Detroit Grand Prix

Formula 1 Grand Prix

The Detroit Grand Prix is a car racing event held in Detroit, Michigan, USA. From 1982 to 1988 it was a part of the Formula One series. It has been a part of the IndyCar Series since 1988.

Detroit Grand Prix
Detroit street circuit
Race information
Number of times held7
First held1982
Last held1988
Most wins (drivers)Brazil Ayrton Senna (3)
Most wins (constructors)United Kingdom Lotus (2)
United Kingdom McLaren (2)
Circuit length4.023 km (2.50 mi)
Race length253.449 km (157.5 mi)
Laps63
Last race (1988)
Pole position
Podium
Fastest lap

In 1982, the U.S. became the first country to host three World Championship Grands Prix in one season. As of 2010, it is the only one to do so. In addition to the US GP West and Caesars Palace GP races, the new event was held on another street course, in the Renaissance Center of Detroit.

The original circuit had seventeen corners in 2.493 miles, and included a tunnel and a railroad track crossing. For 1989, it was planned to move the Grand Prix to a new circuit at Belle Isle. However, an agreement could not be reached, and the Grand Prix moved to Phoenix in 1989. Upon the departure of F1, the Detroit race was replaced by an event sanctioned by CART, which was held on the same track except the 18th turn, a chicane, was removed. In 1992, the race was moved to Belle Isle, an island in the Detroit River. Since then, the race has been held at Belle Isle. It was canceled after the 2001 race before being held in 2007 and 2008. The race returned for 2012 and has been on the IndyCar series schedule since.

Winners

Repeat winners (drivers)

WinsDriverYears won
3 Ayrton Senna1986, 1987, 1988

Repeat winners (constructors)

WinsConstructorYears won
2 Lotus1986, 1987
McLaren1982, 1988

Repeat winners (engine manufacturers)

WinsManufacturerYears won
3 Honda1985, 1987, 1988
2 Ford *1982, 1983

* Built by Cosworth

By year

YearDriverConstructorReport
1982 John WatsonMcLaren-FordReport
1983 Michele AlboretoTyrrell-FordReport
1984 Nelson PiquetBrabham-BMWReport
1985 Keke RosbergWilliams-HondaReport
1986 Ayrton SennaLotus-RenaultReport
1987 Ayrton SennaLotus-HondaReport
1988 Ayrton SennaMcLaren-HondaReport


Broadcasting

United Kingdom

YearNetworkLap-by-lapColour commentator(s)
1988BBC TwoMurray WalkerJames Hunt
1987
1986
1985
1984
1983
1982