1978 South African Grand Prix

The 1978 South African Grand Prix (formally the XXIV Citizen and Asseng Grand Prix of South Africa) was a Formula One motor race held on 4 March 1978 at Kyalami. It was the third round of the 1978 Formula One season and the 300th World Championship Grand Prix held since the championship began in 1950. This was the debut race of the future world champion Keke Rosberg.

1978 South African Grand Prix
Race 3 of 16 in the 1978 Formula One season
Race details
Date 4 March 1978
Official name XXIV Citizen and Asseng Grand Prix of South Africa
Location Kyalami
Transvaal Province, South Africa
Course Permanent racing facility
Course length 4.104 km (2.550 miles)
Distance 78 laps, 320.112 km (198.908 miles)
Weather Dry
Pole position
Driver
  • Niki Lauda
Brabham-Alfa Romeo
Time 1:14.65
Fastest lap
Driver Mario Andretti Lotus-Ford
Time 1:17.09 on lap 2
Podium
First
  • Ronnie Peterson
Lotus-Ford
Second
  • Patrick Depailler
Tyrrell-Ford
Third Brabham-Alfa Romeo
Lap leaders

The Ferrari (312T3) and Brabham (BT46) teams had new cars in Kyalami for the race. The event also saw the return of Renault with its unique turbocharged car.

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