On this day... 03 March (1992) - Formula One's most successful female driver.

Maria Grazia Lombardi, better known as Lella and arguably Formula One's most successful female driver, died at her home in Milan aged 50. She was the only woman to score a point in F1, although only received half of one, by finishing sixth in the shortened 1975 Spanish Grand Prix. The race was stopped at half distance after a serious accident involving Rolf Stommelen, which killed five spectators.

2002

The season opened in Melbourne with the Australian Grand Prix. After a busy race involving two safety cars, it was eventually won by Ferrari's Michael Schumacher. It was an event of high attrition, with just eight of the 22 starters reaching the finish line. The biggest accident was caused by a collision at the start when Ralf Schumacher's Williams was launched into the air after hitting Barrichello's Ferrari. A pile-up at turn one followed, eliminating eight cars. Heinz-Harald Frentzen was disqualified for leaving the pits under a red light, and Enrique Bernoldi for using the spare car. It was the first appearance in F1 for Felipe Massa, Takuma Sato, Allan McNish, Mark Webber and the Toyota F1 Team.

1979

Danish driver Nicolas Kiesa was born; although he competed in five grand prix he failed to score any points, but did finish all the races. He famously won the 2003 Formula 3000 race at Monaco when leader Bjorn Wirdheim slowed on the last lap, before crossing the finish line, to celebrate the win with his team.

#formula1 #f1 #f1history #f1onthisday