The 300th World Championship Grand Prix and debut race of future world champion Keke Rosberg, marking a milestone in Formula One history.
Key Facts
- Race date
- 4 March 1978
- Championship round
- 3rd round of 1978 Formula One season
- Grand Prix milestone
- 300th World Championship Grand Prix since 1950
- Keke Rosberg debut
- Future world champion's first F1 race
- New cars debuting
- Ferrari 312T3 and Brabham BT46
- Renault turbocharged car
- Return of Renault with turbocharged engine
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The 1978 Formula One season was underway, and teams including Ferrari and Brabham had developed new cars for the campaign. Renault had been working on a turbocharged engine concept, and Kyalami was selected as the venue for the third round of the championship.
The 1978 South African Grand Prix was held on 4 March 1978 at Kyalami, constituting the 300th World Championship Grand Prix since the series began in 1950. The race marked debuts and returns: Keke Rosberg competed for the first time in Formula One, while Renault brought back its turbocharged car alongside the new Ferrari 312T3 and Brabham BT46.
The race became a landmark event in Formula One history as its 300th championship round. Keke Rosberg went on to win the 1982 drivers' championship, making his debut here historically significant. Renault's continued development of turbocharged technology at this race contributed to the eventual widespread adoption of turbo engines across Formula One.