#416 1985 Italian Grand Prix

On Tuesday, August 27, 1985, Renault officially confirmed its withdrawal at the end of the season for economic reasons. This adds further uncertainty to the driver market, which has never been as eventful as it is this year. Following Rosberg's move to McLaren in Lauda's place and Piquet's imminent move to Williams, the potential availability of Tambay and Warwick stirs up the market further. Tambay is a candidate for Beatrice, and Warwick is a candidate for Lotus. This is even though it was already known that they would not be retained by the French team. The most coveted seat, since Ferrari seems inclined to confirm both Alboreto and Johansson barring last-minute surprises, is the one left vacant by Piquet at Brabham. This has sparked a real frenzy. Bernie Ecclestone is embarrassed and surprised by the betrayal of the Brazilian ace, who, after repeatedly requesting a salary increase without success, accepted offers from Williams (rumored to be around 3.000.000 dollars). Ecclestone is creating a smokescreen. What is the goal of the cunning English manager? To satisfy sponsors who want a top star but spend as little as possible. Healthy competition is needed to achieve this goal. The current situation for Brabham seems to be as follows: Riccardo Patrese has an option. Elio De Angelis has a good offer and Andrea De Cesaris has a promise. In any case, since the team's financiers are Italian (Olivetti and Pirelli) or interested in the car market (BMW), at least one of the cars will certainly go to an Italian driver, if not both. What does it depend on? Ecclestone doesn't seem to have completely given up on negotiating with Ayrton Senna. In this case, designer Gordon Murray would leave to make way for Gérard Ducarouge. If negotiations with Senna succeed - Lotus will strongly oppose breaking the contract with the Brazilian - they will probably choose Patrese. Otherwise, a decision regarding the two Roman drivers will be made in a few days, while, to avoid being left exposed, Bernie has also summoned Warwick for an interview. The strangest case is that of De Cesaris, who is set to make his debut at Monza next week with Brabham and finish the season in place of Marc Surer. However, Surer has an ironclad contract, and his sponsor does not seem willing to step aside.

After the dispute with Ligier, Andrea really risks not finishing the year, as Ligier immediately replaced him with Philippe Streiff. Against this backdrop, the unlikely but not impossible prospect of Alfa Romeo returning to Formula 1 independently, abandoning Euroracing, which currently manages Patrese and Cheever's cars, emerges. The Milanese company, which is awaiting a new CEO, has a strong presence in racing, so it would be unthinkable for it to completely withdraw. Furthermore, they have prepared a new four-cylinder engine that performs well and could potentially be sold to other teams. De Cesaris, who had previously worked with Alfa, is a possible candidate for the position. In current sports news, important tests are scheduled for Ferrari at Monza on Wednesday, August 28, and Thursday, August 29, 1985. Alboreto will test new suspensions, innovative aerodynamic solutions, and cooling systems. The suspensions were created in record time thanks to a computer provided by Fiat. This computer makes it possible to check the work done even before sending the cars onto the track. A partially redesigned Alfa Romeo, which was tested recently at Balocco, should also be present at Monza. On Wednesday, August 28, 1985, a Daily Iveco van resembling a NASA vehicle arrives at Monza. Inside are highly sophisticated instruments, including a powerful computer and printers that record the car's behavior on the track with graphs similar to electrocardiograms. These printers provide six parameters (or data) via telemetry, which can concern the engine and suspensions. One of these parameters is an accelerometer that measures wheel revolutions. The single-seater resembled a patient in a state-of-the-art clinic with electrical wires, sensors, metal trusses, and antennas coming out from all sides. It had a black box similar to those found in jet liners. Ferrari presented itself at Monza for a series of important tests with Alfa Romeo, which brought a modified car for Patrese and a traditional car for Cheever. According to official data, 18.000 people were at the racetrack for these three cars, which involved frequent stops at the pits and therefore very long stops. However, only 5.000 of them were paying customers. This is a sign of the interest that Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, and Formula 1 in general always arouse. There were polemical moments, with shouts from the stands against the Maranello team technicians, deplorable episodes reminiscent of football.

Unfortunately, Ferrari is facing a setback: the failure of an engine due to a faulty injector, as Alboreto calls it. This caused an interruption of the program for about three hours. However, at the end of the day, the Italian driver, who is in the running for the world title, had positive comments about the tests.

"We have opened a new door. There is something good. Even so, only a direct comparison with McLaren in the Grand Prix will tell whether we are two seconds slower or maybe a little faster. However, it seems to me that I have already noticed better grip".

