Austrian GP flashback: Stewart’s second title an anticlimax (VIDEO)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCiz22kna4k

With the Austrian Grand Prix set to return to the Formula One calendar next year we’re taking a look back at some of the memorable moments in F1 history seen in the country.

The 1971 Austrian Grand Prix, held on this day 42 years ago, confirmed Jackie Stewart as world champion for the second time in his career. Stewart won the title in somewhat inauspicious circumstances.

Heading into the eighth race of the eleven-round series, Stewart had a healthy 32-point lead over closest rival Jacky Ickx. The Tyrrell driver had won five of the preceding races in a dominant campaign.

But in Austria it was Jo Siffert and BRM’s turn to shine. The Swiss driver clinched the second and final victory of his F1 career with a consummate performance, starting from pole position and leading every lap.

Stewart gave chased of the BRM but after 35 laps a half-shaft broke on his Tyrrell, putting him out of a race for the first time that year.

That would have given Ickx a chance to narrow the gap in the points table but the Ferrari driver’s engine had already died four laps earlier. Stewart trudged back to the pits having clinched the title in the most anticlimactic of circumstances.