May 1992


01.05.92
F1:- Championship leader Nigel Mansell gave another dominant display in the Williams Renault to take provisional pole for Sunday's race at Barcelona. He clocked 1 minute 20.190 secs at the Circuit de Catalunya, but had gone even faster in unofficial practice with a lap of 1:19.604. Cool conditions gave many drivers tyre problems and Mansell admitted: "It was a very difficult session." Debutant Damon Hill (1:27.763) was slowest of the 30 drivers as he tried to come to terms with the Brabham.


FIA WORLD FORMULA ONE CHAMPIONSHIP:
Friday practice times:        mins secs
 1 N Mansell    GB  Williams   1:20.190
 2 M Schumacher Ger Benetton   1:21.195
 3 A Senna      Brz McLaren    1:21.209
 4 R Patrese    It  Williams   1:21.534
 5 I Capelli    It  Ferrari    1:22.413
 6 M Brundle    GB  Benetton   1:22.529
 7 G Berger     Aut McLaren    1:22.711
 8 J Alesi      Fr  Ferrari    1:22.746
 9 K Wendlinger Aut March      1:23.121
10 E Comas      Fr  Ligier     1:23.593
11 A De Cesaris It  Tyrrell    1:23.723
12 JJ Lehto     Fin Dallara    1:24.054
13 P Martini    It  Dallara    1:24.236
14 T Boutsen    Bel Ligier     1:24.583
15 O Grouillard Fr  Tyrrell    1:24.608
16 M Alboreto   It  Footwork   1:24.634
17 M Gugelmin   Brz Jordan     1:24.671
18 G Tarquini   It  Fondmetal  1:24.800
19 A Suzuki     Jpn Footwork   1:24.940
20 A Chiesa     It  Fondmetal  1:24.963
21 M Hakkinen   Fin Lotus-Ford 1:25.202
22 C Fittipaldi Brz Minardi    1:25.315
23 P Belmondo   Fr  March      1:25.467
24 B Gachot     Bel Venturi    1:25.700
25 G Morbidelli It  Minardi    1:25.786
== J Herbert    GB  Lotus-Ford 1:25.786
PROVISIONAL NON-QUALIFIERS
27 U Katayama   Jpn Venturi    1:25.932
28 E Vd Poele   Bel Brabham    1:26.880
29 S Modena     It  Jordan     1:27.480
30 D Hill       GB  Brabham    1:27.763
Perry McCarthy remained optimistic despite seeing his Formula One debut come to a dismal end in pre-qualifying for the Spanish Grand Prix. The Essex-based driver, who was given his super licence earlier this week, got less than ten yards before the engine of his Andrea Moda cut out. "Of course, it is very disappointing but I'm not going to give up. I know Formula One is tough business and I accept that," he said. "I have now got my chance and I aim to make the most of it next time round."

FIA WORLD FORMULA ONE CHAMPIONSHIP
Pre-qualifying times at Barcelona
                              mins secs
1 B Gachot     Bel Venturi Lam 1:26.032
2 M Alboreto   It  Footwork    1:26.120
3 U Katayama   Jpn Venturi Lam 1:26.484
4 A Chiesa     It  Fondmetal   1:27.902
NON-QUALIFIERS
5 R Moreno     Brz Andrea Moda 1:37.155
6 P McCarthy   GB  Andrea Moda  no laps

CORSICAN RALLY:- Didier Auriol renews rivalry with Spaniard Carlos Sainz on Sunday in the championship's fastest and most dangerous event. Auriol was deprived of a fourth successive Corsican triumph by Sainz last year and he wants revenge. Sainz is co-leader of the drivers standings with Juha Kankkunen and hopes to take advantage of the Finn's absence by bringing his Toyota home first. The car has been stripped down to almost 100kgs less than its normal racing weight for the four-day event.

TIMETABLE
Sunday:    Ajaccio           4 stages covering 64.68km
Monday:    Ajaccio-Bastia    9 stages covering 210.62km
Tuesday:   Bastia-Calvi      7 stages covering 168.84km
Wednesday: Calvi-Ajaccio     7 stages covering 178.17km
Total distance: 1364.04kms

After round four - Safari Rally
DRIVERS
 1 J Kankkunen Fin  Lancia     47 pts
 = C Sainz     Sp   Toyota     47
 3 M Alen      Fin  Toyota     28
 4 D Auriol    Fr   Lancia     20

MANUFACTURERS
 1 Lancia     57 pts
 2 Toyota     51
 3 Ford       29
 4 Mitsubishi 20
 5 Nissan     14

TOURING CAR:- John Cleland bids to make it three wins out of three in the British Touring Car Championship round at Oulton Park on Bank Holiday Monday. Reigning champion Will Hoy and Team Securicor ICS Toyota teammate Andy Rouse head the challengers hoping to halt Cleland's winning streak.

F3:- Thruxton hosts Monday's fifth round of the British Formula Three Championship with Gil de Ferran hoping to extend his 13-point lead in the drivers' table. Kelvin Burt, winner at Brands Hatch, hopes to close the gap.

F.RENAULT:- Teenager Christian Horner was quickest in testing for Monday's P&O Ferries Formula Renault race at Mallory Park. He clocked 46.74 secs in the Autoglass Van Diemen FR92. F.VAUXHALL LOTUS:- Piers Hunnisett broke the Silverstone lap record for Vauxhall Lotus with 1 minute 50.97 secs during testing at the circuit. He was over 1.5 seconds quicker than Dario Franchetti.

CAMEL TROPHY:- Gareth Hansford and Tim Postgate fought back to retain the Camel Trophy lead in Guyana after losing the initiative to the French twice on day two. Their route took them through marshy bogs.




02.05.92
F1:- Championship leader Nigel Mansell stays in pole position for Sunday's race after heavy rain effectively washed out final qualifying on Saturday. Mansell was one of several drivers to spin off during the morning's warm-up for final qualifying, along with Michael Schumacher and Jean Alesi. Grid positions will remain unchanged after many drivers decided not to race on the saturated track and no-one was able to improve on Friday's time. Mansell clocked 1 min 20.190 secs to take provisional pole on Friday. No final practice - rain

TOURING CAR:- Reigning champion Will Hoy is on pole for Monday's third round of the Esso British Touring Car Championship at Oulton Park. He clocked 1 min 45.96 secs in his Toyota Carina. Jeff Allam (Cavalier) is second quickest, with John Cleland in third (Cavalier).

F.RENAULT:- Teenager Christian Horner was quickest in testing for Monday's P&O Ferries Formula Renault race at Mallory Park.He clocked 46.74 secs in the Autoglass Van Diemen FR92.




03.05.92 - F1

FIA WORLD FORMULA ONE CHAMPIONSHIP:
Final warm-up times:          mins secs
 1 G Berger     Aut McLaren    1:41.738
 2 R Patrese    It  Williams   1:42.191
 3 J Alesi      Fr  Ferrari    1:42.779
 4 N Mansell    GB  Williams   1:42.785
 5 M Brundle    GB  Benetton   1:43.235
 6 B Gachot     Bel Venturi    1:43.726
 7 M Alboreto   It  Footwork   1:44.629
 8 I Capelli    It  Ferrari    1:44.636
 9 M Schumacher Ger Benetton   1:44.692
10 A Senna      Brz McLaren    1:44.964
11 E Comas      Fr  Ligier     1:45.031
12 K Wendlinger Aut March      1:45.582
13 P Martini    It  Dallara    1:45.910
14 A De Cesaris It  Tyrrell    1:46.233
15 A Chiesa     It  Fondmetal  1:46.341

FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Result after 65 laps:		hr:min:sec
 1 N Mansell     GB  Williams   1:56.10
 2 M Schumacher  Ger Benetton @ 0:00.24
 3 J Alesi       Fr  Ferrari  @ 0:00.26
 4 G Berger      Aut McLaren  @ 0:01.20
 5 M Alboreto    It  Footwork    1 lap
 6 P Martini     It  Dallara     2 laps
 7 A Suzuki      Jpn Footwork    2 laps
 8 K Wendlinger  Aut March       2 laps
 9 A Senna       Brz McLaren     3 laps
10 I Capelli     It  Ferrari     3 laps
11 P Belmondo    Fr  March       4 laps
All other drivers did not finish

FIA WORLD F1 DRIVERS' STANDINGS
 (after Spanish Grand Prix)
 1 N Mansell    GB  Williams   40 pts
 2 R Patrese    It  Williams   18
 3 M Schumacher Ger Benetton   17
 4 G Berger     Aut McLaren     8
 5 J Alesi      Fr  Ferrari     7
 6 A Senna      Brz McLaren     4
 7 M Alboreto   It  Footwork    3
 8 A de Cesaris It  Tyrrell     2
 = I Capelli    It  Ferrari     2
10 J Herbert    GB  Lotus Ford  1
 = M Hakkinen   Fin Lotus Ford  1
 = P Martini    It  Dallara     1

CONSTRUCTORS' CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS
 1 Williams        58 points
 2 Benetton        17
 3 McLaren         12
 4 Ferrari          9
 5 Footwork         3
 6 Tyrrell          2
 7 Lotus Ford       2
 8 Dallara          1
Britain's Nigel Mansell cruised to his fourth successive Grand Prix victory despite the spirited challenge of the brilliant Michael Schumacher. Mansell led from the start and never looked troubled until the 23-year-old German put in a superb burst to close the gap from 23 seconds to five seconds. But the Williams driver put his foot down on lap 52 and pulled almost effortlessly away to win by 24 seconds. Riccardo Patrese and Ayrton Senna both spun out to leave Mansell the clear leader in the drivers' championship.

