Just two races remained in the 1987 Formula 1 season by the time of the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka. Nelson Piquet led the World Championship from his Williams team-mate Nigel Mansell. If the Englishman could win in Japan it would set up a title decider in Adelaide.
The atmosphere in the Williams team was tense, as the feud between Piquet and Mansell intensified. The Brazilian had signed to drive for the Honda powered Lotus team in 1988, while the Japanese engine manufacturer decide to stop supplying Williams. There was speculation that Honda would give Piquet superior equipment for the title battle with Mansell, as he would be a Honda driver the following season. It was something which Honda strongly denied.
Mansell Crashes and Piquet Wins Formula 1 Title
The World Championship was decided long before the Japanese Grand Prix even started. In practice Mansell crashed his Williams hard into a tyre barrier. The Englishman injured his back and was forced to withdraw from proceedings. It meant that Piquet was confirmed as the 1987 World Champion, the third time he had won the crown.
The race proved to be something of an anti-climax after the anticipation of a great championship battle. Gerhard Berger scored Ferrari’s first win of the season after starting from pole. Alain Prost finished second for McLaren with Thierry Boutsen’s Benetton third. If Mansell had race he may well have taken the World Championship to a title decider in Australia, as Piquet retired from the Japanese Grand Prix with engine failure.
Berger and Ferrari Win Again
Mansell, still recovering from the back injuries he suffered in Japan, was absent from the Australian Grand Prix weekend. He seat was taken by Brabham driver Riccardo Patrese.
Berger once again set the quickest qualifying time in his Ferrari. In the race the Austrian dominated proceedings, winning comfortably from Senna. The Lotus driver was later disqualified for a technical infringement, moving Michele Alboreto up to second and therefore completing a Ferrari 1-2. Boutsen finished his season with a third place for Benetton.
1987 had been a thrilling year in Formula 1, with Piquet and Mansell fighting no-holds barred for the World Championship. In 1988 both men would be reduced to also-rans. McLaren would become the dominant team while Piquet struggled with a disappointing Lotus and Mansell was left with an underpowered Judd engine in his Williams. 1988 would also see another fierce battle between team-mates for the World Championship.
1987 Grand Prix season review continues.
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