Organisers of the upcoming Mexican Grand Prix have announced that Turn 17, the last corner of the freshly upgraded Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, will be named in honour of 1992 world champion Nigel Mansell.
Mansell , who won the last race at the Mexico City venue in 1992, enjoyed a strong track-record at the circuit during his F1 career, famously executing a brave and fearless move around the outside of Gerhard Berger at the last turn, the iconic Peraltada, in 1990.
The long right-hander has been revamped for safety reasons during the track's recent renovation, but the Mexico organisers say they "couldn't think of a more appropriate section of the 4.3km track to name after the British racing icon."
“I have extremely fond memories of racing in Mexico City,” commented Mansell. “The people, the energy and the track itself were all highlights of the F1 calendar back then for me.”
“When I found out about the turn naming of course I was delighted. Flattered, proud and delighted in equal measure.”
“The news instantly brought to mind my unexpected overtaking manoeuvre on Gerhard Berger actually on the old Peraltada section to come in second behind my Ferrari team mate Alain Prost back in 1990 - I can’t believe that was 25 years ago and that it’s been 23 years since my last win at the track."
“I’ve carefully observed what the organisers have been doing and I’m really looking forward to seeing it for myself a little later this year.”
The legendary Briton will of course attend the Mexican Grand Prix which takes place on October 30 - November 1.
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