“If you win a race, it’s not like winning a race in any other country in the world, because all the bells throughout the country ring in all the churches – and how many teams get a visit from the Pope? It’s an institution.”
Mansell was no less effusive when describing what it was like to get back behind the wheel of his FW14B, which he described as an “amazing car.”
“It was wonderful, lovely,” he said. “Last night we were reacquainted after a long, long time and had a little practice go up the hill.
“The car obviously is a little bit delicate – first and second gear it’s okay to give it the berries a little bit but just like this car [the 639] it jumps gear, so you have to be very protective because we want the cars to run every day.
“The Williams especially we have to be very careful with – an amazing car and the mechanics have done a fantastic job to get it running. It’s just a joy to be here to drive it.”
Mansell also commented on what it was like to be back at FoS after a number of years away.
“It’s fantastic,” he said. “And many, many compliments for what his grace has done, Lord Charles, it’s just absolutely amazing. It’s fantastic for motor sport to have someone like this, to put on a presentation for four days for the fans, the cars, the drivers the sponsors, everyone who’s displaying their wares. It’s just an incredible sight for it, isn’t it?
“Everybody throughout the world must be very grateful for what his grace has done.”