1985 European Grand Prix

Championship standings

Prost leads Alboreto by 16 points after the Belgian Grand Prix. The Belgian GP article noted that if Prost gains more points at this race, he becomes Drivers’ Champion.

Previous race

At Spa, Senna won his second Grand Prix in wet conditions, leading almost from the start and pulling away when rain returned late in the race. Mansell finished second, Prost third. Warwick’s sixth place was the last points-scoring finish for the factory Renault team.

Between-race developments

Lauda is still unfit to race following his wrist injury from Spa practice. John Watson substitutes for him at Brands Hatch.

Championship permutations

If Prost gains any points at this race, he is Drivers’ Champion.

Entrants

The European Grand Prix was originally scheduled to take place on a street circuit in Rome, but was moved to Brands Hatch for reasons that have not been officially explained. Brands Hatch normally hosts the British Grand Prix on even-numbered years under the alternating arrangement with Silverstone.

Niki Lauda and several other drivers have expressed concern about racing these powerful turbo cars at the small Brands Hatch circuit. Lauda noted that if engine power continues to increase, the circuit would need to be modified to accommodate the cars safely.