Depailler pipped

Press, 8 March 1978, Page 32

Depailler pipped

NZPA-Reuter Johannesburg Sweden’s Ronnie Peterson, after dismal seasons with March and Tyrrell, pulled off a dramatic last-lap victory for Lotus in the South African Formula One grand prix. It was the 34-year-old Swede’s ninth grand prix victory, and was snatched out of the blue with a brilliant piece of driving tn the final couple of laps. Mario Andretti, of the United States, the South African golden boy, Jody Scheckter, and Riccardo Patrese, the surprise of the race, all had a spell in the lead, but it was Peterson who snatched the final prize. The Italian Patrese in his ArrowsFord, having only its second ever grand prix outing, seemed to be heading for a sensational victory until 13 laps from the end when his engine blew up. In a Tyrrell, Patrick Depallier Immediately saw the chance of his first ever win and zipped into the lead, but his dreams were shattered when Peterson

overtook him on the last lap. With half a lap to go Depailler and Peterson were side by side in a thrilling duel which had the crowd on its toes. Depailler, without a win In his 66 previous grand prix starts, still believed he was about to break his victory jinx, but to his dismay Peterson pulled out a final effort to edge home. Northern Ireland’s John Watson, like Depailler often dogged by bad luck, finished third in a Brabham. Australia’s Alan Jones drove a steady race to take fourth place in a Shadow, with the Frenchmen Jacques Laffite (Ligler) and Didier Pironi (Tyrrell) fifth and sixth respectively. Andretti, who pulled out, still heads the drivers’ table with 12 points. Peterson Is one point behind and Lauda and Depailler are joint third on 10 points. Keke’ Rosberg, of Finland, who won the 1978 Peter Stuyvesant series in New Zealand, pulled out halfway through with "driver fatigue.”