After missing the entire season, the first time since that the Brabham name wasn't on the F1 grid as a constructor, the team was forced into pre-qualifying for 1989, largely thanks to the increased entry to Formula One that year in light of the new regulations that banned the powerful, but expensive, turbocharged engines. Brabham, making a welcome return to the F1 paddock, proved competitive with the Judd powered BT58, with Modena never failing to pre-qualify, while car problems saw Brundle only failing to do so twice (Canada and France). Both Brundle and Modena proved very competitive at the Monaco Grand Prix, running behind the all-conquering McLaren-Honda's of Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost. Brundle was running a fine 3rd late in the race when he was forced to pit to replace a dead battery, ultimately finishing 6th (unlike most other cars in the field, the BT58 had its battery under the driver's seat and not behind the driver's head meaning Brundle had to vacate the car in the pits in order for the team to replace it). It was Modena who benefited from Brundle's misfortune as he would finish 3rd behind the McLarens. The points scored at Monaco meant that the team 'graduated' from pre-qualifying for the 2nd half of the season.