Designer Adrian Newey, who was the first choice in March's return to F1 project, was unable to join the team until mid-1987 due to his engagements with the official Lola in F. Indy. When he finally broke free, he designed a rather extreme car for 1988, the 881, where the Judd engine had replaced the Cosworth. The 881 gave its best on fast circuits and often the drivers, Ivan Capelli and Mauricio Gugelmin were the fastest of the non-turbo cars. In Portugal Capelli, who qualified third, even finished second. March finished ninth among manufacturers that year, just one point behind Lotus and Arrows.