The car is the one with the chassis seen at Le Castellet, with two openings in the front for quickly working on the suspensions. The front and rear tie rod designs are new. On Thursday, a different body with new radiator and heat exchanger arrangements will be mounted. Perhaps the engine with modified lubrication channels will be tested as well. In the afternoon, we notice cut slides, a small wing in the lower part to improve airflow, and other interesting details. Alboreto sets the best time with used race tires, but the chrono is certainly not the goal.

"We did well. The tests yielded satisfactory results, and the car has improved significantly. However, it is not the time for predictions. The important thing is to confirm these results in the official tests. Only by comparing with the other cars will we know how much progress we've made".

This was Michele Alboreto's concise comment at the end of the Italian Grand Prix test. Despite the Italian driver's cautious optimism, the Ferrari team is satisfied with the car's progress. Two and a half days of work allowed the Maranello technicians to test various mechanical and aerodynamic solutions. Engineer Postlethwaite comments:

"We are satisfied with both the tire tests and the fuel consumption. Now, the suspensions work better".

The same can be said for Alfa Romeo. With Patrese, they lap in 1'31"050 before having to stop due to a broken flat bottom caused by a stone. Cheever drives the old car but experiences engine problems. On Thursday morning, he will drive the modified single-seater, which has a bottom in one piece, while Alboreto will continue with the laboratory car. Overall, Ferrari performed well at the end of the two days of testing at Brands Hatch and Monza. At both circuits, where free tests are taking place simultaneously, the cars from Maranello are the fastest overall. On the English track, Stefan Johansson completed a lap in 1'10"29, about 0.5 seconds faster than the official record held by Piquet with the Brabham at 1'10"86. Johansson precedes Rosberg's Williams (1'10"50) and Senna's Lotus (1'11"16). Prost is only eighth with McLaren (1'11"79). Meanwhile, at Monza, Alboreto set a promising time of 1:27.873 in the evening using old-style qualifying tires. Prost had been the fastest in previous free tests with a time of 1'28"195. Despite reporting a problem with the gearbox, Ferrari is in good shape and satisfies the Italian driver. Many comparative tests are still being conducted and different solutions are being studied, such as a shorter rear slide, a lower wing, and different suspension arrangements. The Ligier with Laffite takes to the track with a good time of 1'29"82. On Friday morning, Streiff will try in place of De Cesaris. Cheever takes to the track with the new Alfa Romeo with a time of 1'30"11. Minardi takes to the track with Martini with a time of 1'35"98. Rothengatter takes to the track with the Osella with a time of 1'34"13. Cheever goes off at Lesmo, breaking the flat bottom. Alboreto spins out.

"We did well. The tests gave us satisfactory results, and the car has improved significantly. However, it is too early to make predictions. The important thing is to confirm these results in the official tests. Only by comparing with the other cars will we know how much progress we've made".

This was Michele Alboreto's concise comment at the end of the Italian Grand Prix test. Despite the Italian driver's cautious optimism, the Ferrari team is satisfied with the car's progress. Two and a half days of work allowed the Maranello team technicians to test various mechanical and aerodynamic solutions. Engineer Postlethwaite comments:

"We are satisfied with both the tire tests and the fuel consumption. Now, the suspensions work better".

With the trials concluded, everything is set for the Italian Grand Prix, scheduled for Sunday, September 8, 1985. The racetrack can host at least 160.000 spectators, but tickets are expensive and the cost of the event continues to rise. Three thousand personnel will be deployed for security, including one thousand carabinieri and policemen. The circuit's speakers will broadcast recorded messages from Alboreto and De Angelis urging calm and sportsmanship. Hopefully, there won't be any detrimental scenes toward Alain Prost. In sports news, Zakspeed will not participate due to Palmer's injury. Tyrrell has confirmed that they will race with only one car and will not replace the late Bellof. As for De Cesaris, the Italian driver may be sidelined, though surprises are not out of the question. Despite the car's overheating issues, Beatrice's participation is certain. There's a rumor about the new American team's driver, Alan Jones. Apparently, the Australian was stopped by London police while driving his car two and a half months ago. He allegedly tested positive for alcohol. Jones denies the accusation, claiming to be a teetotaler. He is expected to be processed within a month, which could result in the suspension of his regular license while he retains his Formula 1 super license. The memory of an Italian driver competing for the world title at the traditional Italian Grand Prix has been lost over time. Perhaps that's why fans have become accustomed to idolizing Ferrari, regardless of the driver. Now, for the twelfth race of the World Championship, the two storylines converge. Michele Alboreto, driving the red Ferrari, is competing against his great rival, Alain Prost, and McLaren for the championship. On Thursday, September 5, 1985, fans gathered at the entrances and around the gates. Some even recognize the most well-known mechanics of the main teams. Someone shouts from the stands with a hoarse voice, and the race hasn't even begun yet. The drivers pass by one by one, greeting fans and signing autographs. Alboreto doesn't show up until late afternoon. He prefers to focus and remain calm. Prost relaxes with a round of golf. Those present at Monza inspect the cars. McLaren doesn't appear to have made significant updates. Even Ferrari appears similar to previous races at first glance. However, the three cars brought to Monza have undergone radical changes. There are so many details that it can be asserted that they are new cars. It's a compilation of work done in recent times. The suspension, aerodynamics, and mechanics have all been reviewed and modified. Part of the rear wing is gone—a biplane wing that can become a triplane if needed—and the radiators have been moved again. The electronics are more refined, aiming for maximum reliability. Michele Alboreto said:

