Ayrton Senna’s move to Lotus for the 1985 season was a major coup for the team and the two weeks leading up to the Italian Grand Prix in 1984 were marked by uncertainty about Senna’s participation in the race.
Toleman had announced that Senna would be replaced by Pierluigi Martini for the race, citing a viral facial paralysis as the reason for Senna’s absence.
The facial paralysis was a real condition, but it was not serious enough to prevent Senna from racing. In fact, he had already competed in the European Grand Prix with the condition, and he had finished in sixth place.
Toleman’s decision to suspend Senna was controversial, and it was seen by many as a way to punish the driver for leaving the team. Martini, who was a talented driver, failed to qualify for the race.
1º
N. Piquet
2º
A. Prost
3º
E. de Angelis
4º
N. Lauda
5º
T. Fabi
6º
K. Rosberg
7º
N. Mansell
8º
P. Tambay
9º
R. Patrese
10º
E. Cheever
11º
M. Alboreto
12º
D. Warwick
13º
J. Laffite
14º
R. Arnoux
15º
M. Surer
16º
A. de Cesaris
17º
S. Johansson
18º
F. Hesnault
19º
T. Boutsen
20º
G. Berger
21º
M. Winkelhock
22º
P. Ghinzani
23º
P. Alliot
24º
J. Gartner
25º
H.Rothengatter
26º
J. Palmer
70
Laps
26
Cars
15
Retirements
1’31”912
Fastest lap
1º
Sunny Weather
Podium
1º
N. Lauda
2º
M. Alboreto
3º
R. Patrese
–
final position (did not qualify for the race)
11º
position in championship following the race
–
starting place (did not qualify for the race)
0
championship points accumulated
–
best lap (did not qualify for the race)
