Ferrari is back!

Gerhard Berger’s fine victory for Ferrari in the Japanese Grand Prix was a splendid turn of fortune for a famous make which has been out of the Formula One picture for far too long.

Even those who root for British cars and drivers must have been delighted when the red car took the chequered-flag. The marque’s comeback is not unconnected with British engineering talent, although it is too early to say whether this rediscovered competitiveness will continue.

The Austrian put one over on the Japanese, who needed a Honda-engined car to finish first in front of the enormous and enthusiastic crowd of native racegoers at Suzuka. Indeed, it was only the last-minute spurt of Senna’s Lotus which secured Honda second place.

Berger’s win was convincing. We hope it marks a change of fortune for the legendary racing cars from Maranello . . .