"If I have the right car, we can try to stop Prost. Otherwise, it's goodbye to the title fight".

Once again, the race has all the usual elements and many potential protagonists, but the real focus is on the competition between the Italian and the Frenchman. They are two drivers who respect each other in normal life. On Saturday, they will take a lap of the track together in a Lancia Autobianchi Y10 to show the public that their rivalry is only sporting. They now find themselves facing each other in a race that could be decisive. Much depends on Ferrari's work and McLaren's progress on fast circuits. In the context of this challenge, there are many other connections: There's Niki Lauda's role (he won at Zandvoort, but will they let him win another race against his teammate?), as well as the roles of Rosberg, Senna, and Piquet, who are always searching for a personal victory. Stefan Johansson should not be underestimated. He must support Michele Alboreto while also considering his own contract for next year. Then there's Alan Jones's return with the new Loia-Beatrice. It's nice to look at - it’s red - but how competitive is it? There's also Philippe Streiff's debut with Ligier, replacing the sidelined De Cesaris. In short, the Italian Grand Prix offers many points of interest. Rarely has a Grand Prix had such interesting content, at least in terms of anticipation.

This feeling was confirmed on Friday, September 6, 1985. Just as the checkered flag was lowered, marking the end of the first day of trials, Nelson Piquet beat everyone in the provisional time standings. Keke Rosberg, who had been in the lead for almost an hour, was stopped at the box, convinced that no one could surpass him. Upon learning that the Brazilian was faster, Rosberg tried to get back on the track, but it was too late. This was the highlight of the day, suggesting a fantastic duel between Brabham and Williams on Saturday for the front row, with little chance for others to join them. Piquet set a new circuit record with a time of 1'25"679 at an average speed of 243.700 km/h, using tires seasoned by Pirelli - a trick that had succeeded before. Initially, the two main title rivals do not join the fray. Alboreto records the sixth fastest time (1'27"552) and Prost records the seventh fastest time (1'27"576). They are preceded not only by Piquet and Rosberg, but also by Mansell, Senna, and De Angelis. However, one should not fixate on mere numbers. As for Ferrari, there were some issues (two broken engines, one by Alboreto in the morning and one by Johansson in the afternoon, who was credited with only the fourteenth time), but overall, the trials went fairly well. The Maranello team emphasizes aerodynamics, with various types of front and rear wings. There is still room for improvement, but Alboreto is optimistic about the car's stability. The Maranello cars' difficulties with the new aerodynamic configuration and modified suspensions are attributed to imperfect tire use. Alboreto and Johansson are faster with type C tires; however, with the softer E compounds, they cannot complete a single lap. While Ferrari leaves with a bit more hope, McLaren remains an unknown. Both Prost and Lauda complained about the engines, which they described as somewhat tired. Piquet was the fastest, reaching a maximum speed of 334.115 km/h at the finish line. Prost stopped at 317.909 km/h, while Alboreto reached 326.205 km/h. However, both the Frenchman and the Austrian complain about the handling of their cars. Additionally, there is a spectacular off-track excursion by the Frenchman Philippe Strelff at the second Lesmo corner, resulting in damage to the suspensions and bodywork. Senna is cautious because he doesn't know what the circuit is like.

