1989 Brazilian Grand Prix

1989 Brazilian Grand Prix
Race 1 of 16 in the 1989 Formula One World Championship
Race details
Date 26 March 1989
Official name XVIII Grande Prêmio do Brasil
Location Autódromo Internacional Nelson Piquet
Jacarepaguá, Rio de Janeiro
Course Permanent racing facility
Course length 5.031 km (3.126 miles)
Distance 61 laps, 306.891 km (190.693 miles)
Weather Very hot, dry, sunny
Pole position
Driver McLaren-Honda
Time 1:25.302
Fastest lap
Driver Italy Riccardo Patrese Williams-Renault
Time 1:32.507 on lap 47
Podium
First Ferrari
Second McLaren-Honda
Third March-Judd
Lap leaders

The 1989 Brazilian Grand Prix was a Formula One motor race held at Jacarepaguá, Rio de Janeiro on 26 March 1989. It was the first race of the 1989 Formula One World Championship.

The 61-lap race was won by Englishman Nigel Mansell, driving a Ferrari, with Frenchman Alain Prost second in a McLaren-Honda and local driver Maurício Gugelmin third in a March-Judd. It was the first time that a car with a semi-automatic gearbox won the race. Mansell had joked that he had booked an early flight home as he did not expect to win, and during the podium ceremony he cut his hand whilst lifting the trophy.[1]

  1. ^ "Brazil 1989: 'Il Leone' roars to win on Ferrari debut". 8 November 2015.