Pacesetter

The 1974 season saw the Scuderia Ferrari return to top form after a disastrous 1973 season. Clay Regazzoni was joined by the young (25) Austrian Niki Lauda who immediately hit the spotlight.

Lauda became the season’s pacesetter, achieving six consecutive pole positions but only two victories. He finished fourth in the Drivers’ Championship and demonstrated immense commitment to testing and improving the car.

Picture above and below: Niki Lauda, Ferrari 312B3, on his way to his first pole position at the 1974 Monaco Grand Prix (retired). Victory went to Ronnie Peterson in his Lotus 72.

The Ferrari 312B3-74, designed by Mauro Forghieri, was a highly competitive car, as it’s 10 pole positions, clearly demonstrated. Sadly, it wasn’t nearly as reliable. It scored three wins only (Lauda in Spain and in Holland, and Regazzoni in Germany), but the Drivers’ World Title went to the consistent Emerson Fittipaldi in his McLaren M23.