The unlikely win that launched the career of a champion

F1 Hall of Fame journalist David Tremayne revisits Alan Jones's improbable maiden Grand Prix victory at the 1977 Austrian GP, a race marked by torrential rain and an unruly crowd. Despite local hero Niki Lauda starting from pole, the day belonged to Jones, who defied expectations on a sodden Osterreichring. The chaotic atmosphere, with reports of spectator disturbances and even police dog stabbings, added to the drama. Teams faced a critical tyre choice dilemma between wets and dries as conditions were unpredictable. Jones's unexpected triumph amidst the challenging circumstances cemented his place in F1 history, setting the stage for his 1980 championship.