The Tyrrell team finished fifth in the constructors' standings of the 1989 F1 championship, the best result since 1979, yet the English team perhaps expected more. The 019 powered by Ford Cosworth DFR was an excellent single-seater, designed by Harvey Postlethwaite. The carbon monocoque was particularly refined, as were the aerodynamics. The team was penalized by the lack of adequate sponsorship. Newcomer Alesi was fourth in France after taking second place, while the best result of the season was Alboreto's third place in Mexico. Nakajima, Herbert and Palmer also drove for Tyrrell in 1989.