The March 881 used the then new to Formula One Judd V8 engine, and was consistently the fastest speed trapped 'atmo' car of the 1988 season, with Capelli clocked at a class fastest on the first straight at Hockenheim for the German Grand Prix. Capelli and his March 881 was the only non-turbo car/driver combination in 1988 to actually lead a Grand Prix when he briefly took the lead from Alain Prost in his McLaren-Honda as they crossed the start-finish line on lap 16 of the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka. This was also the first time since the season that a naturally aspirated car had led a Formula One Grand Prix.