1975 Ferrari 312T

A quarter of a century before Jean Todt oversaw Ferrari resurgence with Brawn, Byrne and Schumacher, Luca di Montezemolo set the template of how it should be done with Mauro Forghieri and Niki Lauda. The 312T series through the 1970s was Ferrari’s answer to the dominant British garagistes – that of course included Ecclestone’s Brabham. This one, the original high airbox T (for Transversale gearbox), inspired Lauda to his mid-decade pre-eminence. Chassis 022 won the French GP in his first championship season. Driven by both Lauda and Clay Regazzoni through 1975 and ’76, it was purchased by Ecclestone as recently as 2019.

Runaway win for Ferrari, Paul Ricard, Castellet, July 6 

The outcome of the French Grand Prix was made abundantly clear just before practice ended on Saturday afternoon when Niki Lauda showed his hand with the Ferrari, having been playing along with the Cosworth-powered brigade and showing little superiority. On Friday it had been Jarier with the Shadow who was setting the pace and on Saturday morning Hunt was fastest with the Hesketh.

No one had looked like getting below 1min 48sec, so that when Lauda suddenly put in two laps well below this figure, his best being 1min 47.82sec, there was a general air of disbelief in the pits until the full force of the knowledge struck home.

The grand prix was due to start at 2.30pm and the very hot weather made the wait seem interminable. Lauda and Scheckter were side-by-side down to the fast ess-bend, but then the Ferrari went through without lifting and it was all over. Even as they returned up the back straight the Ferrari was pulling away. At the end of the opening lap Lauda had nearly two seconds lead over Scheckter, who could neither hold the Ferrari round the corners nor down the straight. Apart from being mentally depressed by this realisation, he did not feel confident about the handling of the Tyrrell and like so many drivers today he is not one to overcome adversity, preferring to set his pace to a safe appraisal of the conditions. This meant that he was holding up Hunt, Mass, Pace, Regazzoni, and Brambilla and allowing Lauda an even easier time.

Towards the finish of the race, the Mass/Hunt pursuit race enlivened things no end. Even though the outcome was never in doubt, and though they closed the gap to the Ferrari to less than three seconds, Lauda was never worried, knowing full well the situation and with plenty in hand. DSJ

Taken from Motor Sport, August 1975

Ferrari 312T (+2, 3, 4 & 5)

Years 1975-80
Designer Mauro Forghieri
Races 89
Wins 27
Podiums 61
Poles 19
Fastest laps 25