Three teams competed in this year’s race at Zolder including Lotus, McLaren and Ferrari. J. Hunt held the pole position on the grid and M. Andretti accompanied him on the first row. N. Lauda and G. Nilson started in the second row followed by J. Mass and C. Regazzoni.
Hunt dominated the first lap while Andretti and Lauda battled for second.
Hunt earned the first lap bonus point, held the lead throughout the second lap and secured the second lap bonus point as well. Andretti broke away from Lauda and began a run on the leader.
During the last lap, Andretti pressed Hunt. Then Hunt pushed his luck too far and spun out in the last corner seceding victory to Andretti. Hunt returned to the track and managed to take second place. Lauda and Regazzoni, the two Ferrari drivers, finished third and fourth. Nilsson’s engine failed and he did not finish the race.
Race details follow:
1st Tom V. (M. Andretti) 60/40/40/140/6 W*
2nd Steve K. (J. Hunt) 80/40/40/140/5 S*
3rd Den H. (N. Lauda) 60/60/40/140/5 S
4th Den H. (C. Regazzoni) 40/60/40/140/5 S
5th Steve K. (J. Mass) 60/40/40/140/5 S
DNF-E Tom V. (G. Nilsson) 60/40/40/140/6 W