Autosport’s edition from October 10 1985 celebrated a first ever F1 win for Britain’s Nigel Mansell, as well as Alain Prost’s success in clinching the driver’s championship at the same race.
It was the Grand Prix of Europe, held at Brands Hatch which, given the weather this October, was pretty optimistic. But the rain held off and Prost rolled in fourth which, with Michele Alboreto not finishing, gave him the necessary points to claim the title with two races left.
Mansell, meanwhile, seized the lead on lap nine and led from there to the chequered flag after 45 laps, the first Englishman to win a race since James Hunt in 1977.
“It seemed an awfully long race, running there in the lead, hoping it would stay together. I could sense so much from the crowd, all their waving and everything, their support. And that moment on the last lap – coming out of Clearways and down to the line – is something I’ll never forget.”
Relive Mansell’s first win here.
