November 1992


01.11.92 - IVORY COAST RALLY
Frenchman Patrick Tauziac took over the lead after the first stage of the Ivory Coast Rally as defending champion Kenjiro Shinozuka suffered car trouble. Tauziac, driving a Mitsubishi Galant, won the 1,240-km stage from Abidjan to Bouake to open a five-minute lead over Gregoire de Mevius. Shinozuka, who took the preliminary stage, slipped back to seventh place after his Galant had engine trouble. Only 27 of the original 47 teams are still in the rally.


Positions after first stage:  hrs mins secs
1 P Tauziac   Fr  Mits' Galant  1:31:00
2 G de Mevius Bel Nissan Sunny  1:36:00
3 P Servant   Fr  Audi 90 Quat' 1:45:00
4 B Thiry     Bel Opel          1:58:00
5 S Assef     Leb Toyota Celica 2:25:00
6 H Nishiyama Jpn Nissan Pulsar 2:33:00
7 K Shinozuka Jpn Mits' Galant  2:55:00




02.11.92
F1:- Tyrrell and Yamaha are to run a joint team in next season's Formula One World Championship. They have signed a two-year agreement following the ending of Yamaha's engine deal with the Jordan team. The team will use a new V10 unit developed jointly by Yamaha and John Judd's Engine Developments company. "This is the first time in the team's 25-year history that we have had the exclusive support of a major engine manufacturer," said Ken Tyrrell.

Former Zakspeed designer Paul Brown has been appointed Technical Director of the Pacific Grand Prix team, who will make their Formula One debut in 1993. The Norfolk-based team's new Pacific S102 car should be ready in January and they hope to sign their first driver next week.

IVORY COAST RALLY:- Belgian Gregoire de Mevius took over the lead when Patrick Tauziac retired on the second day of the event. Tauziac held a five minute advantage after the opening day but had to pull out when the clutch on his Mitsubishi Galant failed. De Mevius went on to complete the day with 27 minute in hand on compatriot Bruno Thiry. Last year's winner Kenjiro Shinozuka shrugged off engine trouble to climb from seventh to third. Only 22 of the 47 starters remain in the rally.





03.11.92 - IVORY COAST RALLY
Japan's Kenjiro Shinozuka produced a superb display on the final leg to win the event for the second year running. He began the day in third place but surged through in his Mitsubishi to complete the 3,000-mile event with a total time of 4 hours 9 minutes. It left him 83 minutes clear of Bruno Thiry, who gave Opel their first podium finish since Britain's Malcolm Wilson took third place in New Zealand in 1989. Second day leader Gregoire de Mevius retired with a burst radiator and only 13 out of 47 teams reached the finish.


Final result:                hrs mins secs
1 K Shinozuka Jpn Mitsubishi G  4:09:42
2 B Thiry     Bel Opel Kadett   5:32:59
3 P Servant   Fr  Audi Quattro  5:38:02
4 H Nishiyama Jpn Nissan Pulsar 6:24:07
5 S Assef     Leb Toyota Celica 7:42:27
6 A Oudit     Fr  Nissan Sunny  7:46:36




04.11.92 - F1
Renault have ruled out the possibility of supplying McLaren with engines for the 1993 Formula One World Championship. McLaren need a new supplier following Honda's withdrawal and Ayrton Senna has warned that he will take a year off if they cannot get a competitive engine.





05.11.92 - JOHN WATSON ON THE AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX
The Australian Grand Prix is the final race of the season and Nigel Mansell's last GP in his illustrious career - or is it..? Mansell's plans for 1993 are well established - he intends to become an Indy Car driver. I believe that in spite of any contract between Mansell and his Indy Car team, there is pressure being applied by the F1 "Whips" to change Mansell's mind. I would not be surprised in the least to see Mansell in F1 in South Africa in 1993. How it can be laundered I have no idea...

Can Nigel Mansell go on to win his 10th Grand Prix of the season and break his own record? While his magnanimous gesture in Japan was to allow Riccardo Patrese through to win the GP, in my mind Mansell will want to win this final race. Once again the Williams Renault partnership must be favourite but the Adelaide circuit does not provide as many opportunities for the team to exploit their technical advantages. The outcome undoubtedly will be entirely predictable.

Following last year's debacle in Adelaide when the track was flooded before the race by a tropical storm, that problem should not arise should the weather be as unfavourable again. The main problem last year was the long main straight which was literally flooded for most of its length, causing many potentially dangerous moments. Camber has been built into the main straight to allow water to drain away quickly though there will still be problems areas around the circuit. I am sure this year the race will run a lot more smoothly.

Traditionally Australia is a GP of a more relaxed nature. Friendly natives and lots of the amber nectar tend to relax the normally hyper GP workers. But there still remains the battle for second and third places in the drivers' championship and also in the constructors' championship. So for the Williams, McLaren and Benetton teams, any partying will have to wait until the Sunday night. For all the others, Adelaide still represents vital championship points and it is a gift horse that should not be ignored.

A number of teams have been in the news over the last few days - with some good news and some not so good. Tyrrell's two-year agreement with Yamaha surprised nobody. It means stability for a team which, like many others, is not so well financed. Jordan GP, who have parted from Yamaha, have secured exclusively for two years the new but unseen Hart V10 engines. With Brian Hart's experience in F1 for many years, the team believe they have got a package which will give them the kind of commitment and performance that exclusivity brings.

Teams like Tyrrell and Jordan rarely get an opportunity to have the kind of exclusivity they have secured and they will both create interest with their new respective engines in 1993. One team that lacks good news is the unfortunate Larrousse team. One of their investors made headlines last weekend when the French police tried to arrest him. The scene was right out of a gangster movie but one hopes that this glitch will have no long-term effect on the Larrousse operation.






06.11.92 - THE AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX
Champion-elect Nigel Mansell broke the track record three times to grab the provisional pole for Sunday's Australian Grand Prix in Adelaide. He shaved 0.3 of a second off the record set by Ayrton Senna in practice for last year's race. Mansell also warned his rivals that he felt he could have improved his best time of 1m 13.732s (114.68mph) by a further 0.2s. Senna was second-fastest, with Mansell's team-mate Riccardo Patrese in third spot.

Nigel Mansell is set to go even faster after claiming provisional pole for Sunday's Australian Grand Prix. Mansell, who broke the track record, said: "I am happy to have done the fastest lap but a bit surprised. I felt I could have gone quicker by about two-tenths on my best lap." Ayrton Senna, second fastest, said: "I had no particular problems apart from a spin in the morning. As usual it is tough to drive here. You are always working hard."


FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP - AUSTRALIAN GP IN ADELAIDE:
Friday's official qualifying: mins secs
 1 N Mansell    GB  Williams   1:13.732
 2 A Senna      Brz Mclaren    1:14.202
 3 R Patrese    It  Williams   1:14.370
 4 G Berger     Aut McLaren    1:15.114
 5 M Schumacher Ger Benetton   1:15.210
 6 J Alesi      Fr  Ferrari    1:16.091
 7 A de Cesaris It  Tyrrell    1:16.440
 8 M Brundle    GB  Benetton   1:16.562
 9 E Comas      Fr  Ligier     1:16.727
10 M Hakkinen   Fin Lotus      1:16.863
11 M Alboreto   It  Footwork   1:16.937
12 J Herbert    GB  Lotus      1:16.944
13 O Grouillard Fr  Tyrrell    1:17.037
14 P Martini    It  Dallara    1:17.047
15 S Modena     It  Jordan     1:17.331
16 G Morbidelli It  Minardi    1:17.333
17 C Fittipaldi Brz Minardi    1:17.367
18 A Suzuki     Jpn Footwork   1:17.409
19 N Larini     It  Ferrari    1:17.465
20 M Gugelmin   Brz Jordan     1:17.805
21 B Gachot     Bel Venturi    1:17.808
22 T Boutsen    Bel Ligier     1:17.957
23 JJ Lehto     Fin Dallara    1:18.565
24 U Katayama   Jpn Venturi    1:18.862
25 J Lammers    Hol March     13:10.720
26 E Naspetti   It  March     14:23.313




07.11.92 - AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX
Nigel Mansell set himself up for a triumphant finale to his Formula One career by hanging onto pole position for Sunday's Australian Grand Prix. It gave him a record-breaking 14th pole of the season but he could not improve his Friday lap time on a hot day which slowed the Adelaide street circuit. The world champion-elect was thwarted by a broken throttle linkage on his Williams, which forced him into the pits mid-way through final practice. Ayrton Senna was easily fastest but he too could not match his first day time.

Indycar-bound Nigel Mansell predicted a tough battle with Ayrton Senna when he tries to cap a triumphant season with victory in Sunday's Australian GP. Mansell will start from pole, but said: "I was very impressed with Ayrton and he is going to be formidable in the race tomorrow. That much is clear. "The McLarens have improved by around half a second and it is going to be a very important start. The extra few yards on the grid will be vital." Mansell is seeking to win a Grand Prix in Adelaide for the first time.

Nigel Mansell insists he is still intent on driving in the US Indycar series next year despite rumours that he may yet remain in Formula One. Mansell said after clinching pole for Sunday's Australian GP that he did not want to answer hypothetical questions about his future. Speculation is mounting that he has had an offer to buy him out of his contract for 1993 with the Newman-Haas team. But he said: "I can't control what the powers that be may be doing. I don't have a clue what's going on."



Final practice times:         mins secs
 1 N Mansell    GB  Williams   1:13.732
 2 A Senna      Brz McLaren    1:14.202
 3 R Patrese    It  Williams   1:14.370
 4 G Berger     Aut McLaren    1:15.114
 5 M Schumacher Ger Benetton   1:15.210
 6 J Alesi      Fr  Ferrari    1:16.091
 7 A de Cesaris It  Tyrrell    1:16.440
 8 M Brundle    GB  Benetton   1:16.562
 9 E Comas      Fr  Ligier     1:16.727
10 M Hakkinen   Fin Lotus-Ford 1:16.863
11 M Alboreto   It  Footwork   1:16.937
12 J Herbert    GB  Lotus      1:16.944
13 O Grouillard Fr  Tyrrell    1:17.037
14 P Martini    It  Dallara    1:17.047
15 S Modena     It  Jordan     1:17.231
16 G Morbidelli It  Minardi    1:17.333
17 C Fittipaldi Brz Minardi    1:17.367
18 A Suzuki     Jpn Footwork   1:17.409
19 N Larini     It  Ferrari    1:17.465
20 M Gugelmin   Brz Jordan     1:17.805
21 B Gachot     Bel Venturi    1:17.808
22 T Boutsen    Bel Ligier     1:17.957
23 E Naspetti   It  March      1:18.138
24 JJ Lehto     Fin Dallara    1:18.565
25 J Lammers    Hol March      1:18.843
26 U Katayama   Jpn Venturi    1:18.862




08.11.92

AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX
Result of Australian GP, Adelaide:
                             hr:mins.secs
 1 G Berger     Aut McLaren    1:46.547
 2 M Schumacher Ger Benetton @ 0:00.007
 3 M Brundle    GB  Benetton @ 0:00.541
 4 J Alesi      Fr  Ferrari  @ one lap
 5 T Boutsen    Bel Ligier   @ one lap
 6 S Modena     It  Jordan   @ one lap
 7 M Hakkinen   Fin Lotus-F  @ one lap
 8 A Suzuki     Jap Footwork @ two laps
 9 C Fittipaldi Brz Minardi  @ two laps
10 G Morbidelli It  Minardi  @ two laps
11 N Larini     It  Ferrari  @ two laps
12 J Lammers    Hol March  @ three laps
13 J Herbert    GB  Lotus   @ four laps

DID NOT FINISH:          Laps completed
14 JJ Lehto     Fin Dallara      70
15 E Naspetti   It  March        55
16 B Gachot     Bel Venturi      51
17 R Patrese    It  Williams     50
18 U Katayama   Jpn Venturi      35
19 A de Cesaris It  Tyrrell      29
20 N Mansell    GB  Williams     18
21 A Senna      Brz McLaren      18
22 M Gugelmin   Brz Jordan        7
23 E Comas      Fr  Ligier        4


FIA WORLD F1 DRIVERS' STANDINGS
Final positions after Adelaide GP:
 1 N Mansell    GB  Williams  108 pts
 2 R Patrese    It  Williams   56
 3 M Schumacher Ger Benetton   53
 4 A Senna      Brz McLaren    50
 5 G Berger     Aut McLaren    49
 6 M Brundle    GB  Benetton   38
 7 J Alesi      Fr  Ferrari    18
 8 M Hakkinen   Fin Lotus Ford 11
 9 A De Cesaris It  Tyrrell     8
10 M Alboreto   It  Footwork    6
11 E Comas      Fr  Ligier      4
12 K Wendlinger Aut March Ilmor 3
 = I Capelli    It  Ferrari     3
14 P Martini    It  Dallara     2
 = J Herbert    GB  Lotus       2
 = S Modena     It  Jordan      2


CONSTRUCTORS' CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS
Final standings after Adelaide GP:
 1 Williams       164 points
 2 McLaren         99
 3 Benetton        91
 4 Ferrari         21
 5 Lotus Ford      13
 6 Tyrrell          8
 7 Ligier Renault   6
 = Footwork         6
 9 March Ilmor      3
10 Dallara          2
11 Venturi          1
 = Jordan           1
 = Minardi          1
Nigel Mansell's farewell to Formula One competition ended sadly after the world champion was shunted out of the race by old rival Ayrton Senna. Mansell, starting in pole position, held a marginal lead when the Brazilian drove straight into the back of his Williams car on the 18th lap. It was a disappointing finish for the Briton, who will be leaving F1 for the American Indycar scene next year. Riccardo Patrese went out when his car ground to a halt on lap 51, and Gerhard Berger was left to clinch his eighth GP win ahead of Michael Schumacher.

The Australian circuit again proved to be unlucky for Nigel Mansell after he crashed out of his final F1 race. The British world champion had never won at Adelaide and in 1986 he lost the title there when a tyre blew out. The accident robbed the Midlander of his 10th Grand Prix win of the season after he had blasted off from his record 14th pole position of the year. Mansell was clearly annoyed after being knocked off the track by Ayrton Senna on lap 18 and was left banging his steering wheel in fury.

A furious Nigel Mansell said he was "disgusted" with what happened after Ayrton Senna put him out of the race. "I went to see the stewards who said it was a sporting accident, but I don't see it that way. I'm very, very disappointed," said the world champion. "I had everything under control and feel quite disgusted. I ran away across the track because I did not want to get involved in a fight." Senna's view of the incident on lap 18 was understandably different: "Nigel slowed down earlier than usual. At 90mph, there was nowhere for me to go."

