Exciting Finish in Suzuka, Three-Way Title Battle

Qualifying:

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Report:

These three drivers had quite a close fight and are now fighting for the world's title.

We had seven drivers fighting for a world championship before the Japanese Grand Prix, and after the Japanese Grand Prix, the second-to-last race of the Formula One season, there are still three drivers left who can become the world champion of 1987: Brendon Cassidy, Jéremy-Étienne Voeckler and Gerhard Berger will be the three drivers who will battle in Mexico.

This, however, was not what you would have expected with a dozen laps to go: Brendon Cassidy had the race full under control. A technical issue forced him to pit, leaving him only in fourth and Voeckler on route for the win that would have made him the world champion. As Cassidy worked his way back up the order, McLaren were looking to secure JEV’s lead.

Unfortunately, Voeckler himself had a problem that required a pitstop to fix. Now it was Derek Warwick who looked likely to win, after Cassidy ran out of talent and dropped behind Berger (whom he had passed a few laps before that) again. Gerhard Berger, who was out of championship contention at the time, was ordered to help Voeckler. He followed his orders, but Voeckler failed to take advantage.

On the final lap, Derek Warwick made a silly mistake, which send him down the order and suddenly gave Berger a new lifeline, which he turned into his third career win. This thrilling fight makes the team’s battle between Arrows and Benetton almost a secondary development, although it was the big story of the battle for the lower points, even if it ended with a clear win for Benetton-Ford.

Race:

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Fastest Lap:

Jérémy-Étienne Voeckler – 1:41.154

Infinite Improbability Drive Of The Race:

Benetton-Ford – Managed to nurse both cars to the finish, a crucial development in the WCC.

Reject Of The Race:

Derek Warwick – He lost his world championship dream due to a silly mistake.