Editor Chris Balfe remembers the 1976 Austrian GP - Osterreichring, 15 August 1976

An interesting race this week... not a classic in the 'purist' sense, but rather an historic and poignant event.

As the teams arrived in Austria for the 1976 Austrian GP, local hero Niki Lauda was in a Mannheim hospital recovering from the horrendous accident which had almost claimed his life two weeks previously at the Nurburgring.

The atmosphere in the Osterreichring paddock was sombre to say the least. Although it was understood that the reigning champion would survive, there were the headlines in Newspapers such as 'Bild' stating that 'he no longer had a face'. Little did anyone know, that less than four weeks later the Austrian would make an amazing comeback at Monza.

Lauda's accident had brought back painful memories for Roger Penske who just a year earlier had lost his close friend, protégé and driver Mark Donohue at the Austrian circuit. During the Sunday morning warm-up Donohue's car suffered a 'blow-out' on one of the fastest parts of the circuit. Although his injuries were not initially thought to be life threatening, the young American died two days later following a brain haemorrhage. Subsequently, Donohue's widow sued Goodyear, who opted for an out of court settlement.

Following Donohue's death, Penske recruited Ulsterman John Watson from the struggling Surtees team in time for 'Wattie' to take part in the American Grand Prix at Watkins Glen. For 1976, Penske opted to keep the bearded Ulsterman on the understanding that should he win a race in one of the American's cars, the beard would go.

Ferrari chose not to attend the Austrian GP, not as a mark of respect for Lauda mind you, but instead a protest by Enzo Ferrari at the FIA's decision to reinstate James Hunt as winner of the Spanish GP . Ferrari had previously contested the legality of the McLaren in Spain and as a result Hunt had been disqualified. In addition to this, Ferrari was furious that Hunt had been allowed to participate in the British GP despite his involvement in an incident which should have eliminated him from the race. When the race was re-started Hunt was allowed to take part despite protests from Ferrari that Hunt had already crashed. Fearing possible crowd trouble the stewards allowed Hunt to participate and he duly went on to win! much to the chagrin of Ferrari. As a result, Ferrari stated that his cars would play no further part in the 1976 World Championship - as it happened they missed two races (Austria and Holland), whilst Hunt was eventually stripped of his British win.

And you thought all this McLaren/Ferrari antagonism was new?

With Ferrari out, the tifosi chose to stay at home, as did the Swiss fans who had hoped to cheer on their hero Regazzoni.

Unseasonal weather conditions played havoc with the practice and qualifying sessions and drivers were at a loss when it came to set-ups and tyre choice. The Osterreichring is similar to Spa in that although it may be dry on one part of the track there could be heavy rain elsewhere.

On Sunday afternoon it was James Hunt who lined up on pole eager to capitalise on Lauda's enforced absence. Alongside Hunt was Watson in the Penske, just 0.8s off the pace. The next few rows of the grid comprised Peterson , Nilsson , Lafitte, Pryce, Brambilla, Pace, Andretti and Scheckter! back in 24th spot was Miss Lella Lombardi in the Brabham.