The final corner at the redeveloped Mexico City circuit has been named in honour of Nigel Mansell, who took the final victory on the previous layout of the track in 1992.
Mansell is most fondly remembered at the venue for the overtake of Gerhard Berger around the outside of the final corner, then called Peraltada, while driving for Ferrari in 1990.
The Peraltada has had to be redesigned for safety reasons, and as a result, race organisers have named the last part of the corner ‘Mansell’ ahead of this October’s Formula 1 return to Mexico, with the Briton admitting he was flattered with the decision.
“I have extremely fond memories of racing in México City, the people, the energy and the track itself were all highlights of the F1 calendar back then for me,” said Mansell.
“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.”
