01.07.93F1:- THE FRENCH GRAND PRIX
Damon Hill took one look at the slow, flat Magny Cours track and tipped Williams teammate Alain Prost to win his sixth French GP. Hill insists he has only a slim chance on Sunday but will be competing as hard as ever in preparation for the following weekend's British GP at Silverstone. "I'd much prefer to be driving there. But I have to get on with the job here, whatever I feel about the track," he said. "I can't say it's a satisfying track to drive on," he added.
RALLY OF INDONESIA Standings after Day 1: time 1 P Bourne Subaru Legacy 41:06 2 R Dunkerton Mitsubishi G 41:25 3 K Shinozuka Mitsubishi L 42:55 4 D Buckley Mitsubishi G 42:59 5 A Indiarto Mitsubishi G 43:49 6 T Hardianto Mitsubishi G 44:37 7 A McRae Ford Escort C 45:22 8 J McRae Ford Escort C 45:45 9 I Gading Mitsubishi G 45:50 10 A Jachmoon Mitsubishi G 46:05 02.07.93F1:- THE FRENCH GRAND PRIX
Britain's Damon Hill outpaced Williams teammate Alain Prost to set the fastest time in the first practice session for Sunday's race. The 32-year-old clocked 1 min 15.051 secs, seven tenths of a second quicker than Prost, the current championship leader. "I really enjoy circuits like this with quick corners and a good surface," Hill said afterwards. Michael Schumacher recorded the third best time, just ahead of Prost's main rival Ayrton Senna.
FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP Friday's qualifying times: mins secs 1 D Hill GB Williams 1:15.051 2 A Prost Fr Williams 1:15.725 3 M Schumacher Ger Benetton 1:16.720 4 A Senna Brz Mclaren 1:16.782 5 J Alesi It Ferrari 1:16.825 6 M Blundell GB Ligier 1:16.834 7 M Brundle GB Ligier 1:16.847 8 R Bar'chello Brz Jordan 1:17.347 9 A Suzuki Jpn Footwork 1:17.441 10 K W'linger Aut Sauber 1:17.650 11 R Patrese It Benetton 1:17.675 12 J Herbert GB Lotus 1:17.862 13 E Comas Fr Larrousse 1:18.180 14 P Alliot Fr Larrousse 1:18.230 15 A Zanardi Brz Lotus 1:18.331 16 M Andretti US McLaren 1:18.585 17 T Boutsen Bel Jordan 1:18.685 18 G Berger Aut Ferrari 1:18.741 19 D Warwick GB Footwork 1:19.180 20 JJ Lehto Fin Sauber 1:19.252 21 C Fittipaldi Brz Minardi 1:19.968 22 U Katayama Jap Tyrrell 1:20.553 23 A De Cesaris It Tyrrell 1:21.024 24 F Barbazza It Minardi 1:21.113 25 L Badoer It Lola 1:21.931 26 M Alboreto It Lola 1:22.106 RALLY OF INDONESIA Standings after Day 1: time 1 P Bourne Subaru Legacy 41:06 2 R Dunkerton Mitsubishi G 41:25 3 K Shinozuka Mitsubishi L 42:55 4 D Buckley Mitsubishi G 42:59 5 A Indiarto Mitsubishi G 43:49 6 T Hardianto Mitsubishi G 44:37 7 A McRae Ford Escort C 45:22 8 J McRae Ford Escort C 45:45 9 I Gading Mitsubishi G 45:50 10 A Jachmoon Mitsubishi G 46:05 03.07.93F1:- THE FRENCH GRAND PRIX
Britain's Damon Hill claimed the first pole of his Formula 1 career with an impressive performance at Magny Cours in the Williams. The 32-year-old clocked 1 min 14.382 secs, with Alain Prost, the current championship leader, just 0.142 seconds behind. Martin Brundle and Mark Blundell ensured an all-British second row, a great boost for the Grand Prix at Silverstone next weekend. Ayrton Senna is on the third row with Jean Alesi who produced a great performance in the Ferrari.
