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Post by René on Jul 7, 2021 17:54:36 GMT
I just read the very sad news that Carlos Reutemann has passed away at the age of 79. One of the great drivers of the 1970’s and early 80s. Rest in peace Carlos. /origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2014/10/31/1342582-28845494-2560-1440.jpg) |
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Post by mikael on Jul 7, 2021 22:14:21 GMT
En route to victory at Watkins Glen, 1978 ...
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Post by robmarsh on Jul 7, 2021 22:19:35 GMT
RIP Carlos.
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Post by Carl on Jul 8, 2021 0:25:51 GMT
More than most drivers before or since, Carlos Reutemann and Vic Elford in their prime looked the part of a racing driver. With their rugged good looks, either would have been an ideal James Bond, with Elford still in with a chance.  Carlos must have liked Long Beach and was always impressive, winning brilliantly against fierce competition in 1978. Almost unbeatable when he wanted a podium, may he now rest in peace. |
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Post by chrisb on Jul 8, 2021 7:12:36 GMT
lovely words chaps that pay due tribute to a wonderful human being and at times the most incredible talent that when it shone it really did, rest in peace Lole - thanks for some incredible memories
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Post by robmarsh on Jul 9, 2021 11:20:12 GMT
Carlos Reuteman was a much greater human being that just a brilliant Formula 1 driver. I wish he had won the championship in 1981.
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Post by René on Jul 9, 2021 12:29:30 GMT
Carlos Reuteman was a much greater human being that just a brilliant Formula 1 driver. I wish he had won the championship in 1981. Agree Rob and I also wanted him to win the 1981 championship.
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Post by Carl on Jul 9, 2021 16:45:16 GMT
Carlos Reuteman was a much greater human being that just a brilliant Formula 1 driver. I wish he had won the championship in 1981. Agreed, Rob, Carlos Reutemann had many qualities while Nelson Piquet had but one, and in many ways was childish. |
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Post by charleselan on Jul 9, 2021 18:26:56 GMT
I was very saddened to read of Carlos' passing earlier in the week as I had thought he was doing OK after being released from hospital following the complications.
The man was an outstanding talent, one of the most naturally gifted of the "Golden Age" of the 1970's, but a very complex character who appeared to go off the boil if things were not perfect. However we will not really know if that was the case, as no one seems to have the answer such was the depth of the man himself.
The current banner of Carlos in the Brabham BT44 at the 1974 South African GP at Kyalami where he won his first world championship Grand Prix is just perfect for me. The car was a beauty and according to Gordon Murray Carlos just loved the car so much he would sit in it while up in stands in the factory.
Interestingly one of the most prominent web sites have published an article that Carlos did for Autosport some years after the South African GP where he recalls the events surrounding that race. He says that Bernie gave him a "beautiful new DFV" for the race, not something Ecclestone was known for apparently as he was quite tight with the engines. Carlos also says that it was he who played tennis with Peter Revson on the morning of the Americans tragic accident and that he felt it was down to a mechanical failure.
Yes he should have been World Champion in 1981, but I do not begrudge Nelson his title; and Carlos could well have been champion in 1974 with a little more good fortune. His Ferrari years were also outstanding particularly 1978, sadly he moved on to Lotus for 1979 when Colin Chapman got too carried away with his quest for downforce.
A man of honour and integrity who many felt retired early in 1982 with the impending Falklands conflict about to erupt. A truly wonderful race car driver and magnificent man.
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Post by René on Jul 9, 2021 20:09:35 GMT
I was very saddened to read of Carlos' passing earlier in the week as I had thought he was doing OK after being released from hospital following the complications… Wonderful words JC, as always. Carlos Reutemann was a unique character in the world of Formula 1. Charismatic, intelligent, stylish and a very talented driver. For me personally one of the exotic names of the 1970’s when I discovered the sport as a kid. We will never forget him.  |
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Post by charleselan on Jul 10, 2021 15:48:42 GMT
René,
Thank you kindly, I hope in some small way my words were a fitting tribute to this great driver. I have read some on other sites and none in my opinion have been anyway adequate and I include the poor one posted by Motor Sport. However it was good to see Andrew S. Gilbert comment there once more, shame he did not take up our offer here.
One thing that many overlook is Carlos' drive in the 1982 South African GP where he drove brilliantly in the Williams FWO7B finishing an outstanding second only beaten by the vastly more powerful Renault of Alain Prost, the Renaults superiority accentuated by the turbo being even more of an advantage at such altitude.
Many of the so called tributes have been full of Carlos' supposed weakness and foibles which isn't what substantiates a obituary to a driver or person of such stature. Probably highlights the fact that most were written by "journalists" still wet behind the ears who have no idea of the sport back in those times.
Cheers
JC
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Post by René on Jul 10, 2021 18:07:34 GMT
From my archive. No high quality but I think nice to share. His autograph he gave me at Zolder 1980.  Carlos is pushed to his position on the grid. Also Zolder 1980.  And on his way to victory, Zolder 1981.  |
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Post by robmarsh on Jul 10, 2021 19:47:17 GMT
Very nice, thanks for sharing Rene.
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Post by René on Jul 11, 2021 10:39:49 GMT
Very nice, thanks for sharing Rene. Rob, I love to share my photos and memorabilia stuff on RRT. Without this place no one would lay eyes on them except me! |
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Post by charleselan on Jul 11, 2021 13:09:43 GMT
Great memorabilia René, what an autograph to have in your collection. Nice photos too, it is as you say always good to share with like minds.
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