British Team’s American Driver Continues Winning Streak at Monaco
The grid at this year’s Monaco Grand Prix was populated with eight teams. McLaren and Willams secured the number and two grid positions. Lotus driver Andretti was in the second row with Penski’s Watson followed by BRM’s Ashely and Ferrari’s Lauda. Hoffman in the Fittapaldi and Laffite in the Ligier filled out the final grid row.
Hunt and Ickx pounced off the starting line and battled for the lead. Watson spun at Hotel Loews and opened the door for Ashely to take a short lived lead. Lauda began to move through the pack.
Ickx shot through the tunnel taking back the lead. Andretti accelerated though the tunnel and down the straight pulling Lauda in his slipstream and challenging the leaders. As Andretti seized the lead Hunt pulled up behind him. Ickx began having break issues and began to falter. Andretti earned the first lap point.
During the second lap Andretti held the lead and grew it extensively and easily taking the second lap point. Hunt maintained second position. Luada and Ickx battled for third place. Watson failed to recover his pre-spin position.
The final lap saw Andretti build an insurmountable lead resulting in him winning the race practically unchallenged. Hunt and Lauda consolidated their podium positions, 2nd and 3rd place. The rest of the field expended wear point to hold or advance their positions in a lively backfield race to the finish.
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 John H. (I. Hoffman) 40/40/40/160/6 S
5th Tori P. (J. Ickx) 80/60/40/140/4 S
6th Ray R. (I. Ashley) 60/40/20/160/6 S
7th Ray G. (J. Watson) 60/40/40/160/6 S
8th Dave M. (Ligier) 40/60/60/140/5 S