On 13 March 1983 the Formula One season began in dramatic fashion at Jacarepaguá in Rio de Janeiro. Nelson Piquet thrilled the home crowd by winning for Brabham in their radical new BMW-powered BT52, but the race is remembered just as much for the chaos behind him. A fiery pit stop for Keke Rosberg triggered one of the most unusual outcomes in Grand Prix history: the reigning World Champion finished second on the road, only to be disqualified after the race for receiving an illegal push start — leaving the official results with no driver credited with second place.

In this episode of Chequered Past, we explore that remarkable Brazilian Grand Prix and the turbulent early days of Formula One’s turbo era.

We also remember the life and career of Vic Elford, one of motorsport’s greatest all-round drivers. From winning the Monte Carlo Rally to conquering Daytona and the Targa Florio in the same extraordinary season, Elford’s versatility defined an era when the best drivers succeeded across every form of racing.

Finally, we travel back to Brands Hatch in 1965 for the inaugural Race of Champions, where early dominance from Jim Clark gave way to a surprise overall victory for Lotus teammate Mike Spence after the race was decided across two dramatic heats.

Three stories from one day in racing history — a controversial Grand Prix in Brazil, a tribute to one of motorsport’s most versatile drivers, and a non-championship race that delivered an unexpected winner.

Cover Image: Nelson Piquet by Bill Nicholls, CC BY-SA 2.0, Link

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Music by #Mubert Music Rendering