3/1/69...The F1 season opener in South Africa would see Team Lotus field three entries for Hill, Rindt & Andretti. Additionally, there would be another two 49's entered. One for Rob Walker with Jo Siffert at the wheel and the privateer John Love.
New rules would see the mandatory use of fire bottles for the first time. The Rob Walker entry sported a modified tub with slim sided three gallon fuel tanks fitted directly to the monocoque.
This was the troubled early phase of wing development. Team Lotus, following Brabham's lead...added a large front wing mounted directly to the top rockers. Both wings could be "trimmed" via a slim foot control cable/pedal next to the clutch.
All three team cars would suffer in practice...Hill and Rindt had major front wing failures due to the cable operation (Hill's shoes were too wide) causing premature engagement while Andretti's collapsed against the r/f tire during cornering.
The team decided to remove the front wings on all cars for the race.
Mixed results would follow, Hill would finish second, behind the Matra of Stewart, while Siffert managed a strong fourth. The remaining 49's all did not finish...
Rindt 44 laps (fuel pump) Andretti 31 laps (gearbox) Love 31 laps (ignition)
