to be lapped competitors, Peterson retook the lead. A little later Scheckter also fell back behind Watson. This in the twelfth round achieved a passing maneuver against Peterson, which he again took the top position.
In the 15th round Scheckter crashed due to suspension damage. In response, the two Swedes Peterson and Nilsson dueled for second place, the latter took the position on lap 19.
Laffite overtook until the 45th round, both Sweden and came thereby to second place behind Watson. One lap later fell Peterson, who had previously been overtaken by Hunt, Mario Andretti behind back. The order of the first six thus produced remained constant thereafter until the finish.
John Watson scored his first Grand Prix victory. It was also the first for the Penske team. As a result, Watson shaved off his beard, which triggered a promise that he had given his team boss Roger Penske in case of victory.
Message list
Classifications
Line-up
Race
WM stands after the race
The first six of the race were 9, 6, 4, 3, 2 and 1 point (s).