1980 Italian Grand Prix

Previous race

The Netherlands went to Piquet, with Arnoux second and Laffite third. Jones pitted with damaged skirts and finished eleventh, three laps down, closing the gap between himself and Piquet to just two points in what the Dutch GP article called a real danger to his championship lead. Reutemann finished fourth and retains third in the standings.

Championship

Jones leads Piquet by two points with three rounds remaining.

Background

The Italian Grand Prix is held at the Autodromo Dino Ferrari near Imola this year — the first time the Italian Grand Prix has been held away from Monza since 1948, and the only time in the World Championship era. Monza is undergoing refurbishment, and Imola has signed a deal to alternate the Italian GP with Monza pending completion of Monza’s upgrades.

Ferrari are debuting their first turbocharged car, the 126C — though Gilles Villeneuve will start the race in his regular 312T5. Reigning world champion Jody Scheckter crashed heavily in practice at the flat-out right-hander before the Tosa corner and has announced his retirement from the sport. Manfred Winkelhock makes his Formula One debut, substituting for the injured Jochen Mass at Arrows.