Williams driver Nigel Mansell made no mistakes as he led from start to finish in pouring rain at the Circuit de Catalunya for his 25th GP victory. That equalled Jim Clark's record and leaves him just two short of Scot Jackie Stewart's 27 wins. Mansell opted to change to wet tyres as the rain fell just minutes before the start and his decision proved to be correct. Ferrari's Jean Alesi was the only top-placed driver to come in for a tyre change and he finished a superb third.

Nigel Mansell said there was no chance he would relax after opening up his drivers' championship lead to 22 points. "The season has only just started and we must push very hard because it's obvious the Benetton car is working very well. I think Michael (Schumacher) is not a bad pedaller and it's great to see Jean (Alesi) come in so quickly. I think the competition is getting harder now, so I certainly cannot relax now," said Mansell.

Germany's Michael Schumacher gave a stunning peformance to finish second behind Nigel Mansell in only his 10th Grand Prix race. The 23-year-old Benetton driver made a poor start but overtook Jean Alesi and then took second position after Riccardo Patrese crashed out on lap 20. He was clearly the fastest man on the track as he moved from 23 seconds to within five seconds of Mansell, until the Williams driver stepped up a gear. "I'm really happy and quite surprised to take second place," he said.

Three-times world champion Ayrton Senna finished with no points after spinning out just two laps from the end. The Brazilian had already spun on lap 57 and recovered in the slippery conditions but lost control of his McLaren on lap 63 and finished ninth. Luckless Martin Brundle went out on lap four while in sixth place - his fourth retirement in four races - and Johnny Herbert spun off some 10 laps later. Other notable retirements included Mika Hakkinen, Erik Comas, Ivan Capelli, Thierry Boutsen and Andrea De Cesaris.

TOUR OF CORSICA RALLY:- Didier Auriol set a furious pace as he won three of the opening four special speed tests to leave world champion Carlos Sainz trailing. The Frenchman, a four-time winner of the event, made light work of the tortuous Corsica roads in his Lancia Integrale. He opened up a two-second lead over compatriot Francois Delecour in the Ford Sierra, with another Frenchman Philippe Bugalski (Lancia) in third. Sainz was only seventh quickest in the Toyota after gearbox problems.


Positions after 4 stages:(resumes Monday)
                                mins secs
 1 D Auriol    Fr  Lancia Integ   45:28
 2 F Delecour  Fr  Ford Sierra    45:30
 3 P Bugalski  Fr  Lancia Integ   45:49
 4 A Aghini    It  Lancia Integ   46:01
 5 A Schwarz   Ger Toyota Celica  46:11
 6 M Biasion   It  Ford Sierra    46:21
 7 C Sainz     Sp  Toyota Celica  46:27
 8 P Liatti    It  Lancia Integ   46:32
 9 P Bern'dini Fr  Renault Clio   47:12
10 J Ragnotti  Fr  Renault Clio   47:53

TOURING CAR:- Will Hoy starts in pole position for Monday's third round of the Esso British Touring Car Championship at Oulton Park. The defending champion's Toyota Carina GT was 0.15 seconds faster than the Vauxhall Cavalier of Championship leader John Cleland.

F.OPEL LOTUS:- Britain's Gareth Rees took the lead in the Opel Lotus/Vauxhall Lotus Euroseries after finishing second in the second round in Barcelona, won by teammate Martijn Koene of Holland.

04.05.92 INDY 500 & F1:- Max Mosley, the president of FISA, wants the Indianapolis 500 to rejoin the Formula One circuit after an absence of three decades. Mosley said he believes the Indy 500 could become one of the 16 Grand Prix races on the F1 calendar. The Indy race was part of F1 from 1950 to 1960 and both competitions have thrived since going their separate ways. Grand Prix races held in recent years at Detroit and Phoenix have failed to generate the local interest accorded to the Indy 500.

TOUR OF CORSICA RALLY:- Didier Auriol powered his Lancia into a a one-minute on the second day of the four-day Corsican Rally. Auriol took eight fastest stage times from Monday's nine tests, sharing one with second-placed driver Francois Delecour in his Ford Sierra. Lancia's domination continued with Phillipe Bugalski in third place and young Italian Andrea Aghini fourth, just ahead of Carlos Sainz in the first of the Toyotas. Championship leader Sainz is closely followed by teammate Armin Schwartz.

TOURING CAR:- Andy Rouse edged out Toyota Carina GT teammate and defending champion Will Hoy to win the third round of the Esso British Touring Car Championship at Oulton Park. Rouse leads the championship standings, with John Cleland second and Hoy third.

F3:- Californian Elton Julian, driving for the Alan Docking Racing team, won the fifth round of the British F3 Championship at Thruxton. The 17-year-old started from pole and held off the challenge of Championship leader Gil de Ferran.

F.RENAULT:- Harry Nuttall from Kensington won the fifth round of the Formula Renault Championship at Mallory Park. Pedro Martinez de la Rosa finished second to extend his championship lead.





05.05.92 - TOUR OF CORSICA RALLY

Positions after 20 of 27 stages:mins secs
 1 D Auriol   Fr  Lancia Integ  4:50.12
 2 F Delecour Fr  Ford Sierra   4:51.38
 3 P Bugalski Fr  Lancia Integ  4:53.05
 4 C Sainz    Sp  Toyota Celica 4:54.07
 5 A Schwarz  Ger Toyota Celica 4:54.53
 6 M Biasion  It  Ford Sierra   4:57.01
 7 A Aghini   It  Lancia Integ  4:57.37
 8 P Liatti   It  Lancia Integ  5:03.19
 9 J Ragnotti Fr  Renault Clio  5:06.30
10 A Oreille  Fr  Renault Clio  5:12.24
Didier Auriol looks set for his fourth Tour of Corsica victory with one day remaining covering 178-kms. The Frenchman's Martini Lancia should finish first in Ajaccio barring mechanical failures or accidents. His compatriot Francois Delacour made an heroic effort to cut his lead but is still 1 minute 26 seconds adrift in his Ford Sierra. Third placed Phillipe Bugalski has dropped back and is 1 min 27 secs behind Delacour with Carlos Sainz in fourth and Armin Schwarz fifth.





06.05.92 - TOUR OF CORSICA RALLY
Frenchman Didier Auriol claimed his fourth Corsican win after the event was halted after 23 of the 27 stages due to a shortage of medical personnel. The decision was taken because so many medical staff had gone to deal with a football stadium tragedy on the island in which 20 died.

"Given that all hospitals are full, we could not take the chance of anything happening in the rally," said the International Motor Sports Federation. Auriol was declared the winner with Francois Delecour in second place.

Result after 23 stages:     hrs:mins.secs
 1 D Auriol   Fr  Lancia Integ  5:34.49
 2 F Delecour Fr  Ford Sierra   5:36.15
 3 P Bugalski Fr  Lancia Integ  5:38.04
 4 C Sainz    Sp  Toyota Celica 5:39.22
 5 A Schwarz  Ger Toyota Celica 5:40.42
 6 A Aghini   It  Lancia Integ  5:42.19
 7 M Biasion  It  Ford Sierra   5:42.21
 8 P Liatti   It  Lancia Integ  5:48.42
 9 J Ragnotti Fr  Renault Clio  5:55.09
10 A Oreille  Fr  Renault Clio  6:01.03
 * Event halted after 23 stages

After the Tour of Corsica:
DRIVERS
 1 C Sainz     Sp   Toyota     57 pts
 2 J Kankkunen Fin  Lancia     47
 3 D Auriol    Fr   Lancia     40
 4 M Alen      Fin  Toyota     28
 5 F Delecour  Fr   Ford       25

MANUFACTURERS
 1 Lancia     77 pts
 2 Toyota     63
 3 Ford       44
 4 Mitsubishi 19
 5 Nissan     14




07.05.92 - JOHN WATSON ON THE SPORTSCAR SERIES AT SILVERSTONE
After a period of indecision, the Sportscar World Championship series makes its way to Silverstone. There will be factory cars from Toyota, Peugeot and Mazda, the privately-backed Lola T92-10 Judd, and - one of the most exciting entrants - the BRM P351 makes its long-awaited return to motor racing. In parallel with them will be the FIA Cup cars, including the Jaguar XJR-17 driven by owner Georg Paulin and GB F3000 star Dave Coyne. While the SWC does not boast very large grids, the quality at the front is sure to provide very exciting racing.

