The 71-lap race was won by Englishman Nigel Mansell, driving a Williams-Renault, after he started from pole position.

Mansell's Italian teammate, Riccardo Patrese, finished second after leading the first 31 laps, with German Michael Schumacher third in a Benetton-Ford.

However, the car was still experiencing teething issues, despite an intensive testing programme at Silverstone following the Mexican Grand Prix.

[2] With very little time to prepare, McCarthy had hastily acquired a FISA Super Licence which enabled him to compete in Formula One.

[3] This left five cars in the session, and it became clear which four were to progress when the remaining Andrea Moda of Roberto Moreno managed just two laps before it broke down, having posted a very slow time.

There was controversy in the second qualifying session, as Senna slowed in front of an over-enthusiastic Mansell, forcing him wide on the entry to turn 11 and into a spin.

Interestingly, Berger's time was set in one of the MP4/6B's, as he suffered an engine failure in his primary car, an MP4/7A; however, he raced an MP4/7A on raceday.