The flamboyant Italian driver Arturo Merzario wearing his familiar hat and, of course, smoking a Marlboro cigarette.
Behind the scenes
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10
In today's Formula 1 Grand Prix Racing the mechanics can service the cars in spacious, modern, well-equipped and comfortable pits. In the nineteen-seventies the cars often had to be serviced in open air, or in tents attached to the team trucks, so the circumstances were less favorable back then. This gallery gives an impression of the atmosphere behind the scenes in those days.
Designer Gordon Murray in conversation with the German driver Hans Stuck in front of the pits. The car is the one being driven by the Irishman John Watson.
Stuck's mechanic checking the German's Brabham BT-45B, apparently after taking off his shoes.
Vittorio Brambilla bleeding the brakes of his March.
Designer Gordon Murray (with mustache) discussing the Brabham-Alfa's performance with Carlos Reutemann.
Lauda's personal chief mechanic Ermanno Cuoghi firing up the Ferrari's engine.
Lauda's Ferrari 312T2 spare car has just been unloaded from the Ferrari truck.
Graham Hill and Jackie Stewart shake hands after having just arrived at Zolder for the 1973 Belgian Grand Prix.
Hans Stuck wearing his familiar cap.
Jones' Hesketh in front of the pits.
John Surtees checking the Firestone tyres allocated to his team.
Designer and Team owner Morris ("Mo)") Nunn supervising work on Chris Amon's Ensign.
The ATS H1, which was an updated version of the Penske PC4, with its bodywork removed. Robin Herd had been responsible for the development work.
The Williams FW07B has a wide bodywork and wide track dimensions. Front suspension is by lower wishbones and upper rocker arms.
The Theodore RT1 featured twin caliper front brakes. Front suspension was by double wishbones and outboard coil spring/damper units.
Watson's TS16-05-4 is getting a gear change with "Big John" closely watching proceedings.
The smal front wheels of the Tyrrell P34 improved aerodynamics as well as handling, and enabled the drivers to brake much later. This is Peterson's P34/5.
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