1979 Argentine Grand Prix

Entrants

The opening race features the Formula One debuts of Jan Lammers and Elio de Angelis, both driving for Shadow. Nelson Piquet starts his first full season at Brabham alongside Niki Lauda. Carlos Reutemann, now with Lotus, races at home as an Argentine driver at the Buenos Aires circuit. The Ligier JS11, designed by Gerard Ducarouge and running Ford-Cosworth power, is widely expected to be among the fastest cars; Lotus with defending champion Mario Andretti and Reutemann are also seen as title contenders. James Hunt makes his debut for Wolf in the new WR7.

After qualifying, Hunt’s WR7 was declared illegal — the clutch-driven impeller blades drawing air through the air cooler were ruled to be an aerodynamic device. Wolf mechanics modified the fan overnight and the car was cleared to start.

Milestones

This is the 50th Grand Prix start for Ligier.