With the Japanese Formula 1 Grand Prix about to get underway within a few hours, it reminded me how things were almost 20 years ago.

These days top of the range cars (mostly German I think) are given away to drivers who achieve Pole position in Qualifying. Back in 1984 however Piaggio sponsored the trophy and the prize back then was a brand new Vespa PX.
Searching for a rare image of such an occasion I came across this on the Nelson Piquet Jr site of the young driver’s dad. Nelson Senior won so many Pole Positions back in the 1980s it led to Piaggio doing a deal with him for a range of branded Vespa accessories, some of which are pretty sought after today.
Oh and I have a Vespa Pole Position scooter too, but that’s another story…