By the time of the 1985 Detroit Grand Prix Ferrari’s Michele Alboreto had assumed the lead of the Formula 1 World Championship. Consistency was the key to his success and, in America, he was once again on the podium.
Rosberg Beats Ferrari in American Formula 1 Race
After recording his maiden pole position at Estoril Ayrton Senna made a habit of being fastest in qualifying during the rest of the 1985 Formula 1 season. In Detroit the Brazilian was once again quickest, and led early on. After being forced to pits for tyres Senna dropped back and Keke Rosberg found himself leading for Williams. The 1982 World Champion held on for the victory, ahead of Ferrari team-mates Stefan Johansson and Alboreto, in second and third respectively. A candidate for driver of the day was Tyrrell’s Stefan Bellof, who wrung the neck of his normally aspirated car to finish fourth.
Piquet and Brabham Win at Last in French Grand Prix
Nelson Piquet had been experiencing a barren 1985 season until the Formula 1 World Championship reached Paul Ricard in the south of France. Rosberg claimed pole but it was Piquet’s Brabham-BMW ahead at the flag. Prost was back on the podium, finishing third in his McLaren. Rosberg set the fastest lap of the race which, incredibly, was the first time he had done so during his long and successful career.
Rosberg Makes History at Silverstone
During qualifying for the British Grand Prix at Silverstone Rosberg recorded the first ever 160 mph average lap of the Northamptonshire circuit. It was an electrifying performance which guaranteed the Finn pole position and a place in the record books. In the Grand Prix itself Prost won comfortably, a whole lap ahead of his title rival Alboreto. Ligier driver Jacques Laffite was a delighted visitor to the podium after finishing in third position.
Alboreto Responds in German Grand Prix
There was another surprise in qualifying for the German Grand Prix, where Teo Fabi amazed everyone by taking pole for Toleman, the first time for both team and driver. His race ended disappointingly with a broken clutch. In a reverse of Silverstone Alboreto won the race, with Prost second. Laffite once again finished third, ensuring consecutive podium visits for the likeable Frenchman.
The German Grand Prix was RAM driver Manfred Winkelhock’s home event and the 1985 race marked his last appearance in Formula 1. Soon after he was killed while driving a Porsche Group C car at the Mosport circuit in Canada. Just weeks later the sport would be rocked by another high profile death.
1985 F1 season review continues.
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