Sunday 28th January 1973

The Formula One 1973 season began pretty much confirming the tendencies of the previous season with Emerson Fittipaldi and his black and golden JPS-Lotus maintaining the upper-hand on the Tyrrells of Jackie Stewart amnd Francois Cevert There had been a big question mark over the Argentine Grand Prix as opening race of the 1973 Formula 1 season due to the political turbulences the country found itself following the return of General Juan Peron from exile. When the race was finally confirmed for late January not all teams had their cars ready and travel arrangements in place. With Matra having withdrawn from the sport and new teams Shadow, Embassy-Hill and Ensign missing in Buenos Aires, the grid presented itself rather small. Fittipaldi went past Stewart on lap 76 and began his charge upon the race leader. Cevert tried to defend his position with all his talent, but had to surrender the lead on lap 86 to the reigning world champion’s commanding speed, finishing second ahead of Stewart.