Italian Team Triumphs at the German Grand Prix
Ferrari’s Lauda held pole position ahead of seven other drivers at the start of this year’s German Grid Prix at Nerburgring. BRM’s Pescarolo shared the front row with Lauda. Hunt and Beltoise secured the second row followed by Regazzoni and Andretti. Schenken and Reutermann filled out the field in the last row.
Pescarolo took an early lead, but was soon eclipsed by Lauda and Hunt. Andretti clawed his way into 5th.
Lauda and Hunt battle for the lead. Andretti threatened the BRMs. Schenken crashed in the Halzenbackbogen turn, but escaped serious injury.
Hunt pushed his car hard and crossed the start finish line ahead of Lauda gaining the first lap bonus point. Lauda got by Hunt and took charge in the second lap. Andretti moved up to fourth with Regazonni hot on his heals.
Lauda extended his lead and was first across the start finish line to gain the second lap’s bonus point. Hunt began to slow. Andretti damaged his engine and pulled into the pits to end his day. Reutermann began charging his Brabham through the field.
Lauda dominated the third lap with his Ferrari and completed the race far ahead of the pack. Pescarolo finished second followed by Reutermann. Regazzoni squeezed by Hunt to finish fourth. Race details follow:
1st Den H. (C. N. Lauda) 80/40/40/140/6 S*
2nd Ray R. (H. Pescarolo) 80/40/20/140/5 S
3rd Dave M. (Reutermann) 40/40/60/160/5 S
4th Den H. (C. Regazzoni) 60/40/40/140/5 S
5th Steve K. (J. Hunt) 60/40/20/160/6 S*
6th Ray R. (J-P. Beltoise) 80/40/40/140/5 S
DNF Adam J. (M. Andretti) 40/60/40/160/5 N
CR1 Dave K. (T. Schenken) 40/60/40/160/5 S
Note: Due to a mix-up, Reutermann drove an orange March instead of the usual white Brabham.