Austrian Gerhard Berger capitalised on the retirement of the three race favourites to coast to an Adelaide win. Berger took the lead after Riccardo Patrese's engine cut out 30 laps from the end and he held on despite the close attentions of Michael Schumacher. The young German pressed hard for the win that would have given him second place in the championship but was just 0.7 seconds short at the finish. Britain's Martin Brundle came in an excellent third for his 10th finish within the points in 16 races.

Gerhard Berger cruised to his second win on the Adelaide circuit and pointed to a tyre stop as the key to victory. "I made the first stop and it was the perfect decision," said the Austrian. "I hoped it would give me the advantage later on and it did. "I had a very bad start and ended up sixth, but I pushed hard and gave it everything," added the McLaren driver. Asked about teammate Ayrton Senna's crash into Nigel Mansell, he said: "It seemed Ayrton's brakes didn't work very well, but mine were fine."

Michael Schumacher was delighted with his third place in the championship, despite just missing out on a victory that would have earned him second spot. Schumacher was over six seconds behind Gerhard Berger with two laps to go yet almost snatched it on the line. "I'm quite happy to finish second and I'm absolutely thrilled with third place in the points," said the German. Martin Brundle's third place left him sixth in the championship: "It's been a great season with Benetton, but I don't know where I'll be next year," he said.

CATALUNYA RALLY:- Didier Auriol could clinch the World Drivers' Championship in the penultimate round on the Costa Brava. The Frenchman needs to be 20 points ahead of his nearest rival when the rally finishes on Wednesday but that needs Juha Kannkunen and Carlos Sainz to have a bad two days. The 1,500km rally starts Monday with 28 special stages covering 533km, 11 on asphalt and 17 on gravel. The Lancia driver said: "I am going to try hard to win. If I leave it to the RAC rally there are so many unexpected things that could happen in Britain.




09.11.92 - CATALUNYA RALLY
Positions after 12 stages:
 Accumulated penalties        hrs mins secs
 1 C Sainz     Sp  Toyota Celica 2:11.52
 2 A Aghini    It  Lancia Delta  2:13.33
 3 A Schwarz   Ger Toyota Celica 2:13.39
 4 D Auriol    Fr  Lancia Delta  2:13.41
 5 J Kankkunen Fin Lancia Delta  2:14.16
 6 J Puras     Sp  Lancia Delta  2:14.49
 7 A Fiorio    It  Lancia Delta  2:15.12
 8 G Trelles   Urg Lancia Delta  2:15.28
 9 JM Bardolet Sp  Ford Sierra   2:15.34
10 P Diego     Sp  Lancia Delta  2:20.05




11.11.92 - Catalonia Rally
Spain's Carlos Sainz won the event to take the lead in the championship with only the British RAC Rally remaining. Sainz, driving a Toyota, finished the third and final day 36 seconds ahead of current world champion Juha Kankkunen of Finland, in a Lancia. Sainz now has 124 championship points, two ahead of his Finnish rival. France's Didier Auriol, leader before the Catalonia event, lost ground when he crashed off the road on the second day. He eventually finished tenth to claim one point, leaving him on 121.
Final positions after 29 stages:
 Accumulated penalties        hrs mins secs
 1 C Sainz     Sp  Toyota Celica 6:21.13
 2 J Kankkunen Fin Lancia Delta  6:21.49
 3 A Aghini    It  Lancia Delta  6:22.45
 4 A Fiorio    It  Lancia Delta  6:27.39
 5 A Schwarz   Ger Toyota Celica 6:29.43
 6 J Puras     Sp  Lancia Delta  6:29.43
 7 G Trelles   Arg Lancia Delta  6:31.30
 8 P Diego     Sp  Lancia Delta  6:43.30
 9 M B-Sulayem UAE Ford Sierra   7:02.13
10 D Auriol    Fr  Lancia Delta  7:12.12


After Catalonia Rally:

DRIVERS
1 C Sainz     Sp   Toyota    124 pts
2 J Kankkunen Fin  Lancia    122
3 D Auriol    Fr   Lancia    121
4 M Biasion   It   Ford       52
5 F Delecour  Fr   Ford       45




12.11.92 - F1
Italian Michele Alboreto will drive for Scuderia Italia in the 1993 Formula One World Championship with Luca Badoer as his teammate. They replace JJ Lehto and Pieluigi Martini. Alboreto scored six points for Footwork during 1992 but has been replaced by Derek Warwick for next season.





17.11.92 - F1
Williams have begun rebuilding for next season by appointing Richard West, the former head of marketing at McLaren, as commercial director. He replaces Sheridan Thynne, who resigned as a result of the controversy which led to Nigel Mansell quitting the team.





19.11.92 - F1
The Russian capital of Moscow could stage a Formula One race in 1993 after the city government approved plans for the venture. The race, on a new 2.39 mile road, has been tentatively scheduled for next August, but has still to be approved by FISA. FISA are looking for a new site to replace the cancelled Grand Prix of Asia at Autopolis in Japan. Detroit or Mexico may also stage the race, but no final decision is expected until mid-December.




20.11.92 - LOMBARD RAC RALLY
INTERVIEW WITH COLIN McRAE

Colin McRae heads for Chester for the start of the Lombard RAC Rally with the hopes of thousands of British fans on his young shoulders. McRae, 24, is the most promising British rally driver for years and tipped as a future world champion. This year, as a Subaru works driver, he is expected to be up with the leaders in the British round of the World Championship. Victory would earn him œ100,000 from Lombard who, in the last year of a long sponsorship, are offering this huge bonus to a British winner.

Colin McRae, son of five times British rally champion Jimmy McRae, found advantages and disadvantages in having a famous father. "It is every teenage boy's dream to drive fast cars and it was great having my father involved. But when I started competing, I was expected to do well. If I did, it was because I was Jimmy McRae's son. If I didn't, it was big news. It opened doors, for sure. But once they are open, you still have to prove yourself."

Colin McRae's early love was two wheels and his first successes were in moto cross. He still plays about on bikes just to keep fit. "Riding off-road is good for fitness and your reactions. We only planned four world events this year but are doing eight in 1993. You need a degree of physical fitness in order to have the mental fitness required at top level." He admires the commitment of the Scandinavians which has made them such a rallying force - but he has no qualms about taking them on.

Top British talent Colin McRae is joined on the Lombard RAC Rally by younger brother Alister who drives a Group N Ford Sierra Cosworth. Alister won the Group N title in the Mobil1/Top Gear British Rally Championship but youngest brother Stuart has chosen a catering career. "My father never pushed me to go rallying but, once I had shown a commitment, he stepped in to help. My mother is proud and pleased we are doing so well but obviously she still worries a bit," says 24-year-old Colin.

Years of hard work paid off in 1991 for Colin McRae when a fine sixth place on the Lombard RAC Rally earned him a Subaru works drive. "We had really struggled through 1990 helped by Shell Oils. We lived from one rally to the next and that was a lot of extra pressure. Then, in 1991, it was all there - the car, sponsors, team back-up. All I had to do was turn up and drive. That was the turning point." He won the British Open title and briefly led the Lombard RAC Rally, heading the world's best.

Subaru works driver Colin McRae has had a great 1992, winning all six rounds of the British rally series in his Prodrive-prepared Legacy RS. He has competed in three World Championship events, finishing second in Sweden, fourth in the Acropolis and eighth in 1,000 Lakes. "The team has really clicked and it is looking good for the Lombard. "The Subaru is brilliant. It is easy to drive and there have been some big improvements in the engine over the past few months. The whole car is good and evenly balanced."

Top Brit Colin McRae and co-driver Derek Ringer have spent the past eight days driving over the stages of the 1992 Lombard RAC Rally. "We drive every stage twice," said the Scot. "I call the details to Derek and then, on the second run, he calls them back to check them." This year's route misses some of Yorkshire but adds some stages in Wales. McRae likes them. "They are very fast and quite difficult. The first day spectator stages are better than before but I'll still be very cautious."

The world title will once again be decided on the Lombard RAC Rally, with Carlos Sainz, Juha Kankkunen and Didier Auriol all in contention. "It's going to be a very exciting four days," says Colin McRae. "Sainz is very consistent and very fast. He has had trouble with the new Toyota but won the last round so they must have sorted them out. Auriol is really on form now and I would put my money on him. He makes so few mistakes. His teammate Kankkunen is really cool. He will sit in third or fourth and wait..."

The Lombard RAC has attracted the biggest entry of any of the FIA World Championship rounds this year with 160 crews due to line-up. There are 15 of the star 'A-seeded' drivers and nine official manufacturers' teams with 15 countries represented. As a mark of the final year of their sponsorship, Lombard are offering œ100,000 to the winning team - providing they are British. Leading contenders to match Roger Clark's 1976 feat are Colin McRae and Malcolm Wilson.

One driver has started all 19 of the Lombard sponsored RAC rallies, Frenchman Philippe Gobert. The pharmacist, driving a Suzuki Swift, celebrates his 50th birthday two days before the start. Harry Mellor and Eddie Bastiana, both aged 63, are the oldest crew. They began competing 37 years ago and have tackled this event six and seven times respectively but neither has finished. The youngest competitor is student Richard Tuthill, aged 17. He will be driving a Volkswagen Fusca, a 1600cc Beetle built in Brazil.

The Civil Service Motoring Association has the largest team entered with six cars competing. Entry number 42 is an Italian Lancia Delta HF Integrale but is part of the official Russian Lada team. Driven by Eugenius Tumaliavichus from Lithuania and Sergei Dadvani, a Georgian.

Day One spectators can enjoy the historic cars in the Rally Britannia Cup at five venues. Over 100 classic cars including the Mini Cooper S, Austin Healey 3000 and Lotus Cortina will be rallying.

SPECTATORS GUIDE (FRIDAY-MONDAY) ****

1830-2230 Rally show, Ford Forum Northgate Arena, Chester

SATURDAY ****

0700-1600 Scrutineering/rally show, turbocharger sealing. Five sessions 0700-0900 0915-1045 1100-1230 1300-1430 1430-1600


**** = excellent viewing and access
 *** = fair viewing/adequate access
  ** = limited parking/difficult
   * = not recommended for spectators

SUNDAY

0645 Rally start Eastgate ****

Chester A55 southern by-pass, A483 over Grosvenor Bridge left into Nuns Rd, left at Watergate to Roodee car pk Chester Racecourse. Commentary

0718 SS1 ATS Oulton Park 1 ****

Uses part of racing circuit. The stage will be used later in the day as SS9 and by the historic cars of Rally Britannia. Five miles NE of Tarporley off A49. Car parking in circuit. No access from Eaton or Rushton. Commentary.

0903 SS2 Ferodo WESTON PARK ****

Mixed surface including spectacular watersplash near finish. South of A5 at Weston-under-Lizard. Approach from M54 junction 3 via A41 and A5.

0959 SS3 AutoWindscreens SUTTON PK ****

Mix of moorland and twisty sections, two hairpins/watersplash. Final stage Rally Britannia. 3.92 miles. 6 miles north of Birmingham city centre W of Sutton Coldfield.

1113 SS4/5 R'mans DONINGTON ****

First of the 'super special' stages. Second runs begin 1124. No service between runs. 4.52 miles. 2.5 miles west of M1 near Castle Donington.

1314 SS6/7 Mobil 1 CLUMBER 1&2 ****

Fast stage featuring Clumber Bridge. Like Donington a 's-special' stage, second runs begin 1334. Four miles south of Worksop. Approach via A57 then B6034.

1500 SS8 Shell H'ix CHATSWORTH ****

Includes two watersplashes and jump. 5.37 miles long. This stage will be televised live on BBC2. Nine miles west of Chesterfield. Enter car parks from A619 and B6012. Special parking and viewing for disabled spectators/families, tickets available on Sunday.

1704 SS9 SW Autodesigns/ATS OULTON ****

Repeat of SS1 except top drivers start at two-minute intervals.

1822 OVERNIGHT HALT, CHESTER ***

Located Eastgate, Chester. Parc ferme next to rally HQ.

MONDAY 23 NOVEMBER

0500 RE-START, CHESTER *

Cars leave parc ferme with minimum of ceremony. For insomniacs and autograph hunters. Top 20 cars in general classification will start at two-minute intervals.

0651 SS10 DYFNANT **

First forest stage - difficult, twisty and undulating 13.45 miles. Located 2 miles west of Llanfyllin. From north use Oswestry by-pass, from south take A483 from Newtown, west approach via A458 and A4395. No spectator access to stage start and finish.

0854 SS11 MYHERIN **

Longest stage of the day at 20.47 miles. Fast, flowing forest roads. Located two miles east of Devil's Bridge. Use A4120 & B4574. Large car park south of stage, no parking on A4120 or B4574.

0958 SS12 Wash & Go HAFREN ***

Fast, flowing forest roads with deceptive corners and hairpins. 15.07 miles long. Located six miles west of Llandiloes. Take B4518 northwest for 3 miles, turn west onto an unclassified road. This is the only route to car parks - follow signs - do not explore!

1138 SS13 PANTPERTHOG ***

Difficult stage on narrow twisty hilly forest roads. 9.41 miles long. Service is forbidden after stage. Located 2.5 miles north Machynlleth west of A487. Car park is east of stage off A487.

1206 SS14 DYFI MAIN ***

First of two long stages in Dyfi. 15.28 miles. Located four miles north of Machynlleth east of A487. From east use car parks A & B, west use E & F and south use C & D. All routes will be signposted. Warning late arrivals face a long walk.

1244 SS15 DYFI GARTHEINIOG ***

15.29 miles forest stage with numerous junctions and tight bends. Located 7 miles north Machynlleth west of A470. Turn west at Aberangell to signed car parks - open from 0800. Early arrival is highly recommended.

1445 SS16 PENMACHNO SOUTH ***

Mixture of tight hairpins, fast roads, steep hills and fearsome drops. 8.31 miles. No service allowed between Penmachno stages. Located 3 miles south of A5 at Conwy Falls (near Betws-y-coed). No parking at roadside, rally will be stopped if school bus cannot get through. Offenders towed away!

1506 SS17 PENMACHNO NORTH ***

Stage similar to SS16 more fast bends, fewer hairpins. Located two miles south of A5 at Conwy Falls. Car park B in field behind Eagles Hotel in Penmachno village.

1607 SS18 BRENIG ***

Fast mainly straight forest roads angled junctions and some hairpins. 6.08 miles long. Located west of B4501 near Llyn Brenig. Car parks give access to mid-stage viewing.

1648 SS19 CLOCAENOG ***

This year's only special stage in Clocaenog, west of forest. 11.96 miles. 10 miles west of Ruthin. Use minor road to Cyffylliog to reach car park A. All others off B5105.

