1990 French Grand Prix

Previous race

At Mexico City, Prost won with Mansell second for a Ferrari 1–2, the first in seven years. Senna’s rear tyre exploded on lap 63 — he was leading — allowing Prost and Berger to close to within eight points of him in the championship. Mansell made one of the most audacious passes of the season, going around the outside of Berger at the ultra-fast 180-degree Peraltada corner to reclaim second place.

Championship standings

Senna leads, but the gap has been cut to eight points over both Prost and Berger.

Circuit

This is the 14th and final French Grand Prix to be held at Paul Ricard; the race moves to Magny-Cours from next year. The circuit is located near the coastal city of Marseille. This race is scheduled on the same day as the 1990 FIFA World Cup Final in Rome.

Qualifying

Mansell took pole at the home race of his Ferrari team, ahead of Berger, Senna and Prost. The Leyton House cars of Capelli and Gugelmin both made the grid after missing out in Mexico, running seventh and tenth.