He has never raced at Monza and hasn't even cycled around it. Furthermore, after his successes at the beginning of the season, the Brazilian is experiencing a period of discouragement. Yet on Saturday, September 7, 1985, Ayrton Senna secured pole position with his black Lotus. This is his fifth pole position out of twelve races in the championship. The Brazilian driver unites friends and foes alike by setting a track record of 1'25"084. Everyone must bow to the unleashed South American, from Keke Rosberg and Nigel Mansell to his compatriots Nelson Piquet, Alain Prost, and Elio De Angelis, who qualified in that order. After the second timed practice session, all six drivers said they could have done better. In the end, however, Senna was the fastest. However, the performance of the brilliant Lotus driver was not the driving force of the Grand Prix. The duel for the World Championship between Prost and Alboreto continues. It must be said immediately that the McLaren driver scores another point by outpacing his opponent on the starting grid. Despite improving his time from Friday, the Italian drops to seventh place, while the Frenchman rises to fifth. Piquet initially dominated the trials, but was later surpassed by Rosberg, who seemed unapproachable. Toward the end of the allotted hour, after Senna's feat, Prost attempts to set a faster time. Despite Alboreto's attempts, he returns to the track with tires full of bubbles. It doesn't seem that Ferrari will ever be capable of approaching the fastest results. The most worrying aspect for Ferrari and Michele is that the McLaren appears to be the best car in race trim with a full tank of gas. Ferrari highlights issues with grip, especially understeer for Johansson in tenth, and tire utilization. The race could be decided by the tires. As happened at Zandvoort, it is predictable that many teams will attempt a mid-race tire change, which makes the choice of compounds problematic and risky and influences lap performance. In essence, McLaren seems to have a better chance over the distance when Rosberg, Senna, and the others have exhausted themselves. Rosberg claims that his car is competitive but admits that reliability is the major problem. For Michele Alboreto, the task is always challenging. In theory, he cannot attack as he would like; he must play defense. The Italian driver remains calm, aware of his abilities, as well as the fact that Ferrari has not, in theory, recovered the disadvantage against rivals that the trials of the previous week had hoped to address.

The modified 156/85 recorded slightly better times than Tambay's Renault, but one can always count on its robustness in the race thus far. Alboreto had hoped to secure a better position and be ahead of his rival Prost, at least at the start. Instead, he had to yield two positions and will start only one row behind. For Johansson, tenth place is not the worst result, but even the Swede was convinced after the trials at Brands Hatch that he could do better.

"Let's see how it goes in the race because making predictions is useless. Of course, I expected more. The car is not perfect. We made slight improvements in performance on the second day of trials, but I realize that McLaren is always very strong. Fortunately, I won't be forced into a terrible chase like the one in Zandvoort".

The Italian finishes his trials a little before the deadline, having used up all the available tires. He immediately changes and enters the motorhome, where he is glued to the monitor displaying the times. When Prost overtakes him in the end, Alboreto experiences a sudden burst of energy. Alboreto immediately thinks of his rival and the duel that will push him and his car to their limits. He hopes Senna will help him by positioning himself ahead of Prost. Indeed, the Brazilian is excellent, placing himself ahead of everyone. Technical manager Tornami explains the current situation:

"Indeed, we didn't perform as well as we had hoped based on certain results. We have problems and doubts regarding the car setups. We don't know exactly what others will do, especially regarding the choice of tires. We should start with three medium tires, type B, and one harder tire, type A, to match the circuit's characteristics. However, this will be a last-minute decision depending on the race conditions. While our cars didn't perform poorly, we can't claim to have achieved a positive result either".

Stefan Johansson has only one request. The Swede hopes not to be eliminated from the race immediately, as has happened on recent occasions.

"I hope to complete the entire race. It will certainly be difficult. I've had understeer issues, but if I manage to finish, I'm confident that I'll be among the top finishers. I would also like to help Michele earn valuable points for the championship, but I don't know if I'll be able to. However, if there's any chance of doing so, I'll be the first to consider it. However, McLarens always seem to be very difficult to pass".

Fans of the Maranello team gathered in large numbers beyond the gates around the Ferrari van. They call out to Alboreto for a long time, urging him to win and beat Prost. However, the task for the Italian driver is difficult, nearly impossible. Calm and serene on the outside, Alain Prost is certainly charged and determined. After the trials, he speaks at length. The French driver tries to hold a press conference with the Italian journalists to explain his intentions and goals. While speaking, he is disturbed by a French journalist and turns to push him roughly.
 

"This could be the decisive race, as I can pull ahead of Michele Alboreto. I am convinced of McLaren's superiority over Ferrari for several reasons. Our cars have several advantages. The most important is that we almost always have the same top speed in practice and in the race. This makes us more competitive. I'm also quite sure that Ferrari will be much inferior to my McLaren in the race".

Does racing at Ferrari's home, especially on Michele Alboreto's track, matter?

"It's not certain that it's an advantage for Alboreto. Michele will be inclined to take risks and push the limits of his car, which may be beyond its capabilities. He will have to exploit the Ferrari mechanics to the fullest, and this is certainly a danger he hasn't faced before".

Is there a preordained race tactic?

"I can't rely on help from my teammate, Lauda. Besides, it's perhaps better to do without certain aids. I've tried tires with very hard compounds and found them to be effective. It's possible that my not-so-secret weapon is being able to stay competitive without having to stop in the pits. We'll see during the Grand Prix".