At the SWC first round in Monza, the battle between Toyota and Peugeot was intense. Both teams were fielding vehicles that are capable of running almost as fast as F1 cars, and around Silverstone the spectacle of these 3.5 litre aspirated Sportcars will make an impressive sight. In effect, you have a F1 car with regulated aerodynamic bodywork. With Silverstone being very much a high downforce circuit, the drivers' job is extremely physically demanding, in my opinion much more so than F1.

One highpoint of this weekend's SWC race will be the appearance of Lotus F1 driver Johnny Herbert. Herbert renews his acquaintance with Mazda, remembered for their surprise victory at Le Mans last year. His inclusion will produce a much more representative performance from the TWR -built Mazda than we saw back at Monza. This latest Mazda will not be powered by the familiar rotary engine, as used at Le Mans, but by a Judd V10 F1 engine, suitably badged to become a Mazda. I believe this combination could well produce a big surprise on Sunday.

Undoubtedly, for British enthusiasts, the highpoint will be the return of a famous name in British motor racing, that of BRM, with a new P351 model. Many people are unaware BRM have been involved in sportscar racing. Firstly in the 60's, when they made a Rover gas turbine engine for Le Mans. Then in the early 1970's, they entered the American Can-Am series. This new BRM sportscar hopes to revive this once famous name, and let's hope that the car debut at Silverstone will be successful.

Amongst the drivers at Silverstone this weekend are a number of famous names. Derek Warwick is now a Peugeot man, sharing the task with Yannick Dalmas. This partnership should have won at Monza but for a brake problem which ended up with Dalmas rolling the car two laps from the end. Warwick and manager Jean Todt were most disappointed not to have won and Dalmas will have to regain their respect. The second Peogeot is driven again by two F1 drivers - former SWC champion Maurio Baldi and fellow Frenchman Phillipe Alliot.

Geoff Lees, the most successful ex-pat driver in motor racing, returns to his roots at Silverstone to lead Toyota. Along with co-driver Hitoshi Ogawa, he won at Monza and, having watched Toyota testing at Silverstone a month go, they look very hard to beat. Two former Le Mans winners drive the second car. Dutchman Jan Lammers will be partnering Oxford-based Andy Wallace. The Toyota design is the work of former F1 designer Tony Southgate. He has certainly not lost his touch.

Sweden's Stefan Johansson, who raced in F1 for Ferrari and McLaren - and soon to be racing in Indy cars, will also be competing at Silverstone. He will be in one of two Lolas and his car will be shared by Spanish ace Jesus Pareja. Lola are represented by Euroracing and they hope to have solved the problems that plagued the two V10 Judd-engined cars at Monza. So, while the grid is not large, it does not lack quality. In reality, there are four teams running state of the art equipment.

In view of the current state of sportscar racing, Silverstone proposed to reduce the race distance to 260km. I believed this would have produced a stunning race, but there was not unanimous agreement amongst the teams. I personally believe that this is a shame, but the battle between Peugeot and Toyota will undoubtedly last for the full 500km race distance. Unfortunately, rumours of one of last year's Jaguar XJR-14s being entered has not materialised. Interpretation of the regulations is the reason.

In addition to the SWC teams, there are now seven FIA Cup cars - the equivalent of the old C2 category. The most interesting will be the Jaguar XJR-17, a derivative of the XJR-12 that raced in 1990, but now running with a non-turbo charged Jaguar V6 engine. There will be great interest amongst the private teams as to how competitive the car will be in a category dominated by the ubiquitous Spice-Cosworths. Chamberlain Engineering's entry for Bernard Thuner and Ferdinand de Lesseps must be favourite.

INDYCAR:- Four-time Indianapolis champion Rick Mears was injured during practice when his car overturned and smashed into a concrete wall. The extent of his injuries are not known.





08.05.92 - SPORTSCARS
Derek Warwick holds provisional pole for Sunday's second round of the Sportscar World Championship. The former Formula One driver, sharing his Peugeot 905 with Frenchman Yannick Dalmas, heads a Peugeot 1-2 on the front row of the grid. Teammates Phillipe Alliott and Mauro Baldi were second fastest in Friday's first official qualifying session. The return of BRM to motor sport proved an anti-climax as the car suffered engine problems and failed to record a time. Final practice is on Saturday.


SPORTSCAR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Official qualifying (1st session):
                              mins secs
 1 Warwick/Dalmas   Peugeot    1:24.421
 2 Baldi/Alliot     Peugeot    1:24.670
 3 Lees/Ogawa       Toyota     1:25.982
 4 Lammers/Wallace  Toyota     1:28.285
 5 Euser/Zwolsmam   Lola-Judd  1:28.961
 6 Pareja/J'sson    Lola-Judd  1:28.996
 7 Sala/Herbert     Mazda      1:30.080

F3000:- Rubens Barrichello heads the field for Sunday's opening international F3000 race of the season after setting the quickest time in unofficial practice. The Brazilian easily beat his opponents on the Silverstone circuit, with only Spain's Jordi Gene and Jean-Marc Goudon of France within a second of his time. Allan McNish, David Coulthard, Phil Andrews, Steve Robertson and Paul Stewart carry British hopes.

INDYCAR:- Triple Formula 1 world champion Nelson Piquet has been badly injured in unofficial practice for the Indianapolis 500 later this month. The Brazilian underwent nearly seven hours of surgery to repair leg and feet fractures and is reported to be "fair". The accident came 24 hours after veteran Rick Mears sprained a wrist and broke his left foot in an accident. Piquet was making his Indy debut after failing to find a competitive drive in F1 this year after being replaced by Martin Brundle by the Benetton team.

F1:- Italian driver Riccardo Patrese was taken to hospital after crashing during tests for the San Marino GP at Imola. Nigel Mansell's Williams-Renault teammate lost control on a bend and spun into a wall. Doctors reported Patrese, 38, to have suffered a light skull concussion, bruises and whiplash. He returned to the track at Imola wearing a neck brace but would not comment on whether he would be racing in the Grand Prix on May 17.





09.05.92
SPORTSCARS:- Derek Warwick will be on pole for Sunday's second round of the Sportscar World Championship after final practice was ruined by rain. The weather left puddles of water on parts of the Silverstone circuit and Formula One star Johnny Herbert had more than one spin in the Mazda. None of the favourites were able to improve on Friday's times, leaving Warwick and partner Yannick Dalmas (1:24.42) at the head of the grid. The lone BRM, unable to register a time on Friday, managed a lap in 2:00.18.

SPORTSCAR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Final practice times         mins secs
1 Warwick/Dalmas   Peugeot    1:24.421
2 Baldi/Alliot     Peugeot    1:24.670
3 Lees/Ogawa       Toyota     1:25.982
4 Lammers/Wallace  Toyota     1:28.285
5 Euser/Zwolsmam   Lola-Judd  1:28.961
6 Pareja/J'sson    Lola-Judd  1:28.996
7 Sala/Herbert     Mazda      1:30.080
8 Hoy/De Lesseps   Spice      1:41.110

F3000:- Spaniard Jordi Gene claimed pole in his Pacific Racing Reynard in conditions more akin to powerboat racing in F3000 practice at Silverstone. The drivers spent most of the hour-long session in the pits sheltering from the rain, but it eased enough for a hectic scramble in the last 15 minutes. Gene's time of 1 minute 54.518 seconds came with just moments to go. He said: "I realised it was important to get the last lap clear." Paul Stewart was the lone British hope in the top ten after a lap of 1:56.559.

F3000, SILVERSTONE. Final practice times:
 1 J Gene     Sp  Reynard-Mugen 1:54.518
 2 O Panis    Fr  Lola          1:54.744
 3 G Bugatti  It  Reynard-Ford  1:55.963
 4 L Aiello   Fr  Reynard-Mugen 1:55.976
 5 L Badoer   It  Reynard-Ford  1:56.059
 6 P Stewart  GB  Reynard-Judd  1:56.559
 7 A Zampedri It  Reynard-Ford  1:56.660
 8 M Bartels  Ger Reynard-Ford  1:56.675
 9 R B'chello Brz Reynard-Judd  1:56.972
10 P Chaves   Por Lola-Mugen    1:57.029
Others:
21 A McNish   GB  Reynard-Mugen 2:00.988
23 S Rob'son  GB  Reynard-Mugen 2:02.570
24 P Andrews  GB  Reynard-Mugen 2:04.849

INDYCAR:- Nelson Piquet was listed in good condition after being seriously injured in a crash during practice for the Indy 500 on Thursday. He underwent a six-hour operation to reconstruct his left foot and ankle and will have further surgery on Sunday. Dr Terry Trammell said Piquet would never regain full mobility of the ankle and admitted that at one stage they had considered amputating Piquet's foot. The 39-year-old Brazilian crashed head on into a wall as he prepared for his debut in the endurance race.





