Mario Andretti started the 1978 Formula One season in the Colin Chapman–designed Lotus 78. After winning the season opener in Argentina from the pole position, Mario switched to the new Lotus 79. He went on to win the Belgian, Spanish, French, German and Dutch Grands Prix to take the World Championship. Ironically, Mario would have won the 1977 World Championship had it not been for engine problems with the Ford Cosworth V-8 in four races in a row at mid-season. Tragically, Mario’s teammate, Ronnie Peterson, was killed later in the season at the Italian Grand Prix.
For sentimental reasons, Mario is pictured driving the Lotus 78 in the quintessential Monaco setting of “Station Hairpin.” Somehow, the distinctive black-and-gold color scheme of the John Player Special seems at one with the warm tones of Monaco’s classic Greco-Roman architecture.
For commissions, originals and prints, contact:
Thom Montanari, (609) 466-7753, (609) 466-7939 Fax, or see more of his artwork at www.avantimotorsports.com
