Lotus turns green

In 1979, Martini Racing replaced JPS as title sponsor at Lotus, so the car appeared in British racing green instead of in black and gold. Reigning world champion Mario Andretti was joined by Carlos Reutemann (picture above) to form a strong line-up.

The Lotus 79 was to be replaced by the Lotus 80 (picture below), intended to be the next step in the evolution of ground effect, but the 80 proved to be a total failure and Lotus was forced to revert to the 79.

Several podium places were scored as the 79 was fairly competitive in the early stages of the season, but was soon unable to follow the pace of the next generation of ground-effect cars such as the Ligier JS11, the Ferrari 312T4 and also the Williams FW07 – a car heavily inspired by the 79.

Lotus slipped to fourth in the Constructors’ Championship won by the Scuderia Ferrari. Jody Scheckter was crowned 1979 World Drivers’ Champion, Carlos Reutemann (picture here-under at Monaco) finished 7th in the standings with Mario Andretti in 12th position.