1922 OVERNIGHT HALT CHESTER ***

Located Eastgate. Use Roodee car park at Chester racecourse.

F1:- British fans will be able to watch two Formula One races next season following a decision to stage a Grand Prix of Europe at Donington. The April 11 race will take place three months before the British GP at Silverstone and replaces the Asian round at Autopolis, Japan. The sport's governing body, FISA, chose the Leicestershire circuit in preference to alternative venues in Moscow, Mexico and Detroit. It will be the first F1 race at Donington since the 1938 British GP.





22.11.91 - LOMBARD RAC RALLY

LEADERBOARD AFTER DAY ONE (SS1-9)
   Driver            Car        H  M  S
 1 Sainz         Sp  Toyota       36:43
 2 Biasion       It  Ford         37:03
 3 C McRae       GB  Subaru       37:08
 4 Kankkunen     Fin Lancia       37:10
 5 Wilson        GB  Ford         37:12
 6 Alen          Fin Toyota       37:17
 7 Auriol        Fr  Lancia       37:23
 8 Blomqvist     Swe Nissan       37:26
 9 Eriksson      Swe Mitsubishi   37:33
10 Vatanen       Fin Subaru       37:36
11 Aghini        It  Lancia       38:29
12 Makinen       Fin Nissan       38:34
13 Eklund        Swe Subaru       38:45
Carlos Sainz set a fearsome pace over the difficult spectator stages to build up a 20-second lead in his works Toyota by the end of day one. Among his main rivals were Britons Colin McRae and Malcolm Wilson, lying third and fifth and in touch with the former world champion as the cars headed back to Chester. Ford works driver Miki Biasion was second and Lancia's Juha Kankkunen fourth - with just nine seconds separating the chasing quartet. The rally resumes at 5am Monday and sets off for the Welsh forests.

Spain's Carlos Sainz threw down the gauntlet to his World Championship rivals, Juha Kankkunen and Didier Auriol, right from the start. Sainz made a blistering start, winning the first, second and fourth stages in his Toyota, to put the pressure on the two Lancias. Auriol finished the day in seventh after struggling in the wet but Kankkunen, playing his usual waiting game, was lying fourth. Sainz leads the world standings by two points from the Finn with the Frenchman one point further adrift.

Enthusiasts braving heavy rain to watch the early spectator stages were rewarded by fine performances from two British drivers. Scot Colin McRae and Malcolm Wilson both enjoyed the runner-up spot behind Toyota driver Carlos Sainz at different times during the day. But after SS9, the day's final stage, it was Subaru star McRae with the edge in third place while Wilson was fifth, four seconds back in his Ford Sierra Cosworth. It was a tough opening day with heavy rain and very muddy stages.

Scot Colin McRae made somewhat erratic progress but finished day one well in touch in third place. McRae, in the works Subaru, was second fastest on the opening two stages and fastest on SS5 but he spun on SS4 and went off on SS7. His second mishap caused slight damage and cost him 13 seconds. He slipped from second place to fifth but regained two places over the Chatsworth and Oulton Park stages. McRae, chasing the œ100,000 Lombard jackpot, said: "I'm glad to have got through with no major problems"

Malcolm Wilson issued a challenge to Scot Colin McRae who many have tipped to be the top Briton in this year's four-day rally. The 36-year-old Cumbria driver made a steady start to the wet, slippery spectator stages before setting the fastest time on SS3 to move into second place overall. He stayed in the top three over the next five stages but faded over the day's final stage to finish fifth. Wilson, whose best Lombard finish is 10th in 1982 and '89, has spent the year testing a new rally Escort.

RALLY PACENOTES

One driver watching unhappily from the sidelines at the start was Bob Green from Kendal whose rally dream was ended by car thieves. Green and co-driver Mal Capstick found their rally-prepared Ford Sierra Cosworth missing from outside their guest house shortly after scrutineering on Saturday. The car, number 91, was dark grey with red bumpers and spoilers and white wheels, reg no G400 ONC. The thieves left a stolen Maestro in place of the rally car and hit a Range Rover as they raced away.

Light drizzle greeted competitors on the first of the 34 special stages, held on a mixed surface over 3.15 miles around Oulton Park. World title contender Carlos Sainz set a blistering pace, clocking 3 mins 18 secs, six seconds faster than next best driver Colin McRae. Frenchman Didier Auriol began the four-day event with a broken window on the navigator side of his works Lancia Delta HF Integrale. The German Trabant car, a tiny 594cc saloon, has been proving popular with spectators.

Gwyndaf Evans lost almost two minutes on SS2 when he hit a straw bale and damaged the front of his Ford Sierra Cosworth 4x4. Tony Jardine, last year's winner of the RAC Rally journalist award, suffered an early setback when his Toyota Celica started overheating. David Collyer (car no 156) tackled SS1 without windscreen wipers, a big problem with heavy rain falling by the time he reached Oulton Park. Mick Smith's Skoda (151) developed an electrical fault as he chatted to the commentator at SS1.

Belgian Gregoire de Mevius, facing a tough battle to retain his Group N world title, was struggling early on without an intercom system. Gavin Cox (car no 50) was in a lot of trouble on SS2. He went off in the stage but recovered only to drown his Opel in the ford. He was pushed out and continued. SS3 posed a problem for Finn Juha Kankkunen as the rear nearside of his Lancia struck a post, damaging the bodywork. He then lost ten seconds with an off on SS4 but, at the end of the day was fourth.

The success of British drivers Malcolm Wilson and Colin McRae have given the Lombard RAC radio service a lot of extra work, with radio stations throughout the country demanding regular updates. "If one of them goes into the lead we'll need extra personnel," said Tony Delahunty who leads the radio team.

Youngest competitor 17-year-old Richard Tuthill is in danger of falling out with his co-driver - dad Francis. "Maybe when he learns a little respect we'll go a little faster," commented Tuthill snr.

Finland's Eija Jurvanen clinched the 1992 women's world title after driving her no 41 Ford Sierra just 200 metres from the starting ramp in Chester. She needed to compete in a minimum number of world events. Shell Skoda Trophy runner Kevin Williams had an unhappy morning. He lost 20 seconds when a car ahead of him stalled in the ford on SS2 and a further 20 seconds with a spin on SS3. A burst tyre on SS5 cost him a further two minutes. Nissan driver Tommi Makinen hit a wall on SS4 damaging the left rear suspension and losing three windows.

More than 23,000 spectators turned out to watch the Shell Helix stage at Chatsworth, despite atrocious weather conditions. Alister McRae, younger brother of third-placed Colin, led Group N in his Ford Sierra Cosworth at the end of the first day. Finn Jarmo Kytolehto was just two seconds back in a showroom-standard Mitsubishi. Belgian Gregoire de Mevius, who tops the world points, is third despite trouble on SS8. He lost 20s with drowned electrics after the Chatsworth watersplash.

1984 winner Ari Vatanen found life a struggle in his Subaru, finishing the day in 10th place. "I did not have any rhythm and I'm making too many silly mistakes," he said. "Chatsworth was narrow and nasty," added the 1981 world champion who reported suspension problems after leaving stage 9. Welsh driver Glyn Jones was the first retirement of the rally. He damaged the front of his Toyota on stage 3, struggled through Donington but went missing after Clumber 1. He had not been given a time for stage 7 when it closed.

PLAN FOR TUESDAY NOVEMBER 24

0700 RE-START CHESTER *

Cars leave with minimum of ceremony. Top 20 in general classification will start at two-minute intervals.

1000 SS20 GRIZEDALE EAST ***

First of northern forests, very twisty with deceptive corners. 4.47 miles long. No services allowed between two Grizedales. Located six miles southwest of Ambleside east of minor road through Satterthwaite and Grizedale. Car parks A-D only accessible from A590 Haverthwaite. Use M6 junction 36. Car parks open from 2100 Monday.

1000 SS21 GRIZEDALE WEST ***

Virtually continuous bends, one of toughest stages - 17.31 miles long. Located six miles southwest of Ambleside, west of minor road through Satterthwaite and Grizedale. Car parks A-D only accessible from south from A590 Haverthwaite. Use M6 junction 36. Car parks E&F should be approached from Coniston or Hawkshead using B5285.

1216 SS22 COMB ***

Most accessible of Lake District stages - narrow roads, steep drops. Located 4 miles west of Keswick. Through Braithwaite on B5292.

1235 SS23 WYTHOP **

Last Lake District stage. Big drops to Bassenthwaite Lake. 3.23 miles. Located six miles northwest of Keswick. Approach on A66 from Penrith or Cockermouth. No access for cars at Beck Wythop.

1426 SS24 KERSHOPE ***

First of five stages in Kielder Forest Park. 20.53 miles with twisty riverside section. Located two miles southeast of Newcastleton. Use B6357 or B6318. Car parks accessed on Newcastleton to Gilsland Road.

1609 SS25 WAUCHOPE **

10.07 miles across open moorland. Located eight miles southeast of Hawick on B6357. Approach on A6088 through Bonchester Bridge or from Carter Bar through Chesters or from south on B6357.

1700 SS26 BROOMLINN ***

17.17 mile stage runs roughly parallel to C200 road east of Kielder village. Located 11 miles northwest of Bellingham. Car parks A,B,C on forest roads off C200. No parking on C200. No access to start/finish.

1754 SS27 PUNDERSHAW ***

Very fast stage with deep ditches. Longest stage of rally, 26.66 miles. Located 3 miles west of Bellingham. Car park D north of stage at Stannersburn and E & F south of stage near Bellingham.

1859 SS28 SHEPHERDSHIELD ***

This forest includes fast straights and tight bends. 12.85 miles. Located six miles west of Wark. Car parks located on Townhead to Whygate road.

2037 OVERNIGHT HALT CARLISLE ***

Castle Street, Carlisle.