10.05.92

FIA SPORTSCAR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Result of round two from Silverstone:
                             hr:min.sec
 1 Warwick/Dalmas   Peugeot    2:32.292
 2 Sala/Herbert     Mazda      + 2 laps
 3 Pareja/J'sson    Lola-Judd2 + 6 laps
 4 Hoy/De Lesseps   Spice-Ford +11 laps
 5 R'ccio/S'stiano  Spice-Ford +19 laps
Did not finish:
 6 Lees/Ogawa       Toyota     lap 55
 7 Euser/Zwolsman   Lola-Judd  lap 29
 8 Baldi/Alliot     Peugeot    lap 26
 9 Taverna/Gini     Spice-Ford lap 25
10 Lammers/Wallace  Toyota     lap 10
11 Kraemer/Coppelli Geb't-Ford lap  2


FIA SPORTSCAR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP Drivers' standings:
 1 Derek Warwick     35 points
 = Yannick Dalmas    35
 3 Hitoshi Ogawa     20
 = Geoff Lees        20
 5 Jonny Herbert     15
 = Maurizio S-Sala   15
 7 Stefan Johansson  12
 = Jesus Pareja      12

Team standings;
 1 Peugeot Talbot    35
 2 Toyota Team TOM's 20
 3 Mazdaspeed        15
 4 EuroRacing        12
Derek Warwick and Yannick Dalmas drove their Peugeot 905 to victory in round two of the Sportscar World Championship as just five cars finished the race. The Peugeot car inherited a two-lap lead when the remaining Toyota car of Geoff Lees and Hitoshi Ogawa retired with engine trouble on lap 57. Frenchman Dalmas drove sensibly for the last 20 laps to ensure a safe finish, but for most of the field it was a case of frustration for a second time. Johnny Herbert gave a solid performance to help Mazda into second place.

Le Mans 1991 winner Johnny Herbert took Mazda to an excellent second place with co-driver Maurizio Sandro-Sala. The pair had to nurse the gearbox of the Judd-engined Mazda MXR-01 but drove steadily to upstage the Toyotas and come home two laps behind Peugeot. "I was pleasantly surprised with the car, but there's a lot to do before we go to Le Mans," he said. Jesus Pareja and Stefan Johansson led Euroracing's Lola-Judd to a creditable third place, six laps off the pace.

Derek Warwick was relieved after his Peugeot car took first place in round two of the Sportscar World Championship. "We had a few problems, including a flash-fire at the pits which was coming through both doors, but we managed to deal with it," he said. "It looked like it would be a tough race but the Toyota stopped and we cruised to the finish." The Peugeot 905 of Phillipe Alliot and Mauro Baldi was less lucky, retiring on lap 26 with engine trouble.

Toyota Team TOM's had a disastrous day at Silverstone as both of their cars failed to complete the race. Britain's Andy Wallace failed to get a drive after teammate Jan Lammers from Holland was forced to retire with engine trouble after just 10 laps. The number one car of Geoff Lees and Hitoshi Ogawa, winners at Monza last month, also had engine trouble - going out on lap 55 while in first place. Lees had just pulled in for a driver-change and Ogawa came off the course without completing a lap.

The long-awaited return of BRM failed to materialise at Silverstone as a mechanical problem meant the team could not put a car onto the starting grid. The BRM351 experienced a scavenge pump problem during qualifying on Friday and a replacement could not rectify the failure for the British team. A spokesman for BRM, who last competed in motor sport almost two decades ago, said that they had entered the race before they were really ready. The team hopes to be racing again within a few weeks.

F3000:- Spanish newcomer Jordi Gene gave a stunning performance on his debut ride in a F3000 car to win the opening round of the Championship at Silverstone. Gene, driving a Reynard-Mugen, led from start to finish and was never troubled as he increased his lead. Rubens Barrichello of Brazil moved up from ninth to second place and despite finishing as the fastest driver could not catch the Spaniard. David Coulthard, starting at 25th, just missed out on a Championship point as he was edged by Emanuele Naspeti.

Result of round one at Silverstone:
                              hr:min.sec
 1 J Gene     Sp  Reynard-Mugen 0:59.214
 2 R B'chello Br  Reynard-Judd  0:59.391
 3 O Panis    Fr  Lola          0:59.551
 4 J Gounon   Fr  Lola-Ford     1:00.011
 5 L Badoer   It  Reynard-Ford  1:00.026
 6 E Naspetti It  Reynard-Ford  1:00.223
 7 D C'lthard GB  Reynard-Judd  1:00.229
 8 P Stewart  GB  Reynard-Judd  1:00.324
 9 O Beretta  Mon Reynard-Mugen 1:00.325
10 F Vandone  It  Reynard-Judd  1:00.351
11 P D Pian   It  Reynard Ford  1:00.378
12 P Andrews  GB  Reynard-Mugen 1:00.454

SPORTSCARS:- Brabham Formula One driver Eric van de Poele has been signed by Peugeot for the Le Mans 24 hours race next month. The Belgian will replace Eric Bernard who will not be fit enough for the race after suffering an injury in the 1991 Japanese Grand Prix.

F3000:- Britain's Eddy Irvine scored a start to finish win in the third leg of the All Japan Formula 3000 series at Mine in a Lola 92-50.

F.FORD:- Andy Charsley of Kent scored his third successive victory for the Ray team in the HEAT Champion of Brands Hatch Formula Ford 1600 series despite Sunday afternoon's races being washed out. He leads the championship by 21 points from Norfold-based Brian Robinson.





11.05.92 - SPORTSCARS
Toyota have signed world sportscar champion Teo Fabi and Kenny Acheson to drive for them at next month's Le Mans 24 Hour race. They will join regular drivers Geoff Lees, Andy Wallace, Jan Lammers and Hitoshi Ogawa.




12.05.92 - F1
The cash-strapped Brabham Grand Prix team have announced sponsorship from the Yamazen engineering company for the next two Grands Prix. And the team are planning to announce new shareholders next month which will safeguard the team's future, said managing director, Dennis Nursey. "Hopefully that will give confidence to the sponsors that have been holding back," he added. "We still have a long way to go but we are going in the right direction now," he said.




13.05.92
F1:- Brabham have denied press reports in Italy and France that Eric van de Poele will be replaced by Giovanna Amati for Sunday's San Marino Grand Prix. Damon Hill will continue to drive the second car.

MOSCOW SUPERPRIX:- The British Automobile Racing Club and Renault UK have announced that the inaugual Moscow Superprix, scheduled for August, has been postponed. The BARC are to apply to FIA in the hope of rescheduling the event for June, 1993.





14.05.92 - JOHN WATSON ON THE SAN MARINO GRAND PRIX
After four Grands Prix last year I confidently predicted that Ayrton Senna would become world champion. That subsequently proved to be accurate although Nigel Mansell's dramatic charge in search of the title became the high point of the season. The shoe is on the other foot this year with Mansell having maximum points from four races and Senna facing the task of trying to mount a comeback. Mansell's dominance is as much to do with the superiority of his Williams, a car he points out is last year's model, as to his own acknowledged brilliance.

The question everyone is asking is can McLaren Honda and Ayrton Senna pick up enough points in the remaining 12 races to shrink Nigel Mansell's huge lead? We may see the start of that process at Imola this weekend as I believe the gap between Mansell in his Williams and McLaren has greatly narrowed. Benetton are also closing the gap, but I believe the Williams team still have an advantage. In relative terms, the first three GP's were a doddle for Mansell, but his performance in Barcelona was one of the finest of his illustrious career.

We have not seen Williams Renault under pressure so far in 1992 - an ideal situation from a reliability point of view for any team. What we don't know is how the Williams, Nigel Mansell partnership will operate when pressure is applied. I hope we will begin to find the answer to that question at Imola this weekend. It is only in that situation that the true strength of any team can be accurately measured. The obvious threat to Williams will come from McLaren Honda, Benetton and the ever-improving Ferrari.

At last we have a 'real' Grand Prix on our hands with Williams set to face a stern test from their rivals at Imola. McLaren are carrying out a systematic programme of development with the help of Honda and Shell and are finally beginning to understand the MP4/7. Benetton will be using the new series 7 version of their Ford HB engine and it can rev even higher and supply more horsepower than the series 6. Ferrari have now got more reliability from their engine and have made a major change to the aerodynamics with the consequent improvement in lap times.

There are a number of critical factors facing the teams at the Autodrome Enzo e Dino Ferrari this weekend. Imola is essentially a power circuit with large variations in speed from 40 to 200mph - but the cars pay a penalty in high fuel consumption. The team least affected by this will be Benetton as they have the most fuel efficient engine. The other major headache is tyre wear and it is traditional at Imola to see one or more pit-stops, always a dramatic time for the teams.

