After a successful 1984 season, Toleman entered 1985 with Swede Stefan Johansson and John Watson signed as drivers, but without a main sponsor or a tyre contract.

The team had switched from Pirelli to Michelin during 1984 following a dispute with the Italian supplier, only for the French company to withdraw from F1 at the end of the year.

Hence, Toleman did not compete in the first three races of 1985, during which Johansson was released from his contract to replace René Arnoux at Ferrari.

From the Austrian Grand Prix onwards, a second car was entered for another Italian driver, Piercarlo Ghinzani, who joined the team from Osella.

Fabi gave Toleman its first and only pole position at the German Grand Prix, held at the new Nürburgring.