The 1979 South African Grand Prix (formally the XXV Simba Grand Prix of South Africa) was a

Formula One Formula One (F1) is the highest class of worldwide racing for open-wheel single-seater formula Auto racing, racing cars sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA). The FIA Formula One World Championship has been one ...

motor race held on 3 March 1979 at Kyalami. The race, contested over 78 laps, was the third race of the

1979 Formula One season The 1979 Formula One season was the 33rd season of FIA Formula One motor racing. It featured the 1979 ''List of Formula One World Drivers' Champions, World Championship of F1 Drivers''FIA Yearbook 1980, Grey Section, page 84 and the 1979 ''Li ...

and was won by Gilles Villeneuve, driving a

Ferrari Ferrari S.p.A. (; ) is an Italian luxury sports car manufacturer based in Maranello. Founded in 1939 by Enzo Ferrari (1898–1988), the company built Auto Avio Costruzioni 815, its first car in 1940, adopted its current name in 1945, and be ...

. Teammate and local driver Jody Scheckter finished second, while Jean-Pierre Jarier finished third in a Tyrrell- Ford.

Qualifying

Qualifying classification

Race

Classification

Notes

* This was the first pole position set by

Renault Renault S.A., commonly referred to as Groupe Renault ( , , , also known as the Renault Group in English), is a French Multinational corporation, multinational Automotive industry, automobile manufacturer established in 1899. The company curr ...

and a Renault-powered car.

Championship standings after the race

;Drivers' Championship standings ;Constructors' Championship standings *Note: Only the top five positions are included for both sets of standings.

References

{{F1GP 70-79 South African Grand Prix Grand Prix South African Grand Prix March 1979 sports events in Africa