Depailler gets the 008

For the 1978 Formula One season, Ken Tyrrell decided to stop the development of his six-wheeled car (the P34), and come back to a more conventional concept, picture-above, Patrick Depailler at the wheel of the new Tyrrell 008-Ford, at the South African Grand Prix held at Kyalami, where he finishes in second.

The Tyrrell 008 was designed by Maurice Philippe that used an aluminium monocoque in front of a V8 Cosworth DFV. It was a simple and sound concept. The team brought young Didier Pironi to drive alongside Patrick Depailler, who had been in the team since 1974.

The season started well and Depailler was 3rd in the Argentinian Grand Prix, first round of the 1978 season. He should have won the South African Grand Prix, but his car was running short of fuel and Peterson (Lotus 78) passed him on the last turn of the last lap at Kyalami. He, nevertheless, passed the line in second.

Finally, after so many podium finishes, Depailler gained his first Formula One triumph by winning the 1978 Monaco Grand Prix in front of Lauda and Watson (Brabham), it was his first victory in 69 championship races, although he had been second… eight times!