STORY OF THE DAY: Rain and mechanical trouble deny Andretti a Monaco start

Mario Andretti failed to qualify the number 6 Ferrari 312 B for the 1971 Monaco Grand Prix. He arrived having won the season-opening South African Grand Prix on his Ferrari debut, but rain eliminated Thursday’s useful running and mechanical trouble restricted him during the decisive Friday session. With only the fastest 18 of 23 entrants admitted, his time was insufficient for the grid.

Monaco had abandoned its earlier system of guaranteed starting places, leaving every entrant dependent on outright qualifying speed. Andretti’s lack of dry running proved especially damaging on a circuit where familiarity and confidence were essential. The race proceeded without him and was won by Jackie Stewart, while Jacky Ickx finished third for Ferrari.

The Ferrari 312 B combined a three-litre flat-twelve engine with a relatively low, compact chassis designed by Mauro Forghieri. The engine layout reduced the car’s centre of gravity and had made it a front-running design during 1970. At Monaco, however, even proven machinery could not overcome lost track time and an ill-timed mechanical problem.

Mario Andretti was born in Italy and emigrated to the United States, where he became a leading figure in American racing before expanding into Formula One. His versatility ultimately brought victories in the Indianapolis 500, Daytona 500 and Formula One World Championship. The Monaco failure was an unusual setback within his productive but intermittent early association with Ferrari.