Austrian Grand Prix 1979 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Alan Jones claimed his second consecutive victory at the Austrian Grand Prix, dominating proceedings at the Österreichring to confirm Williams as Formula 1's form team in the season's second half. The Australian's aggressive, uncompromising driving style proved perfectly suited to the high-speed Austrian circuit, where the FW07's superior ground effect aerodynamics and mechanical grip delivered devastating cornering speed. Jones's back-to-back wins announced his arrival as a genuine championship contender for future seasons.

Gilles Villeneuve salvaged second place for Ferrari, preventing a Williams one-two and keeping Scheckter's championship hopes alive. Jacques Laffite claimed another third place for Ligier, though the French team's championship challenge had effectively ended. Scheckter suffered a disappointing retirement, allowing Villeneuve to close the points gap slightly, though the South African retained a comfortable championship lead. Williams's dominance was becoming increasingly emphatic, with Jones winning races at will.

Jones's Austrian victory demonstrated Williams's complete transformation from struggling independent to dominant force in just a few months. The FW07's development had produced a car capable of defeating Ferrari, Ligier, and the turbocharged Renaults on all circuit types. Jones's aggressive style and refusal to settle for second place made him the perfect driver to exploit the car's potential, though his championship challenge had come too late in 1979. The Austrian result confirmed Williams would enter 1980 as favorites for both championships.