Prost won despite nearly running out of fuel, and Berger scored Benetton's first-ever Formula One podium at the third round of the 1986 championship.
Key Facts
- Race
- 3rd round of 1986 F1 World Championship
- Winner
- Alain Prost (McLaren-TAG)
- Winning margin
- 7.645 seconds over Nelson Piquet
- Berger podium
- First F1 podium for Gerhard Berger and Benetton
- Ford THL2 debut
- New 900 bhp turbocharged V6; retired after 28 laps
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Fuel consumption regulations made managing fuel loads critical in 1986 Formula One, a repeat concern from the previous year's San Marino race. Early retirements by championship contenders Ayrton Senna and Nigel Mansell reshaped the race order, leaving Prost in a commanding lead but vulnerable to fuel shortage in the closing laps.
Alain Prost dominated the race at Imola's Autodromo Dino Ferrari on 27 April 1986, but nearly failed to finish when his McLaren ran almost dry three corners from the flag. He weaved the car frantically to slosh remaining fuel into the pickup and crossed the line ahead of Piquet, with Berger claiming third place for Benetton.
Prost took maximum points despite the fuel scare, while Gerhard Berger and the Benetton team claimed their maiden Formula One podium. The race also marked the turbocharged Ford-Cosworth V6 engine's debut in the Lola THL2, though Alan Jones retired after 28 laps with overheating, previewing the challenges ahead for that programme.