Japanese Grand Prix 1987 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Gerhard Berger claimed his maiden Formula 1 victory at Suzuka's Japanese Grand Prix, while Nelson Piquet secured his third World Championship despite finishing sixth after both Williams drivers suffered late-race problems. The Austrian's victory for Ferrari was a popular result, demonstrating his emerging talent and giving the Scuderia hope for the future. Ayrton Senna finished second for Lotus ahead of Stefan Johansson's McLaren, while Piquet's championship was clinched despite Mansell's attempt to pressure his teammate into retirement through aggressive driving.

The Japanese Grand Prix marked both Berger's breakthrough victory and Piquet's championship coronation, though the Brazilian's title was secured in controversial circumstances. With both Williams drivers struggling mechanically, Mansell attempted to force Piquet into retirement by driving aggressively - a cynical tactic that highlighted how completely their relationship had deteriorated. Piquet survived to take the championship by 12 points despite winning three races to Mansell's six, vindicating his consistency-over-speed philosophy. The race established Berger as a future star and gave Ferrari encouragement after years of Williams-Honda dominance.