Eagle eyes in the pit lane will be looking to see if Lotus use their new 107 model at Imola as anticipated at its launch two weeks ago. They should again be competing with the very impressive Tyrrell Ilmor and March Ilmor for places in the top six. Confidence is also soaring at Footwork Mugen with three points earned by Michele Alboreto in the last two races. Meanwhile, Brabham have managed to secure sponsorship for the next two races and I hope this will give Damon Hill a better chance to qualify for his first Grand Prix.

SPORTSCARS:- FISA has presented Le Mans with a 46-car entry list for the 24-hour race in June 20-21 - but withdrawals could reduce the field considerably. Race organisers had earlier insisted on a minimum of 50 cars but have indicated they would accept as little as 40 cars. Included on the entry list are four RM Motorsport Jaguars and seven Spice Fords, but RM's Alan Randall has pulled out and Spice may reduce their field. Confirmed are three factory cars from Peugeot, three from Toyota, two from Mazda and two from Lola.

MANX NATIONAL RALLY:- Richard Burns and David Mann are unlikely to have things all their own way when they resume their battle for the Mintex National title on Saturday. The championship is poised on a knife edge with the pair level at the top of the drivers' table and Bill Barton and David Gillanders just one point behind. The pace among the front-runners is certain to be hot with last year's winner Graham Middleton, Bertie Fisher and Alister McRae also competing. The event features 16 special stages over 120 miles of island roads.

RALLY:- Malcolm Wilson will give the new four wheel drive Ford Escort RS Cosworth its British debut in Saturday's Centurian Rally at Newcastle upon Tyne.

F3:- Gil de Ferran returns to the scene of his first Formula Three victory for Sunday's British Championship round at Brands Hatch. He leads Kelvin Burt by 20 points in the drivers's standings.





15.05.92 - SAN MARINO GRAND PRIX

FIA WORLD FORMULA ONE CHAMPIONSHIP:
Friday practice times:        mins secs
 1 N Mansell    GB  Williams   1:21.842
 2 A Senna      Brz McLaren    1:23.086
 3 G Berger     Aut McLaren    1:23.418
 4 M Schumacher Ger Benetton   1:23.701
 5 R Patrese    It  Williams   1:23.876
 6 J Alesi      Fr  Ferrari    1:23.970
 7 I Capelli    It  Ferrari    1:24.274
 8 M Alboreto   It  Footwork   1:24.706
 9 T Boutsen    Bel Ligier     1:25.043
10 A Suzuki     Jpn Footwork   1:25.134
11 M Brundle    GB  Benetton   1:25.239
12 A De Cesaris It  Tyrrell    1:25.637
13 E Comas      Fr  Ligier     1:25.739
14 P Martini    It  Dallara    1:25.838
15 JJ Lehto     Fin Dallara    1:25.865
16 M Gugelmin   Brz Jordan     1:26.056
17 B Gachot     Fr  Venturi    1:26.408
18 G Morbidelli It  Minardi    1:26.860
19 U Katayama   Jpn Venturi    1:26.900
20 S Modena     It  Jordan     1:26.939
21 O Grouillard Fr  Tyrrell    1:26.953
22 G Tarquini   It  Fondmetal  1:26.959
23 K Wendlinger Aut March      1:27.019
24 C Fittipaldi Brz Minardi    1:27.229
25 J Herbert    GB  Lotus Ford 1:27.270
26 M Hakkinen   Fin Lotus Ford 1:27.437
27 A Chiesa     It  Fondmetal  1:27.756
28 P Belmondo   Fr  March      1:28.515
29 E Vd Poele   Bel Brabham    1:29.347

 * D Hill       GB  Brabham    1:28.618
   time excluded - car underweight

Nigel Mansell sped to a lap record at the Dino Ferrari track in the opening qualifying session at San Marino. The dominant Williams Renault driver, seeking a record fifth successive win, turned the course in 1 minute 21.842 seconds, averaging 137.755mph. Defending world champion Ayrton Senna was more than a second off Mansell, but managed to secure second place. German rising star Michael Schumacher drove his Benetton-Ford to fourth place, behind Austria's Gerhard Berger.

Britain's Perry McCarthy finally drove a Formula One in earnest for the first time - and was optimistic despite finishing last in pre-qualifying. The 29-year-old from Billericay in Essex, who has twice been thwarted in his bid in the last two GP, managed seven laps in the Andrea Moda Judd. McCarthy said: "I am pleased to get the laps in. I did not think I would be able to get so many with the car. I don't know the track here terribly well. That affects the performance but I am far more optimistic now."

Brabham were prevented from taking part in the first free practice session for Sunday's San Marino Grand Prix. Judd Engineering, the team's engine suppliers who are owed a "substantial" sum of money, took action to stop cash-strapped Brabham taking part. Team boss Ray Boulter said: "There is not much I can do about it. It is not a significant amount of money by Formula One standards." Damon Hill's time on Friday was excluded because his car was found to be underweight.


FIA WORLD F1 CHAMPIONSHIP, Imola
Pre-qualifying times (four go through):
                              mins secs
1 M Alboreto   It  Footwork    1:26.865
2 B Gachot     Bel Venturi Lam 1:27.407
3 U Katayama   Jpn Venturi Lam 1:27.601
4 A Chiesa     It  Fondmetal   1:28.480
NON-QUALIFIERS
5 R Moreno     Brz Andrea Moda 1:28.943
6 P McCarthy   GB  Andrea Moda 1:37.537
Weather: hot and humid

SPORTSCARS:- Toyota Team Tom's have confirmed that they will be entering three cars for the Le Mans 24-Hour race next month. A final list of drivers will be announced on May 22.

CAMEL TROPHY:- Britain's Gareth Hensford and Tim Postgate lie second overall at the end of the penultimate day of the Camel Trophy Guyana '92.




16.05.92 - SAN MARINO GRAND PRIX

FIA WORLD FORMULA ONE CHAMPIONSHIP:
Final qualifying times from Imola:
                              mins secs
 1 N Mansell    GB  Williams   1:21.842
 2 R Patrese    It  Williams   1:22.895
 3 A Senna      Brz McLaren    1:23.086
 4 G Berger     Aut McLaren    1:23.418
 5 M Schumacher Ger Benetton   1:23.701
 6 M Brundle    GB  Benetton   1:23.904
 7 J Alesi      Fr  Ferrari    1:23.970
 8 I Capelli    It  Ferrari    1:24.192
 9 M Alboreto   It  Footwork   1:24.706
10 T Boutsen    Bel Ligier     1:25.043
11 A Suzuki     Jpn Footwork   1:25.134
12 K Wendlinger Aut March      1:25.637
13 E Comas      Fr  Ligier     1:25.781
14 A De Cesaris It  Tyrrell    1:25.838
15 O Grouillard Fr  Tyrrell    1:25.865
16 P Martini    It  Dallara    1:25.838
17 JJ Lehto     Fin Dallara    1:25.865
18 U Katayama   Jpn Venturi    1:25.982
19 M Gugelmin   Brz Jordan     1:26.056
20 B Gachot     Fr  Venturi    1:26.182
21 G Morbidelli It  Minardi    1:26.681
22 G Tarquini   It  Fondmetal  1:26.765
23 S Modena     It  Jordan     1:26.774
24 P Belmondo   Fr  March      1:27.194
25 C Fittipaldi Brz Minardi    1:27.229
26 J Herbert    GB  Lotus Ford 1:27.270
NON-QUALIFIERS
27 M Hakkinen   Fin Lotus Ford 1:27.437
28 A Chiesa     It  Fondmetal  1:27.756
29 D Hill       GB  Brabham    1:28.423
30 E Vd Poele   Bel Brabham    1:28.832


MANX RALLY - MINTEX NATONAL RALLY SERIES
Round Three Result after 16 stages:
penalties                      mins secs
1 Fisher/Kennedy  Subaru Legacy   85:43
2 Price/Bowen     MG Metro 6R4    87:05
3 Leece/Taylor    Ford Sierra Cos 89:35
4 McRae/Senior    Ford Sierra Cos 89:50
5 Barton/George   MG Metro 6R4    90:30
6 Mann/Wray       Toyota Cel GT4  90:44


CHAMPIONSHIP POSITIONS:
1 Barton          62 points
2 Mann            61
3 McRae           50
Bill Barton overcame his hatred of the Isle of Man tarmac roads to move into the championship lead after round three of the Mintex National Rally Series. The Retford farmer's fifth position in his 4WD MG Metro 6R4 was enough to edge him into a one point lead over Toyota Celica of mushroom farmer David Mann. Northern Ireland's Bertie Fisher, in a Subaru Legacy, won the rally after 120 miles of high-speed special stages through twisty lanes. Richard Burns had a troubled day with gearbox and turbo problems.






