Sao Paulo, January 26th
With only two weeks separating the Brazilian Grand Prix from the Argentine Grand Prix in January, most of the teams spent their time (depending on whether they were drivers or mechanics) either relaxing on beaches or sweating blood trying to ensure that their cars arrived at Sao Paulo’s Interlagos circuit in time for the first practice session. After all the speculation surrounding Ronnie Peterson’s proposed sale by Team Lotus to the Shadow organisation, this story erupted afresh in Brazil with endless conferences between the two teams, intense discussions in expensive hotel rooms and rumours abounding like never before. Peterson was duly fitted into a Shadow at the Interlagos circuit, admitted that he would be driving for the team in the Brazilian Grand Prix, and then drove a Lotus 72 after all. The decision as to whether he leaves the Lotus team or not certainly does not appear to remain in Peterson’s hands any more, and the uncertain atmosphere which prevailed in the team over the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend can do nothing but harm to their chances in future races.
In an effort to bring the now-ageing Lotus 72 back into a state of competitiveness, Peter Warr rushed back to England immediately after the Argentine Grand Prix and returned to Sao Paulo with a pair of revised rear suspension units for the two cars. These incorporated modified uprights with different pick up points for the lower links to change the car’s roll centre in an attempt to improve its handling. Peterson’s car also sported the larger front brakes which Ickx had used at Buenos Aires, but as only four new discs were available and one of them was slightly out of true, the unlucky Peterson was the driver who was given the slightly distorted one. In addition, the only replacement engine available for the Swede’s Lotus 72 was the one which Ickx had used during the Argentine Grand Prix, so one got the general impression that the second Lotus was being prepared for a number two driver. Perhaps they were anticipating Tom Pryce joining the team right up until the day before first practice?
