Close call

René Arnoux is extracted from his single-seater, the Renault RE40-Turbo, under the supervision of Professor Sid Watkins, following his big off-track excursion at the end of the straight at the Zandvoort circuit in 1982 (photo above).

Indeed, on lap 21 of the 1982 Dutch Grand Prix, while braking before the famous 180° “Tarzan” corner, a front-left puncture or broken suspension prevented the French driver from braking. Without slowing down, his car slammed into the tire wall, becoming airborne and crashing heavily. Fortunately, Arnoux escaped uninjured, but it was a close call.

René Arnoux had a good 1982 season, achieving two victories – including the highly controversial one, as he did not listen to his team’s instructions, which urged him to let his teammate Alain Prost win at the French Grand Prix – five pole positions which confirmed his speed, and a sixth place in the final standings of the world championship.

A situation that had become untenable for him alongside Alain Prost at Renault pushed him to accept the offer from Scuderia Ferrari for the 1983 season.