José Carlos Pace was a Brazilian Formula 1 driver, born on October 6, 1944, in São Paulo, Brazil. Known for his smooth and skillful driving, he achieved his only Formula 1 victory at the 1975 Brazilian Grand Prix while driving for Brabham. A respected and talented racer, Pace was considered one of Brazil’s rising stars in motorsport. Tragically, he passed away on March 18, 1977, in Mairiporã, Brazil, in a plane crash. In his honor, the Interlagos Circuit in São Paulo was later renamed Autódromo José Carlos Pace.
1977 saw Niki Lauda start the season, scarred but fit....
1976 saw reigning Champion Niki Lauda start as the favourite...