John Player Special Team Lotus 1985        

The beginning of the 1985 season was Elios 5th year with Team Lotus, and he knew it was going to be his most difficult yet.  Ayrton Senna had signed a contract to join Team Lotus in 1984 whilst driving for Toleman, with a view to being the number one driver at Lotus.  Initially, Elio responded well to the challenge of the Brazilian hot-shoe, usually being within a whisker of Senna during qualifying, and outdriving him for the pole at Canada.  But as the season wore on, Senna's talent was becoming obvious and Elio's cause wasn't helped by a shifting of focus and resources within Team Lotus away from the Italian who had been their stalwart since 1980....

Elio poses for the start of the 1985 campaign (provided by www.awirz.ch)Elio qualifying the 97t at a soon to be soaked Estoril circuitDespite Senna's difficult personality, Elio continued to try to work together as a teamGood mates - Elio & Keke at Imola 1985With soon to be disqualified winner Alain Prost at San MarinoCelebrating 2nd place at Imola A rare shot of Elio together with Michele Alboreto. There was a rivlary of sorts between Elio the fiercely proud Roman, and the Milanese Alboreto (provided by www.awirz.ch)Black and White still of Elio elio_1985_97T_3.jpg (74972 bytes)Elio in expressional modeElio at speed during the Monaco GPelio_1985_97T_1.jpg (81891 bytes)The 97T stripped at DetroitElio tiptoes around the Detroit courseElio strikes a pose at Silverstone Disappointment in Germany as Elio retires whilst in 3rd placeThe Hockenheim retirement really was a hard one for Elio to take, as he trudges back to the pits... (provided by www.awirz.ch)Austria_1985.jpg (83379 bytes)Elio led the Belgium GP at Spa briefly during a downpour During the Italian GP an Monza, Elio led Ayrton for a good part of the race before the Lotus expiredElio in determined mood continues to lead Senna at his home GPElio at Adelaide prior to the start of his last race for Team Lotus (provided by AtlasF1 forums)Elio in front of Ayrton at his disappointing Lotus farewell at Adelaide

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