OVERALL POSITIONS AFTER SPECIAL STAGE 8
  1 Sainz/Moya          Toyota   Car   2 Grp A: 1 Class 8: 1    33:10
  2 Biasion/Siviero     Ford     Car   3 Grp A: 2 Class 8: 2    33:32
  3 Wilson/Thomas       Ford     Car   8 Grp A: 3 Class 8: 3    33:33
  4 C McRae/Ringer      Subaru   Car   4 Grp A: 4 Class 8: 4    33:34
  5 Kankkunen/Piironen  Lancia   Car   1 Grp A: 5 Class 8: 5    33:37
  6 Alen/Kivimaki       Toyota   Car   7 Grp A: 6 Class 8: 6    33:43
  7 Auriol/Occelli      Lancia   Car   6 Grp A: 7 Class 8: 7    33:46
  8 Blomqvist/Melander  Nissan   Car  12 Grp A: 8 Class 8: 8    33:51
  9 Eriksson/Parmander  Mit'shi  Car   9 Grp A: 9 Class 8: 9    33:57
 10 Vatanen/Berglund    Subaru   Car  10 Grp A:10 Class 8:10    33:59
 11 Aghini/Farnocchia   Lancia   Car  15 Grp A:11 Class 8:11    34:47
 12 Eklund/Johansson    Subaru   Car  20 Grp A:12 Class 8:12    34:54
 13 Makinen/Harjanne    Nissan   Car   5 Grp A:13 Class 8:13    34:58
 14 Lampi/Kuukkala      Mit'shi  Car  19 Grp A:14 Class 8:14    35:04
 15 Bertone/Zanella     Lancia   Car  18 Grp A:15 Class 8:15    35:27
 16 Brookes/Wilson      Ford     Car  67 Grp A:16 Class 8:16    35:53
 17 A McRae/Senior      Ford     Car  28 Grp N: 1 Class 4: 1    36:00
 18 Sivik/Houst         Lancia   Car  30 Grp A:17 Class 8:17    36:10
 19 Kytolehto/Silander  Mit'shi  Car  24 Grp N: 2 Class 4: 2    36:13
 20 Metcalfe/Grindrod   Vaux'll  Car  27 Grp A:18 Class 7: 1    36:24
 21 Mellors/Smith       Ford     Car  33 Grp A:19 Class 8:18    36:31
 22 Evans/Davies        Ford     Car  25 Grp A:20 Class 8:19    36:34
 23 Payne/Croft         Ford     Car  45 Grp A:21 Class 8:20    36:52
 24 De Mevius/Lux       Nissan   Car  14 Grp N: 3 Class 4: 3    36:55
 25 Easson/Cook         Ford     Car  35 Grp A:22 Class 8:21    37:02
 26 Burns/Reid          Peugeot  Car  29 Grp A:23 Class 7: 2    37:12
 27 Milner/Wood         Ford     Car  34 Grp N: 4 Class 4: 4    37:18
 28 Joannides/Farrell   Ford     Car  49 Grp N: 5 Class 4: 5    37:34
 29 Cardevila/Rodriguez Ford     Car  16 Grp N: 6 Class 4: 6    37:37
 30 Fassina/Chiapponi   Mazda    Car  31 Grp N: 7 Class 4: 7    37:48
 31 Jurvanen/Berglund   Ford     Car  41 Grp A:24 Class 8:22    38:05
 32 Dyas/Derry          Ford     Car  43 Grp N: 8 Class 4: 8    38:12
 33 Mann/Wray           Toyota   Car  32 Grp A:25 Class 8:23    38:20
 34 Worswick/Molyneux   Ford     Car  44 Grp A:26 Class 8:24    38:25
 35 Petch/Tindall       Ford     Car  46 Grp N: 9 Class 4: 9    38:38
 36 Sibera/Gross        Skoda    Car  21 Grp A:27 Class 5: 1    38:59
 37 Fidanza/Farina      Lancia   Car  40 Grp N:10 Class 4:10    39:26
 38 Williams/Foley      Ford     Car  60 Grp A:28 Class 8:25    39:33
 39 Curran/Wheatley     Ford     Car  68 Grp A:29 Class 8:26    39:35
 40 Kirtley/Kitson      Ford     Car  57 Grp A:30 Class 8:27    39:38
 41 Berger/Miroslav     Skoda    Car  22 Grp A:31 Class 5: 2    40:00
 42 Smith/Stark         Ford     Car  51 Grp N:11 Class 4:11    40:10
 43 Williams/Youd       Vaux'll  Car  70 Grp N:12 Class 2: 1    40:20
 44 Bennett/McMath      Peugeot  Car  56 Grp A:32 Class 7: 3    40:23
 45 Hunt/Hughes         Ford     Car  69 Grp N:13 Class 4:12    40:29
 46 Wetton/Edwards      VW       Car  53 Grp A:33 Class 8:28    40:30
 47 Cox/Eccleston       Opel     Car  50 Grp A:34 Class 8:29    40:31
 48 Rees/Heymer         Mazda    Car  66 Grp A:35 Class 8:30    40:37
 49 Archer/Cammack      Vaux'll  Car  65 Grp N:14 Class 3: 1    40:38
 50 Crealey/Beech       Peugeot  Car  55 Grp N:15 Class 3: 2    40:44
 51 Barber/Barber       Vaux'll  Car  58 Grp N:16 Class 3: 3    41:02
 52 Somerville/Perrin   Ford     Car 111 Grp A:36 Class 8:31    41:03
 53 Wedgbury/Petrusic   Skoda    Car  93 Grp A:37 Class 5: 3    41:19
 54 Phillips/Barker     Peugeot  Car  80 Grp N:17 Class 3: 4    41:20
 55 Anderson/Rands      Peugeot  Car  64 Grp N:18 Class 3: 5    41:21
 56 Arnold/Ambler       Vaux'll  Car  94 Grp N:19 Class 3: 6    41:24
 57 Yoshida/Cabena      Mit'shi  Car  90 Grp N:20 Class 4:13    41:28
 58 Needell/Thorner     Ford     Car  26 Grp N:21 Class 4:14    41:33
 59 Stockdale/Sendall   Vaux'll  Car  62 Grp A:38 Class 8:32    41:41
 60 Golding/Ayres       Toyota   Car  76 Grp N:22 Class 2: 2    41:41
 61 Orford/Phillips     Toyota   Car  83 Grp N:23 Class 2: 3    41:43
 62 Charlton/Field      Vaux'll  Car  99 Grp A:39 Class 6: 1    41:46
 63 Griffiths/Griffiths Toyota   Car  71 Grp A:40 Class 6: 2    41:56
 64 Ceen/Palmer         Mazda    Car  73 Grp N:24 Class 4:15    41:59
 65 Blair/Booth         Peugeot  Car 103 Grp A:41 Class 6: 3    42:05
 66 Davies/Prentice     Peugeot  Car  95 Grp N:25 Class 3: 7    42:07
 66 Denman/Bird         Peugeot  Car 104 Grp A:42 Class 6: 4    42:07
 68 Shields/Whittaker   Vaux'll  Car  74 Grp N:26 Class 2: 4    42:12
 69 Kanao/Mitchell      Mazda    Car 126 Grp N:27 Class 4:16    42:23
 70 Claridge/Hall       Ford     Car  92 Grp A:43 Class 8:33    42:24
 71 Yamada/Washio       Toyota   Car 110 Grp A:44 Class 6: 5    42:27
 72 Sisson/Savage       Ford     Car  97 Grp N:28 Class 4:17    42:38
 73 Vassallo/Alexander  Ford     Car 149 Grp A:45 Class 8:34    42:39
 74 Martin/Martin       Peugeot  Car 114 Grp A:46 Class 7: 4    42:42
 75 Nystrom/Ohrling-NystAudi     Car  61 Grp N:29 Class 4:18    42:49
 76 Madge/Cooper        Toyota   Car  77 Grp N:29 Class 2: 5    42:49
 77 Whitehurst/Williams Toyota   Car  89 Grp A:47 Class 6: 6    42:53
 78 Jardine/Hodgson     Toyota   Car  96 Grp N:31 Class 4:19    42:55
 79 Mallen/Payen        Honda    Car 131 Grp N:32 Class 2: 6    42:57
 80 Stewart/Pietila     Mazda    Car  72 Grp N:33 Class 4:20    43:01
 81 Sharam/Jefferies    Toyota   Car  63 Grp A:48 Class 6: 7    43:06
 82 Wood/Wood           Saab     Car  84 Grp A:49 Class 8:35    43:16
 83 Shield/Walker       Renault  Car 139 Grp N:34 Class 3: 8    43:19
 84 Shipp/Moreton       Peugeot  Car 107 Grp N:35 Class 1: 1    43:25
 85 Doughty/Jenkins     Ford     Car  36 Grp A:50 Class 8:36    43:26
 86 Jackson/Roughead    Mazda    Car  59 Grp N:36 Class 4:21    43:40
 86 Tilly/Pettitt       Lancia   Car 118 Grp N:36 Class 4:22    43:40
 88 Presswell/Cottam    Vaux'll  Car 127 Grp A:51 Class 5: 4    43:52
 89 Comelli/Candoni     Peugeot  Car  82 Grp N:38 Class 3: 9    43:55
 90 Beckett/Bull        Ford     Car 101 Grp N:39 Class 4:23    43:58
 91 Fairweather/Mckinon Vaux'll  Car 113 Grp A:52 Class 7: 5    43:59
 92 Teather/English     Peugeot  Car 100 Grp N:40 Class 3:10    44:08
 93 Leckie/Grimstone    Toyota   Car 146 Grp N:41 Class 2: 7    44:11
 94 Howells/Armistead   Opel     Car 122 Grp A:53 Class 5: 5    44:22
 95 Williams/Wise       Skoda    Car  87 Grp A:54 Class 5: 6    44:23
 96 Mallory/Mee         Ford     Car 124 Grp N:42 Class 4:24    44:24
 97 Scott/Wain          Vaux'll  Car 138 Grp N:43 Class 1: 2    44:27
 98 Andrew/Middleton    Skoda    Car 128 Grp A:55 Class 5: 7    44:28
 99 Wheatley/Jones      Peugeot  Car 159 Grp A:56 Class 7: 6    44:29
100 Slaymark/Fuller     Toyota   Car 105 Grp N:44 Class 2: 8    44:31
101 Roberts/Hunter      Vaux'll  Car 108 Grp N:45 Class 3:11    44:39
102 Jasper/Edwards      Peugeot  Car 129 Grp N:46 Class 3:12    44:47
103 Samuel/Stoakley     Suzuki   Car 117 Grp N:47 Class 1: 3    44:48
104 Sauzon/Terrasse     VW       Car 157 Grp N:48 Class 3:13    44:56
105 Latham/Ashley       Peugeot  Car 152 Grp N:49 Class 3:14    45:02
106 Coleman/Pope        Vaux'll  Car 143 Grp N:50 Class 2: 9    45:03
107 Bowers/Marsh        Toyota   Car 102 Grp N:51 Class 2:10    45:07
108 Labaune/Sassoulas   Peugeot  Car 130 Grp N:52 Class 1: 4    45:17
109 Godwin/Wyer         VW       Car 137 Grp A:57 Class 7: 7    45:33
110 Raybould/Capon      A.Rover  Car 154 Grp A:58 Class 7: 8    45:37
111 Ryan/Casbon         Toyota   Car  85 Grp N:53 Class 2:11    45:41
112 Shelley/Berris      Toyota   Car 120 Grp N:54 Class 2:12    45:45
113 Ginn/Gregory        Skoda    Car 161 Grp N:55 Class 1: 5    45:53
114 Moore/Sturrock      Opel     Car 150 Grp A:59 Class 5: 8    45:56
115 Guiry/O'Connor      Suzuki   Car 116 Grp N:56 Class 1: 6    45:57
116 McGuigan/Whittaker  Vaux'll  Car 123 Grp A:60 Class 5: 9    46:01
117 Gobert/Child        Suzuki   Car 153 Grp N:57 Class 1: 7    46:02
118 Atkinson/Saunders   Peugeot  Car 136 Grp N:58 Class 2:13    46:13
119 Gravestock/Graham   Vaux'll  Car 147 Grp A:61 Class 5:10    46:24
120 Bastiaens/Merckx    Honda    Car  75 Grp N:59 Class 2:14    46:26
121 Cooledge/Evans      Toyota   Car 144 Grp N:60 Class 2:15    46:30
122 Sagnard/Muller      Peugeot  Car 106 Grp N:61 Class 1: 8    46:36
123 Galvin/Galvin       Vaux'll  Car 134 Grp N:62 Class 3:15    46:47
124 Beauchamp/Paterson  VW       Car 121 Grp N:63 Class 3:16    46:58
125 Gilroy/Cooper       Peugeot  Car 140 Grp N:64 Class 3:17    47:03
126 Worts/Gardner       Vaux'll  Car 148 Grp A:62 Class 5:11    47:23
127 Stoodley/Jenkins    Peugeot  Car  88 Grp A:63 Class 7: 9    47:26
128 Smith/Hawes         Vaux'll  Car  86 Grp N:65 Class 2:16    47:43
129 Kerkhove/Tombs      Peugeot  Car 115 Grp N:66 Class 1: 9    47:46
130 Barry/Gooch         VW       Car 133 Grp A:64 Class 8:37    47:55
131 Smith/Brook         Skoda    Car 151 Grp N:67 Class 1:10    48:00
132 Murgatroyd/Groves   Peugeot  Car 158 Grp N:68 Class 3:18    48:14
133 Mellor/Bastiana     Ford     Car 164 Grp N:69 Class 2:17    48:20
134 Courmontagne/Martin Peugeot  Car  81 Grp N:70 Class 3:19    48:25
135 Smith/Keys          Vaux'll  Car 165 Grp A:65 Class 7:10    48:45
136 Brown/Craske        D'hatsu  Car 119 Grp N:71 Class 3:20    49:03
137 Tuthill/Tuthill     VW       Car 166 Grp A:66 Class 6: 8    49:14
138 Kahlfuss/Friedmann  Trabant  Car 167 Grp A:67 Class 5:12    49:49
139 Armstrong/Bevan     Mit'shi  Car 112 Grp A:68 Class 8:38    51:18
140 Sandas/Chappell     Toyota   Car 125 Grp N:72 Class 4:25    51:28
141 Jones/Dashfield     Mit'shi  Car  54 Grp A:69 Class 8:39    51:31
142 Taft/Evans          Lada     Car 142 Grp A:70 Class 5:13    54:13
143 Collyer/Mollett     Vaux'll  Car 156 Grp N:73 Class 2:18    55:08
144 Beavan/Wharton      Skoda    Car 160 Grp N:74 Class 1:11    55:22
145 Warring/Bull        A.Rover  Car 155 Grp A:71 Class 7:11    55:58
146 Brooks/Dyson        Vaux'll  Car  98 Grp A:72 Class 6: 9    56:43
147 Hopcraft/Pain       Ford     Car 109 Grp N:75 Class 4:26  1:01:09
148 Evans/Lewis         Vaux'll  Car 135 Grp N:76 Class 1:12  1:28:20
149 Elsdon/Jones        Ford     Car  78 Grp A:73 Class 8:40  1:31:08

F3:- Swede Rickard Rydell won the 30-lap Macau Formula Three Grand Prix at his sixth attempt in a time of 1 hr 10 mins 54.84 secs. Toyota teammate Jacques Villeneuve filled third place behind Pedro Lamy of Portugal in a Reynard.





23.11.92 - LOMBARD RAC RALLY

LEADERBOARD AFTER SPECIAL STAGE 19
   Driver            Car        H  M  S
 1 C McRae       GB  Subaru     2:33:49
 2 Sainz         Sp  Toyota     2:33:51
 3 Auriol        Fr  Lancia     2:34:36
 4 Kankkunen     Fin Lancia     2:34:51
 5 Alen          Fin Toyota     2:35:38
 6 Vatanen       Fin Subaru     2:35:41
 7 Biasion       It  Ford       2:35:59
 8 Wilson        GB  Ford       2:37:55
 9 Blomqvist     Swe Nissan     2:39:24
10 Eriksson      Swe Mitsubishi 2:39:36
11 Aghini        It  Lancia     2:41:52
12 Makinen       Fin Nissan     2:41:57
13 Lampi         Fin Mitsubishi 2:43:08
Scot Colin McRae set the damp Welsh forests alight with an inspired drive and finished day two with a two-second lead over Carlos Sainz. McRae, in a Subaru, took the lead from the former world champion on SS15. Lancia duo Didier Auriol and Juha Kankkunen are third and fourth. McRae, who also led on day two last year before crashing out, clipped a rock on SS17 slightly damaging the steering but continued steadily. "The final few stages were tight and twisty - there's a lot to lose by being reckless," he commented.

Colin McRae will be first away from Chester when the rally resumes at 7am Tuesday after finishing day two at the top of the leaderboard. McRae in his Prodrive Subaru starts day three with a two-second lead - the first time the young Scot has led away a world class field. Second-placed Carlos Sainz, who led on day one in his Toyota, says his concern are world title challengers Didier Auriol and Juha Kankkunen. That will suit McRae who promises "a real charge" over Tuesday's nine Lake District and Kielder stages.

Carlos Sainz lost his lead to Scot Colin McRae on SS15 but continued to hold off world title challengers Didier Auriol and Juha Kankkunen. Auriol, fastest on the first stage of the day, continued his steady progress to move into third place ahead of Lancia teammate Kankkunen. Kankkunen, back in fourth place and playing his usual waiting game, was about a minute off the pace despite plans to lead by the end of day two. "I am giving the car the big gun - I want to be leading by the end of today," said the confident Finn.

Malcolm Wilson's dream of rally glory - and a œ100,000 jackpot - were shattered early on Monday in the forests of Wales. Wilson, fifth overnight in his Ford Sierra Cosworth, struggled on SS10 with engine trouble and no front wheel drive losing three minutes. Ford mechanics worked frantically to repair the car and replaced the turbo before Wilson headed off for the fast 20-mile Myherin stage. British hopes then rested with Colin McRae who moved into second place behind Carlos Sainz on SS10.

Flying Scot Colin McRae continued to pile the pressure on leader Carlos Sainz throughout the morning. The 24-year-old clocked the fastest times on SS11 and SS12 and was well and truly inspired on SS14, winning the 15 mile stage by eight seconds. McRae had moved into second place on SS10, the day's first test in the Welsh forests. "I'm surprised by my time. I thought I'd been cautious," said the Subaru star. "I'm hanging back today, I won't start attacking until tomorrow," he said - just before taking the lead!

Bob Green's Sierra Cosworth, stolen before the event on Saturday, was recovered by police following a ram raid in Wigan on Sunday. Dave Metcalfe rolled his Vauxhall Astra onto its roof on SS10 at Dyfnant but was able to continue after assistance from marshals. He suffered the ignominy of recording the first roll of the 1992 Rally - which was also recorded by Top Gear. The 145 cars leaving Chester on Monday morning found conditions in Wales treacherous with water up to a foot deep in places. Stage 13 was reduced due to road slippage.

Monday's opening stage in the mountainous forest at Dyfnant put paid to Nigel Worswick's efforts as his Ford Sierra Cosworth stopped with suspected differential failure. Huge crowds braving the miserable conditions to reach the Welsh stages caused a five-minute delay to the start of an extremely wet and slippery SS10. Jarmo Kytolehto suffered a mishap on SS11 at Myherin, badly damaging the suspension on his Mitsubishi. Kytolehto, who was challenging for the Group N lead, was unable to continue in the event.

