1.
ASV: Mario Andretti working on car in pits.
0.10

2.
CU: Niki Lauda
0.16

3.
SV: car on circuit practising.
0.22

4.
SV Patrick Depallier in 6-wheel Tyrrel Elf.
0.34

5.
SV: pit crew look on.
0.37

6.
SV PAN: Niki Lauda's Ferrari races past.
0.46

7.
SV PAN: James Hunt rounds bend.
1.01


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION



Carlos Pace of Brazil, the local hope, lost his lead in the 10th lap when Hunt's McLaren clipped Pace's front as the Brazilian pulled wide and served. Pace's Brabham had a damaged front radiator and the nose piece was gone. He returned to the pits in the 10th lap.




Initials RH/TA/JB/0050


SPORT: MOTOR RACING

Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: INTRODUCTION: Carlos Reutemann of Argentina in a Ferrari won the Brazilian Formula One Grand Prix at Interlagos in Brazil on Sunday (23 January). World champion James Hunt of Britain was second in a McLaren and Niki Lauda of Austria, who recovered from a near fatal injury in a crash last season, was third in another Ferrari. Hunt, who had front row position on the grid after recording the fastest practice time, led for a large part of the race, Reutemann was continually closing the gap and overtook Hunt on a bend in the 22nd lap. The final practice session was on Friday (21 January).

SYNOPSIS: Urgent last minute work was needed to repair American Mario Andretti's Lotus in time for the race. It caught fire during Friday's unofficial afternoon session. Andretti had earlier recorded the third fastest practice time but though he won the Argentine Grand Prix Andretti was unable to finish high enough to win any world championship points.

Patrick Depailler of France recorded the fourth fastest practice time but his Tyrrel crashed on the 30th lap in the actual race and he was taken to hospital. On Sunday evening the seriousness of his injuries was still not known. Niki Lauda's practice time only earnt him a position in the seventh row, but he finished third in the race.

Hunt -- here driving in the last practice -- will not be happy with second place having led for many laps after overtaking Carlos Pace of Brazil. But the crowd will be happy that a South American eventually won the race.