1972 Belgian Grand Prix

Championship standings

Fittipaldi leads the championship with 19 points after four rounds, ahead of Ickx and Hulme. Stewart is fourth despite winning Argentina.

Previous race

At Monaco, Beltoise made a bold dive to the inside at the first corner in the opening-lap spray and led from the front throughout. Ickx finished second ahead of Fittipaldi, who passed Stewart in the closing laps.

Between-race developments

Jackie Stewart is absent. His schedule of Formula One, Can-Am, European touring cars, sponsor engagements and US television commentary has resulted in gastritis; under doctor’s orders he has taken three weeks off and cancelled his Can-Am programme for the rest of the year. François Cevert drives as the primary Tyrrell entry.

Entrants

The race is held at the new Nivelles-Baulers circuit — Belgium’s first championship round since the 1970 race at Spa. The Tecno team makes its World Championship debut under Martini sponsorship with Nanni Galli. Fittipaldi qualifies on pole in the Lotus 72, looking clearly superior to the rest of the field; Regazzoni and Hulme start second and third.

Milestones

Vern Schuppan makes his Formula One World Championship debut.