Satoru Nakajima became the first Japanese driver to score a World Championship point.

Alain Prost won his 28th victory, to beat Jackie Stewart's long-established record of 27 Grand Prix victories.

Nelson Piquet clinched his third Formula One driving championship when Nigel Mansell was hurt during the first qualifying session. He was taken to a hospital in Nagoya with injuries to his back and his right foot.

Dalmas finished fifth, but was not eligible for World Championship points as he was driving Larrousse-Lola's second car and the team had officially entered only one car for the entire championship.