1982 Austrian Grand Prix

Previous race

Patrick Tambay won the German Grand Prix for Ferrari — his first Formula One victory — after leading from the early laps. Nelson Piquet had been running clear when he collided with Eliseo Salazar while lapping him at the new Ostkurve chicane; an enraged Piquet climbed from the stopped car and punched and kicked Salazar before marshals intervened. René Arnoux finished second and Rosberg third.

Between-race developments

Championship leader Didier Pironi was seriously injured in qualifying at Hockenheim when his Ferrari struck the back of Alain Prost’s slow-moving Renault at high speed in wet conditions, was thrown into the air, and cartwheeled to a stop. Pironi suffered severe leg injuries and will not race again this season. His championship lead is now in the hands of drivers who carry on.

Championship standings

With Pironi absent, the championship is wide open. Rosberg moves into contention, and Watson is still within range. Several drivers remain mathematically in the fight.

Track changes

A chicane has been added at the entrance to the pit lane at the Österreichring earlier this year.

Strategy

Brabham plan to make mid-race fuel and tyre stops here for the first time — an approach they have been developing all season but have not yet successfully completed.