RONNIE PETERSON PRESS PHOTOGRAPH 1978 FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX DRIVER WIREPHOTO

Description: GRAND PRIX RACING DRIVER RONNIE PETERSON WITH HIS WIFE AND BABY DAUGHTER: 1978: WIRE PHOTOGRAPHDATE: SEPTEMBER 12TH 1978 DETAILS: Stamped to the verso, the day after his tragic death.PUBLISHER: Not stated but SHIELDS GAZETTE stamp to verso SIZE: 28.1cm x 21cm including margins CONDITION: IN VERY GOOD, CLEAN CONDITION WITH MINOR WEAR AND CREASING. IMPECCABLE PROVENANCE OF THE SHIELDS GAZETTE WITH THEIR STAMP TO THE VERSO.LOCATION: MAP DRAWER C: FOLDER 3004: 3010L Ronnie Peterson was a Swedish racing driver known for his exceptional speed, car control, and fearless driving style. He was one of the most talented and beloved drivers in Formula One during the 1970s, earning the nickname "SuperSwede." Despite never winning a World Championship, Peterson's career is remembered for his remarkable performances and tragic end.Early Life and Career: Birth and Background: Bengt Ronnie Peterson was born on February 14, 1944, in Örebro, Sweden. He developed a passion for motorsport at an early age, starting in karting, where he quickly became one of the top competitors in Sweden and Europe. Racing Beginnings: Peterson moved from karting to car racing in the mid-1960s. He progressed through the junior formula ranks, winning the Swedish Formula Three Championship in 1968. His performances caught the attention of major teams, leading to his entry into Formula One.Formula One Career: Debut with March (1970-1972):March 701: Peterson made his Formula One debut with the March team in 1970. Despite the car's uncompetitiveness, Peterson impressed with his speed and earned his first podium finish at the Monaco Grand Prix in 1971, where he finished second.1971 Season: The 1971 season was a breakthrough for Peterson, as he finished second in the Drivers' Championship, behind Jackie Stewart, despite not winning a race. He finished second in four races, showcasing his consistency and skill. Lotus and Rise to Fame (1973-1976):Team Lotus: In 1973, Peterson joined Lotus, one of the top teams in Formula One, where he teamed up with reigning World Champion Emerson Fittipaldi. Peterson's aggressive and spectacular driving style suited the car's handling characteristics, and he quickly became a fan favorite.1973 Wins: Peterson won his first Grand Prix at the 1973 French Grand Prix. He went on to win three more races that season, including the prestigious Monaco Grand Prix, and finished third in the Drivers' Championship.Role as a Number Two Driver: During his time at Lotus, Peterson often played a supporting role to his teammates, such as Fittipaldi and later Mario Andretti. Despite this, his talent was undeniable, and he consistently delivered strong performances. Return to March and Tyrrell (1976-1977):After leaving Lotus, Peterson had less successful stints with March and Tyrrell. The cars were not as competitive as those he had driven before, but Peterson continued to demonstrate his remarkable abilities, winning the 1976 Italian Grand Prix with March. Return to Lotus and Tragic Season (1978):Lotus 79: Peterson returned to Lotus in 1978, where he was once again paired with Mario Andretti. The team developed the revolutionary Lotus 79, which dominated the season. However, Peterson was designated as the second driver, and he supported Andretti’s successful bid for the World Championship.Wins and Consistency: Peterson won two races in 1978, in South Africa and Austria, and was instrumental in Lotus's dominance. Despite his role as the number two driver, he was second in the Drivers' Championship heading into the Italian Grand Prix.Tragic Death:Monza Accident (1978):On September 10, 1978, during the start of the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, a multi-car collision occurred, resulting in a fiery crash that severely injured Peterson. He was trapped in his car and suffered multiple leg fractures. Although initially expected to recover, Peterson developed complications after surgery and died the following day, on September 11, 1978, due to a fat embolism.Impact on Formula One: Peterson's death shocked the motorsport world and highlighted the dangers drivers faced at the time. His passing led to increased efforts to improve safety standards in Formula One.Legacy: Driving Skill and Popularity: Ronnie Peterson is remembered as one of the fastest and most naturally gifted drivers in the history of Formula One. His ability to extract maximum performance from any car earned him widespread admiration from fans, fellow drivers, and teams. Posthumous Recognition: Although he never won a World Championship, Peterson’s legacy is celebrated through various tributes, including documentaries, books, and memorials. He was posthumously awarded second place in the 1978 Drivers' Championship. Influence on Motorsport: Peterson's style and commitment continue to inspire drivers and motorsport enthusiasts. He is often cited as one of the greatest drivers never to win the Formula One World Championship. Ronnie Peterson’s career, marked by incredible talent and a tragic ending, has left a lasting impact on Formula One. His memory endures as a symbol of the bravery and passion that define the sport. Free tracked UK postage. For overseas orders we use Royal Mail International Tracked. This is one of our large range of Formula 1 original press photographs, please view our other listings or make an appointment to visit us. Trading since 1976 in Ripon, North Yorkshire, Hornseys' specialises in fine quality products across many different ranges. Thank you for looking.

Price: 25 GBP

Location: Ripon, North Yorkshire

End Time: 2024-11-30T15:50:39.000Z

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