Race Day: 1986 Spanish Formula 1 Grand Prix

Ahead of the first Formula One pre-season tests to be held at Jerez in Spain this coming Tuesday, let’s take a look back at some of the magic that has occurred on the circuit over the years.

1986 was the first time that Formula One had contested the Spanish Grand Prix since Gilles Villeneuve won the extremely closely-competed 1981 Spanish Grand Prix at Jarama.  Ayrton Senna started the race on pole position, followed by the Williams-Hondas of Nelson Piquet and Nigel Mansell. Senna and Mansell wasted no time in christening the brand new Circuito Permanente de Jerez, engaging in furious motorsport and producing one of the closest finishes that the sport has seen.

Enjoy the race coverage from the day, with commentary from the great Murray Walker and Formula One World Champion, James Hunt.

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Image:  TheCahierArchive©