Argentine Grand Prix

Brazilian driver Nelson Piquet won the Argentine Grand Prix at Buenos Aires on April 12th driving his Brabharn-Cosworth BT49C (top left) fitted with the controversial hydro-pneumatic suspension system which allows the bodywork to settle slightly at speed, thus substantially bridging the gap between the side pods and the circuit, something not intended by the 1980 technical regulations which stipulate a 6 crn. ground clearance when the car departs from or arrives at the pits. Piquet is seen, above, on the winner’s rostrum in company with second place man Carlos Reutemann (left) and Alain Prost (right). The new McLaren MP4 made its race debut (bottom, left) in the hands of John Watson, running seventh before its retirement. Below, Carlos Reutemann finished second in his Williams FW07C to take the World Championship points lead. Here he is ahead of Prost’s Renault and Rebaque’s Brabham. Right, Elio de Angelis brought his Lotus 81 home sixth, small compensation for a weekend’s aggravation for Colin Chapman’s team. Top and bottom right, Alain Prost’s Renault on its way to third place, the French marques best finish thus far this season.