The new Ferrari 312T made its racing debut at the third race of the Grand Prix season at South Africa. This new F1 car featured a transversely mounted gearbox, hence the designation 312T, from the Italian, Trasversale.
By the time the Ferrari team arrived at Monaco in May, the gremlins had been sorted out and good things were anticipated. Niki Lauda was the fastest overall in practice and qualifying and, of course, on the pole. When the race got started, Lauda took the immediate lead, which he never relinquished. He was followed very closely by Ronnie Peterson and Tom Pryce, and the three soon pulled away to a comfortable lead. By the time Lauda took the checkered flag he was 2.78 seconds ahead of second place, Emerson Fittipaldi. This was Ferraris first win at the historic Monaco circuit in 20 years, and it was Laudas first victory of the season.
