San Marino Grand Prix 1986 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Alain Prost claimed a crucial victory at Imola, capitalizing on Williams-Honda unreliability to score McLaren's first win of the season and keep himself in championship contention. The Frenchman drove a tactical masterclass, managing his MP4/2C's fuel load while the superior Williams cars suffered mechanical problems. Prost's victory demonstrated that consistency and reliability could still triumph over raw speed, as both Williams drivers encountered issues that prevented them from converting their pace advantage into victory.

Nelson Piquet finished second after mechanical concerns, while Gerhard Berger secured his first Formula 1 podium for Benetton, showcasing the Austrian's emerging talent. Mansell's retirement from a leading position highlighted the fragility that would plague Williams despite their technical superiority. The race served as a reminder that Williams's dominance was vulnerable to reliability issues and that Prost remained a championship contender through sheer tactical awareness. For McLaren, the victory provided crucial points and demonstrated that patient, intelligent driving could still overcome machinery deficits.