Gunnar Nilsson

Gunnar Nilsson (born 20th November, 1948 in Helsingborg, Sweden, died 20th October, 1978 in Helsingborg, Sweden) was a Swedish racing driver known for his appearances in Formula One and his untimely death from cancer in late 1978.

Formula One

1976-: Team Ensign

Nilsson made his F1 debut in 1976, driving with the Ensign team. Nilsson would be the British team's only full time driver this season - with the second car being shared by eight different drivers over the course of the season. Nilsson would be a semi-regular point scorer in 1976, picking up occasional points when attrition took hold. However, Nilsson scored an astounding result in the Canadian Grand Prix, taking a career best second place overall in absolutely torrid conditions. This would be his and Ensign's first podium in Formula One. Nilsson would finish 1976 in eleventh position overall.

The following year, Nilsson would be joined by Lotus exile and fellow Swede Ronnie Peterson. In the initial stages of the season, Nilsson would be outscored by his teammate.