Niki Lauda

Niki Lauda.

Without question one of the greatest race drivers of all time. A man of great skill and courage that succeeded with the odds often stacked against him. 3 times world champion 1975, 1977 and 1984. Niki made his Grand Prix debut in 1971 competing in 171 Grand Prix until his retirement in 1985. Niki took 25 Grand Prix victories during an illustrious career and remains the only driver to have won the world title for both Ferrari and McLaren.

A Kyalami Legend.

Niki Lauda made his Kyalami Grand Prix debut at the 1972 SAGP driving for the STP March Racing Team. Niki won the SAGP for the first time in 1976 (Ferrari 312T). Later that year he had a horrific accident that left him near death and badly scarred, this in no way reduced his confidence, determination and skill behind the wheel. He missed only 2 races after his accident, making a heroic return at Monza, and losing the championship by only a single point to James Hunt that season. Niki won again at Kyalami in 1977 (Ferrari 312T2), his first win after his accident and the year of his second world title. After a 2 year sabbatical Niki returned to racing with McLaren in 1982, after his first retirement from the sport in 1979. He won the SAGP for the third time in 1984 with McLaren (McLaren MP4/2). He won his third world title, by half a point, from team mate Alain Prost. Niki was the only driver to win the SAGP at Kyalami on 3 occasions.

A true racing and Kyalami legend.

Denis Klopper.

Career Statistics.

Grand Prix Debut - Austrian Grand Prix 1971

Starts - 171 (177 entries)

Wins - 25

Podiums - 54

Pole Positions - 24

Fastest Laps - 24

World Champion - 3 (1975, 1977 and 1985)

Kyalami Grand Prix Starts - 12

Kyalami Grand Prix Wins - 3

Kyalami Pole Positions -