1985 Italian Grand Prix

The **1985 Italian Grand Prix** was a Formula One motor race held at Monza on 8th September 1985. It was the ninth race in both the 1985 Drivers' Championship and the 1985 Constructors' Championship.

## Background

Due to pressure from the GPDA, the circuit underwent extensive modifications to improve safety prior to the 1985 race. The *Variente del Retifilo* complex was converted into a single right-left chicane and run-off was extended in several areas.

## Qualifying

Pole position was taken by Italian driver Vivaldo Margheriti, much to the delight of the home fans. He was followed by his title rival Chuck Dingley and brother Fabiano Margheriti.

## Race Summary

Tragedy struck pole-man Vivaldo Margheriti on the starting grid when Williams engineers discovered an electrical fault with his car with just minutes before the race start. He was forced to withdraw to the pits, giving Dingley a huge advantage in the battle for the 1985 Championship.

With Vivaldo's withdrawal, Dingley maintained the lead of the race from home-favourite Fabiano Margheriti. Margheriti eventually forced Dingley into a mistake and flew into first. The pair battled until the race was red-flagged due to debris that was present on the circuit from a crash between Santiago Reyes and Danilo Koren.

Vivaldo Margheriti and Santiago Reyes were given permission to rejoin the race after the restart, albeit from the back of the grid. Fabiano Margheriti controlled the pace of the pack before the race went underway and kept the lead until going wide at the second chicane. Jack Wilson attempted to take advantage of the battle between the leaders but was unable to find a way past, with the superior horsepower of Margheriti's Ferrari allowing him to stay ahead.

Andrew Young had chosen to switch to the hard compound for the second race start and ran as high as second after the leaders pitted. After a brave defense, he was eventually passed by the two Margheriti's and Wilson, who had just pitted for fresh tyres. Fabiano had pitted for medium's, hoping that the softs would drop off, whilst Vivaldo and Wilson had opted for the soft tyres.

Although Fabiano had undercut his brother and Wilson and emerged with a healthy gap, he was caught by Vivaldo with several laps to go. The italian brothers quickly entered one of the fiercest battles of the season. They switched positions multiple times, often making contact in the process, before Vivaldo won out, squeezing out Fabiano on the final corner of the final lap to take second position. Chuck Dingley took another win and was unchallenged by the Margheriti's and Wilson due to their scuffles.

## Post-Race

After the race Vivaldo Margheriti was penalised and given two five-second penalties for colliding with his brother Fabiano Margheriti. Danilo Koren received a 10 second penalty and three penalty points for squeezing McLaren driver Stefan Wolff early after the race restart. He also received a five second penalty and one further penalty point to his license for causing a collison with Brabham's Santiago Reyes, which resulted in Reyes crashing before the race was restarted.

## Championship Standings

 2
 3
 4
 5

 2
 3
 4
 5

## Lap Leaders

Chuck Dingley (Laps 1-6, 13-26)

Fabiano Margheriti (Laps 7-12)