1976: Mario Andretti was again running full-time in Formula One in 1976, but elects to race at Indianapolis once again, this time skipping Monaco. It was Mario's first of four starts with Penske Racing. The Belgian Grand Prix was the same weekend as pole day, therefore Mario was forced to qualify on the second weekend of time trials. Mario did not disappoint, posting the fastest qualifying speed of the month (189.404 mph), faster than polesitter Johnny Rutherford. However, as a third day qualifier, Mario would line up 19th. On race day, Mario charged to as high as 6th position, but slipped back and was not much of a factor after he started having handling problems. Mario was running a lap down in 8th place when the race was called for rain on lap 102.