Can the World Championship be decided immediately?

“No, there are still four more races to go. That means 36 points are available for the potential winner. Monza will be very important, if not decisive. As for the end of the season, I'm quite worried. We need stability in the calendar so we know where we're going to race. Instead, strange voices are being heard. I want to emphasize that it won't be up to us drivers to decide whether to race in South Africa. That's the job of the Federation, the Constructors' Association, and the politicians. We go where they send us".

Alain Prost concludes:

"There may be some risk, but that's not important. The important thing is to avoid doing stupid things, especially making sudden decisions that unsettle the fans. Racing on one circuit or another is the same for me. Meanwhile, my car has proven to be superior on almost all tracks. But I would like to know that from now on".

Not far away, Niki Lauda, looking a bit downcast after being relegated to sixteenth place, says:

"Prost is the favorite for Monza and the world title. I did my part. I had problems in the trials. But that counts for little. It's all about the McLaren".

Niki is not resigned, but he appears to be cared for less by the team. He will be forced into a strenuous recovery. Lauda, who is often described as a robot pilot, seems to have been betrayed once again by the onboard computer, which malfunctioned and operated the engine irregularly. Apart from Lauda, the sixteen competitors behind Prost should not expect to earn points. They might only play a role in overtaking or in unforeseen incidents not covered by the regulations. It's a pity, as it would be nice to see Patrese and Cheever compete with the Alfas and see Fabi and Ghinzani with the Tolemans rise to the occasion. Not to mention the other Italian cars. Although Rothengatter and Martini were dignified with the Osella and the Minardi, respectively, this time they don't start last. Behind them is one of the four world champions in the race—the others are Piquet, Lauda, and Rosberg—Alan Jones. The Australian and his Lola-Beatrice car are still running in. Keke Rosberg, who had the second fastest time in the second qualifying session, missed the pole position because of his Williams. The Finnish driver set a time of 1'25"230, less than 0.2 seconds behind Senna's Lotus. This demonstrates Rosberg's great skill once again.

"As soon as I got on the track, the clutch broke. But I continued anyway, going as fast as I could. When I arrived at the Parabolica, the brakes suddenly failed. Instead of using fourth gear to avoid going off the track and hitting a guardrail, I had to use third gear, which was not planned. That maneuver certainly slowed me down. It's too bad because I could have achieved a better result".

The Williams driver says he is sure he can win if his car does not fail him. But in the last few races, his car has often given in at a distance, despite him almost always being in the lead at the beginning. His rivals also count on this. Like all the most important sporting events, the Italian Grand Prix presents accidents and various incidents, such as injuries, thefts, and brawls. On Saturday, for example, the central infirmary of the circuit welcomed about fifty injured people, and five were taken to San Gerardo Hospital in Monza. The most serious case was a boy who fractured both wrists while trying to jump a fence. The financial police stopped two Germans with forged FIA passes and reported them. Authorities discovered that there is a specialized center for this type of fraud in Germany. Anti-counterfeiting checks are being conducted by 120 finance officers, and 200 more will be present on Sunday. The special carabiniere service continues with civilian cars and plainclothes officers at key points along the track. Several tons of material were seized, and the phenomenon of unauthorized scaffolding was limited. At the start of the Italian Grand Prix on Sunday, September 8, 1985, Ayrton Senna failed to resist Keke Rosberg's attack at the first chicane despite trying to defend himself. Senna even put two wheels on the gravel at the edge of the track. Following behind were Nigel Mansell, Alain Prost, and two Italian drivers, Elio De Angelis and Michele Alboreto. Senna's race was disappointing, at least in the first few laps: he was forced to give up his position to Mansell at the Curva Grande, and Prost passed him during the third lap. On the next lap, Mansell, who was struggling with his engine, was overtaken by the entire group. The British driver returned to the pits to replace the electronic control unit. De Angelis also overtakes Senna during the fifth lap, and two laps later, Alboreto, who has chosen tires that are too hard, is passed by Piquet. After ten laps, Rosberg has an 8.8-second advantage over Prost, a 17.6-second advantage over De Angelis, an 18.8-second advantage over Senna, and a 21.8-second advantage over Piquet. Behind Rosberg, Alboreto gives way to Niki Lauda.

