1980 United States Grand Prix West

Previous race

South Africa went to the Renaults again. Jabouille led until a puncture; Arnoux won his second consecutive race by 34 seconds from Laffite, with Pironi third — the first all-French podium since the 1968 United States Grand Prix. Championship leader Jones retired, and Piquet finished fourth.

Championship

Arnoux leads the championship by five points from Jones, with Piquet nine points off the lead.

Between-race developments

Alain Prost broke his wrist when his McLaren’s suspension failed during qualifying at Kyalami; he will miss this race and the next. Stephen South substitutes at McLaren, though he must qualify for the grid. Marc Surer was badly injured — both legs broken — when he crashed the new ATS D4 at Crowthorne Corner during qualifying; he will miss the next three races. Jan Lammers rejoins ATS to cover for Surer.

James Hunt was in discussions with McLaren about a one-race comeback, asking $1 million for the drive, but negotiations ended after Hunt broke his leg in a skiing accident.

Background

Long Beach is the first street circuit of the season — the only other is Monaco — and the second time this year the calendar visits the United States. The tight, slow layout is lined with unforgiving concrete walls and is known as one of the most punishing races on car and driver.