17.05.92 - SAN MARINO GRAND PRIX

WARM UP - FIA WORLD FORMULA ONE CHAMPIONSHIP:
Warm-up times from Imola:     mins secs
 1 N Mansell    GB  Williams   1:25.490
 2 M Alboreto   It  Footwork   1:26.295
 3 M Schumacher Ger Benetton   1:26.555
 4 A Senna      Brz McLaren    1:26.665
 5 R Patrese    It  Williams   1:26.722
 6 G Berger     Aut McLaren    1:27.265
 7 M Brundle    GB  Benetton   1:27.272
 8 J Alesi      Fr  Ferrari    1:27.613
 9 A Suzuki     Jpn Footwork   1:27.999
10 J Herbert    GB  Lotus      1:28.754
11 P Martini    It  Dallara    1:28.797
12 U Katayama   Jpn Venturi    1:29.023
13 E Comas      Fr  Ligier     1:29.032
14 G Morbidelli It  Minardi    1:29.034
15 B Gachot     Fr  Venturi    1:29.126
16 I Capelli    It  Ferrari    1:29.142
17 O Grouillard Fr  Tyrrell    1:29.310
18 A DeCesaris  It  Tyrrell    1:29.313
19 C Fittipaldi Brz Minardi    1:29.492
20 JJ Lehto     Fin Dallara    1:29.604
21 T Boutsen    Bel Ligier     1:30.245
22 S Modena     It  Jordan     1:30.605
23 M Gugelmin   Brz Jordan     1:30.831
24 G Tarquini   It  Fondmetal  1:31.240
25 K Wendlinger Aut March      1:32.932
26 P Belmondo   Fr  March      1:36.080
Nigel Mansell led the way once more as he set the fastest time in warm-up for this afternoon's San Marino Grand Prix at Imola. Mansell, bidding to become the first driver to win five successive GP at the start of a season, had no problems as he clocked 1 min 25.490 secs. Johnny Herbert showed his potential in the new Lotus 107 as he set the 10th fastest time of the session, again held in very hot conditions. Michele Alboreto and Michael Schumacher followed Mansell in second and third.




17.05.92

FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP.
San Marino Grand Prix, Imola
Result after 60 laps:     hrs mins secs
 1 N Mansell     GB   Williams  1:28.40
 2 R Patrese     It   Williams   @ 9.45
 3 A Senna       Brz  McLaren   @ 48.98
 4 M Brundle     GB   Benetton  @ 53.00
 5 M Alboreto    It   Footwork   1 lap
 6 P Martini     It   Dallara    1
 7 M Gugelmin    Brz  Jordan     2
 8 O Grouillard  Fr   Tyrrell    2
 9 E Comas       Fr   Ligier     2
10 A Suzuki      Jpn  Footwork   2
11 JJ Lehto      Fin  Dallara    3
12 K Wendlinger  Aut  March      3
13 P Belmondo    Fr   March      3
14 A De Cesaris  It   Tyrrell    5
DID NOT FINISH
15 U Katayama    Jpn  Venturi   40 laps
16 J Alesi       Fr   Lotus     39
17 G Berger      Aut  McLaren   39
18 B Gachot      Fr   Venturi   32
19 T Boutsen     Bel  Ligier    29
20 S Modena      It   Jordan    25
21 G Morbidelli  It   Minardi   24
22 G Tarquini    It   Fondmetal 24
23 M Schumacher  Ger  Benetton  20
24 I Capelli     It   Ferrari   11
25 C Fittipaldi  Brz  Minardi    8
26 J Herbert     GB   Lotus      8


FIA WORLD F1 DRIVERS' STANDINGS
 1 N Mansell    GB  Williams   50 pts
 2 R Patrese    It  Williams   24
 3 M Schumacher Ger Benetton   17
 4 G Berger     Aut McLaren     8
 = A Senna      Brz McLaren     8
 6 J Alesi      Fr  Ferrari     7
Others:
 8 M Brundle    GB  Benetton    3
12 J Herbert    GB  Lotus       2

CONSTRUCTORS' CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS
 1 Williams        74 points
 2 Benetton        20
 3 McLaren         16
 4 Ferrari          9
 5 Footwork         5
 6 Tyrrell          2
 = Lotus Ford       2
 = Dallara          2
Nigel Mansell cruised to a glorious victory at Imola as he became the first driver ever to win five successive Grands Prix at the start of a season. The 38-year-old Williams Renault ace was never challenged after starting on pole and eased to a milestone 26th win, bettering Jim Clark's total by one. Mansell was followed home by teammate Riccardo Patrese for the fourth time this season. Martin Brundle picked up his first points of the season with a magnificent fourth in the Benetton Ford.

Nigel Mansell wrote his name in the history books and took a big step towards his first world championship in the searing heat of San Marino. The Florida-based Brit was ice-cool as he confirmed his dominance once again with a flawless performance. He had an undramatic start in the Williams Renault, opened up a 23-second lead early on, and simply let the rest fight it out behind him. He only had one scare, narrowly missing a marshall who was retrieving debris from the track on lap 33.

Modest Nigel Mansell paid tribute to his Canon Williams Renault team after becoming the first man to win five successive opening Grands Prix. He said: "I dedicate this victory and this achievement to the team and to the engineers. It is fantastic. It was a great race and we have made history. I have never been so happy in my life. I feel like I'm dreaming. The fans in Italy are fantastic. Winning here is almost like winning for Ferrari so that's great."

Martin Brundle gave himself and the Camel Benetton Ford team a massive boost as he equalled his best finish with fourth place. The 32-year-old from King's Lynn, who had failed to finish so far this season after a string of disasters, took his chance superbly. He had to fight hard to hold onto fifth spot in the early stages, sandwiched between Gerhard Berger in fourth and teammate Michael Schumacher in sixth. He moved up to fourth on lap 40 after a crash between Berger and Jean Alesi.

Johnny Herbert's hopes of adding to his solitary Championship point ended in disappointment at Imola. The 27-year-old from Romford was hoping to make some impact in the new Lotus 107, making its GP debut, after a promising early morning warm-up lap. Herbert soon ran into trouble, forced into the pits after three laps with steering arm damage after hitting Karl Wendlinger, and retired on lap eight. German star Michael Schumacher, who spun off early on under no serious pressure, retired after 20 laps.

World champion Ayrton Senna was surrounded by medical staff at the end of the San Marino Grand Prix after a gruelling race in very hot conditions. The Brazilian, who struggled home in third a long way behind Nigel Mansell and Riccardo Patrese, was suffering from heat exhaustion. The triple world champion remained slumped in his McLaren for 20 minutes but recovered after treatment. Senna, for so long the dominant force in Formula One, saw Mansell beat his record of four opening wins last year.

F3:- Philippe Adams from Belgium dominated round six of the British Formula Three championship at Brands Hatch driving a Ralt RT36 for the Alan Docking Racing Team. Brazilian Gil de Ferran strengthened his lead in the championship after finishing second, 2.5 seconds back. F.FORD:- Brian Saunders won the fourth round of the French national Formula Ford Championship at Montlhery, with Jean-Philippe Haouza second.

CENTURIAN RALLY:- Malcolm Wilson, driving a development rally version of the new Escort Cosworth, won the Centurian Rally in Kielder Forest.

INDYCAR:- American Lyn St James, 45, became only the second woman to qualify for the Indy 500 in the race's history, claiming one of six remaining places on the 33-car starting grid.

F.VAUXHALL JUNIOR:- Walsall's Martin O'Connell became the fifth different winner in five championship races this year with victory in the Formula Vauxhall Junior Championship at Brands Hatch.




18.05.92
F1:- FISA president Max Mosley is thinking over ways to make Formula One cars more evenly matched after Nigel Mansell's fifth win of the season. Nine international TV companies have discontinued their Grand Prix coverage due to viewers losing interest because of Mansell's total domination. Possible changes could include a ban on carbon brakes, the re-introduction of fuel stops and the outlawing of some hi-tech innovations. Mosley said he hoped the changes would make the sport "more interesting."

A Japanese consortium is planning to build the country's first Formula One car since 1977. Canadian Norbert Hamy is the driving force behind the team, which will be called Trebron Racing Systems. He is both chief designer and director. Trebron will have a factory in Japan, where the cars will be built, and another in England, where the team will be based during the racing season. Hamy, who is yet to name any drivers, intends to have the first car completed by November in time for the 1993 season.

CAMEL TROPHY:- The United Kingdom pairing of Gareth Hansford and Tim Postgate finished second, behind the French, in the Special Task award to take fifth place overall in the Camel Trophy Guyana '92.




24.05.92
TOURING CAR:- Will Hoy driving a Toyota Carina won the fourth round of the Esso British Touring Car Championship at Snetterton. John Cleland in a Vauxhall Cavalier was second with Alain Menu third in his BMW.

F.OPEL LOTUS:- Britain's Gareth Rees won the Opel Lotus Austrian Challenge in a time of 24 minutes 42.629 secs, eight seconds ahead of Brazil's Bruno Aguiar.

