Martini and Elf Battle at Monaco GP
Five teams competed in the Monaco Grand Prix this season fielding nine drivers. Martini’s lone driver, Amon, sat on the pole position and shared the front row with Elf’s Stewart. Brabham’s Reutmann and Elf’s Cevert secured the second row followed by William’s Galli and Brabham’s W. Fittapaldi. Team Hesketh filled the fourth row with Hunt and Purley.
Amon and Stewart set the pace and seemed to be pulling away from the pack. But the other drivers caught up to them at the Station Hairpin.
Exiting the Station Hairpin, Cevert passed Stewart and gained an inside advantage on Amon. Then Cevert, Stewart, and Amon exited the corners ahead of the rest and extended their lead through the tunnel. Cevert attempted to slingshot Stewart into the lead going into the Gazometre, but the attempt failed and Amon gained the lead. Meanwhile, Williams, Hesketh, and Brabham battled for fourth.
Amon finished the first lap with Stewart and Cevert on his heals. Cevert began to slow and Williams caught him at the Virage Du Portier. Stewart extended his lead heading into the tunnel for the second time. The Brabhams and Heskeths were in a fierce struggle.
Amon caught up to Stewart and they raced neck-and-neck going into the Gazametre, but this time Stewart exited first and gained the bonus point for lap 2. Hunt broke away from the Brabhams and started to reel in Galli.
Stewart stayed off Amon and they built a large lead midway through the 3rd and final lap. Hunt passed Williams and tried to close the gap with the leaders going into to the Station Hairpin.
Stewart’s car faltered and he began to slow. Amon got by Stewart. Hunt smelled blood in the water, but could not catch the leaders. Amon crossed the finish line two spaces ahead of Stewart. Hunt finished 3rd followed by Cevert. Congratulations to Dave for the Win!
Race details follow:
1st Dave M. (C. Amon) 80/40/40/140/5 S*
2nd Den (J. Stewart) 80/40/40/160/4 S*
3rd Steve (J. Hunt) 60/60/40/140/5 S
4th Den (F. Cevert) 80/40/40/140/4 S
5th Travis (N. Galli) 60/60/40/140/5 S
6th Terry (C. Reutemann) 60/40/40/140/6 S
7th Terry (W. Fittipaldi) 60/40/40/140/5 S
8th Steve (D. Purley) 60/40/40/140/5 S
9th Travis (Howden) 40/40/40/160/5 W