Journalist Tony Jardine, driving Toyota, had a front differential failure and overheating problems on the fast, flowing SS11 at Myherin. Alister McRae crashed his Ford into a log pile at the end of SS12, Hafren, but is continuing. The Group N leader heard of brother Colin's fast time on SS11 and said: "He's mad, completely mad." Boxer Barry McGuigan was dealt a knockout blow when the headgasket on his Vauxhall Nova went on SS11. He tried to struggle on but was forced out to retire.

Penny Mallory and Sue Mee failed to arrive at SS12, the Wash and Go at Hafren, in their Wash and Go Ford. A puncture during SS11 on David Howells' Opel meant he had to float across the ford instead of drive. The voyage took him 20 seconds. David Wood plunged car 84 down a 10-foot bank on SS11 but spectators manhandled the Saab back onto the road and he was able to continue. Brendan Crealey drove the 15-mile Gartheiniog stage with a rock jamming his rear wheel. "The car was sliding uncontrollably" he said.

Co-driver Preston Ayres, an accountant, found himself in a embarrassing position when his team ran out of money. Driver Charles Golding was left searching the Welsh mountains for a cashpoint machine to balance the books. Spectators on SS16 rescued both David Howells and Mark Jasper. Howells spun off on a hairpin and had to be recovered from a ditch while Jasper ran into trouble trying to change a punctured wheel - until enthusiasts lifted the car.

Popular Welshman Gwyndaf Evans retired at the end of SS19, the final stage of day two, having hit a rock damaging a compression strut on his Ford Sierra Cosworth. Evans, winner of Group N in the 1990 Lombard RAC Rally, had been in 15th place overall.

WEDNESDAY 25 NOVEMBER - SPECTATOR GUIDE

0545 RE-START CARLISLE *

Minimum of ceremony. Top 20 leave at two minute intervals. Located Lanes car park, Carlisle.

0728 SS29 DALBEATTIE ***

Tricky 7.67 miles of deceptive brows and bends. Located one mile south Dalbeattie. Approach on A711 from Dumfries or A745 from Castle Douglas. Car parks open from 0230. A is close to start B gives mid-stage viewing.

0826 SS30 GLENGAP **

This stage is more demanding towards the finish. 8.92 miles. Located on unclassified road between Gatehouse of Fleet and Laurieston. Approach on A762. Quiet and slow through Laurieston village this is a sensitive area.

1006 SS31 LOCH DERRY **

This forest has never been used on an international rally. 6.35 miles. Located three miles southeast of Barrhill on B7027. Approach on A714 from Girvan or Newton Stewart. Parking at Knockycoid with highly recommended natural viewing point.

1044 SS32 GLENTROOL **

This stage has not been used on the Lombard RAC rally for many years. Very fast and open, 18.56 miles. Located 10 miles north of Newton Stewart on A714. Car park A is 300 yards southeast of Cairnderry. BCD 2-5 miles north of Glentrool.

1241 SS33 LOCH FLEET **

One of the fastest forest stages in the rally. 16.16 miles long. Located three miles southwest of New Galloway. Approach on A762 and turn west on unclassified road at Mossdale. Closest access about one-mile walk away. no access from A712.

1433 SS34 AE ***

Demanding final stage provides a real sting in the tail. 19 miles. Located 10 miles north of Dumfries. Approach on A701 from Dumfries or Beattock (A74) and turn northwest on unclassified road at Ae Bridgend or take A76 to Thornhill.

2000 RALLY FINISH, CHESTER ****

Surviving crews welcomed through finish arch with due ceremony. Located Eastgate, Chester. Access via A55 southern by-pass, A483 over Grosvenor Bridge, left into Nuns Rd left at Watergate and into Roodee car park at Chester racecourse.


OVERALL POSITIONS AFTER SPECIAL STAGE 18
  1 C McRae/Ringer      Subaru  Car   4 Grp A: 1 Class 8: 1  2:22:42
  2 Sainz/Moya          Toyota  Car   2 Grp A: 2 Class 8: 2  2:22:54
  3 Auriol/Occelli      Lancia  Car   6 Grp A: 3 Class 8: 3  2:23:32
  4 Kankkunen/Piironen  Lancia  Car   1 Grp A: 4 Class 8: 4  2:23:49
  5 Alen/Kivimaki       Toyota  Car   7 Grp A: 5 Class 8: 5  2:24:32
  6 Vatanen/Berglund    Subaru  Car  10 Grp A: 6 Class 8: 6  2:24:46
  7 Biasion/Siviero     Ford    Car   3 Grp A: 7 Class 8: 7  2:24:49
  8 Wilson/Thomas       Ford    Car   8 Grp A: 8 Class 8: 8  2:26:31
  9 Blomqvist/Melander  Nissan  Car  12 Grp A: 9 Class 8: 9  2:27:55
 10 Eriksson/Parmander  Mit'shi Car   9 Grp A:10 Class 8:10  2:28:01
 11 Aghini/Farnocchia   Lancia  Car  15 Grp A:11 Class 8:11  2:30:14
 12 Makinen/Harjanne    Nissan  Car   5 Grp A:12 Class 8:12  2:30:38
 13 Lampi/Kuukkala      Mit'shi Car  19 Grp A:13 Class 8:13  2:31:15
 14 Eklund/Johansson    Subaru  Car  20 Grp A:14 Class 8:14  2:31:42
 15 Evans/Davies        Ford    Car  25 Grp A:15 Class 8:15  2:31:59
 16 Brookes/Wilson      Ford    Car  67 Grp A:16 Class 8:16  2:34:35
 17 A McRae/Senior      Ford    Car  28 Grp N: 1 Class 4: 1  2:37:37
 18 Cardevila/Rodriguez Ford    Car  16 Grp N: 2 Class 4: 2  2:39:03
 19 Metcalfe/Grindrod   Vaux'll Car  27 Grp A:17 Class 7: 1  2:39:51
 20 De Mevius/Lux       Nissan  Car  14 Grp N: 3 Class 4: 3  2:41:02
 21 Burns/Reid          Peugeot Car  29 Grp A:18 Class 7: 2  2:41:33
 22 Bertone/Zanella     Lancia  Car  18 Grp A:19 Class 8:17  2:43:27
 23 Mellors/Smith       Ford    Car  33 Grp A:20 Class 8:18  2:43:28
 24 Sivik/Houst         Lancia  Car  30 Grp A:21 Class 8:19  2:43:30
 25 Easson/Cook         Ford    Car  35 Grp A:22 Class 8:20  2:45:10
 26 Milner/Wood         Ford    Car  34 Grp N: 4 Class 4: 4  2:45:30
 27 Fassina/Chiapponi   Mazda   Car  31 Grp N: 5 Class 4: 5  2:48:09
 28 Dyas/Derry          Ford    Car  43 Grp N: 6 Class 4: 6  2:48:47
 29 Mann/Wray           Toyota  Car  32 Grp A:23 Class 8:21  2:49:40
 30 Sibera/Gross        Skoda   Car  21 Grp A:24 Class 5: 1  2:49:43
 31 Bennett/McMath      Peugeot Car  56 Grp A:25 Class 7: 3  2:51:07
 32 Curran/Wheatley     Ford    Car  68 Grp A:26 Class 8:22  2:52:03
 33 Petch/Tindall       Ford    Car  46 Grp N: 7 Class 4: 7  2:53:50
 34 Berger/Miroslav     Skoda   Car  22 Grp A:27 Class 5: 2  2:55:09
 35 Cox/Eccleston       Opel    Car  50 Grp A:28 Class 8:23  2:55:31
 36 Smith/Stark         Ford    Car  51 Grp N: 8 Class 4: 8  2:55:53
 37 Williams/Youd       Vaux'll Car  70 Grp N: 9 Class 2: 1  2:57:21
 38 Kirtley/Kitson      Ford    Car  57 Grp A:29 Class 8:24  2:58:02
 39 Crealey/Beech       Peugeot Car  55 Grp N:10 Class 3: 1  2:59:13
 40 Wedgbury/Petrusic   Skoda   Car  93 Grp A:30 Class 5: 3  2:59:59
 41 Needell/Thorner     Ford    Car  26 Grp N:11 Class 4: 9  3:00:03
 42 Doughty/Jenkins     Ford    Car  36 Grp A:31 Class 8:25  3:01:45
 43 Griffiths/Madoc-J.  Toyota  Car  71 Grp A:32 Class 6: 1  3:02:20
 44 Archer/Cammack      Vaux'll Car  65 Grp N:12 Class 3: 2  3:03:24
 45 Davies/Prentice     Peugeot Car  95 Grp N:13 Class 3: 3  3:04:05
 46 Yoshida/Cabena      Mit'shi Car  90 Grp N:14 Class 4:10  3:04:18
 47 Jones/Dashfield     Mit'shi Car  54 Grp A:33 Class 8:26  3:04:39
 48 Madge/Cooper        Toyota  Car  77 Grp N:15 Class 2: 2  3:05:03
 49 Ceen/Palmer         Mazda   Car  73 Grp N:16 Class 4:11  3:05:14
 50 Stockdale/Sendall   Vaux'll Car  62 Grp A:34 Class 8:27  3:05:15
 51 Somerville/Perrin   Ford    Car 111 Grp A:35 Class 8:28  3:05:22
 52 Williams/Foley      Ford    Car  60 Grp A:36 Class 8:29  3:05:23
 61 Denman/Bird         Peugeot Car 104 Grp A:39 Class 6: 2  3:01:02
 62 Yamada/Washio       Toyota  Car 110 Grp A:40 Class 6: 3  3:01:03
 63 Phillips/Barker     Peugeot Car  80 Grp N:23 Class 3: 5  3:01:28
 64 Sharam/Jefferies    Toyota  Car  63 Grp A:41 Class 6: 4  3:01:35
 65 Charlton/Field      Vaux'll Car  99 Grp A:42 Class 6: 5  3:02:02
 66 Shield/Walker       Renault Car 139 Grp N:24 Class 3: 6  3:02:32
 67 Blair/Booth         Peugeot Car 103 Grp A:43 Class 6: 6  3:02:45
 68 Bowers/Marsh        Toyota  Car 102 Grp N:25 Class 2: 4  3:02:58
 69 Shields/Whittaker   Vaux'll Car  74 Grp N:26 Class 2: 5  3:03:16
 70 Claridge/Hall       Ford    Car  92 Grp A:44 Class 8:31  3:03:29
 71 Anderson/Rands      Peugeot Car  64 Grp N:27 Class 3: 7  3:03:45
 72 Beckett/Bull        Ford    Car 101 Grp N:28 Class 4:16  3:04:34
 73 Shipp/Moreton       Peugeot Car 107 Grp N:29 Class 1: 1  3:05:20
 74 Jasper/Edwards      Peugeot Car 129 Grp N:30 Class 3: 8  3:05:40
 75 Whitehurst/Williams Toyota  Car  89 Grp A:45 Class 6: 7  3:05:49
 76 Andrew/Middleton    Skoda   Car 128 Grp A:46 Class 5: 5  3:06:21
 77 Presswell/Cottam    Vaux'll Car 127 Grp A:47 Class 5: 6  3:06:28
 78 Wood/Wood           Saab    Car  84 Grp A:48 Class 8:32  3:06:42
 79 Samuel/Stoakley     Suzuki  Car 117 Grp N:31 Class 1: 2  3:06:47
 80 Vassallo/Alexander  Ford    Car 149 Grp A:49 Class 8:33  3:06:47
 81 Comelli/Candoni     Peugeot Car  82 Grp N:32 Class 3: 9  3:07:25
 82 Mallen/Payen        Honda   Car 131 Grp N:33 Class 2: 6  3:07:41
 83 Howells/Armistead   Opel    Car 122 Grp A:50 Class 5: 7  3:08:04
 84 Stewart/Pietila     Mazda   Car  72 Grp N:34 Class 4:17  3:08:30
 85 Jackson/Roughead    Mazda   Car  59 Grp N:35 Class 4:18  3:08:50
 86 Slaymark/Fuller     Toyota  Car 105 Grp N:36 Class 2: 7  3:08:54
 87 Shelley/Berris      Toyota  Car 120 Grp N:37 Class 2: 8  3:10:01
 88 Scott/Wain          Vaux'll Car 138 Grp N:38 Class 1: 3  3:11:04
 89 Coleman/Pope        Vaux'll Car 143 Grp N:39 Class 2: 9  3:11:38
 90 Raybould/Capon      A.Rover Car 154 Grp A:51 Class 7: 4  3:11:54
 91 Moore/Sturrock      Opel    Car 150 Grp A:52 Class 5: 8  3:13:52
 92 Godwin/Wyer         VW      Car 137 Grp A:53 Class 7: 5  3:13:53
 93 Fairweather/Mckinon Vaux'll Car 113 Grp A:54 Class 7: 6  3:13:57
 94 Ryan/Casbon         Toyota  Car  85 Grp N:40 Class 2:10  3:14:08
 95 Teather/English     Peugeot Car 100 Grp N:41 Class 3:10  3:14:59
 96 Gobert/Child        Suzuki  Car 153 Grp N:42 Class 1: 4  3:15:28
 97 Guiry/O'Connor      Suzuki  Car 116 Grp N:43 Class 1: 5  3:16:10
 98 Wheatley/Jones      Peugeot Car 159 Grp A:55 Class 7: 7  3:16:33
 99 Ginn/Gregory        Skoda   Car 161 Grp N:44 Class 1: 6  3:17:07
100 Gravestock/Graham   Vaux'll Car 147 Grp A:56 Class 5: 9  3:17:08
101 Sagnard/Muller      Peugeot Car 106 Grp N:45 Class 1: 7  3:18:16
102 Galvin/Galvin       Vaux'll Car 134 Grp N:46 Class 3:11  3:18:33
103 Cooledge/Evans      Toyota  Car 144 Grp N:47 Class 2:11  3:20:05
104 Smith/Brook         Skoda   Car 151 Grp N:48 Class 1: 8  3:20:21
105 Latham/Ashley       Peugeot Car 152 Grp N:49 Class 3:12  3:20:29
106 Gilroy/Cooper       Peugeot Car 140 Grp N:50 Class 3:13  3:21:14
107 Beauchamp/Paterson  VW      Car 121 Grp N:51 Class 3:14  3:21:54
108 Atkinson/Saunders   Peugeot Car 136 Grp N:52 Class 2:12  3:25:21
109 Arnold/Ambler       Vaux'll Car  94 Grp N:53 Class 3:15  3:25:34
110 Worts/Gardner       Vaux'll Car 148 Grp A:57 Class 5:10  3:26:10
111 Smith/Hawes         Vaux'll Car  86 Grp N:54 Class 2:13  3:26:34
112 Brooks/Dyson        Vaux'll Car  98 Grp A:58 Class 6: 8  3:26:59
113 Bastiaens/Merckx    Honda   Car  75 Grp N:55 Class 2:14  3:27:19
114 Kerkhove/Tombs      Peugeot Car 115 Grp N:56 Class 1: 9  3:28:10
115 Hopcraft/Pain       Ford    Car 109 Grp N:57 Class 4:19  3:29:03
116 Courmontagne/Martin Peugeot Car  81 Grp N:58 Class 3:16  3:31:13
117 Armstrong/Bevan     Mit'shi Car 112 Grp A:59 Class 8:34  3:32:36
118 Beavan/Wharton      Skoda   Car 160 Grp N:59 Class 1:10  3:33:16
119 Mellor/Bastiana     Ford    Car 164 Grp N:60 Class 2:15  3:34:15
120 Martin/Martin       Peugeot Car 114 Grp A:60 Class 7: 8  3:34:50
121 Labaune/Sassoulas   Peugeot Car 130 Grp N:61 Class 1:11  3:35:28
122 Tuthill/Tuthill     VW      Car 166 Grp A:61 Class 6: 9  3:37:24
123 Murgatroyd/Groves   Peugeot Car 158 Grp N:62 Class 3:17  3:38:33
124 Sandas/Chappell     Toyota  Car 125 Grp N:63 Class 4:20  3:41:51
125 Leckie/Grimstone    Toyota  Car 146 Grp N:64 Class 2:16  3:47:25
126 Smith/Keys          Vaux'll Car 165 Grp A:62 Class 7: 9  3:48:41
127 Brown/Craske        D'hatsu Car 119 Grp N:65 Class 3:18  3:49:49





