Qualifying at Monza in 1976 resulted in a mixed up starting grid for the Italian Grand Prix. Wet and chilly weather had left many drivers with poorly setup cars for the timed Saturday morning session. Clay Regazzoni had set only the ninth fastest time and was set to start the race behind teammates Lauda (fifth) and Reutemann (seventh).
There was threat of a wet start, but fortunately the rain eased off and a dry start was possible. Both Reutemann and Regazzoni got by Lauda at the green light. Just five laps later, Regazzoni got ahead of Reutemann for fifth place and pulled away, edging closer and closer to the leaders with every lap.
On lap 22 a drizzle began, and in 2 laps time the rain was hammering down causing Italian race officials to attempt to stop the race. They hung out the new 'stop race' sign: a black board with a white cross on it. Peterson, was the first to roar past without slowing. Depailler, in second, wasn't about to slow and let Peterson get away! Laffite, Regazzoni and Reutemann all slowed, losing about 10 seconds, but quickly turned the speed back up when they realized most drivers were ignoring the signal. Italian officials eventually withdrew the board, allowing the race to continue!
Regazzoni soon got by Lafitte for 4th place, and two laps later passed Scheckter for 3rd. Depailler lost his engine, moving Regazzoni into 2nd. The Swiss turned up the heat further and drew to within 2 seconds of Peterson before the checkered flag ended the event and Regazzonis fine charge to the front.
Carlos Reutemann (behind) and teammate, Clay Regazzoni, in the early laps.
