Lauda has fun, down under

Unusual: Niki Lauda, after clinching his third F1 World Championship for McLaren by just half-a-point at Estoril, participated in the 1984 Australian Grand Prix held at Calder Park Raceway on 18 November 1984, in a Ralt RT4-Ford (picture-above).

The race, open for Formula Pacific / Formula Mondial racing cars, was held at Calder Park for the fifth time. It was the last Australian Grand Prix to be held prior to the race becoming a round of the Formula One World Championship the following year.

The race was won from pole position by Brazilian driver Roberto Moreno, his third win during the four years in which the Grand Prix was held for the Formula Pacific category. Niki Lauda (picture-below) stormed through the field after qualifying in 20th position, drove the fastest lap of the race, but was forced to retire after a collision.