1980 Alain Prost Spanish GP Race Used McLaren GPA F1 Helmet Visor
Very unique piece of Alain Prost memorabilia, a well used GPA visor from the controversy laden 1980 Spanish Grand Prix.
While driving for McLaren in 1980, Alain Prost's British mechanics nicknamed him Tadpole, as they said he is too small to be a Frog. They jokingly covered up his name on the visor strip with a piece of white tape with "Tadpole" written in marker and was spotted be used during the non Championship race, the 1980 Spanish Grand Prix, and this is that very visor.
The non Championship status of that years Spanish GP was very controversial. The Spanish Grand Prix at the Jarama circuit near Madrid ended up losing its championship status after Jean-Marie Balestre announced on morning of Friday's practice (in an attempt to put FOCA in their place after drivers driving for FOCA-aligned teams did not show up to drivers' meetings at the previous 2 Grands Prix) that the 1980 Spanish GP would not count as a championship round. Balestre also stripped the drivers of their racing licenses. The FISA-supported manufacturer teams (Renault, Ferrari, and Alfa) all pulled out, and the FOCA-supported independent constructors stayed to race. The race was won by poleman, Alan Jones. The race's loss of championship status hurt the event quite badly; as it was only to be hosted one more time at Jarama in 1981.
The visor comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.
While driving for McLaren in 1980, Alain Prost's British mechanics nicknamed him Tadpole, as they said he is too small to be a Frog. They jokingly covered up his name on the visor strip with a piece of white tape with "Tadpole" written in marker and was spotted be used during the non Championship race, the 1980 Spanish Grand Prix, and this is that very visor.
The non Championship status of that years Spanish GP was very controversial. The Spanish Grand Prix at the Jarama circuit near Madrid ended up losing its championship status after Jean-Marie Balestre announced on morning of Friday's practice (in an attempt to put FOCA in their place after drivers driving for FOCA-aligned teams did not show up to drivers' meetings at the previous 2 Grands Prix) that the 1980 Spanish GP would not count as a championship round. Balestre also stripped the drivers of their racing licenses. The FISA-supported manufacturer teams (Renault, Ferrari, and Alfa) all pulled out, and the FOCA-supported independent constructors stayed to race. The race was won by poleman, Alan Jones. The race's loss of championship status hurt the event quite badly; as it was only to be hosted one more time at Jarama in 1981.
The visor comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.