Spanish Grand Prix 1988 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Alain Prost claimed his seventh victory of the season at Jerez's Spanish Grand Prix, controlling the race from pole position while teammate Ayrton Senna recovered from a difficult start to finish fourth. The Frenchman's victory maintained his championship advantage heading into the penultimate race at Suzuka, where the title could be decided. Nigel Mansell delivered Williams-Judd's best result with second place, while Alessandro Nannini secured his second podium for Benetton with a solid third-place finish.

The Spanish Grand Prix demonstrated Prost's championship composure under pressure, as he extracted maximum points when opportunities arose. His seventh win equaled Senna's total, with both drivers having won seven races each, though Prost held the championship lead thanks to superior consistency when Senna's speed had been compromised. The race highlighted Formula 1's best-11-results rule, which would prove decisive in the championship - both drivers had scored well but only their best 11 finishes would count. The tension within McLaren was palpable, with both drivers barely speaking after the Monza collision, setting up a dramatic finale at Suzuka where Senna would need victory to keep his championship hopes alive.