1990 Spanish Grand Prix

Previous race

At Estoril, Mansell won — the race stopped after 61 laps when Suzuki and Caffi collided, leaving Caffi trapped in the cockpit in a dangerous position beside the wall. Senna was second, Prost third. In a notable technical first, Ferrari used an effective traction control system on Prost’s car; Mansell had the same system fitted but chose to switch it off and won regardless. Ferrari announced that Jean Alesi will partner Prost in 1991, reportedly after Alesi changed his mind on an existing Williams contract.

Championship standings

Senna leads Prost by 18 points with three races remaining.

Entrants

Martin Donnelly suffered a catastrophic crash during Friday practice at the high-speed Turn 14. A suspension failure sent his Lotus into the barriers head-on at full speed; the car was destroyed and Donnelly was thrown across the track, his seat still strapped to his back. He suffered severe leg fractures and bruising to his brain and lungs. He survived, but his Formula One career is over. Team Lotus did not withdraw from the race; Derek Warwick continues in the other car.

This is also the final event for both EuroBrun and Life, who withdraw from the sport after Jerez.

Milestones

Senna takes his 50th career pole position.