STORY OF THE DAY— Scheckter Wins Monaco with an Unusual Ferrari: Jody Scheckter won the 1979 Monaco Grand Prix in this Ferrari 312 T4, holding off Clay Regazzoni’s Williams by only 0.44 seconds after 76 laps through the streets of Monte Carlo. Carlos Reutemann finished third for Lotus. It was Scheckter’s second consecutive victory after Belgium and an important step toward the World Championship he would win later that year.

This Monaco 312 T4 is particularly interesting because of its unusual aerodynamic configuration. Ferrari experimented with the rear wing mounted unusually far forward, ahead of the rear wheels, seeking additional downforce and improved airflow around the back of the car. Monaco’s slow corners and lack of long straights made maximum downforce and agility far more important than aerodynamic efficiency.

Scheckter’s career had begun very differently. Early in Formula One he developed a reputation as an extremely aggressive young driver. Witnessing François Cevert’s fatal accident at Watkins Glen in 1973 profoundly affected him and helped transform his approach to racing. Over time he became a much more calculating and consistent competitor.

That maturity proved decisive in 1979. Scheckter won three races, Ferrari captured the Constructors’ Championship, and at Monza he finally secured the Drivers’ title — with teammate Gilles Villeneuve finishing second in the championship.