F3000:- Britain's Andrew Scott finished fourth in a Reynard behind Volker Weidler of Germany in the fourth leg of the All Japan Formula 3000 series.

HISTORIC RALLY:- Stirling Moss turned the clock back 37 years to complete the 10th re-run of Italy's famous Mille Miglia in a Mercedes Benz 300 LR.

INDYCAR:- Al Unser Jr held off Scott Goodyear by less than a car length to win the Indianapolis 500. He took the lead from Michael Andretti with 11 laps remaining after Andretti had led for 163 laps.





25.05.92
F1:- Alain Prost has settled his pay dispute with Ferrari and an undisclosed out of court settlement has been agreed. The three-time Formula One champion was sacked by Ferrari just before last November's Australian Grand Prix with a year of his contract still to run. The Frenchman had called the Ferrari a truck after he had problems with the car during the 1991 season. Ferrari said the criticism was a breach of contract which Prost denied and arbitration proceedings were begun to settle his claim for outstanding pay.

F3:- Gil De Ferran, in a Reynard 923, took the honours in the 25-lap British F3 championship race at Silverstone in a time of 23 mins 50.76 secs. Philippe Adams was second, 1.68 secs behind with Marc Goossens in third.

F.RENAULT:- Spain's Ivan Arias won the sixth round of the Formula Renault Championships at Thruxton, leading from start to finish. Britain's Harry Nuttall was second with Brazilian Thomas Erdos third.

SALOON CARS:- Frank Greenaway, in a Sapphire Cosworth won the BRDC/BRSCC saloon car race at Silverstone covering the 13 laps in 14 mins 57.71 secs.

SPORTSCARS:- Five times winner Derek Bell is to make a surprise return to the Le Mans 24-hour sportscar classic next month. He will share a British-entered Porsche with his son Justin and Tiff Needell.

F.FORD:- Jamie Spence increased his lead in the Formula Ford Championship with his fourth win of the season, beating Neil Cunningham of Australia at Silverstone.

F.VAUXHALL LOTUS:- Jeremy Cotterill scored his maiden Formula Vauxhall Lotus victory in round four at Thruxton beating pole position driver Piers Hunnisett.




27.05.92 - JOHN WATSON ON THE MONACO GRAND PRIX
This weekend in Monaco will be an extra special occasion as it is the 50th time a Grand Prix has been staged at the tiny Mediterranean principality. And it could be very special indeed for Nigel Mansell, who would dearly love to score his first Monaco GP victory. Jackie Stewart was the last Briton to win at Monaco in 1973 and the 78-lap race is one of the most physically demanding in the calendar. The race is something of an anachronism because it is a pure street circuit and if offers a very rare spectacle indeed for motor racing fans.

Record-breaking Nigel Mansell now has such a solid lead in the championship that there is little likelihood of anyone being able to catch him. Everything looks to be in favour of the Williams team. They have the most powerful engine in Formula One and both drivers are doing a magnificent job. Unforseen circumstances apart, there is no reason to believe that Williams will not continue to march forward. And in Monaco, Mansell is on course to establish yet another record of six consecutive Grand Prix victories in a single season.

The Williams Renault team's active ride suspension will be a big help to Nigel Mansell and Riccardo Patrese in Monaco from the fatigue point of view. It is infinitely adjustable to cope with a street circuit and such a system has proved an advantage in the past. Ayrton Senna's 1987 win was the first for an active suspension car and his physical condition afterwards was far far better than a year earlier when his Lotus did not have the system. Senna would love to have McLaren's version of active ride on Sunday but it is not yet ready to be used in a race.

Any threat to Williams in Monaco is likely to come from Michael Schumacher and Martin Brundle in the Benettons. The Ford HB engine is very strong in the mid-range of its power curve. That is a big bonus on a street circuit. Schumacher will be making his Monaco F1 debut and his flair and blistering speed need to be balanced with prudence or he will end up against the walls. Brundle finally broke into the top six at Imola with a strong fourth place. He is a powerful Monaco performer - remember his superb race in 1989.

McLaren are unlikely to make any major changes for this weekend's race, it is more a case of further refinements. One thing which stood out at Imola was that the Honda engine was consistently quickest coming out of the chicane to the start/finish line. They don't have the overall performance of the Williams but do have an engine which should make the job much easier for their drivers at Monaco. Ayrton Senna's distress at Imola is worrying as it is the second time in 12 months that he has suffered from cramp and dehydration during a race.

Ferrari are progressing and Jean Alesi will be the most spectacular man around Monaco if his two past drives at the the circuit are anything to go by. The fact that he was hauled in by the stewards at Imola and warned to curb his enthusiasm is unlikely to cut any ice with him. Everyone remembers Alesi's performance in the Tyrrell two years ago which redefined the word electric. I don't think the Ferrari is suited to that kind of treatment but I am sure no-one is going to tell Alesi that.

Footwork are currently an impressive fifth in the manufacturers' table and it has intrigued me to watch Michele Alboreto emerge from hibernation. Alboreto, Nigel Mansell and Riccardo Patrese are all approaching middle age but age is no barrier to GP success. State of mind is what is important. Alboreto was a championship contender in 1985 but went into hibernation when no top teams were available to him. He has now got a car with potential and it is pleasing to see a driver of his talent come back to produce strong, competitive performances.





28.05.92 - F1 - THE MONACO GRAND PRIX
Nigel Mansell stayed on course for his sixth win of the season as he led first qualifying - but made note of the renewed threat of Ayrton Senna. Mansell clocked 1 min 20.714 secs in the Williams Renault, with the McLaren of Senna second in 1:21.467, clearly suited to the tough Monaco circuit. Mansell said: "I am delighted at my lap time but it is interesting to see McLaren so much improved." Perry McCarthy failed to pre-qualify after one aborted lap, while Martin Brundle was 12th quickest.

Nigel Mansell was relieved to come in unscathed after the first qualifying session - after narrowly avoiding a smash at Monaco. Mansell, looking for his sixth straight GP win, spun 360 degrees as he took desperate measures to avoid crashing into the sea wall. He said: "I entered the chicane sideways heading hard and fast towards the wall. I was thinking the impact was going to happen any minute. I dropped the clutch and spun. I was very lucky not to hit the wall."

FIA WORLD FORMULA ONE CHAMPIONSHIP:
Thursday practice times:      mins secs
 1 N Mansell    GB  Williams   1:20.714
 2 A Senna      Brz McLaren    1:21.467
 3 R Patrese    It  Williams   1:22.309
 4 G Berger     Aut McLaren    1:22.359
 5 J Alesi      Fr  Ferrari    1:22.942
 6 M Schumacher Ger Benetton   1:23.150
 7 A De Cesaris It  Tyrrell    1:23.552
 8 B Gachot     Fr  Venturi    1:23.606
 9 M Alboreto   It  Footwork   1:23.774
10 I Capelli    It  Ferrari    1:23.813
11 M Brundle    GB  Benetton   1:23.872
12 S Modena     It  Jordan     1:23.890
13 K Wendlinger Aut March      1:23.978
14 M Gugelmin   Brz Jordan     1:24.235
15 A Suzuki     Jpn Footwork   1:24.340
16 O Grouillard Fr  Tyrrell    1:24.533
17 G Morbidelli It  Minardi    1:24.567
18 E Comas      Fr  Ligier     1:24.816
19 JJ Lehto     Fin Dallara    1:25.050
20 R Moreno     Brz Andrea Mod 1:25.185
21 T Boutsen    Bel Ligier     1:25.222
22 C Fittipaldi Brz Minardi    1:25.561
23 G Tarquini   It  Fondmetal  1:25.614
24 P Martini    It  Dallara    1:25.665
25 E Vd Poele   Bel Brabham    1:25.702
26 M Hakkinen   Fin Lotus-Ford 1:25.809
27 J Herbert    GB  Lotus-Ford 1:25.979
28 P Belmondo   Fr  March      1:26.501
29 D Hill       GB  Brabham    1:26.889
30 A Chiesa     It  Fondmetal  1:27.140

FIA WORLD FORMULA ONE CHAMPIONSHIP
Pre-qualifying times (four go through):
                              mins secs
1 M Alboreto   It  Footwork    1:25.413
2 B Gachot     Bel Venturi Lam 1:25.980
3 R Moreno     Brz Andrea Moda 1:27.186
4 A Chiesa     It  Fondmetal   1:27.756
NON-QUALIFIERS
5 U Katayama   Jpn Venturi Lam 1:28.310
6 P McCarthy   GB  Andrea M   17:05.924




30.05.92
F1:- Nigel Mansell stayed on course for his sixth win of the season as he took the 23rd pole of his career with a dazzling lap near the end of final practice. Mansell clocked 1 minute 19.495 in his Williams Renault to become the first man to go round the famous street circuit in under 80 seconds. Teammate Riccardo Patrese, fastest for most of the session with 1:20.368, will be alongside Mansell on the front row. Martin Brundle was seventh fastest in the Benetton and Johnny Herbert a superb ninth quickest in the new Lotus.

