1992 Brazilian Grand Prix

Previous race

Mansell won again in Mexico, finishing twelve seconds ahead of Patrese for another Williams 1–2. Senna’s transmission broke on lap 11 and Berger salvaged fourth for McLaren as the team said farewell to its MP4/6 chassis.

Between-race developments

McLaren debuts its new MP4/7A here at Interlagos, though not without difficulty — the car is still experiencing teething problems despite an intensive testing programme at Silverstone after Mexico. The team brings six complete cars including three MP4/6Bs as back-ups.

Giovanna Amati has been dismissed by Brabham after failing to qualify in both South Africa and Mexico. Her replacement is Williams test driver Damon Hill, son of the late two-time world champion Graham Hill, who takes the seat while continuing to compete in Formula 3000. For Andrea Moda, the chaos continues: team boss Sassetti fired both Caffi and Bertaggia after Mexico for publicly criticising the team’s amateurish operation, replacing them with Roberto Moreno and Perry McCarthy. McCarthy’s hastily acquired FISA Super Licence is rescinded by race director Roland Bruynseraede on arrival at Interlagos, who states there was an error in its issue. The team had not finished building his car in time regardless.

Qualifying

There is controversy in qualifying when Senna slowed in front of Mansell at turn 11, forcing the Williams wide and into a spin. Berger suffered an engine failure in his primary MP4/7A during qualifying and set his time in an MP4/6B, though he races the new car on Sunday. Mansell takes pole ahead of Patrese, with Senna third in front of his home crowd.