<< Prev Page 2 of 2 Developing three different cars in one year had also left its mark on March. There were no resources left to construct all-new cars for 1973. Instead the existing cars were upgraded to '731' specification, which included a front-mounted radiator and different aerodynamics packages. Jean-Pierre Jarier had a few outings in one of the works, while the others were leased/sold to privateers. Most successful of these was the Hesketh Team, which actually further developed the March in preparation for the launch of their own car in 1974. Hesketh driver James Hunt finished second at a rain-soaked American Grand Prix.
Sadly, the March 731's biggest claim to fame that it was involved in Roger Williamson's fatal crash at Zandvoort. He was behind the wheel of one of the ex-works car when his front tyre exploded, sending him off into the barrier and flipping the car over. First on the scene, coincidentally, was David Purley, also racing a March 731. Sadly his efforts to free Williamson from the burning wreck proved in vain. Although not seriously injured in the crash, Williamson fell victim to the ensuing flames.
For 1974, March did develop a new car, which was once again closely related to the marque's F2 racer. Although the 741 did score some points, it was not quick enough to bring March back to the top. The ground lost during the 1972 season was difficult to make. Perhaps had the team properly developed and run the 721G from the start of the year, the results could have been very different. << Prev Page 2 of 2