Formula 1 - 1979 - Round 11 - Austrian GP

Jody Scheckter had finally seen his title lead reduced having again missed out on a podium spot, although the South African racer remained six ahead of his nearest challenger. That challenger proved to be his teammate Gilles Villeneuve, with the Canadian himself level on points with Jacques Laffite, but ahead on count-back. A seven point gap then separated them from race winner Alan Jones, who had shot into fourth with his second victory in two races, with Clay Regazzoni completing the top five.

In the International Cup for Constructors, meanwhile, it was still advantage Ferrari in the hunt for the crown, the Italian squad leaving Austria with a 19 point lead. Their closest challengers were still Ligier-Ford Cosworth, although the French squad were now under serious threat from Williams-Ford Cosworth after their stunning improvement in form. Indeed, the English based team were just six behind the Frenchmen, having been more than thirty points off just three races earlier.