On the 11th lap, Nelson Piquet enters the pit lane for a tire change. The Brazilian driver re-enters the track in eleventh position. Between laps 15 and 17, Lauda passes the two Lotuses. The Austrian driver first overtakes Senna, then De Angelis, who tries to resist Lauda's attack at the Parabolica turn, but to no avail. Lauda's pursuit of the World Champion is interrupted on the 26th lap when the front wing suddenly lowers, forcing him to return to the pits for repairs and a tire change. During the next lap, Alboreto also makes a pit stop. The Italian driver returns to the track in eighth place. Rosberg's pit stop on the 28th lap changes the lead of the Grand Prix. After changing tires, the Finn returns to the track in second place, behind Prost. Meanwhile, De Angelis slows down due to a computer error in his car. Convinced that he has consumed too much fuel, the Italian Lotus driver allows Senna to pass and moves up to third place. Prost has a lead of almost 14 seconds over Rosberg, who is the fastest driver on the track and is gaining almost two seconds per lap. Senna follows behind them, more than 45 seconds behind, ahead of De Angelis, Johansson, and Surer. During the 31st lap, his teammate Nelson Piquet overtakes the Swiss driver. The Brazilian continues his comeback by passing Johansson two laps later. Meanwhile, Niki Lauda retires due to a problem with the Porsche engine. On the 37th lap, Johansson stops at the pits for a tire change. On the 38th lap, Piquet passes De Angelis, who is later overtaken by Surer. On the 40th lap, Rosberg passes Prost on the main straight. Shortly after, Piquet uses the slipstream from the Lotus to pass Senna at the exit of the Parabolica and move into third place. Rosberg increases his lead over Prost to seven seconds. However, during the 45th lap, his engine fails (due to a gasket failure in the cylinder head causing the engine coolant to leak), forcing him to return to the pits and abandon the race. Meanwhile, De Angelis gives way to Alboreto. Prost finds himself in first place, with a lead of over a minute over Piquet. Senna was in third place, threatened by Surer. Alboreto also retires during the 46th lap due to engine failure. On the last lap, Johansson stops due to lack of fuel. Once again, Prost is in first place, still in the McLaren.

This is the fifth seasonal victory for the French driver and the sixth for the English team (not counting the disqualification in Imola). On average, they win one race out of every two. If there were any doubts, they have been dispelled.

"This is my most beautiful victory. Not only because I won at Monza and beat Ferrari. I liked that I raced well without any trouble and that my car proved to be the best on every type of track. I didn't have the slightest problem".

However, the truth is ugly for Ferrari. The Maranello team has taken a step back in time. It's as if they're back in their darkest periods when everything went wrong. Meanwhile, Alain Prost and his McLaren dealt a severe blow to Ferrari's hopes and ambitions. Alboreto and Johansson struggled with cars that were not competitive at the highest level, like Lotus and Brabham. Even worse, they unexpectedly lost the reliability that had been their true weapon until now. Alboreto retired six laps before the end due to engine failure after laboriously climbing to fifth place. Johansson ran out of fuel just before crossing the finish line. The Ferraris were slow in the first part of the race. After sixteen laps, Alboreto was 42 seconds behind the leader. They partially recovered in the final phase. However, they pushed themselves to such an extent that a negative outcome was inevitable. The two McLarens, especially the incredible Williams, were absolutely out of reach for the cars from Maranello. However, they did not withstand the demands imposed by Rosberg and Mansell.

It was quickly apparent how things would turn out. Prost started with harder tires - he had said on Saturday that he would make a prudent choice - and let the others vent their aggression. Rosberg and Mansell set the pace. Only Senna, with his splendid racing madness, tried to challenge the Williams drivers when the traffic light turned green. The Lotus driver slipped between the Finn and the Englishman as if he were the only one on the track. A nasty accident was narrowly avoided. After fixing his car, Rosberg attacked with more heart than conviction. Prost followed closely behind, about 10 seconds back. Mansell had been forced into a long pit stop due to an electrical problem, which was later resolved. Behind them, the Lotuses kept pace, with Senna and De Angelis exchanging positions while Brabham and Ferrari fought among themselves. Niki Lauda started in sixteenth place but was already in third when he mysteriously lost the front wing on the straightaway. Subsequently, the engine began to sputter, forcing the Austrian into an unsatisfactory retirement. It was a blow. That's the only way to describe Ferrari's result in the Italian Grand Prix. All ambitions are probably finished and illusions are over. No one hides it; defeat is admitted. It is too severe. Alboreto retired, and Johansson finished fifth, one lap behind, running out of fuel along the track. The Italian driver sums up the situation quite succinctly:

"They were better than us. McLaren seemed unbeatable in Holland, and the same thing happened at Monza. We failed with the tires, the chassis, and the engine. When my engine died, I was devastated. Until that moment, I hadn't had any major problems, and I was content with a possible placement. I hadn't worried much when I saw Prost coming up behind me".

