German GP 1989
German GP, 1989
In the fortnight between the British and German GPs there was a major shakeup at Team Lotus. The team had been hugely disappointing in 1989 and the result was that Peter Warr was ousted. Also removed was chairman Fred Bushell who was arrested for his part in the DeLorean scandal. To replace them the Chapman Family chose Tony Rudd to head the team with daily control passing to Rupert Manwaring. Michele Alboreto arrived to drive for Larrousse. Qualifying had the usual look with the McLaren-Hondas of Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost ahead of the Ferraris of Nigel Mansell and Gerhard Berger. The third row was an all-Williams affair with Riccardo Patrese ahead of Thierry Boutsen while Sandro Nannini (Benetton) was next, ahead of Nelson Piquet (Lotus), Emanuele Pirro's Benetton and the Tyrrell of Jean Alesi. Also showing well was Olivier Grouillard's Ligier in 11th. At the start Berger took the lead but it was only moments before he was behind the McLaren-Hondas again, Senna leading Prost. That remained the position until Prost pitted for tires. Senna then came in and had a long stop and so Prost emerged in the lead and stayed there until the closing laps when Senna managed to get ahead when Prost hit gearbox trouble. It was another McLaren 1-2 with Mansell third after Berger disappeared when a tire deflated and he crashed. Patrese was fourth with Piquet fifth and Derek Warwick sixth in his Arrows.