The ER189 debuted in the 1989 British Grand Prix, driven by Swiss Gregor Foitek, who failed to pre-qualify. Foitek was unable to get out of Friday pre-qualifying for the next three races and left the team after the 1989 Belgian Grand Prix. Oscar Larrauri, who had driven for the team the previous year, was called back to finish the season, although he failed to pre-qualify for a single race as well.