Spotlight on Photography: Relive the 1980 Grand Prix Through Michael Turner's Racing Photos

March / April 1981

Amid the roar of racers zooming toward the finish line in London during the 1980 Grand Prix, longtime auto-racing photographer and renowned artist Michael Turner trained his lens on a Saudia-Williams FW 07. Its Australian driver, Alan Jones, was about to make history. Slowing his camera’s shutter speed, Turner clicked away while following his lens along with the speed of the car, causing it to stay in sharp focus and blurring the background of fans. This technique, called “panning,” shows the race car is in motion—and about to drive off the page to victory in the March/April 1981 cover story “Formula One.” Jones won the race, his fourth victory of the season and third win in a row. AramcoWorld highlighted the achievement of the “back-street boys,” referring to the British and Saudi partner builders and sponsors of the car who saw the promise in showcasing innovative automotive technology and a wide-open track for beating the giants of the Formula 1 world.