Damon Hill was very relaxed after picking up the first pole in his 10th Grand Prix but admitted it surprised him. "It actually surprised me because of the all the traffic on my previous lap. I was stuck behind De Cesaris so I backed off and on my final lap I just pushed extra hard, scrabbled through the chicanes and got a good time," he said. Hill had a shunt with Alboreto. "I thought he was going to let me pass but he shut the door and we biffed."
FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP Final qualifying times: mins secs 1 D Hill GB Williams 1:14.382 2 A Prost Fr Williams 1:14.524 3 M Brundle GB Ligier 1:16.169 4 M Blundell GB Ligier 1:16.203 5 A Senna Brz Mclaren 1:16.264 6 J Alesi It Ferrari 1:16.662 7 M Schumacher Ger Benetton 1:16.720 8 R Bar'chello Brz Jordan 1:17.168 9 E Comas Fr Larrousse 1:17.170 10 P Alliot Fr Larrousse 1:17.190 11 K W'linger Aut Sauber 1:17.315 12 R Patrese It Benetton 1:17.362 13 A Suzuki Jpn Footwork 1:17.441 14 G Berger Aut Ferrari 1:17.456 15 D Warwick GB Footwork 1:17.598 16 M Andretti US McLaren 1:17.659 17 A Zanardi Brz Lotus 1:17.706 18 JJ Lehto Fin Sauber 1:17.812 19 J Herbert GB Lotus 1:17.862 20 T Boutsen Bel Jordan 1:17.997 21 U Katayama Jap Tyrrell 1:19.143 22 L Badoer It Lola 1:19.493 23 C Fittipaldi Brz Minardi 1:19.915 24 F Barbazza It Minardi 1:19.691 25 A De Cesaris It Tyrrell 1:19.856 NON-QUALIFIER 26 M Alboreto It Lola 1:20.130 RALLY OF INDONESIA Standings after Day 3: time 1 P Bourne Subaru Legacy 4:27:12 2 K Shinozuka Mitsubishi L 4:33:47 3 L Kunardi Mitsubishi G 4:57:09 4 A McRae Ford Escort C 5:01:32 5 A Jachmoon Mitsubishi G 5:02:26 6 D Indra Ford Escort C 5:04:44 7 R Gelael Ford Escort C 5:12:12 8 A Fu Mitsubishi L 5:19:38 9 C Haniwiano Toyota Celica 5:20:48 10 B Hartono Mitsubishi L 5:23:37 04.07.93 F1:- THE FRENCH GRAND PRIX Result after 72 laps: hr:mins.secs 1 A Prost Fr Williams 1:38.341 (Av.speed 115.718 mph) 2 D Hill GB Williams @ 0.342 3 M Schumacher Ger Benetton @21.209 4 A Senna Brz McLaren @32.405 5 M Brundle GB Ligier @33.795 6 M Andretti US McLaren @ 1 lap 7 R Barrichello Brz Jordan @ 1 lap 8 C Fittipaldi Brz Minardi @ 1 lap 9 P Alliot Fr Larrousse @ 2 laps 10 R Patrese It Benetton @ 2 laps 11 T Boutsen Bel Jordan @ 2 laps 12 A Suzuki Jpn Footwork @ 2 laps 13 D Warwick GB Footwork @ 2 laps 14 G Berger Aut Ferrari @ 2 laps 15 A DeCesaris It Tyrrell @ 4 laps 16 E Comas Fr L'rousse @ 6 laps DRIVERS' STANDINGS (after round 8, the French GP at Magny-Cours) 1 A Prost Fr 57 points 2 A Senna Brz 45 3 D Hill GB 28 4 M Schumacher Ger 24 5 M Brundle GB 9 6 M Blundell GB 6 = J Herbert GB 6 8 JJ Lehto Fin 5 = R Patrese It 5 = C Fittipaldi Brz 5 = G Berger Aut 5 12 J Alesi Fr 4 13 M Andretti US 3 14 P Alliot Fr 2 = F Barbazza It 2 CONSTRUCTORS' STANDINGS (after round 8, French GP) 1 Williams Renault 85 points 2 McLaren Ford 48 3 Benetton Ford 29 4 Ligier Renault 15 5 Ferrari 9 6 Lotus Ford 7 = Minardi Ford 7 8 Sauber 6 9 Larrousse 2Alain Prost sealed his sixth French Grand Prix win with an uneventful drive as he led home his Williams teammate Damon Hill. The Frenchman delighted his home crowd after taking the lead when pole starter Hill made a pit stop for new tyres on lap 27. Prost moved 12 points clear of rival Ayrton Senna who finished fourth in the McLaren behind German Michael Schumacher. Briton Martin Brundle collected points for Ligier with fifth place.
