1986: Mario was among the favorites for the front row, but on the morning of pole day the car began suffering handling problems. His qualifying run was disappointing, as the car was loose. Mario managed to qualify 5th, and was beat by his son Michael who qualified 3rd. Four days later during a practice run, Mario badly wrecked the car in turn three. Something broke in the right rear, sending the car into a hard spin, and it hit the outside wall with the right side. Mario suffered lacerations to the left heel and abrasions to both knees, but no major injuries. The car was sent to England for repairs but it was too damaged to return in time. On race day, Mario drove a backup car, and was forced to move to the rear of the field. His day was over very early on as the car coasted to a halt on lap 9. He was towed to the pits where the crew changed the spark box and battery. The car still was lacking power, and he dropped out on lap 19, placing 32nd.