Japanese Grand Prix 1990 - Race Schedule and Countdown

The 1990 Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka will forever be remembered as one of Formula 1's most controversial moments, as Ayrton Senna deliberately crashed into Alain Prost's Ferrari at the first corner, eliminating both drivers and securing his second World Championship in shocking circumstances. Starting from pole position, Senna was furious that FISA president Jean-Marie Balestre had refused to move pole position to the cleaner right side of the track, forcing him to start on the dirty left. When Prost made a better start and took the lead into the first corner, Senna drove into the side of his rival's Ferrari, sending both cars spinning into the gravel trap and out of the race.

The collision was instant retaliation for the previous year's controversial incident at the same circuit, where Prost had turned into Senna to secure his own championship. This time, Senna made no attempt to hide his intentions, later admitting that the move was premeditated revenge for what he perceived as political manipulation and injustice from FISA officials who favored Prost. The Brazilian's actions immediately clinched the championship, as Prost could no longer catch him in the points standings even if he won the final race in Australia.

Nelson Piquet won the race for Benetton ahead of teammate Roberto Moreno, with the pair inheriting victory after the championship protagonists' early exit. The incident sparked fierce debate about sportsmanship, acceptable racing conduct, and the use of deliberate collisions to decide championships. While Senna secured his second title, the manner of his victory tarnished what should have been a moment of celebration and ensured the Senna-Prost rivalry would remain one of the sport's most bitter and controversial chapters. The Suzuka collision cast a long shadow over Formula 1 and raised fundamental questions about racing ethics that persist to this day.