The Williams duo crossed the line at Magny Cours with less than a second between them to clinch the first Williams 1/2 of the season. Alain Prost took the chequered flag first with Britain's Damon Hill turning in a super performance that bodes well for next week's British Grand Prix at Silverstone. Brazilian Ayrton Senna looked set for third place but he experienced problems on lap 64 and was overhauled by Michael Schumacher. Michael Andretti finished sixth to deny Rubens Barrichello a point.
Alain Prost was extremely happy after clinching his fifth victory of the season in front of a partisan crowd at Magny-Cours. "I'm very happy, it's important to win at home," said the championship leader at the halfway stage. "Damon will be difficult to beat next week and it will probably be the most challenging race for me," he added when asked about the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. Teammate Damon Hill was pleased with second but added: "I would like to go one better in England."
RALLY OF INDONESIA time 1 P Bourne Subaru Legacy 4:49:33 2 K Shinozuka Mitsubishi L 4:56:34 3 L Kunardi Mitsubishi G 5:21:39 4 A McRae Ford Escort C 5:25:17 5 A Jachmoon Mitsubishi G 5:25:56 6 D Indra Ford Escort C 5:28:40 7 R Gelael Ford Escort C 5:37:12 8 A Fu Mitsubishi L 5:45:18 9 B Hartono Mitsubishi L 5:49:24 10 C Sentosa Mitsubishi L 5:54:43 08.07.93 - F1:- THE BRITISH GRAND PRIXAlmost a year ago the British GP was being prepared as a stage for Nigel Mansell to provide one of his virtuoso performances. The man at the back of the grid on race day, making his GP debut, was a young Londoner named Damon Hill. Now, 12 months on, the stage at Silverstone is being prepared for the crown prince to become king. Last year Damon finished 16th in a Brabham Judd, four laps behind Mansell. But on Sunday thousands of race fans may be able to witness his maiden Formula One victory.
A victory for Damon Hill in his home GP would make it all the more sweet and poignant. I believe he is now ready to come of age and, with his knowledge and mileage around the Silverstone GP circuit, the key to victory on Sunday will be confidence. If Damon enjoys anything like the crowd support given to Mansell last year, the effect would be tangible. It adds up to a lot of pressure - and at times he may wish to hide from it - but it is an asset which he must use to its full benefit.
Damon Hill was fastest two weeks ago in Silverstone's pre-GP testing and the only threat to his victory bid is really teammate Alain Prost. Williams continue to have a clear advantage, both in out-and-out power and in car handling. The Silverstone circuit is now the most testing of all those in the Formula One calendar and this magnifies the need for downforce, plus horsepower. In other words, you need the one to drag the other along.
Unspoken team orders could be the only fly in the ointment for Damon Hill at Silverstone this weekend. The Williams Renault team have responsibilities as well and they are not to the drivers alone. Alain Prost's Championship lead would obviously be strengthened if he can claim his 50th win - indeed this would be a huge achievement. Sentiment has no place in a top flight GP team but, if Damon can dominate qualifying and lead the race on merit, we could have the result so many will come to see.
Any challenge to Williams on Sunday will come from the usual duo, McLaren and Benetton. McLaren will have engine parity with Benetton for the first time in 1993 so the cars' performances can be judged on equal terms. Senna and Schumacher will fight harder than ever to be the fastest non-Renault engined team. It is not known if the extra hp will be enough to narrow the gap on the Williams Renaults but, for certain, Senna's ability to rise to the occasion is unquestioned.
Ferrari come to Silverstone without the knowledge that British-based teams enjoy, and if the car is not instantly fast, they will suffer. However, if they prove to be quick, both Gerhard Berger and Jean Alesi will be as spectacular as ever. Last weekend saw two other British drivers - Martin Brundle and Mark Blundell - to the fore in the French GP, perhaps no surprise with the Ligiers based at Magny Cours. Set-ups will be much the same for Silverstone and this Anglo-French team should not be dismissed.
