1988 F1 Racing Season
Enzo Ferrari Died and Berger Won an Emotional Italian Grand Prix
Before the 1988 Belgian Grand Prix the great Italian team owner Enzo Ferrari died, at home in Modena. He had gained legendary status in the sport through his car’s many race wins and his uncompromising treatment of drivers. Ferrari was buried after a private service for close family. His team had so far failed to win a race in 1988 against the dominant McLaren’s of Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna, but fate was kind to Ferrari at Monza.
Senna Heads Prost in McLaren 1-2 at Spa
Nigel Mansell was absent from both Spa-Francorchamps and Monza in 1988, having contracted chicken pox. His place in Belgium was taken by fellow Brit Martin Brundle. Senna claimed pole, with Prost alongside. The latter got ahead at the tight first corner, but Senna was soon back in front, passing Prost into Les Combes on the opening lap.
Michele Alboreto was the best of the rest, running third in his Ferrari until its engine let go. Senna won from Prost, while the Benetton’s of Thierry Boutsen and Alessandro Nannini were third and fourth respectively. Later, both cars were disqualified for fuel irregularities, giving the position to Ivan Capelli’s Leyton House March.
Emotional Ferrari Win in Italian Grand Prix
With Brundle busy racing sports cars Jean-Louis Schlesser was given Mansell’s Williams for the Italian grand Prix at Monza. He was to play a pivotal role in the outcome of the race.
Senna led from pole, while Prost retired with engine failure. Late in the race Senna tried to lap Schlesser at the first chicane, only for the two cars to tangle. Senna was out and into first place moved the Ferrari of Gerhard Berger. He led until the end, being followed across the line by his team-mate Alboreto. The victory sparked wild celebrations from the fanatical tifosi. It was a highly emotional win, coming just four weeks after the death of Enzo Ferrari. In the book, “Formula 1, The Autobiography”, edited by Gerald Donaldson and published in 2002 by Weidenfeld and Nicolson, there is a contemporary quote from Berger in the aftermath of his victory;
“Mr Ferrari is gone now, and I miss him… He was a big personality, a great man, and I’m so happy to have driven for him. But I would love to have been able to go to Maranello the day after Monza, and to have seen his face.”
It was fitting that the win came at Monza, scene of so much drama over the years for Ferrari. It was there that his great friend Giuseppe Campari had died in 1933 during what was intended to be his final race before retiring. The great Italian champion Alberto Ascari also perished at Monza while driving a Ferrari, as did Count Wolfgang von Trips in 1961. Ferrari also tasted sweet victory at the old circuit. In 1979 Jody Scheckter claimed the World Championship there. Ferrari’s legacy was truly remarkable.
1988 F1 Grand Prix season review continues.
1988 Arrows A10B Formula 1 car
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