On this day in 1981, it was 'lights out and away we go' at the US Grand Prix West at Long Beach, the opening round of the F1 season back then. Arrows' Riccardo Patrese, starting from pole for the first time in his career, led the field down to Cook's corner and valiantly held his own at the front for 24 laps until the Italian driver's efforts were thwarted by an engine issue. Williams' Carlos Reutemann picked up the baton but the Argentine was overhauled in short order by teammate Alan Jones who took command and never looked back to score a Williams 1-2 at the checkered flag, with future 1981 world champion Nelson Piquet completing the podium for Brabham.
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