Thread: 30 Years Ago

30 years ago F1 lost one of the greatest drivers ever, he never won a world title but untill today he still is remembered for his talent, in a time that had Lauda, Fittipladi, Stewart, Hunt and many other great drivers his name is never forgot.

Name: Ronnie Peterson
Nationality: Sweden
Date of birth: February 14, 1944 - Orebro
Date of death: September 11, 1978 - Milan

A dash of tire smoke and an armful of opposite lock characterized the brilliant career of this reticent Swedish driver who emerged as one of the most dynamic F1 talents of the 1970s.

After learning his craft in the European karting arena, Ronnie stormed into F3 and made his name by winning a sensational battle for victory in the prestigious 1969 Monaco Grand Prix supporting race, beating his compatriot Reine Wisell after a wheel-to-wheel battle.
In 1970 he graduated into F1 with the fledgeling March team and remained there for three seasons. Yet it was only when he switched to Colin Chapman's Team Lotus that Ronnie's talent truly blossomed. Armed with the highly competitive Lotus 72 he won four Grands Prix in 1973 and three the following year.

In 1976 he deserted Lotus for a return to March, winning the Italian GP at Monza. In 1977 he had an unsuccessful year with Tyrrell, driving their P34 six-wheeler, before going back to Lotus in 1978. He died of injuries sustained in an accident at the start of that year's Italian GP.

Source: grandprix.com

R.I.P.
We miss you Ronnie