15/09/2015
NEWS STORY
A new corner, part of the legendary Peraltada, has been renamed in honour of 1992 world champion Nigel Mansell.
As the winner of the last Formula 1 Gran Premio de México back in 1992, Mansell holds a special place in the Mexican motorsport history hall of fame.
To mark this achievement, Corporación Interamericana de Entretenimiento (CIE), the promoter of the Grand Prix, has announced that they have renamed Turn 17 of the freshly upgraded Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez to the Nigel Mansell Turn.
Long heralded as one of the most nail-biting and exciting historic tracks in F1, the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez challenged and brought out some of the very best performances of the drivers who graced its surface. Mansell was one such driver who enjoyed it more than most, completing some excellent strategic manoeuvres over the years, much to the delight of race fans.
The new Nigel Mansell Turn is located close to the site of the iconic Peraltada and, as he became world famous for his brave and fearless style of racing, race organisers couldn't think of a more appropriate section of the 4.3km track to name after the British racing icon.
In addition to the official track naming CIE also confirmed that Mansell will be in attendance at the event to meet with fans and experience the track first hand.
Mansell has a strong track-record with the circuit - 1992 wasn't the only year that saw him take victory, in 1987 he beat his then Williams team mate, Nelson Piquet to the flag securing the Constructors' Championship in the process.
"I have extremely fond memories of racing in Mexico City," said 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."
"It is an honour for us that Nigel has accepted our invitation to join us for the race this year," added Rodrigo Sanchez, Director of Marketing & Media Relations for the Formula 1 Gran Premio de Mexico, "he will be in great company alongside our official race ambassador and fellow F1 World Champion Emerson Fittipaldi and many other welcome guests.
"I recall watching Nigel win the 1992 Gran Premio de Mexico, his performance then encapsulates all that's great about F1, energy, passion, excitement and non-stop action all in equal measure. He is a true sportsman and we are delighted to be able to contribute towards his motorsport legacy by naming part of the new track after him. Mexico City has a rich motorsport pedigree and we are very pleased to be able to bring F1 fans icons from former times as well as the talent of today and tomorrow. All that remains for me to say is: welcome to the family Nigel!"
The soon to be launched track features many other unique attributes and, once finished, will be the second fastest track on the Formula 1 calendar.