Nigel Mansell bided his time and snatched pole position from Riccardo Patrese in Monte Carlo. Mansell said: "I had to use a big injection of patience. It must have paid off in the end. We had quite a few hairy moments and I was very lucky." Patrese said: "I expect it will be a great battle between me and Nigel on Sunday. I shall be going for a really exceptional start." Ayrton Senna added: "At Monaco, being on the front row of the grid is half the battle."


FIA WORLD FORMULA ONE CHAMPIONSHIP:
Final qualifying times:	      mins secs
 1 N Mansell    GB  Williams   1:19.495
 2 R Patrese    It  Williams   1:20.368
 3 A Senna      Brz McLaren    1:20.608
 4 J Alesi      Fr  Ferrari    1:20.895
 5 G Berger     Aut McLaren    1:21.224
 6 M Schumacher Ger Benetton   1:21.831
 7 M Brundle    GB  Benetton   1:22.068
 8 I Capelli    It  Ferrari    1:22.119
 9 J Herbert    GB  Lotus      1:22.579
10 A De Cesaris It  Tyrrell    1:22.647
11 M Alboreto   It  Footwork   1:22.671
12 G Morbidelli It  Minardi    1:22.733
13 M Gugelmin   Brz Jordan     1:22.863
14 M Hakkinen   Fin Lotus      1:22.886
15 B Gachot     Fr  Venturi    1:23.122
16 K Wendlinger Aut March      1:23.264
17 C Fittipaldi Brz Minardi    1:23.487
18 P Martini    It  Dallara    1:23.508
19 A Suzuki     Jpn Footwork   1:23.641
20 JJ Lehto     Fin Dallara    1:23.862
21 S Modena     It  Jordan     1:23.890
22 T Boutsen    Bel Ligier     1:23.909
23 E Comas      Fr  Ligier     1:23.974
24 O Grouillard Fr  Tyrrell    1:23.990
25 G Tarquini   It  Fondmetal  1:24.479
26 R Moreno     Brz Andrea Mod 1:24.945
NON-QUALIFIERS
27 E Vd Poele   Bel Brabham    1:24.981
28 D Hill       GB  Brabham    1:25.394
29 A Chiesa     It  Fondmetal  1:25.660
30 P Belmondo   Fr  March      1:25.750

THE ACROPOLIS RALLY:- Juha Kankkunen hopes to close the gap on championship leader Carlos Sainz with a second successive win in the event, which starts on Sunday. "I want to repeat last year's victory as the Acropolis is my favourite rally. It is a hard test for drivers and cars and the organisation is very good," the Lancia star said. He trails Spaniard Sainz by ten points after four rounds but his team head the manufacturers standings. The four-day event starts at the foot of the Acropolis and covers 1,150 miles.

Britain's Colin McRae returns to World Championship action for Subaru Team Europe following his outstanding second place finish in Sweden. The team have carried out intensive testing in France and are confident they have an even more competitive car for McRae and teammate Ari Vatanen. "I'm really looking forward to this, it has a reputation for being tough on both man and machine but we are well prepared," said the Scot. "I believe we have a very competitve set-up," added Vatenen.




31.05.92

FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Monaco Grand Prix, Monte Carlo.
Result after 78 laps:       hr:mins:secs
 1 A Senna      Brz McLaren  1:50:59.372
 2 N Mansell    GB  Williams 1:50:59.587
 3 R Patrese    It  Williams 1:51:31.215
 4 M Schumacher Ger Benetton 1:51:38.666
 5 M Brundle    GB  Benetton 1:52:20.719
 6 B Gachot     Fr  Larrousse  @ 1 lap
 7 M Alboreto   It  Footwork   @ 1 lap
 8 C Fittipaldi Brz Minardi    @ 1 lap
 9 JJ Lehto     Fin Dallara    @ 2 laps
10 E Comas      Fr  Ligier     @ 2 laps
11 A Suzuki     Jpn Footwork   @ 2 laps
12 T Boutsen    Bel Ligier     @ 3 laps


FIA WORLD F1 DRIVERS' STANDINGS
 1 N Mansell    GB  Williams   56 pts
 2 R Patrese    It  Williams   28
 3 M Schumacher Ger Benetton   20
 4 A Senna      Brz McLaren    18
 5 G Berger     Aut McLaren     8
 6 J Alesi      Fr  Ferrari     7
 7 M Alboreto   It  Footwork    5
 = M Brundle    GB  Benetton    5
 9 A De Cesaris It  Tyrrell     2
 = I Capelli    It  Ferrari     2
 = P Martini    It  Dallara     2

CONSTRUCTORS' CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS
 1 Williams        84 points
 2 McLaren         26
 3 Benetton        25
 4 Ferrari          9
 5 Footwork         5
 6 Tyrrell          2
 = Lotus Ford       2
 = Dallara          2
 9 Venturi          1
Ayrton Senna grabbed an amazing victory in the Monaco Grand Prix at Monte Carlo after Nigel Mansell suffered a puncture and was forced into the pits on lap 69. Mansell's Williams had led from pole with a gap of over 30 seconds at one stage from the Brazilian in a McLaren. But a pit stop with just seven laps remaining held Mansell up and rejoined the circuit 5.8 seconds behind Senna. The Briton set a new lap record in a brilliant charge to regain the lead but the wily Senna maintained his position to edge out Mansell by just 0.215 secs and win his fifth Monaco Grand Prix.

Nigel Mansell's astonishing run of Grand Prix victories came to an unbelievable end as a puncture gave rival Ayrton Senna his chance. The Williams driver looked set to record his first win at Monaco and equal Jackie Stewart's record of 27 wins but was delivered a cruel blow. Senna was comfortably set for second place in his McLaren after Mansell's lead looked unassailable. But a punctured tyre put Mansell in the pits and Senna slipped into the lead for his first win of the season.

Ayrton Senna acknowledged he would never have won the Monaco Grand Prix had Nigel Mansell not picked up a puncture just nine laps from the end. "I think, of course, that without Mansell stopping for tyres we would never have come close to victory. Over the last five or six laps when I realised I was in front I had nothing else to give, the tyres were completely worn out. It was very difficult because Nigel was several seconds quicker than me. It was like driving on ice," he said.

Nigel Mansell consoled himself with six points to boost his championship bid after a puncture robbed him of victory in the 50th Monaco Grand Prix."That must be the best second place of my career, but of course I'm very disappointed, especially for the team. We were in control for 7/8ths of the race and then had a puncture. I knew it when I came through the tunnel and I spun and nearly lost it. I had to drive very slowly back to the pits and that cost me a lot of time," Mansell commented.

The Williams team moved further ahead in the constructors table as Riccardo Patrese won a tactical battle with Michael Schumacher to take third place. The Italian started second on the grid but lost out to Ayrton Senna on the green light and then had to endure intense pressure from the Benetton. Schumacher battled to pass the Ferrari of Jean Alesi, who went out of the race on lap 30, and pressed Patrese all the way to the chequered flag. But the veteran of 230 Grands Prix kept the youngster in his 12th race at bay.

Britain's Martin Brundle produced a superb performance to take fifth place after leaving the circuit with damage to his Benetton. Brundle, 33 on Monday, went off the road on lap 19 and lost over a minute, going into the pits for a tyre change and to replace the nosecone on his car. But a series of scorching laps put him back into sixth place by the 60th lap and when Italian Ivan Capelli's Ferrari dropped out two laps later Brundle made sure of two more championship points. Johnny Herbert had trouble with the new Lotus Ford and went out on lap 18.


ACROPOLIS RALLY:- Positions after 5 of 40 stages:(End of first day)
Accumulated penalties         mins.secs
 1 D Auriol    Fr  Lancia Delta   47:22
 2 A Schwarz   Ger Toyota Celica  47:51
 3 M Alen      Fin Toyota Celica  47:54
 4 M Biasion   It  Ford Sierra    48:07
 5 J Kankkunen Fin Lancia Delta   48:13
 6 C McRae     GB  Subaru Legacy  48:21
 7 K Eriksson  Swe Mitsubishi     48:39
 8 C Sainz     Sp  Toyota Celica  48:40
 9 A Vatanen   Fin Subaru Legacy  48:44
10 J Recalde   Arg Lancia Delta   49:25
Frenchman Didier Auriol powered through rough Greek mountain terrain to win all five special stages and dominate the first leg of the rally. Auriol, lying third in the championship table, steered his Lancia into Delphi 29 seconds ahead of German Armin Schwarz in a Toyota. He shrugged off a spinal injury picked up in practice and covered the first five of 40 special stages in 47.22 mins. Britain's Colin McRae finished sixth but current championship leader Carlos Sainz struggled in eighth place.