Video: Niki Lauda's last Grand Prix-winning car takes to the track

The 'B' in this fire-breathing F1 car's name denotes its reduced aero package and developed 1.5-litre turbocharged V6 – designed by Porsche – next to 1984's MP4/2. Producing 862PS (634kW) in great dollops of hard-to-manage force, the car was tricky at the best of times, but a winglet ban in '85 reduced downforce, making it even more of a handful. And all at a time when drivers had to change gear manually.

Brutal to drive, the MP4/2B was also searingly quick if you could handle it. It carried Niki Lauda to his final Grand Prix race win at the Dutch Grand Prix in 1985 and took Alain Prost to the World Championship in the same year. 

The car was taken to the track at last year's Members' Meeting with McLaren test driver Chris Goodwin behind the wheel. Described as "the best Formula 1 car of that generation" by former F1 driver John Watson, the MP4/2B was one of the first cars to feature a full carbon fibre chassis, providing a perfect platform for the car's suspension. 

The finesse and power and the MP4/2B were there for all to see as Goodwin guided the car around for some fast laps of the Goodwood circuit, wearing a helmet inspired by his great hero – Niki Lauda. 

The 82^nd Members’ Meeting will take place on 12^th and 13^th April 2025 and tickets are now available for Members and Fellows of the GRRC.

If you’re not already a Member or Fellow and you’d like to enjoy all the racing, demos, and other exciting content at the Members’ Meeting, you’ll need to join the GRRC. Click here for more information or to join the club.