The 1988 Formula 1 season dawned in Rio de Janeiro with the assumption that McLaren would be fast but perhaps unreliable given the tardy arrival of its MP4/4 on the scene. Visitors to the Brazilian Grand Prix pitlane prowling before proceedings got underway contemplated the day-glow red and white bodywork sitting unassumingly on its struts outside the McLaren garage. Little did they know that when the bottom half of the car was attached to its shell, all mayhem was let loose.