The Italian driver was immediately asked if the fight for the World Championship was over. On subsequent occasions, he gives different answers, a sign of his fluctuating mood. First, he say:

"The championship ends in Australia, in Adelaide, on November 3rd".

Then he repeats:

"Of course it will be tough. We don't have many chances to recover".

Finally, he admits:

"Prost has practically won. The World Championship is over".

However, Alboreto is certainly not the type to give up. All he needs is a more competitive car to make a comeback. For now, though, the defeat stings, especially at Monza:

"I'm really sorry about this, For the Italian public. It was emotional, a real boost for me, and an exceptional show. They deserved more. Unfortunately, neither I nor Ferrari were able to deliver. I hope to be able to do so in the next races".

Even Stefan Johansson, who ended up accepting the evident superiority of McLaren after being rewarded with a fifth place, said:

"We had very little traction and a lot of understeer. The car was difficult to drive. Then, at the end, I ran out of fuel. I don't know what happened; maybe something was wrong with the fuel gauge. It's hard to understand how we lost all competitiveness, not only against McLaren, but also against Williams, Lotus, and Brabham. For me, the championship is not over; Michele still has a small chance. However, Prost will be a difficult obstacle to overcome".

The explanation from sports director Marco Piccinini is also disappointing. Moreover, it certainly cannot be discussed any differently:
 

"It was a completely negative day in every respect. We came from two critical Grand Prix, and there had been some small signs of improvement. Unfortunately, these hopes were not confirmed, but rather, we saw a counter-performance. We regret that it happened in front of our home crowd and for Michele".

Did Ferrari expect a weaker McLaren?

"We certainly didn't expect a weak opponent. They are strong, and we don't need to be the ones to say it".

For a long time, people gather around the Ferrari tent, hoping to get a close look at Alboreto and Johansson. Some shout, some applaud, and some whistle. During the early laps of the race, when it became clear that the Maranello cars couldn't realistically compete with the other teams, someone in the stands shouted:

"Ferrari, stay home".

That's certainly not the best solution. Ferrari will continue working to bridge the performance gap with their competitors. Soon, the race resumes, and it's time for the Belgian Grand Prix at Francorchamps to begin again. In spring, after just one day of testing before the race was suspended due to an impassable track, Michele Alboreto secured pole position. Meanwhile, the McLaren team celebrates after the Italian Grand Prix. Another victory (the seventh of the season, not counting Prost's disqualification in Imola) secured the world title, though it was not mathematically certain. This also allows the English team to surpass Ferrari in the Constructors' Championship.

There are happy faces, smiles, and hearty pats on the back. However, there is also some unnecessary shoving and hitting by overzealous guards. Alain Prost, who is not at all fatigued and is, as usual, very relaxed and calm, speaks at length, providing a precise analysis of the situation and the race.

"Being twelve points ahead of Michele Alboreto is good. I believe the World Championship cannot escape me this time. I haven't clinched the title yet, but I think I'm very close to achieving that goal. Honestly, I was very calm because I knew I was more competitive than Ferrari, and therefore, than my direct rival, Alboreto. I had a fairly calm race".

Weren't you afraid of Rosberg either?

"I knew that sooner or later, Keke would have problems. And that's exactly what happened. But perhaps I would have settled for second place. The important thing was to distance myself from Alboreto. My car performs well on all tracks. We had some minor difficulties, but we always managed to overcome every problem".

Last year, in the final stretch of the season, we lacked the points needed to beat our teammate Lauda. What has changed in the 1985 version of Prost?

"I have a bit more experience and have matured logically, but I have the same determination and desire to win. I don't think I made too many mistakes, as some claim. Not even in the past. Believe me, it was often the car's fault. In any case, it's clear that you learn something with each race".

Were you ever afraid of Niki Lauda when he was getting closer?

"Niki?" I never thought about it. I just tried to avoid making mistakes, and I think I succeeded. At first, I had a minor issue with the turbo pressure. That's why I let Rosberg and Senna go first, but I knew I would quickly move up to the top positions. By the fifth lap, I was already in second place behind Rosberg, believing that I would win".

Just before the start, the mechanics of McLaren and Ferrari exchanged predictions. A sign was displayed from the English team that read:

"First Prost, second Lauda, third Alboreto, fourth Johansson".

The crowd erupted. From the Maranello box, another board was displayed in response with only:

"First Alboreto, second Johansson".

Lauda was the only one who never smiled, not even once. The Austrian could have been a great protagonist, but he had to stop suddenly while in third place, behind Rosberg and Prost. His car was seen arriving at the box with the nose crushed. It seemed as if he had hit someone, perhaps while lapping. However, Niki, looking very angry, explained that the nose had detached on its own and implied that the mechanics could be at fault.