24.11.92 - LOMBARD RAC RALLY

LEADERBOARD AFTER SPECIAL STAGE 28

   Driver            Car        H  M  S
 1 Sainz         Sp  Toyota     4:07:41
 2 Kankkunen     Fin Lancia     4:08:57
 3 Vatanen       Fin Subaru     4:10:32
 4 Alen          Fin Toyota     4:11:38
 5 Biasion       It  Ford       4:11:44
 6 C McRae       GB  Subaru     4:11:50
 7 Eriksson      Swe Mitsubishi 4:17:37
 8 Makinen       Fin Nissan     4:18:42
 9 Aghini        It  Lancia     4:21:13
10 Lampi         Fin Mitsubishi 4:22:27
11 Brookes       GB  Ford       4:28:46
12 A McRae       GB  Ford       4:35:42
13 De Mevius     Bel Nissan     4:42:48
Spaniard Carlos Sainz was holding a comfortable lead when the rally reached the Carlisle overnight halt. But the scene is set for a repeat of last year's battle with Lancia's Juha Kankkunen in second place. Kankkunen's teammate Didier Auriol dropped out in Kielder - as he had in 1991 - leaving the two drivers to fight on for the world title. Defending champion Kankkunen closed the gap on Sainz with the best time on SS27 but a puncture on the next, the last of the day, left him 76s adrift with six stages remaining.

Scot Colin McRae went out of the running after a series of disasters. McRae, leading in his Subaru by two seconds overnight, was slowed by a puncture on SS20 and then lost more than four minutes with car trouble on SS21, dropping out of contention. He was forced to tackle the 17-mile Grizedale West stage with no rear wheel drive, no front brakes and a rough-sounding engine. His troubles had started on the long drive from Chester to the first stage at Grizedale East when he was involved in a road accident.

Carlos Sainz made a determined start to day three, regaining the lead as Colin McRae was struck by a series of misfortunes. Sainz was fastest on SS20, the first stage of the day, in his works Toyota as he issued a warning to world title challengers Didier Auriol and Juha Kankkunen. Second-placed Auriol responded with the best times on the next three stages in his Lancia to close to within 20 seconds of the Spaniard. Teammate Kankkunen continued to lie in wait in third place.

Scot Colin McRae was still smiling despite seeing his hopes of victory fade in a nightmare two stages. His brakes faded at the exact spot at which he crashed out last year and McRae commented: "I hope they will cancel Grizedale next year. It's difficult to pick yourself up after something like this but we will. We'll be going as fast as we can," said the Prodrive Subaru star. His service crew replaced brakes, transmission and the gear box within the time allowed before McRae set off to tackle SS22 Comb.

Drivers arriving at the first of the long stages through the Kielder Forest found it had been cancelled and the rally diverted. The stage was delayed when a woman spectator needed medical help and, with darkness falling and the cars yet to have their lights fitted, it was called off on safety grounds. Some spectators were unhappy about the decision and chaos followed with everyone trying to exit the stage on the narrow forest roads. The rally was about 30 minutes late leaving the Newcastleton halt.

The remaining 125 drivers from the 156 starters left the parc ferme at Chester in cold, clear conditions to tackle the nine punishing stages round the Lake District and Kielder. Christopher Arnold, car 94, failed to leave parc ferme on Tuesday morning in his Vauxhall Astra. BBC's Top Gear will carry in-car coverage of today's stages filmed from a Ford Sierra Cosworth which is being driven as a gravel car by last year's Lombard RAC Rally Group N winner Robbie Head.

Rally leader Carlos Sainz and his Toyota teammate Markku Alen both left SS21 complaining of handling difficulties. The service crew are to investigate suspension trouble. SS22 Comb was delayed 40 minutes when a spectator required medical attention but the competitors were only 19 minutes behind when they arrived at Kielder Forest. Reading driver Richard Burns lost a front wheel from his Peugeot 309 when the wheel studs sheared off a mile from the end. He was able to finish the stage on three wheels.

David Wood in a Saab turbo 16 and Skoda driver Kevin Williams both went off on SS23 but continued. Mick Smith reported hitting a rock on SS20 but commented: "We're going quicker now, I think it must have done us some good." Fernando Cardevila failed to complete SS21, Grizedale West, in his Ford leaving defending Group N champion Gregoire De Mevius second to leader Alister McRae. The Belgian only needs to finish in the Gp N points to retain his crown. "The pressure is off," he said.

Cumbrian Shaun Martin spun his Peugeot 205 into a ditch at 70 mph on SS22 Comb but spectators pushed him back and he continued. German Michael Kahlfuss reported his Trabant 601R still going strong after SS23 Wythop. Robert Smith's Astra suffered complete brake failure on SS23 and went off causing minor damage. The Londoner was able to continue. Malcolm Wilson's Ford lost a wheel SS27, costing him seven minutes and halting his impressive climb up the leaderboard.

Italian Miki Biasion damaged the rear suspension on his Ford on SS27 and headed for the final stage of the day with a suspected broken rear driveshaft. Swedish veteran Stig Blomqvist went off the road into a tree on SS27 and retired. Spectators, thought to have come from the cancelled stage 24 caused SS28 to be delayed when they blocked junction on the stage. Rally officials persuaded them to move.


OVERALL POSITIONS AFTER SPECIAL STAGE 23

  1 Sainz/Moya          Toyota   Car   2 Grp A: 1 Class 8: 1 3:07:05
  2 Auriol/Occelli      Lancia   Car   6 Grp A: 2 Class 8: 2 3:07:25
  3 Kankkunen/Piironen  Lancia   Car   1 Grp A: 3 Class 8: 3 3:08:10
  4 Vatanen/Berglund    Subaru   Car  10 Grp A: 4 Class 8: 4 3:08:56
  5 Alen/Kivimaki       Toyota   Car   7 Grp A: 5 Class 8: 5 3:09:05
  6 Biasion/Siviero     Ford     Car   3 Grp A: 6 Class 8: 6 3:09:26
  7 C McRae/Ringer      Subaru   Car   4 Grp A: 7 Class 8: 7 3:11:12
  8 Wilson/Thomas       Ford     Car   8 Grp A: 8 Class 8: 8 3:11:17
  9 Blomqvist/Melander  Nissan   Car  12 Grp A: 9 Class 8: 9 3:13:35
 10 Eriksson/Parmander  Mit'shi  Car   9 Grp A:10 Class 8:10 3:14:00
 11 Makinen/Harjanne    Nissan   Car   5 Grp A:11 Class 8:11 3:15:27
 12 Aghini/Farnocchia   Lancia   Car  15 Grp A:12 Class 8:12 3:16:30
 13 Lampi/Kuukkala      Mit'shi  Car  19 Grp A:13 Class 8:13 3:17:38
 14 Eklund/Johansson    Subaru   Car  20 Grp A:14 Class 8:14 3:18:48
 15 Brookes/Wilson      Ford     Car  67 Grp A:15 Class 8:15 3:21:48
 16 A McRae/Senior      Ford     Car  28 Grp N: 1 Class 4: 1 3:26:14
 17 Metcalfe/Grindrod   V'xhall  Car  27 Grp A:16 Class 7: 1 3:28:25
 18 De Mevius/Lux       Nissan   Car  14 Grp N: 2 Class 4: 2 3:30:11
 19 Burns/Reid          Peugeot  Car  29 Grp A:17 Class 7: 2 3:30:54
 20 Bertone/Zanella     Lancia   Car  18 Grp A:18 Class 8:16 3:31:59
 21 Mellors/Smith       Ford     Car  33 Grp A:19 Class 8:17 3:33:04
 22 Sivik/Houst         Lancia   Car  30 Grp A:20 Class 8:18 3:33:18
 23 Milner/Wood         Ford     Car  34 Grp N: 3 Class 4: 3 3:34:18
 24 Easson/Cook         Ford     Car  35 Grp A:21 Class 8:19 3:35:53
 25 Fassina/Chiapponi   Mazda    Car  31 Grp N: 4 Class 4: 4 3:37:53
 26 Sibera/Gross        Skoda    Car  21 Grp A:22 Class 5: 1 3:40:54
 27 Mann/Wray           Toyota   Car  32 Grp A:23 Class 8:20 3:40:57
 28 Dyas/Derry          Ford     Car  43 Grp N: 5 Class 4: 5 3:42:32
 29 Bennett/McMath      Peugeot  Car  56 Grp A:24 Class 7: 3 3:42:53
 30 Curran/Wheatley     Ford     Car  68 Grp A:25 Class 8:21 3:44:11
 31 Petch/Tindall       Ford     Car  46 Grp N: 6 Class 4: 6 3:45:21
 32 Cox/Eccleston       Opel     Car  50 Grp A:26 Class 8:22 3:47:11
 33 Berger/Miroslav     Skoda    Car  22 Grp A:27 Class 5: 2 3:47:54
 34 Smith/Stark         Ford     Car  51 Grp N: 7 Class 4: 7 3:48:26
 35 Kirtley/Kitson      Ford     Car  57 Grp A:28 Class 8:23 3:50:50
 36 Williams/Youd       Vauxhall Car  70 Grp N: 8 Class 2: 1 3:50:58
 37 Williams/Foley      Ford     Car  60 Grp A:29 Class 8:24 3:52:10
 38 Doughty/Jenkins     Ford     Car  36 Grp A:30 Class 8:25 3:52:11
 39 Crealey/Beech       Peugeot  Car  55 Grp N: 9 Class 3: 1 3:53:33
 40 Wedgbury/Petrusic   Skoda    Car  93 Grp A:31 Class 5: 3 3:54:27
 41 Needell/Thorner     Ford     Car  26 Grp N:10 Class 4: 8 3:54:40
 42 Griffiths/Madoc-J.  Toyota   Car  71 Grp A:32 Class 6: 1 3:57:00
 43 Jones/Dashfield     Mit'shi  Car  54 Grp A:33 Class 8:26 3:57:57
 44 Yoshida/Cabena      Mit'shi  Car  90 Grp N:11 Class 4: 9 3:58:46
 45 Davies/Prentice     Peugeot  Car  95 Grp N:12 Class 3: 2 3:59:41
 46 Somerville/Perrin   Ford     Car 111 Grp A:34 Class 8:27 3:59:55
 47 Madge/Cooper        Toyota   Car  77 Grp N:13 Class 2: 2 4:00:34
 48 Golding/Ayres       Toyota   Car  76 Grp N:14 Class 2: 3 4:01:02
 49 Stockdale/Sendall   Vauxhall Car  62 Grp A:35 Class 8:28 4:01:20
 50 Jardine/Hodgson     Toyota   Car  96 Grp N:15 Class 4:10 4:02:04
 51 Barber/Barber       Vauxhall Car  58 Grp N:16 Class 3: 3 4:03:38
 52 Sisson/Savage       Ford     Car  97 Grp N:17 Class 4:11 4:04:07
 53 Ceen/Palmer         Mazda    Car  73 Grp N:18 Class 4:12 4:04:19
 54 Yamada/Washio       Toyota   Car 110 Grp A:36 Class 6: 2 4:05:33
 55 Charlton/Field      Vauxhall Car  99 Grp A:37 Class 6: 3 4:05:52
 56 Sharam/Jefferies    Toyota   Car  63 Grp A:38 Class 6: 4 4:05:53
 57 Denman/Bird         Peugeot  Car 104 Grp A:39 Class 6: 5 4:06:15
 58 Anderson/Rands      Peugeot  Car  64 Grp N:19 Class 3: 4 4:06:34
 59 Williams/Wise       Skoda    Car  87 Grp A:40 Class 5: 4 4:06:41
 60 Kanao/Mitchell      Mazda    Car 126 Grp N:20 Class 4:13 4:06:55
 61 Archer/Cammack      Vauxhall Car  65 Grp N:21 Class 3: 5 4:07:10
 62 Bowers/Marsh        Toyota   Car 102 Grp N:22 Class 2: 4 4:07:57
 63 Whitehurst/Williams Toyota   Car  89 Grp A:41 Class 6: 6 4:10:40
 64 Claridge/Hall       Ford     Car  92 Grp A:42 Class 8:29 4:10:46
 65 Shipp/Moreton       Peugeot  Car 107 Grp N:23 Class 1: 1 4:11:20
 66 Beckett/Bull        Ford     Car 101 Grp N:24 Class 4:14 4:11:36
 67 Vassallo/Alexander  Ford     Car 149 Grp A:43 Class 8:30 4:11:53
 68 Blair/Booth         Peugeot  Car 103 Grp A:44 Class 6: 7 4:12:33
 69 Samuel/Stoakley     Suzuki   Car 117 Grp N:25 Class 1: 2 4:12:50
 70 Shields/Whitaker    Vauxhall Car  74 Grp N:26 Class 2: 5 4:13:00
 71 Presswell/Cottam    Vauxhall Car 127 Grp A:45 Class 5: 5 4:13:25
 72 Andrew/Middleton    Skoda    Car 128 Grp A:45 Class 5: 6 4:13:25
 73 Mallen/Payen        Honda    Car 131 Grp N:27 Class 2: 6 4:14:26
 74 Comelli/Candoni     Peugeot  Car  82 Grp N:28 Class 3: 6 4:14:27
 75 Wood/Wood           Saab     Car  84 Grp A:47 Class 8:31 4:14:27
 76 Jackson/Roughead    Mazda    Car  59 Grp N:29 Class 4:15 4:15:13
 77 Howells/Armistead   Opel     Car 122 Grp A:48 Class 5: 7 4:15:34
 78 Scott/Wain          Vauxhall Car 138 Grp N:30 Class 1: 3 4:17:09
 79 Stewart/Pietila     Mazda    Car  72 Grp N:31 Class 4:16 4:17:12
 80 Shield/Walker       Renault  Car 139 Grp N:32 Class 3: 7 4:18:16
 81 Shelley/Berris      Toyota   Car 120 Grp N:33 Class 2: 7 4:19:44
 82 Raybould/Capon      A.Rover  Car 154 Grp A:49 Class 7: 4 4:19:52
 83 Coleman/Pope        Vauxhall Car 143 Grp N:34 Class 2: 8 4:20:41
 84 Fairweather/Mckinno Vauxhall Car 113 Grp A:50 Class 7: 5 4:20:56
 85 Moore/Sturrock      Opel     Car 150 Grp A:51 Class 5: 8 4:22:27
 86 Ryan/Casbon         Toyota   Car  85 Grp N:35 Class 2: 9 4:23:15
 87 Gobert/Child        Suzuki   Car 153 Grp N:36 Class 1: 4 4:25:24
 88 Slaymark/Fuller     Toyota   Car 105 Grp N:37 Class 2:10 4:25:28
 89 Teather/English     Peugeot  Car 100 Grp N:38 Class 3: 8 4:25:48
 90 Wheatley/Jones      Peugeot  Car 159 Grp A:52 Class 7: 6 4:26:13
 91 Ginn/Gregory        Skoda    Car 161 Grp N:39 Class 1: 5 4:27:16
 92 Gravestock/Graham   Vauxhall Car 147 Grp A:53 Class 5: 9 4:27:46
 93 Gilroy/Cooper       Peugeot  Car 140 Grp N:40 Class 3: 9 4:29:31
 94 Latham/Ashley       Peugeot  Car 152 Grp N:41 Class 3:10 4:30:13
 95 Guiry/O'Connor      Suzuki   Car 116 Grp N:42 Class 1: 6 4:30:15
 96 Smith/Brook         Skoda    Car 151 Grp N:43 Class 1: 7 4:30:29
 97 Beauchamp/Paterson  VW       Car 121 Grp N:44 Class 3:11 4:30:30
 98 Sagnard/Muller      Peugeot  Car 106 Grp N:45 Class 1: 8 4:30:56
 99 Cooledge/Evans      Toyota   Car 144 Grp N:46 Class 2:11 4:34:56
100 Hopcraft/Pain       Ford     Car 109 Grp N:47 Class 4:17 4:37:57
101 Atkinson/Saunders   Peugeot  Car 136 Grp N:48 Class 2:12 4:39:15
102 Brooks/Dyson        Vauxhall Car  98 Grp A:54 Class 6: 8 4:39:20
103 Kerkhove/Tombs      Peugeot  Car 115 Grp N:49 Class 1: 9 4:40:38
104 Bastiaens/Merckx    Honda    Car  75 Grp N:50 Class 2:13 4:41:10
105 Smith/Hawes         Vauxhall Car  86 Grp N:51 Class 2:14 4:41:20
106 Labaune/Sassoulas   Peugeot  Car 130 Grp N:52 Class 1:10 4:43:37
107 Courmontagne/Martin Peugeot  Car  81 Grp N:53 Class 3:12 4:44:02
108 Martin/Martin       Peugeot  Car 114 Grp A:55 Class 7: 7 4:44:52
109 Mellor/Bastiana     Ford     Car 164 Grp N:54 Class 2:15 4:50:17
110 Armstrong/Bevan     Mit'shi  Car 112 Grp A:56 Class 8:32 4:51:06
111 Leckie/Grimstone    Toyota   Car 146 Grp N:55 Class 2:16 4:55:35
112 Beavan/Wharton      Skoda    Car 160 Grp N:56 Class 1:11 4:57:51
113 Murgatroyd/Groves   Peugeot  Car 158 Grp N:57 Class 3:13 4:58:43
114 Tuthill/Tuthill     VW       Car 166 Grp A:57 Class 6: 9 4:58:48
115 Evans/Lewis         Vauxhall Car 135 Grp N:58 Class 1:12 5:06:01
116 Smith/Keys          Vauxhall Car 165 Grp A:58 Class 7: 8 5:12:36
117 Kahlfuss/Friedmann  Trabant  Car 167 Grp A:59 Class 5:10 5:13:49
118 Collyer/Mollett     Vauxhall Car 156 Grp N:59 Class 2:17 5:24:03
119 Warring/Bull        A.Rover  Car 155 Grp A:60 Class 7: 9 5:32:15




