Hero of Anderstorp

A huge crowd attended the 1978 Swedish Formula 1 Grand Prix held at the Scandinavian Raceway in Anderstorp, hoping to see their hero Ronnie Peterson (picture-above), claim victory.

The 70-lap race was the only race to feature the Brabham BT46B “fan car”, with which Niki Lauda took a commanding victory. Riccardo Patrese finished second in an Arrows FA1, with Ronnie Peterson third in a Lotus 79.

Peterson, who had qualified in fourth place, was soon passed by a very motivated Patrese in his Arrows, and both were chasing the leaders Andretti (Lotus) and Lauda (Brabham), far in front.

When the American was forced to retire with a broken engine, Lauda went on to win by a huge 34.6 seconds despite, according to the Austrian, “trying not to show how dominant the car was”… he was followed by Patrese and Peterson in a close finish.

Peterson had very hard tried to pass Patrese for second place (picture below), but struggling with his tyres and the Italian defending his position in robust fashion, the Swede had to be content with third place, and a podium finish.