1979 French Grand Prix

Previous race

Scheckter won at Monaco for the second successive race, with Clay Regazzoni closing dramatically in the final laps to take second — just four-tenths behind at the flag despite nursing a gearbox problem. Reutemann was third after Depailler’s engine blew on the last lap.

Between-race developments

A five-week gap opens between Monaco and France, with no Swedish Grand Prix on the calendar this year — enthusiasm for Formula One in Sweden had faded following the deaths of Ronnie Peterson and Gunnar Nilsson.

James Hunt announced his retirement from driving just after Monaco and is replaced by Keke Rosberg at Wolf. Patrick Depailler broke both legs in a hang-gliding accident during the break. Ligier, with French government backing, needed a French-speaking replacement: Jacky Ickx takes the seat. Derek Daly decided he was wasting his time with Ensign and returned to Formula Two; Ensign tried to hire Tiff Needell, who was denied a superlicence, and the drive went to Formula One debutant Patrick Gaillard. ATS withdrew Hans Stuck from the entry following a dispute with Goodyear.

The French Grand Prix moves to Dijon-Prenois this year; it was previously held at Circuit Paul Ricard.

Entrants

Renault made a particular effort to be competitive on home soil, with Jabouille and Arnoux both entered. The entry also includes Bruno Giacomelli in the Alfa Romeo, Arturo Merzario, and Héctor Rebaque.

Milestones

This is the Formula One World Championship debut for Patrick Gaillard.