25.11.92 - LOMBARD RAC RALLY

FINAL LEADERBOARD (34 STAGES)

   Driver            Car        H  M  S
 1 Sainz         Sp  Toyota     5:23:06
 2 Vatanen       Fin Subaru     5:25:22
 3 Kankkunen     Fin Lancia     5:25:51
 4 Alen          Fin Toyota     5:26:35
 5 Biasion       It  Ford       5:26:47
 6 C McRae       GB  Subaru     5:31:14
 7 Eriksson      Swe Mitsubishi 5:33:26
 8 Makinen       Fin Nissan     5:35:07
 9 Wilson        GB  Ford       5:35:26
10 Aghini        It  Lancia     5:37:58
11 Lampi         Fin Mitsubishi 5:40:49
12 Eklund        Swe Subaru     5:48:40
13 Brookes       GB  Ford       5:49:35

Spaniard Carlos Sainz has become the 1992 world rally champion with a superb drive over the testing stages around Britain. Sainz with co-driver Luis Moya in the works Toyota finished more than two minutes clear of runners-up Ari Vatanen and Bruno Berglund in the Prodrive Subaru. Last year's winner Juha Kankkunen, the 1991 world champion, and Juha Piironen were third in a Lancia. Top British driver was Colin McRae who survived an eventful four days to finish sixth in his Subaru.

Spaniard Carlos Sainz recaptured the world crown with a convincing victory after four days of furious action over 34 special stages. 'El Matador' led in his Toyota Celica Turbo 4wd throughout the first day but was overhauled on day two by flying Scot Colin McRae. A series of misfortunes at the start of the third day left McRae well down the leaderboard and Sainz back in the lead, where he stayed. World title rivals Didier Auriol and Juha Kankkunen both hit trouble leaving Sainz to claim the crown.

Finn Juha Kankkunen relinquished his world crown when he ran into trouble on the first of Wednesday's six stages, held in Scotland. The Lancia star, winner of the world title in 1986, '87 and '91, lost visibility after hitting a mud hole and went off the road, badly damaging his front suspension. The service crew managed to repair the car and Kankkunen finished the rally with a flourish, setting best times on the final two stages. He pulled up into third place just 2 mins 45 secs off the pace.

Carlos Sainz gave his Toyota team a scare when he recorded a relatively slow time on SS33, the penultimate stage of the four-day rally. Sainz, 10th fastest on the stage, said the problem had been a wrong tyre choice in heavy rain. It was a rare and minor setback for the 30-year-old Spaniard whose car had been trouble free throughout the 1,551-mile event which included 353 competitive miles. The new car had suffered from handling problems almost all season, but these had clearly been cured.

Carlos Sainz convincingly won the final round of the FIA World Rally Championship, but admitted: "It's been a really difficult rally."

"It was tough from the first braking point on the first of the Mickey Mouse stages until this morning when Juha Kankkunen went off," explained the Spaniard. He said Colin McRae had not worried him even when the Scot led on day two. "The battle was always with Kankkunen," he said. He added: "It is always important to win the World Championship."

Spain's Carlos Sainz admitted he was never confident of victory. "In this rally you can never relax. I drove a bit steadier when I knew about Juha's (Kankkunen) problem but I was a little bit scared of a puncture," said the new champion. Ari Vatanen, who finished second, added: "Usually I donate good places to other drivers. It's nice to be on the receiving end." Third-placed Juha Kankkunen blamed a misted-up windscreen for the accident which cost him his chance. "I just pushed for third," he said.

Spain's Carlos Sainz had almost resigned himself to finishing third in the FIA World Rally Championship after the San Remo event. But the works Toyota driver pulled out all the stops on his home rally in Catalonia as chief rival Didier Auriol failed to wrap up the title. The 30-year-old from Madrid picked up a maximum 20 points to take a two point lead over Juha Kankkunen with Auriol a further point adrift. Everything hinged on the Lombard result and Sainz kept cool to seal his second world championship.

Carlos Sainz, "El Matador", could have excelled in several sports but the draw of four wheel competition proved too strong. As soon as he could drive he began competing on circuits and rallies, trying several types of events before concentrating on rallying. Sainz won the Spanish Championship in 1987 and '88 and made his World Championship debut on the Rally of Portugal in 1987. By 1990 he was world champion, runner-up in 1991 and has returned to the throne in 1992.

Carlos Sainz crowned his world championship winning season with a superb victory in the Lombard RAC Rally, his fourth win of the season. His first came on round four, the Martini Safari Rally, beating 1991 world champion Juha Kannkunen by 52 minutes. Victories in New Zealand in June and Catalonia earlier this month were consolidated by second places at Monte Carlo and Argentina. This set up a dramatic finale at the Lombard, a battle royale with Juha Kankkunen and Didier Auriol.

The remaining 103 drivers from the 156 starters left Carlisle parc ferme early this morning, among them the 594cc two-stroke Trabant. The little car gained notoreity as it trundled round the country with a special hotline set up at rally HQ to cope with enquiries about its progress. Driver Richard Kahlfuss is expected to reach Chester @ 9.45. Dave Metcalfe was the only driver not to re-start from parc ferme. He lost a wheel on the final stage on Tuesday and, after being given a stage time of about 1.5 hours, chose not to re-start.

Paul Dyas continued under protest on the final day having initially been excluded for failing to follow the rally itinerary. Lancia driver Enrico Bertone lost 40 minutes after stopping on SS29. Tommi Makinen suffered a puncture on SS30 but retained eighth place overall in his Nissan. Group N leader Alister McRae had a puncture on SS32 dropping over a minute to Group N rival Belgian Gregoire De Mevius but still won the class with 8.5 minutes to spare.

Chris Evans' co-driver Graham Lewis answered his girlfriend's plea to marry him by inscribing on the mud spattered car: "Graham says yes!" Car 63 rolled over on SS31 and Andrew Sharam said they had to take a few trees down to get back on the road. When asked how he replied: "We had our Swiss Army chainsaw in the boot." Potato merchant Richard Moore arrived at the end of SS32 on three wheels with collapsed rear suspension, but made it through to the finish in 73rd place.

A sporting gesture by Charles Golding and Preston Ayres who lent a spare axle to class rivals Andy Madge and Pat Cooper almost back-fired when the axle on their Grant Thornton Toyota started to fail. But they hung on to finish second in Group N Class 2, 28 seconds clear of Madge's car. Mike Williams won the class in a Vauxhall. Peugeots won three of the rally's eight classes, with Steve Bennett enjoying the best winning margin of the rally this year - 45 minutes in Class A Group 7 in his 205GTi.

Skoda works driver Pavel Sibera won both the 1300cc Group A class and the new F2 class for cars up to 2000cc with two-wheel-drive. He finished 20th overall. Only one Skoda retired from the tough four-day event out of 10 entries.

Miki Biasion, twice world champion, was happy with fifth in his Ford. "I really enjoyed this event. Now I am looking forward to testing the Escort Cosworth in the South of France preparing for the car's world debut in Monte Carlo."

Finn Juha Kankkunen's hopes of retaining his world crown all but evaporated on the first of the six Scottish stages, on the final day. Kankkunen went off on SS29 and hit a rock, damaging the front right-hand suspension and corner and losing almost three minutes. He slipped from second to fourth, giving leader Carlos Sainz real hope of victory and the world title. Up into second place was Subaru driver Ari Vatanen who emerged from SS29 describing it as "very slippery, treacherous".

Ari Vatanen was full of praise for his co-driver Bruno Berglund as the Subaru duo emerged from SS29 in second place behind Carlos Sainz. "There was a heavy downpour just before the start but luckily Bruno changed his pacenotes to suit the changed conditions," explained the former Lombard RAC Rally winner. "Bruno is an old fox..." he added. Vatanen was joint fastest with Ford works driver Malcolm Wilson on SS31 and alone on SS32 to move to within 2 mins 20 secs of Toyota star Sainz with two stages to go.

Scot Colin McRae got off to a bad start for the second day running, dashing all hopes of rejoining the leaders during the final day. McRae lost almost five minutes in his Subaru when he went into a ditch on SS29 but emergency repairs put him back to full strength. He was joint fastest on SS30 but road penalties set him back further second although he finished sixth. Ford works driver Malcolm Wilson continued to turn in impressive performances despite dropping out of contention on SS27.

Scot Colin McRae was philosophical after finishing in sixth place following a series of mishaps. "The rally is full of ifs and buts. If you take out the Grizedale and Dalbeattie stages where I had my problems there was only two seconds between me and Sainz," he said. "The car is capable of winning and it will get better next year." McRae had been in line for a œ100,000 bonus had he won the rally but said that did not make any difference. "I didn't feel any pressure, I just tried my best."

Runner-up Ari Vatanen was delighted with his placing - his best world championship finish since the 1990 1,000 Lakes Rally in Finland. "I've had a good rally. I'm more than happy to have finished second and I was very happy with my speed. "I made some silly mistakes and we had one or two problems but the car handled very well," said Vatanen. Sixth-placed teammate Colin McRae was also glad to finish but said he was a "bit disappointed" not to be higher. "I've learned a lot and I'll be more determined next year."


