Francorchamps Fripperies

Joke of the race happened on lap 3, when Arnoux and de Cesaris collided and the Ligier and the Rial promptly retired. Left the way clear for a nice race.

A sort of ‘no-hopers’ duel was enacted down at the back of the field between Jonathan Palmer (Tyrrell) and Stefan Johansson (Ligier). They were enjoying themselves and doing nobody any harm so it was a pity that they both failed to reach the chequered flag, even though they were classified as finishers. The Ligier broke its final drive and the Tyrrell broke its throttle control.

The Arrows pair continue to look like Siamese twins, their performances being depressingly equal. Out of the cars you seldom see them arm-in-arrn, but in the cars it is hard to separate them. Tenth and eleventh on the grid, and seventh and eighth in the race, though in fact Warwick did manage to make a break and get away from Cheever on the track. Their best laps were almost identical and they both did them on lap 24. This togetherness is getting boring!

Boutsen’s immaculate performance rather overshadowed his Benetton team mate’s race, but nevertheless Nannini did a good job, hauling himself from seventh on the grid to a fighting fourth at the finish. Another good reputation enhanced. DSJ