Before the race, three drivers were still in a position to win the World Drivers' Championship: Alain Prost (Renault) led the championship with 57 points, followed by Nelson Piquet (Brabham-BMW) with 55 and René Arnoux (Ferrari) with 49.
Antes da carreira, tres pilotos estaban aínda en condicións de gañar o Campionato do Mundo de Pilotos: Alain Prost ( Renault) lideraba o campionato con 57 puntos, seguido de Nelson Piquet (Brabham - BMW) con 55 e de René Arnoux ( Ferrari) con 49.