The Lotus team began their long term sponsorship deal with John Player in 1972 and the Lotus 72D became the first of the Lotus Grand Prix cars to be painted in the famous black and gold color scheme.
Emerson Fittipaldi won his third Grand Prix of the year at Brands Hatch in the first British Grand Prix to be sponsored by the company (John Player) that sponsored the Lotus team.
Fittipaldi, starting in second position, Jacky Ickx (pole position), and Jackie Stewart staged a nose to tail, crowd pleasing race until Ickx dropped out with oil pressure problems on lap 49.
Fittipaldi finished 4.1 seconds ahead (in Lotus 72D chassis #72-7) of his nearest championship rival, Jackie Stewart. This placed him in a excellent position to eventually become the youngest world champion ever; at the age of 25.