1978 Monaco GP: Carlos Reutemann takes pole in Monte Carlo. 1978 Monaco GP: Carlos Reutemann takes pole in Monte Carlo.

Qualifying for the 1978 Monaco Grand Prix took place on 6th May. Then as now, one of the main problems at this track was traffic. Many drivers would find a slower car in their way, just as they were going for a quick lap.

However, everything went smoothly for Ferrari’s Carlos Reutemann, who not only found a clean lap but also produced an incredible performance. The Argentinian, in the 312 T3 stopped the clocks in 1.28.34 (timing didn’t go down to a thousandth in those days.) It was at least 49 hundredths faster than the two Alfa Romeo powered Brabhams of John Watson and Niki Lauda. This was Carlos; fourth pole and his last one with Ferrari, while it was number 87 for the Scuderia. The other Ferrari, in the hands of the Canadian Gilles Villeneuve, was only eighth, 1.06 down.

In the race, things went less well. It was Watson who led at the start, while Carlos Reutemann ended up damaging his car in a battle with Niki Lauda at the chicane. Both drivers were forced to pit for repairs and while the Austrian fought his way back to second, the Argentinian rejoined already lapped and could do no more than eighth. The race was won by Patrick Depailler in the Tyrrell. Gilles Villeneuve was also forced to retire on lap 62.