1981 French Grand Prix in pictures

John Watson’s McLaren MP4 (leading, above) sweeps downhill onto Dijon’s “Grand Prix loop” ahead of Carlos Reutemann’s Williams FW07C, Hector Rebaque’s Brabham BT49C and Rene Arnoux’s turbo. Below, the sleek lines of Arnoux’s Renault are shown off in this shot of the Frenchman heading for third place overall in the “two heat” race.

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Nelson Piquet was leading comfortably in his Brabham BT49C when the first part of the race was stopped. Finishing the second part in fifth place, he claimed third place on aggregate.

Marc Surer had his first outing at the wheel of the Tony Southgate designed Theodore TY01, running on Avon rubber. The Swiss driver has replaced Patrick Tambay who has moved to the Talbot team.

Patrick Tambay’s first run as a member of the Talbot-Matra team ended with retirement due to a failed wheel bearing. Laffite’s sister car can be seen in the background of this shot.

Flame-spitter! This is Pironi’s Ferrari 126CK which finished fifth at Dijon.

Elio de Angelis upheld Lotus reputation with sixth place and a solitary Championship point.

Celebration: Winner Prost receives an unexpected champagne shampoo from second man John Watson!