Rosberg takes F1 title

Press, 27 September 1982, Page 3

Rosberg takes F1 title

NZPA Las Vegas A jubilant Keke Rosberg, who has a reputation for driving a racing car to its limits, said he drove conservatively to wrap up his first world championship by a placing in the Caesar’s Palace Grand Prix, on Saturday. Young Michele Alboreto of Italy ran away with the race in a Tyrrell, gaining his first Formula One triumph, but it was Rosberg who was the hero after piloting his Williams racer to a fifthplace finish that gave owner, Frank Williams, his second

world title in three seasons. “With about 30 laps to go, I slowed," the Finnish driver said. “That (fifth place) was enough, it was all I needed. There was no reason to go faster. “It (the championship) gives me great pleasure. I had a slight lull in midseason,” said Rosberg, who won only the Swiss Grand Prix this season. "The team made mistakes, I made mistakes. But we started getting better later in the year.” Alboreto, aged 25, considered a future superstar by

many in Formula One rac-. ing, averaged 160.1km/hr on the way to his win, Tyrrell’s first in four years. “I hope next year I have some other days like this. From the first day, we (the Tyrrell team) were balanced. I am very tired, but I’m very happy,” said Alboreto. It was a sad day for John Watson of Northern Ireland, who had driven his McLaren up through the field from ninth place, knowing he had to win to rob Rosberg of the driving championship. But Watson finished second, unable to grab the victory. Watson finished with 39 point's. Niki Lauda of Austria, who needed not only a victory but also to win ah appeal for the return of four points he forfeited when -he was disqualified in the Belgium Grand Prix, retired two-thirds of the way through the race.

The final Formula One World Driving Championship leaders' points for 1982: Keke Rosberg (Finland), Williams, 44, 1; Didier Pironi (Italy), Ferrari, 39.2; John Watson (N. Ireland), McLaren, 39, 3; Alain Prost (France). Renault, 34, 4; Niki Lauda (Austria), McLaren. 30. 5: Rene Arnoux (France). Renault. 28. 6,