It was love at first sight for Andretti and Ferrari

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When Enzo Ferrari asked Mario Andretti to join the Scuderia in 1971, it was a bit of a homecoming for the Italian-born American driver.

As a young tifosi in the early 50s mesmerized by Ferrari's feats and the exploits of his favourite driver, the great Alberto Ascari, the motorsport legend could only dream of saddling one day a prancing horse.

Ferrari and Andretti came together for the very first time on this day in 1971, at the South African Grand Prix at Kyalami.

It was a stunning debut, a match made in heaven, helped by the equally ravishing 312B that brought Super Mario his maiden Grand Prix win.