It was driven by Ronnie Peterson, Niki Lauda, Henri Pescarolo, Carlos Pace, and Mike Beuttler.

Alfa Romeo provided a transversal gearbox, fitted between the Cosworth DFV engine and the rear axle.

In theory, this design made sense, but the Goodyear racing tires that March used in 1972 never really harmonized with the chassis.

Niki Lauda, one of the March factory drivers of 1972, called the 721X "a complete failure", "a stillbirth" and "a debacle".

Niki Lauda remained pointless with the March in his first full Formula 1 season.