British Grand Prix 1982 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Niki Lauda claimed his second victory of the season at Brands Hatch, demonstrating the tactical awareness and racecraft that had defined his career. The Austrian managed his McLaren's naturally aspirated Cosworth engine perfectly, capitalizing on turbo car reliability issues to secure a hard-fought win. Didier Pironi finished second ahead of Ferrari teammate Patrick Tambay, extending his championship lead but missing the victory that would have all but secured the title.

Tambay had been brought in to replace the late Gilles Villeneuve, carrying the emotional weight of filling a legend's seat. His podium finish demonstrated Ferrari's strength in depth and provided some comfort to the grieving Scuderia. Pironi's championship position looked commanding with 39 points from Watson's 39 and Rosberg's growing threat, but the Frenchman's season was about to take a tragic turn that would shock the motorsport world and transform the 1982 championship battle completely.