Scheckter in conquest mode

Jody Scheckter patiently waits for the bodywork of his Ferrari 312T4 to be fitted before the 1979 Monaco Grand Prix. Note the narrow front wing and the wide rear wing, intended to generate more aerodynamic downforce.

The South African will start from pole position, so crucial on this circuit where overtaking is so difficult. He is ahead of, and this is important for the championship, his teammate Gilles Villeneuve, and the Ligier JS11s, which have been so dominant since the start of the season.

Gilles Villeneuve, who had been following his teammate like a shadow since the start of the race, was forced to retire on lap 54 with a broken transmission, and Jody Scheckter achieved a double feat, winning the event and taking the lead in the championship for the first time.

The championship was well underway, and would be decided in September in favour of Jody Scheckter, who would have the pleasure of being crowned 1979 World Drivers’ Champion at Monza (picture below), in front of the tifosi who came in droves.