Gunnar Nilsson

Gunnar Axel Arvid Nilsson (20 November 1948 – 20 October 1978) was a Swedish racing driver, who competed in Formula One from to . Nilsson won the 1977 Belgian Grand Prix with Lotus.

Born and raised in Helsingborg, Nilsson initially studied engineering at Stockholm University and served as a submarine radio officer in the Swedish Navy. Nilsson began his racing career in the late 1960s, progressing into Formula Super Vee in 1973 with Ecurie Bonnier. His junior formulae career culminated in his victory at the 1975 British Formula 3 Championship, in only his second season of Formula Three racing. Nilsson signed for Lotus in , making his Formula One debut at the . Qualifying for every race in his rookie season, Nilsson scored podium finishes in Spain and Austria. Retaining his seat for , Nilsson scored his maiden win at the , with a further podium at the .

Having signed to Arrows for , Nilsson was diagnosed with testicular cancer in December 1977, experiencing a rapid decline in health prior to his death 10 months later. Outside of Formula One, Nilsson was a race-winner in both the World Sportscar and European Touring Car Championships with BMW. The Gunnar Nilsson Memorial Trophy was held in 1979, won by Alan Jones. Provided by Wikipedia