United States Grand Prix West 1979 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Gilles Villeneuve claimed back-to-back victories at the United States Grand Prix West, leading home Jody Scheckter for Ferrari's second consecutive one-two finish on Long Beach's challenging street circuit. The French-Canadian threaded his Ferrari through the California barriers with breathtaking precision, demonstrating the car control and commitment that made him one of Formula 1's most spectacular performers. Villeneuve's mastery of street circuits - where raw talent mattered more than ultimate aerodynamic efficiency - showcased his extraordinary abilities.

Scheckter again accepted second place behind his faster teammate, banking crucial championship points while avoiding unnecessary risks on the unforgiving street circuit. Alan Jones delivered an impressive third place for Williams, with the Australian's aggressive style and the improving FW07 suggesting bigger things to come. The result marked Williams's first podium finish of the season and signaled their emergence as potential race winners. Ligier's early-season advantage was evaporating rapidly, with both Ferrari and Williams closing the development gap.

Ferrari's second consecutive one-two finish established them as clear championship favorites, with both drivers demonstrating the speed and consistency required for title campaigns. Villeneuve's two victories put him level with Laffite at the top of the championship standings, while Scheckter's calculated points scoring positioned him perfectly for a sustained title challenge. The partnership between the spectacular French-Canadian and the tactical South African was functioning exactly as Ferrari had hoped, combining speed with strategic intelligence. Long Beach confirmed Ferrari had successfully transitioned to the ground effect era.