Former F1 champion returns to Ferrari

Four-time F1 world champion Alain Prost put his racing gloves and helmet back on this weekend as he got behind the wheel of his 1991 Ferrari 643 in a demo run at the Dubai Autodrome Circuit.

The outing, which was part of the venue’s Gulf Historic Dubai GP Revival event, received an incredible reception and applause from the enthusiastic crowd.

As per f1i.com, the Frenchman, in typical fashion, maneuvered the Scuderia’s vintage machine ‘with effortless grace and precision’, with the 643’s power unit bellowing its V12 engine under its driver’s command.

The demo run was a fitting tribute to Prost’s illustrious career and a testament to his enduring love for Formula 1.

Prost returns to Ferrari classic

The Ferrari 643 was built in May 1991 and introduced at the French Grand Prix at Magny-Cours as the replacement for the 642.

Prost was a three-time champion at this point and had endured a difficult start to the season, with just one podium in the first six rounds, as well as two retirements and a DNS at the San Marino Grand Prix.

At its opening race, things looked promising, with Prost starting on the front row in France and finishing second after leading the race before being overtaken by Nigel Mansell.

Although almost always qualifying on the front row of the grid and achieving four more podiums, the Ferrari was not as competitive as the Williams or the McLaren and reliability issues led to four retirements, three consecutively in Germany, Hungary and Belgium.

Prost failed to win a race in 1991 and the lack of results led to his falling out with Ferrari, leading to his sacking before the final race of the season in Australia, being replaced by Gianni Morbidelli.

The Frenchman finished fifth in the standings and would not return to the sport until 1993, when he clinched his fourth world title with Williams.

READ MORE: Piastri reveals how Norris influenced historic season

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

Ferrari chief says Christian Horner is not the fix: 'One man alone cannot change things'

• 1 hour ago

Ferrari line up replacement for Lewis Hamilton boss accused of 'terrible relationship'

• 2 hours ago

F1 News Today: Max Verstappen penalty claim disputed as champion issues public apology

• 3 hours ago

Lewis Hamilton shares heartbreaking tribute to beloved bulldog Roscoe

• Yesterday 22:30

Christian Horner to Ferrari: Wife Geri 'open to Italy move'

• Yesterday 20:54

F1 News Today: Lewis Hamilton 'concern' revealed as government minister weighs in

• Yesterday 15:50