Peterson, a Ferrari driver

Ronnie Peterson (Ferrari 312 PB) passes Derek Bell (Mirage M6-Ford) during the 1972 Nürburgring 1000 kms (picture-above). The Swede and his partner, Australian Tim Schenken will storm to a prestigious victory, while the Brit and his Dutch team mate Gijs van Lennep will finish in fourth.

Three works Ferraris 312 PB were entered for Ickx-Regazzoni (retired), Peterson-Schenken (winners) and Merzario-Redman (second) and were the clear favourites. Competition came from the Alfa Romeos T33TT/3 of Marko-de Adamich (third) and Stommelen-Elford (retired), while John Wyer Automotive Engineering fielded a Gulf-livered Mirage M6 for Bell-van Lennep (fourth).

Picture below: Ronnie Peterson and his Ferrari 312 PB jump over the crests of the mighty Nürburgring on their way to victory. Besides driving for the Scuderia Ferrari in endurance in 1972, the brilliant Swede was also a works March driver in Formula One.