Silverstone is technically a very difficult circuit and downforce and grip are essential. Top speed can be sacrificed to take account of those factors but there can be no compromise the other way round. Last weekend at the French GP we saw significant progress made by the Silverstone-based Jordan team - and it was no fluke performance. It is my view that Rubens Barrichello will be leading the charge of the remaining teams.
Back in the field, Lotus are in a dilemma with their actively-suspended car which so far has proved slower than last year's car. Footwork are learning about active suspension as well - a difficult thing to do at Silverstone where driver confidence is at a premium. Larrousse Lamborghini are also an unpredictable team, in spite of Robin Herd having a major role - his circuit knowledge will help. Lola BMS Ferrari will find this GP a nightmare in what has been a very disappointing season for them.
Minardi will have a new driver here this weekend with Pierluigi Martini replacing Fabrizio Barbazza. The team believe Martini's previous experience and speed will help them as well as firing up his teammate Christian Fittipaldi. Sauber make a first appearance at Silverstone as a GP team and, like others, may well have to rely on the French GP set-up as a starter. Tyrrell Yamaha will stick with their 020 model this weekend as the 1993 cars are still not competitive.
I have used the word confidence a lot this week. Confidence in a race car, on a circuit like Silverstone, develops through physical feelings from the car and a high level of self-belief from the driver. The result is commitment, the ability to open the throttle in the knowledge that the car will stay on the track rather than spin off it. Nigel Mansell was the master of commitment at Silverstone. This is what we will be looking to see and hear this weekend.
DRIVERS' STANDINGS (after round 8, the French GP at Magny-Cours) 1 A Prost Fr 57 points 2 A Senna Brz 45 3 D Hill GB 28 4 M Schumacher Ger 24 5 M Brundle GB 9 6 M Blundell GB 6 = J Herbert GB 6 8 JJ Lehto Fin 5 = R Patrese It 5 = C Fittipaldi Brz 5 = G Berger Aut 5 12 J Alesi Fr 4 13 M Andretti US 3 14 P Alliot Fr 2 = F Barbazza It 2 CONSTRUCTORS' STANDINGS (after round 8, French GP) 1 Williams Renault 85 points 2 McLaren Ford 48 3 Benetton Ford 29 4 Ligier Renault 15 5 Ferrari 9 6 Lotus Ford 7 = Minardi Ford 7 8 Sauber 6 9 Larrousse 2 PAST WINNERS 1950 Farina Alfa Romeo 1951 Gonzalez Ferrari 1952 Ascari Ferrari 1953 Ascari Ferrari 1954 Gonzalez Ferrari 1955 Moss Mercedes 1956 Fangio Ferrari 1957 Brooks/Moss Vanwall 1958 Collins Ferrari 1959 Brabham Cooper Climax 1960 Brabham Cooper Climax 1961 Von Trips Ferrari 1962 Clark Lotus Climax 1963 Clark Lotus Climax 1964 Clark Lotus Climax 1965 Clark Lotus Climax 1966 Brabham Brabham Repco 1967 Clark Lotus Ford 1968 Siffert Lotus Ford 1969 Stewart Matra Ford 1970 Rindt Lotus Ford 1971 Stewart Tyrrell Ford 1972 Fittipaldi Lotus Ford 1973 Revson McLaren 1974 Scheckter Tyrrell Ford 1975 Fittipaldi Lotus Ford 1976 Lauda Ferrari 1977 Hunt McLaren Ford 1978 Reutemann Ferrari 1979 Regazzoni Williams Ford 1980 Jones Williams Ford 1981 Watson McLaren Ford 1982 Lauda McLaren Ford 1983 Prost Renault Turbo 1984 Lauda McLaren TAG Porsche Turbo 1985 Prost McLaren TAG Porsche Turbo 1986 Mansell Williams Honda Turbo 1987 Mansell Williams Honda Turbo 1988 Senna McLaren Honda Turbo 1989 Prost McLaren Honda 1990 Prost Ferrari 1991 Mansell Williams Renault 1992 Mansell Williams Renault TIMETABLE, SILVERSTONE Friday, July 9 0930-1100 Formula 1 free practice 1300-1400 Formula 1 1st qualifying 1415-1445 Formula 3 1st qualifying 1500-1530 Euroseries 1st qualifying 1750-1820 Formula 3 final qualifying Saturday, July 