STORY OF THE DAY: Alboreto Leads a Ferrari One-Two in Canada

On 19 May 1985, Michelle Alboreto won at Montreal in Ferrari 156-85 number 27, leading teammate Stefan Johansson home for a Ferrari one-two. Alain Prost finished third for McLaren. The victory strengthened Alboreto’s position as Prost’s principal challenger for the Formula One World Championship.

Alboreto combined speed with careful management on a circuit demanding heavy braking and strong acceleration. Ferrari’s clean one-two demonstrated the competitiveness of its new car, while the maximum score gave the Italian further momentum during the strongest championship campaign of his Formula One career.

The 156-85 was a new design built around Ferrari’s 1.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6. Its carbon-composite chassis, revised aerodynamics and improved packaging produced a lighter and more effective car than the 126 C4, while substantial turbo power remained one of its principal strengths.

Milan-born Alboreto had won with Tyrrell before joining Ferrari in 1984. Intelligent, composed and technically sensitive, he became the Scuderia’s leading title contender in 1985 and eventually finished runner-up to Prost. His Montreal victory stands among the clearest expressions of his ability to carry Italian hopes without allowing their weight to disturb his driving.