United States Grand Prix West 1980 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Nelson Piquet claimed his first victory of the 1980 season at Long Beach, mastering the challenging street circuit to deliver Brabham's first win of the year. The Brazilian's triumph on the tight California streets showcased his emerging talent and announced him as a genuine championship contender. Piquet drove a calculated race in Gordon Murray's nimble BT49, using its superior handling through the tight corners to overcome the power advantage of turbocharged rivals.

Riccardo Patrese secured a career-best second place for Arrows, demonstrating the British team's surprising competitiveness on street circuits where mechanical grip and driver precision mattered more than raw aerodynamic downforce. Two-time World Champion Emerson Fittipaldi rounded out the podium for his own team, providing a rare bright spot in what had been a difficult season for the Brazilian constructor. The race emphasized that street circuits leveled the playing field between top teams and midfield runners, with driver skill and car setup becoming more important than ultimate aerodynamic performance. Piquet's victory reignited the championship battle and established him as Alan Jones's primary challenger.