Formula One Features — March 1990

It was a match made in heaven -- or so it seemed. David Brabham, Sir Jack Brabham's third son, had signed to drive for Brabham, the team his father had founded way back in the sixties.

Now ends the winter of our discontent, ahead is another glorious summer of Grand Prix racing. And about time too. The endless bickering of the recent months, whatever the rights and wrongs, long ago became wearisome. Now it is the time to hear engines again and watch the world's greatest drivers doing what they know best...

Sitting on the front row of the grid for the USA GP in Phoenix was the Minardi of Pierluigi Martini. In recent months the Italian has emerged from the shadows and built himself the reputation of being one of the fastest competitors outside the big name teams of Grand Prix racing. Few remember that in 1985 Pierluigi had been consigned to F1's scrap heap as a no-hoper.

The resdesigned Silverstone circuit was designed by Silvestone Circuit's chairman Tom Walkinshaw, George Smith, the Development Director of Silverstone and Hamish Brown, the Managing Director. The three received advice and comments from Bernie Ecclestone.

Alex Caffi wasn't particular happy after the US Grand Prix in Phoenix. The young Brescia driver had been as high as second in the race, chasing after Alain Prost's McLaren. He had to pit, but was charging back through the field. He was going to end the day on the podium but, more importantly, it would have been his first top three finish in F1.

French racing underwent a renaissance in the mid Sixties with Matra, Gordini and Alpine and a new generation of French drivers moving to the forefront of international competition.