Grand Prix Gold: Detroit GP 1986
As most of the usual victory contenders fell by the wayside one way or another, the black Lotus of Ayrton Senna brilliantly fought its way back to victory - and the world championship lead - after an early pitstop delay
"I think it was a day when maybe I have less problems than anyone else," Ayrton Senna modestly said afterwards, and perhaps there was some truth in that. Nigel Mansell, right there as usual, had brake problems almost throughout. Keke Rosberg retired in the first few minutes. Nelson Piquet crashed, and so did Rene Arnoux. Alain Prost's engine occasionally went dead.
But Senna sells himself short. After only a dozen laps, he needed an unscheduled stop after picking up a puncture, after which he scythed back to the leaders, picking them off. He was one of five men to lead the United States Grand Prix at one time or another, but he always looked the one likely to be there at the end. It was a consummate performance, and puts him back into the world championship lead.
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