STORY OF THE DAY: Three Ferraris and Lauda’s Return

On 12 September 1976, Carlos Reutemann finished ninth in the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, driving Ferrari 312 T2 number 35. The Argentine had been recruited following Niki Lauda’s Nürburgring accident, but Lauda’s unexpectedly rapid return meant Ferrari entered three cars for its home World Championship round.

The weekend was defined by Lauda racing only six weeks after suffering severe burns and lung injuries. While Clay Regazzoni finished second and Lauda took fourth, Reutemann faced the difficult task of joining a new team in exceptional circumstances. His ninth place brought no championship points under the scoring system then in use.

Ferrari’s 312 T2 used a three-litre flat-12 engine and the transverse gearbox that had distinguished the original 312 T. Revised air intakes and bodywork met the 1976 regulations, while the car remained one of the field’s strongest combinations of power and chassis balance.

Born in Santa Fe, Reutemann was already an established Grand Prix winner after several seasons with Brabham. Reserved but exceptionally quick, he later became a regular Ferrari driver and won races for the Scuderia. Monza marked his unusual debut in red, overshadowed by one of Formula One’s most courageous comebacks.