What Is 1968 South African Grand Prix

Overview

The 1968 South African Grand Prix was a pivotal event in Formula One history, held on January 1, 1968, at the Kyalami Circuit near Midrand, Johannesburg. As the first race of the 1968 FIA Formula One World Championship season, it set the tone for a year of technological and competitive evolution in motorsport.

Jim Clark, driving for Team Lotus, delivered a dominant performance by winning the 80-lap race from pole position, leading every lap. The event was notable for the debut of the Cosworth DFV (Double Four Valve) engine, which would go on to become one of the most successful power units in F1 history.

• Jim Clark secured victory with a time of 2:02:02.3, marking his 25th Grand Prix win before his tragic death later that year.
• The race covered 80 laps of the 4.100 km (2.548 mi) Kyalami circuit, totaling approximately 328 kilometers (204 miles).
• Graham Hill finished second in a BRM P126, just over 48 seconds behind Clark, showcasing strong early-season form.
• Jackie Oliver made his F1 debut in this race, driving for Lotus as a teammate to Clark, finishing in fourth place.
• The event drew over 80,000 spectators, reflecting the growing international appeal of Formula One in the late 1960s.

How It Works

The 1968 South African Grand Prix operated under the FIA Formula One regulations, which governed car specifications, race procedures, and scoring. Each team fielded two drivers, and points were awarded to the top six finishers, with the winner receiving nine points under the 9-6-4-3-2-1 system.

• Starting Grid: Determined by qualifying times, with Jim Clark securing pole position at an average speed of 166.5 km/h (103.5 mph).
• Race Distance: Set at 80 laps (328 km), consistent with other non-European races on the 1968 calendar.
• Engine Innovation: The Cosworth DFV V8 engine made its competitive debut, producing around 400 bhp and revolutionizing F1 engine design.
• Team Strategy: Lotus employed a conservative tire and fuel strategy, allowing Clark to maintain consistent lap times throughout the race.
• Scoring System: Points were awarded 9-6-4-3-2-1 to the top six, with additional points for fastest lap (1 point).
• Safety Measures: In 1968, safety standards were minimal; no medical helicopters or modern crash barriers were present at Kyalami.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 1968 South African Grand Prix compared to other early-season races in terms of performance and technology:

The South African GP was the first to feature the Cosworth DFV engine, which quickly became the engine of choice for most teams by mid-season. Its reliability and power advantage helped Lotus and other teams using the DFV dominate the 1968 championship. The race also highlighted the increasing competitiveness of privateer teams due to the DFV’s affordability compared to bespoke engines.

Why It Matters

The 1968 South African Grand Prix had lasting implications for Formula One, both technologically and historically. It marked a turning point in engine development and underscored the dominance of British teams during the late 1960s.

• DFV Revolution: The Cosworth DFV engine went on to win 155 Grands Prix over three decades, becoming the most successful F1 engine ever.
• Jim Clark’s Legacy: This win was one of Clark’s final victories; he died in a Formula Two crash in April 1968, cutting short a legendary career.
• Team Lotus Dominance: Lotus won the 1968 Constructors’ Championship, largely due to the early advantage gained in South Africa.
• Global Expansion: Hosting the season opener in South Africa emphasized F1’s growing international reach beyond Europe.
• Safety Awareness: The lack of safety measures in 1968 spurred later reforms, especially after Clark’s death months later.
• Driver Development: The race launched careers, including Jackie Oliver’s, who later co-founded Arrows Grand Prix International.

The 1968 South African Grand Prix remains a landmark event, symbolizing both the peak of Jim Clark’s brilliance and the dawn of a new technical era in Formula One.