"Once again, I was delayed by a malfunction. I wonder why these things never happen to Prost".

After the race, controversy erupts among the drivers involved in the battles at the front of the Grand Prix. Williams colleagues and Nelson Piquet especially criticized Ayrton Senna, indicating him as the protagonist of two dangerous incidents. Rosberg and Mansell said:

"At the start, Lotus #12 made a very dangerous move, squeezing in between us at the chicane. A disaster could have happened. That's not how you drive, taking such risks on the first lap".

Piquet, a compatriot of Senna's, then added fuel to the fire for another incident:

"When I overtook him, he closed the trajectory incredibly. He risked throwing me off track and ruining the good result I was about to achieve. I returned the favor by blocking him on another occasion. In the end, though, we talked and apologized to each other." However, this is not how you race. You need to use your brain more".

Nelson Piquet is particularly satisfied with his second-place finish. He had to change tires earlier than planned because the state of the track didn't allow his car to grip well; it was particularly light on aerodynamics. Later, when the car became lighter, Piquet could attack with tires that worked wonderfully. Elio De Angelis is particularly nervous, once again accusing Lotus of treating him like a second-rate driver.

"I had a terrible engine with no power. It was certainly different from my teammate Senna's engine. He could attack and pass me as he pleased. In the end, I used 26 liters more fuel than Ayrton's Lotus".

Alfa Romeo has no intention of withdrawing from racing, despite recent rumors to the contrary. The Milanese company is evaluating the situation and will try to remain in Formula 1 in the best possible way, hoping to achieve positive results. Ettore Massacesi, the president of the Automotive Industry, explains the future plans.

"We are not withdrawing. We would prefer to be engine suppliers only. However, it's difficult to entrust a completely new engine to another team. Therefore, I do not exclude the possibility of an interim year".

These words suggest that Alfa Romeo will likely continue competing independently or with the Euroracing team in 1986. The company will seek sponsors to reduce the financial burden of the Formula 1 team. If the new four-cylinder engine works well when it is ready in the coming days, it will be sold to other teams and long-term plans will be made. Returning to Ferrari, Stefan Johansson will test at Monza behind closed doors on Tuesday, September 10, and Wednesday, September 11, 1985, while Michele Alboreto tests the cars that will be sent to Francorchamps for the Belgian Grand Prix on Sunday, September 15, 1985. Enzo Ferrari remains silent, as is customary after significant defeats and small victories. Still, it is conceivable that there was a stormy atmosphere in the office of the Modenese constructor on Monday. Asking for someone's head or changes in direction now would be pointless. The only solution is to try to remedy the shortcomings highlighted in the bitter Italian Grand Prix won by Prost, if possible. For now, no measures have been taken, though sensational surprises at various levels are not excluded in the near future. However, let's focus on the present. The Monza tests were unplanned. They were decided immediately after the race, as evidenced by the fact that, contrary to usual practice, the Ferrari vehicles had not left the track late at night. Unlike usual, the public and journalists will not be able to witness the tests directly at the pit. Secrecy can be determined by the need to work calmly.

However, it's easy to imagine that some new technology will be tested on a real racetrack. The private racetrack in Fiorano may not be enough to simulate certain conditions found in a race. There is talk of aerodynamics, the chassis, and the engine, such as double-stage turbines and a different car. All of these hypotheses are plausible and imaginative. The only certain thing is that Ferrari has not surrendered to McLaren's superiority. While the decline in the competitiveness of Alboreto and Johansson's cars remains inexplicable despite the care they received, it's clear that the English team with a German engine is unstoppable. With a bit of luck and a lot of technical resources, McLaren has overcome the most difficult moments brilliantly. Switching tire suppliers from Michelin to Goodyear forced designer Patrick Head to reevaluate the suspensions and other details of his cars. He did so step by step, with a certain prudence. The current McLaren is not the fastest car in Formula 1. It doesn't have the best grip or the most aggressive drivers. However, it surely has the best balance of all these qualities and requirements. Most importantly, it has two driving champions who are excellent testers and highly skilled and competent. They can provide engineers with the information needed to correct the cars' flaws. The situation in the Italian Grand Prix, where the time difference in the first part of the race (before tire change and with a full tank of fuel) oscillated around 2 seconds per lap, is quite problematic and reversed in a few days. Clearly, to keep up with rivals, Ferrari had to push its limits. This means more powerful engines, higher fuel consumption, and a greater risk of breakdowns. Balance: Alboreto retired six laps from the end due to engine failure and Johansson stopped six kilometers before the finish line due to a lack of fuel. The only hope for continuing the fight in Francorchamps is a victory. Otherwise, they will have to think about next year. As has been done since 1979.