For many seasons the Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Belgium was considered one of the world’s greatest racing circuits. Formula 1 abandoned the venue in the 1970s because of safety concerns but, in 1985, it returned. Although the new circuit layout was shorter, it used much of the same track and retained the essence of the old Spa.
Senna Wins Belgian GP for Lotus
When Ayrton Senna crossed the line first at Spa it was the 75th Formula 1 World Championship race victory for his Lotus team. The top five drivers in the race would eventually win a total of 12 World Championships between them. Nigel Mansell was second, Alain Prost third, Keke Rosberg fourth and Nelson Piquet fifth.
Mansell Scores Breakthrough Win in European Grand Prix
British fans were not disappointed at Brands Hatch in 1985, as Nigel Mansell won at home. It was the first World Championship victory of his career. Senna started from pole in his Lotus but had no answer for Mansell on the day and came home in second. Rosberg put in an astonishing drive. After losing a lap due to an altercation with Piquet’s Brabham the Finn recovered to finish third.
Fourth across the line at Brands Hatch was Alain Prost. It was enough to secure the World Championship, and he became the first ever French winner of the title. In his 1989 autobiography, “Life in the Fast Lane”, published by Stanley Paul, he described his emotions;
“I do recollect that my eyes misted over behind my visor. This was my moment, a very private moment of sheer joy that was mine alone…”
Mansell Wins Again at Kyalami
Several teams boycotted the 1985 South African Grand Prix, unhappy with apartheid in the country. With his confidence boosted after victory at Brands Hatch Mansell proceeded to win his second consecutive Grand Prix. His Williams team-mate Rosberg set fastest lap at Kyalami on his way to second, while newly confirmed champion Prost was third.
Rosberg Victorious in Australian Grand Prix
Adelaide was a new venue on the Formula 1 calendar for 1985. The street circuit hosted the first ever Australian Formula 1 race with World Championship status. Senna notched up another pole position, only to retire from the Grand Prix with a blown engine. Rosberg finished his year in style by taking victory and fastest lap. The Ligier team had a very productive trip down under. Jacques Laffite finished third with team-mate Philippe Streiff fourth. In truth, Streiff was fortunate to finish at all after damaging his car while trying to pass Laffite near the end. Italian newcomer Ivan Capelli also had a good day, fourth for Tyrrell.
For a while the 1985 Formula 1 season looked like going down to the wire, but Ferrari’s challenge faded away in the second half of the season. Prost and McLaren were worthy champions, but faced stiff competition defending their title in 1986.
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