Mario loves Long Beach
The 1978 US Grand Prix West was staged on the Long Beach Street Circuit, on 2 April 1978. Qualifying had seen Carlos Reutemann (Ferrari) edge out his young Canadian teammate Gilles Villeneuve at the head of the field, with ex-Ferrari driver Niki Lauda (Brabham-Alfa) in third.
Picture above: Mario Andretti, Lotus 78-Cosworth, qualified in fourth for the 1978 US Grand Prix West in Long Beach, and after a great drive, finished on the podium, in second position behind Carlos Reutemann in his Ferrari 312T3. He declared: “I love this circuit, especially in my lovely Lotus 78, it is so much fun to drive. Am looking forward for the rest of the season, as my team plans to introduce the new 79 at the Belgian Grand Prix in Zolder.”
Gilles Villeneuve (Ferrari) led early on, unfortunately his hopes of a maiden win were ended before half-distance, the Canadian crashing heavily while lapping Clay Regazzoni. Reutemann was therefor gifted the lead, ran fast without making a mistake, and eased home to claim another impressive victory for the Michelin-shod Ferrari.
Picture below: John Watson (Brabham BT46-Alfa) squeezes by Carlos Reutemann (Ferrari 312T3) at the start. Gilles Villeneuve (Ferrari), Niki Lauda (Brabham) and Mario Andretti (Lotus) follow.
