1981 British Grand Prix in pictures

A jubilant John Watson holds aloft his British Grand Prix trophy to the applause of Jacques Laffite and the crowd after his highly popular victory at Silverstone at the wheel of the McLaren MP4. Below, Alain Prost was the early leader in his Renault Elf turbo, but dropped out with engine trouble.

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Brazilian rising star Roberto Moreno made no mistakes in the F3 race supporting the British Grand Prix, leading from start to finish. Here his Ralt RT3 leads the similar machine of second placeman Thierry Tassin through the Woodcote chicane early in the race. Below, right, a tangle between Brazil’s Raoul Boesel (Murray Taylor Racing Ralt RT3) and Britian’s Jonathan Palmer (West Surry/Racing for britain Ralt RT3) didn’t prevent these two cars finishing third and fourth.

Peter Lovett’s Rover 3500 locks a wheel as it fends off Rex Greenslade’s similar car in the British Grand Prix saloon race (above left). Below, memories of times past for Derek Bell as he speeds to victory in the Super Sports Car race on the friday in his Porsche 917K.

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The Renault turbos of Rene Arnoux (No.16) and Alain Prost lead the pack away from the start with Alan Jones (No.1), Carlos Reutemann (No. ) and Andrea de Cesaris (No. 8) striving to force their way through the gaps in vain.

Sweden’s Slim Borgudd (ATS) finished in sixth position, running on Avon tyres.

The two Ferrari 126CK turbocharged cars hold up Arnoux’s Renault in the early stages of the race.

Nigel Mansell tried the John Player-Courage liveried Lotus 88B during the first timed practice session, but the car was subsequently disqualified.

Gilles Villeneuve limps towards retirement after his Ferrari had been hit by Jones’ Williams.

Nelson Piquet’s Brabham ploughs through the catch fencing at Becketts, a rear tyre flying ahead of the car, after a front tyre failure.

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Carlos Reutemann moved steadily up the field as the faster cars retired and eventually brought his Williams FW07C into second place.

Jacques Laffite’s Talbot JS17 heads towards third place, leading Rebaque’s Brabham and Patrese’s Arrows.

Eddie Cheever’s Tyrrell 010 pulls away from the Woodcote chicane on its way to a lucky fourth place.

Derek Daly’s new March 811 demonstrated much improved form, finishing in seventh position.