1987 French Grand Prix
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Results from the 1987 Formula One French Grand Prix held at Paul Ricard on July 5, 1987.
[edit] Classification
[edit] Race summary
The circuit clearly suited the turbo cars - the best placed non turbo was Ivan Capelli in 22nd, some 6 seconds off the pace and 30mph slower on the main straight.
For the first time since the 1986_Mexican_Grand_Prix a non-Honda powered car was on the front row in the shape of Alain Prost's McLaren-TAG.
At the lights, Michele Alboreto jumped the start, whilst his Ferrari teammate Gerhard Berger stalled. Nigel Mansell led away and was joined by teammate Nelson Piquet at the front after he passed Prost on the Mistral straight. Andrea de Cesaris collided with Stefan Johansson, the McLaren requiring a pit stop for a damaged nosecone.
Eddie Cheever retired on lap 1 after accidentally setting off the fire extinguisher whilst attempting to adjust turbo boost. Mansell, Piquet and Prost were engaged in a gripping battle for the lead, separated by just 2 seconds. On lap 19, Piquet spun and Prost passed him for 2nd. Meanwhile, Ayrton Senna was holding onto a creditable 4th place for Lotus. On lap 30, Piquet pitted for new tyres, followed 2 laps later by Senna. Thierry Boutsen retired with electrical failure. Both Mansell and Prost came in for new tyres on lap 36, handing the lead to Piquet. Mansell completed his stop and closed rapidly on Piquet, breaking fastest lap records. On lap 46 at Le Beausset corner Mansell dived inside to take a lead he would not lose. On lap 65 Piquet made a second stop which went wrong when the engine stalled, delaying him by an additional 8 seconds. He caught and passed Prost (dealing with an electrical problem) on lap 67.
Piquet was some 20 seconds behind Mansell and gaining at 2 seconds a lap. With seven laps to go, it was reduced to just 13 seconds, but Mansell paced himself to win by 7.7 seconds.
Johansson had fought courageously up to 6th place after two pit stops to repair damage, but retired just 5 laps from home.
Prost took 3rd with Senna 4th from Teo Fabi in 5th. Philippe Streiff drove a superb race to take his first World Championship point and win the nonturbo class.
[edit] Notes
- Fastest Lap: Nelson Piquet 1'9.548
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