Writing a 1993 retro piece for the forthcoming AUTOSPORT 2010 season preview recently, it struck me how things never really change. Whether you have free or largely prescriptive regulations, you ultimately have to rein in both spend and genius if you are to maintain a) a viable economic environment and b) a good show.

Back then it was Williams-Renault that ruled the roost. By the end of '91 the Williams FW14 had the legs of McLaren and Ayrton Senna. When active ride was applied to the 14B in '92, the combination proved unbeatable.