OVERALL POSITIONS AFTER SPECIAL STAGE 34

  1 Sainz/Moya          Toyota   Car   2 Grp A: 1 Class 8: 1 5:23:06
  2 Vatanen/Berglund    Subaru   Car  10 Grp A: 2 Class 8: 2 5:25:22
  3 Kankkunen/Piironen  Lancia   Car   1 Grp A: 3 Class 8: 3 5:25:51
  4 Alen/Kivimaki       Toyota   Car   7 Grp A: 4 Class 8: 4 5:26:35
  5 Biasion/Siviero     Ford     Car   3 Grp A: 5 Class 8: 5 5:26:47
  6 C McRae/Ringer      Subaru   Car   4 Grp A: 6 Class 8: 6 5:31:14
  7 Eriksson/Parmander  Mit'shi  Car   9 Grp A: 7 Class 8: 7 5:33:26
  8 Makinen/Harjanne    Nissan   Car   5 Grp A: 8 Class 8: 8 5:35:07
  9 Wilson/Thomas       Ford     Car   8 Grp A: 9 Class 8: 9 5:35:26
 10 Aghini/Farnocchia   Lancia   Car  15 Grp A:10 Class 8:10 5:37:58
 11 Lampi/Kuukkala      Mit'shi  Car  19 Grp A:11 Class 8:11 5:40:49
 12 Eklund/Johansson    Subaru   Car  20 Grp A:12 Class 8:12 5:48:40
 13 Brookes/Wilson      Ford     Car  67 Grp A:13 Class 8:13 5:49:35
 14 A McRae/Senior      Ford     Car  28 Grp N: 1 Class 4: 1 5:57:37
 15 De Mevius/Lux       Nissan   Car  14 Grp N: 2 Class 4: 2 6:06:15
 16 Milner/Wood         Ford     Car  34 Grp N: 3 Class 4: 3 6:10:38
 17 Mellors/Smith       Ford     Car  33 Grp A:14 Class 8:14 6:11:21
 18 Fassina/Chiapponi   Mazda    Car  31 Grp N: 4 Class 4: 4 6:13:29
 19 Easson/Cook         Ford     Car  35 Grp A:15 Class 8:15 6:16:01
 20 Sibera/Gross        Skoda    Car  21 Grp A:16 Class 5: 1 6:18:23
 21 Mann/Wray           Toyota   Car  32 Grp A:17 Class 8:16 6:19:21
 22 Dyas/Derry          Ford     Car  43 Grp N: 5 Class 4: 5 6:27:26
 23 Berger/Miroslav     Skoda    Car  22 Grp A:18 Class 5: 2 6:33:23
 24 Curran/Wheatley     Ford     Car  68 Grp A:19 Class 8:17 6:35:29
 25 Petch/Tindall       Ford     Car  46 Grp N: 6 Class 4: 6 6:36:50
 26 Williams/Youd       Vauxhall Car  70 Grp N: 7 Class 2: 1 6:39:45
 27 Jones/Dashfield     Mit'shi  Car  54 Grp A:20 Class 8:18 6:40:35
 28 Crealey/Beech       Peugeot  Car  55 Grp N: 8 Class 3: 1 6:42:07
 29 Bennett/McMath      Peugeot  Car  56 Grp A:21 Class 7: 1 6:46:07
 30 Smith/Stark         Ford     Car  51 Grp N: 9 Class 4: 7 6:46:44
 31 Needell/Thorner     Ford     Car  26 Grp N:10 Class 4: 8 6:49:22
 32 Wedgbury/Petrusic   Skoda    Car  93 Grp A:22 Class 5: 3 6:49:38
 33 Griffiths/Madoc-J.  Toyota   Car  71 Grp A:23 Class 6: 1 6:50:50
 34 Bertone/Zanella     Lancia   Car  18 Grp A:24 Class 8:19 6:50:53
 35 Somerville/Perrin   Ford     Car 111 Grp A:25 Class 8:20 6:55:02
 36 Golding/Ayres       Toyota   Car  76 Grp N:11 Class 2: 2 6:56:46
 37 Madge/Cooper        Toyota   Car  77 Grp N:12 Class 2: 3 6:57:14
 38 Davies/Prentice     Peugeot  Car  95 Grp N:13 Class 3: 2 6:58:13
 39 Barber/Barber       Vauxhall Car  58 Grp N:14 Class 3: 3 6:59:17
 40 Charlton/Field      Vauxhall Car  99 Grp A:26 Class 6: 2 7:00:56
 41 Sisson/Savage       Ford     Car  97 Grp N:15 Class 4: 9 7:01:31
 42 Anderson/Rands      Peugeot  Car  64 Grp N:16 Class 3: 4 7:01:57
 43 Stockdale/Sendall   Vauxhall Car  62 Grp A:27 Class 8:21 7:01:58
 44 Yamada/Washio       Toyota   Car 110 Grp A:28 Class 6: 3 7:02:21
 45 Denman/Bird         Peugeot  Car 104 Grp A:29 Class 6: 4 7:03:08
 46 Ceen/Palmer         Mazda    Car  73 Grp N:17 Class 4:10 7:04:38
 47 Vassallo/Alexander  Ford     Car 149 Grp A:30 Class 8:22 7:11:20
 48 Shields/Whitaker    Vauxhall Car  74 Grp N:18 Class 2: 4 7:12:00
 49 Whitehurst/Williams Toyota   Car  89 Grp A:31 Class 6: 5 7:12:25
 50 Shipp/Moreton       Peugeot  Car 107 Grp N:19 Class 1: 1 7:13:51
 51 Wood/Wood           Saab     Car  84 Grp A:32 Class 8:23 7:15:14
 52 Kanao/Mitchell      Mazda    Car 126 Grp N:20 Class 4:11 7:17:10
 53 Presswell/Cottam    Vauxhall Car 127 Grp A:33 Class 5: 4 7:17:59
 54 Andrew/Middleton    Skoda    Car 128 Grp A:34 Class 5: 5 7:18:06
 55 Bowers/Marsh        Toyota   Car 102 Grp N:21 Class 2: 5 7:18:39
 56 Comelli/Candoni     Peugeot  Car  82 Grp N:22 Class 3: 5 7:18:50
 57 Blair/Booth         Peugeot  Car 103 Grp A:35 Class 6: 6 7:20:13
 58 Yoshida/Cabena      Mit'shi  Car  90 Grp N:23 Class 4:12 7:20:34
 59 Howells/Armistead   Opel     Car 122 Grp A:36 Class 5: 6 7:21:09
 60 Mallen/Payen        Honda    Car 131 Grp N:24 Class 2: 6 7:22:50
 61 Shield/Walker       Renault  Car 139 Grp N:25 Class 3: 6 7:23:02
 62 Slaymark/Fuller     Toyota   Car 105 Grp N:26 Class 2: 7 7:23:25
 63 Williams/Foley      Ford     Car  60 Grp A:37 Class 8:24 7:23:37
 64 Scott/Wain          Vauxhall Car 138 Grp N:27 Class 1: 2 7:25:38
 65 Shelley/Berris      Toyota   Car 120 Grp N:28 Class 2: 8 7:27:27
 66 Sharam/Jefferies    Toyota   Car  63 Grp A:38 Class 6: 7 7:29:52
 67 Fairweather/Mckinno Vauxhall Car 113 Grp A:39 Class 7: 2 7:31:30
 68 Jackson/Roughead    Mazda    Car  59 Grp N:29 Class 4:13 7:35:38
 69 Gobert/Child        Suzuki   Car 153 Grp N:30 Class 1: 3 7:37:32
 70 Beckett/Bull        Ford     Car 101 Grp N:31 Class 4:14 7:38:13
 71 Ginn/Gregory        Skoda    Car 161 Grp N:32 Class 1: 4 7:39:04
 72 Raybould/Capon      A.Rover  Car 154 Grp A:40 Class 7: 3 7:39:42
 73 Moore/Sturrock      Opel     Car 150 Grp A:41 Class 5: 7 7:39:51
 74 Stewart/Pietila     Mazda    Car  72 Grp N:33 Class 4:15 7:44:36
 75 Wheatley/Jones      Peugeot  Car 159 Grp A:42 Class 7: 4 7:44:58
 76 Coleman/Pope        Vauxhall Car 143 Grp N:34 Class 2: 9 7:45:12
 77 Smith/Brook         Skoda    Car 151 Grp N:35 Class 1: 5 7:45:25
 78 Samuel/Stoakley     Suzuki   Car 117 Grp N:36 Class 1: 6 7:46:10
 79 Beauchamp/Paterson  VW       Car 121 Grp N:37 Class 3: 7 7:47:18
 80 Gilroy/Cooper       Peugeot  Car 140 Grp N:38 Class 3: 8 7:49:07
 81 Teather/English     Peugeot  Car 100 Grp N:39 Class 3: 9 7:49:51
 82 Sagnard/Muller      Peugeot  Car 106 Grp N:40 Class 1: 7 7:50:55
 83 Ryan/Casbon         Toyota   Car  85 Grp N:41 Class 2:10 7:54:33
 84 Cooledge/Evans      Toyota   Car 144 Grp N:42 Class 2:11 7:58:48
 85 Martin/Martin       Peugeot  Car 114 Grp A:43 Class 7: 5 8:01:36
 86 Gravestock/Graham   Vauxhall Car 147 Grp A:44 Class 5: 8 8:05:27
 87 Bastiaens/Merckx    Honda    Car  75 Grp N:43 Class 2:12 8:09:38
 88 Hopcraft/Pain       Ford     Car 109 Grp N:44 Class 4:16 8:10:51
 89 Leckie/Grimstone    Toyota   Car 146 Grp N:45 Class 2:13 8:11:07
 90 Kerkhove/Tombs      Peugeot  Car 115 Grp N:46 Class 1: 8 8:21:32
 91 Beavan/Wharton      Skoda    Car 160 Grp N:47 Class 1: 9 8:25:10
 92 Evans/Lewis         Vauxhall Car 135 Grp N:48 Class 1:10 8:25:53
 93 Courmontagne/Martin Peugeot  Car  81 Grp N:49 Class 3:10 8:33:28
 94 Armstrong/Bevan     Mit'shi  Car 112 Grp A:45 Class 8:25 8:34:52
 95 Latham/Ashley       Peugeot  Car 152 Grp N:50 Class 3:11 8:37:09
 96 Mellor/Bastiana     Ford     Car 164 Grp N:51 Class 2:14 8:37:44
 97 Murgatroyd/Groves   Peugeot  Car 158 Grp N:52 Class 3:12 8:38:10
 98 Tuthill/Tuthill     VW       Car 166 Grp A:46 Class 6: 8 8:45:45
 99 Kahlfuss/Friedmann  Trabant  Car 167 Grp A:47 Class 5: 9 8:51:40
100 Smith/Hawes         Vauxhall Car  86 Grp N:53 Class 2:15 9:13:46
101 Smith/Keys          Vauxhall Car 165 Grp A:48 Class 7: 6 9:21:55
102 Warring/Bull        A.Rover  Car 155 Grp A:49 Class 7: 7 9:59:36


LIST OF RETIREMENTS

 91 Green/Capstick       Ford          RS00 Did not start rally
 37 Jones/Evans          Toyota        RS05 Driveshaft
 52 Jones/Roe            Mazda         RS05 Gearbox
163 Lendon/Curry         Audi          RS05 Electrical
 38 Stromberg/Wennberg   Saab          SS07 Gearbox
132 Hawes/Richardson     Vauxhall      RS07 Engine management system
162 Horscroft/Webb       Vauxhall      RS07 OTL
 42 Tumaliavichus/Dadvan Lancia        RS08 Transmission
 49 Joannides/Farrell    Ford          RS08 Gearbox
 78 Elsdon/Jones         Ford          RS08 Front suspension
 66 Rees/Heymer          Mazda         RS09 Accident
 41 Jurvanen/Berglund    Ford          RS09 Did not start Leg 2
 44 Worswick/Molyneux    Ford          SS10 Differential
 24 Kytolehto/Silander   Mitsubishi    SS11 Suspension
 40 Fidanza/Farina       Lancia        SS11 Lost engine oil
108 Roberts/Hunter       Vauxhall      SS11 Driveshaft
124 Mallory/Mee          Ford          RS11 Head gasket
125 Sandas/Chappell      Toyota        RS11 OTL
 53 Wetton/Edwards       Volkswagen    SS12 Driveshaft
123 McGuigan/Whittaker   Vauxhall      SS12 Head gasket
137 Godwin/Wyer          Volkswagen    RS12 OTL
 83 Orford/Phillips      Toyota        RS12 Differential
133 Barry/Gooch          Volkswagen    SS15 Driveshaft
157 Sauzon/Terrasse      Volkswagen    RS15 Mechanical
 61 Nystrom/Ohrling-Nyst Audi          SS16 Lost wheel
118 Tilly/Pettitt        Lancia        SS16 Fuel pump
142 Taft/Evans           Lada          SS16 Engine
 88 Stoodley/Jenkins     Peugeot       SS17 Front suspension
 45 Payne/Croft          Ford          RS17 Differentials
 25 Evans/Davies         Ford          SS19 Lost wheel
119 Brown/Craske         Daihatsu      SS19 Front suspension
 94 Arnold/Ambler        Vauxhall      RS19 Gearbox
 69 Hunt/Hughes          Ford          RS20 Radiator
 16 Cardevila/Rodriguez  Ford          SS21 Differential
 80 Phillips/Barker      Peugeot       SS21 Engine
134 Galvin/Galvin        Vauxhall      SS21 Head gasket
148 Worts/Gardner        Vauxhall      SS21 Driveshaft
129 Jasper/Edwards       Peugeot       RS21 Engine
 87 Williams/Wise        Skoda         RS24 Head gasket
  6 Auriol/Occelli       Lancia        SS26 Engine
 50 Cox/Eccleston        Opel          SS26 Off in ditch
 57 Kirtley/Kitson       Ford          SS26 Off in ditch
 65 Archer/Cammack       Vauxhall      SS26 Off in ditch
 92 Claridge/Hall        Ford          SS26 Off in ditch
 96 Jardine/Hodgson      Toyota        SS26 Gearbox
116 Guiry/O'Connor       Suzuki        SS26 Off in ditch
130 Labaune/Sassoulas    Peugeot       SS26 Engine
156 Collyer/Mollett      Vauxhall      SS26 Off in ditch
 12 Blomqvist/Melander   Nissan        SS27 Off in stage
 29 Burns/Reid           Peugeot       SS27 Wheel studs
 98 Brooks/Dyson         Vauxhall      SS27 Engine
136 Atkinson/Saunders    Peugeot       RS27 Electrical
 27 Metcalfe/Grindrod    Vauxhall      RS28 Did not start Leg 4
 36 Doughty/Jenkins      Ford          SS33 Engine management
 30 Sivik/Houst          Lancia        SS34 Off in ditch





27.11.92 - F1
Rising star Rubens Barrichello has joined the Sasol Jordan Formula One team on a two-year contract. The 20-year-old Brazilian was third in this year's International F3000 Championship after winning the 1991 British Formula Three title "All I wanted in my life was to be a Formula One driver and hopefully to be world champion one day, so this is a dream come true," he said. Jordan have not re-signed 1992 drivers Stefano Modena and Maurizio Gugelmin for next season.