 For the only time, Formula One had
a posthumous World Champion: overwhelming series leader Jochen
Rindt died after crashing his Lotus 72 at Parabolica in
practice for the Italien GP. To complete another tragic year, Piers Courage, Rindt's great
friend, died in the Dutch GP and Bruce McLaren was killed in
private testing at Goodwood. When Emerson Fittipaldi, the young
replacement at Lotus, won the United States GP (in only his fourth start), Rindt's points
score could not be overcome by his closest challenger, Jacky Ickx.
In addition to Fittipaldi, Clay Regazzoni also scored a victory
in his first year of Grand Prix Racing driving for Ferrari. A
new marque, March arrived in Formula One amid much hype and
publicity. In addition to works entries, Ken Tyrrell bought a
March 701 for Jackie Stewart, in which he won in Spain.
Meanwhile, in total secrecy the team became a constructor in its own right. Stewart
qualified the Tyrrell 001 on pole for its first Grand Prix, the Canadian. Ford had been unbeaten in 1969 but faced a sterner
challenge this year. Rodriguez's BRM won at Spa, and Ferrari
returned to form, powering Ickx's late-season charge. Having started the season with a
victory, three time World Champion Jack Brabham ended it
retiring from the sport, designer Ron Tauranac assuming sole leadership of the team. |
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Rang 1 |
Fahrer Jochen Rindt |
Auto Lotus Ford |
Siege 5 |
Punkte 45 |