1992 Mexican Grand Prix

Previous race

Mansell dominated the season opener at the new Kyalami, leading every lap to finish nearly 25 seconds ahead of Patrese. Senna held third in what was effectively still a 1991 McLaren, with Schumacher fourth ahead of Berger.

Entrants

Andrea Moda paid the $100,000 new-entrant guarantee after South Africa and were reinstated in the championship. Team boss Sassetti brought forward the introduction of the new Simtek-designed S921, originally intended for Spain, but the two hastily built cars could not be made ready in time for pre-qualifying. Sassetti withdrew, citing freight delays. With only four cars left in the pre-qualifying pool the session is again cancelled, meaning neither Moreno nor McCarthy takes part.

Circuit

The Hermanos Rodríguez circuit has a reputation for severe bumps — the track sits on geologically active ground — and its condition has deteriorated further since the previous Mexican Grand Prix. Mexico City officials issued a smog alert on 20 February due to dangerous air pollution levels, and the resulting restrictions on heavy motorized equipment forced the race committee to delay paving work on sections of the track. The circuit’s most demanding feature is the banked 180-degree Peraltada final corner, eased slightly from previous years but still formidable.

Qualifying

During Friday qualifying Senna hit a bump in the Esses, lost control of his McLaren and crashed into a perimeter wall at 150 mph, suffering whiplash and severe bruising. He did not participate further on Friday but was deemed fit for Saturday. Mansell took pole by 0.016 seconds from Patrese, with the Benettons of Schumacher and Brundle on the second row and the McLarens of Berger and Senna — still sore — on the third.