1985 German Grand Prix

This is the complete race as broadcast on LIVE TV.

The German Grand Prix had been held at the Hockenheim circuit from 1977-1984, and in
1985, the event was transferred to the new 2.8 mile Nürburgring circuit. In 1986, the race
was transferred BACK to Hockenheim, where it would remain for the next 20 years. This is
that rare one-year only 1985 race from the Nürburgring. Teo Fabi impressed everyone putting
the lone Toleman entry on pole, followed by the Ferrari of Stefan Johansson, Alain Prost
(McLaren), Keke Rosberg (Williams), Ayrton Senna (Lotus), and Nelson Piquet (Brabham).

At the start, it was Ayrton Senna (who had started fifth on the grid) that would lead the field
coming out of turn 1.  By the end of the first lap, Keke Rosberg had outpowered Senna’s Lotus
to take the lead, but on lap 16, Senna would pass Rosberg to retake the lead. Senna’s Lotus
eventually experienced a driveshaft failure, his third successive DNF. Keke Rosberg would
retake the lead but was pressured by the Ferrari of Michele Alboreto. In a side-by-side duel,
Alboreto went for the overtake and succeeded. In the skirmish, Alain Prost would slip by into
second place (Keke Rosberg eventually suffered brake failure). Jacques Laffite (Ligier) had a
great battle with Nigel Mansell, but it was all for naught as Nigel would suffer engine
problems in his Williams-Honda with just five laps to go.

The race would end with Michele Alboreto the winner (the final victory of his career), Alain
Prost second, Jacques Laffite third. Alboreto would extend his points lead over Prost.

Commentary by first-timer Tony Jardine (replacing Murray Walker, who was at
Silverstone this weekend), and the always entertaining James Hunt.