Emerson Fittipaldi drove Lotus 72 chassis 72/5 in no less than 39 races from 1970 to 1973. Ayrton Senna drove 98T/4 in eight races and several test sessions in 1986. These cars were the very first and the very last John Player Specials…they are very special indeed.
Our man McDonough found the 72 a treat to drive, being both very communicative and very responsive—even though here he’s yet to scrub the tires clean! Photo: Mike Jiggle
Oh, they were driven by a few others—Dave Walker and Tony Trimmer had a few races in 72/5, and when Fittipaldi left Lotus, Jacky Ickx did no less than 22 races in it. Jim Crawford and Brian Henton each had two events, pretty much at the end of its period career. Only Senna raced 98T/4, and his teammate Johnny Dumfries drove it in one test session. Not surprisingly, Fittipaldi looks on this car with great affection and not a little nostalgic sentiment. Special cars driven by very special people.
No Subscription? You’re missing out
Get immediate ad-free access to all our premium content.
