The opening round of the season was held at the South African circuit of Kyalami, the first time the race had taken place at this venue, and it was won by Pedro Rodriguez driving a Cooper Maserati.
After an impressive contest, South African privateer John Love finished second in his Cooper Climax. He beat many well known drivers, including John Surtees who finished third.
2003
The end of the road for Arrows as they were forced to make all 300 staff redundant, calling in the receivers after not getting a place in the 2003 championship. Arrows missed the final five races of the 2002 season because of disputes with suppliers, including engine maker Cosworth, and left the sport without a win in 382 attempts.
1957
Italian driver Beppe Gabbiani was born in Piacenza. He raced in F1 between 1978 and 1981 and entered 17 races, but only managed to qualify for three. He made the grid for the races in Long Beach, San Marino and Belgium all in 1981 but failed to finish any.
