In the summer of 1980, I was at Goodwood for a test session. Before I reached the pits, I bumped into Les Thacker, the Competition Manager of BP, who was picking up the tab for the Toleman Formula 2 team, who was dominating the season.

Mike Lawrence
Mike Lawrence

“Anything interesting?” I asked. “The new Ralt-Honda is being shaken down,” was his reply. “Who’s driving?” I inquired. “Mansell.” “Good grief,” I said, “why?” Les shrugged; we were of the same mind: Mansell was a waste of space.

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