René Arnoux started from pole position, but he crashed out at the notorious Tarzan Corner when his Renault's throttle stuck open and he hit the tyre barriers. Arnoux walked away from the crash unharmed.
This was the first Grand Prix after the death of Riccardo Paletti three weeks earlier in Montreal. This was also the final win of Didier Pironi's Formula One career.
This was the 100th Grand Prix start for Ligier. In those 100 races, Ligier won 8 Grands Prix, achieved 34 podium finishes, 9 pole positions, 9 fastest laps and 2 Grand Slams.
This was the 1st fastest lap for a Toleman and for a Hart-powered car.