10 0930-1100 Formula 1 free practice 1300-1400 Formula 1 final qualifying 1420-1450 Formula 3 RACE (15 laps) 1515 Dunlop Rover GTI Ch'ship 1615-1645 Euroseries final qualifying 1615-1815 Support race qualifying Sunday, July 11 0930-1000 Formula 1 warm-up 1020-1050 Euroseries RACE (15 laps) 1110 World Endurance 50s sportscars 1400-1525 FORMULA 1 BRITISH GP (59 laps) 1615 Auto Trader RAC British Touring Car Ch'ship RACE 09.07.93 - F1:- THE BRITISH GRAND PRIXDamon Hill was upstaged by Williams teammate Alain Prost as the Frenchman took provisional pole for Sunday's British Grand Prix. Hill, aiming for his first GP win, was more than two seconds behind as he qualified second fastest in wet conditions in 1 min 36.297 secs. Drivers and fans were drenched earlier in the day as it poured down but the Williams duo took full advantage as the track dried. The session was held up briefly after Mark Blundell crashed his Ligier at Abbey but he was okay.
Damon Hill looked forward to Saturday's final qualifying with relish despite being outshone by teammate Alain Prost on Friday. Hill, out to thrill his home fans with his first GP win, was second fastest but said: "I'm still very confident about the weekend. "I feel under a lot of pressure to perform this weekend. A lot of people here want to see me do well and that's nice. I can promise them that I will be trying my utmost and I'm glad to be on the provisional front row."
Damon Hill emerged unscatched from a 150mph crash as Silverstone was hit by torrential rain during the morning free practice session. The 32-year-old was powerless to do anything as his Williams aquaplaned at Stowe, sending him into gravel. He was okay but had to abandon the car and said: "I was doing about 180mph on the way in and the car just lifted totally off the ground." Alain Prost, aiming for his 50th GP win, was quickest and said: "The weather was awful in the morning."
Ligier duo Mark Blundell and Martin Brundle had mixed fortunes in Friday's rain-hit sessions. Blundell badly damaged his JS39 after aquaplaning at Abbey at over 150mph during free practice. He emerged shaken but unhurt, though he did not get the chance to try teammate Brundle's car. Brundle was ninth fastest with a non-stop run on a single set of tyres and said: "I would have had to stop near the end of the session to do a really fast time."
Damon Hill could be asked to finish second behind teammate Alain Prost in Sunday's British Grand Prix - under orders from Williams chiefs. Williams technical director Patrick Head has admitted that Hill is under contract to drive to team orders if necessary. Head said: "We've got a championship to win and Alain is the person most likely to do that. "Damon's contract does not say he cannot finish first. It says he is forced to follow team orders if requested."
FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP Friday's first qualifying times:mins secs 1 A Prost Fr Williams 1:34.483 2 D Hill GB Williams 1:36.297 3 A Senna Brz McLaren 1:37.050 4 M Schumacher Ger Benetton 1:37.264 5 J Alesi Fr Ferrari 1:37.899 6 G Berger Aut Ferrari 1:37.976 7 M Andretti US McLaren 1:38.283 8 R Patrese It Benetton 1:38.371 9 M Brundle GB Ligier 1:38.384 10 D Warwick GB Footwork 1:39.443 11 JJ Lehto Fin Sauber 1:39.821 12 A Suzuki Jpn Footwork 1:40.537 13 A De Cesaris It Tyrrell 1:41.726 14 P Martini It Minardi 1:41.838 15 R B'chello Brz Jordan 1:40.869 16 J Herbert GB Lotus 1:41.037 17 C Fittipaldi Brz Minardi 1:41.726 18 L Badoer It Lola 1:41.838 19 A Zanardi It Lotus 1:41.908 20 E Comas Fr Larrousse 1:41.926 21 K Wendlinger Aut Sauber 1:41.940 22 P Alliot Fr Larrousse 1:41.985 23 M Alboreto It Lola 1:42.844 24 T Boutsen Bel Jordan 1:42.957 25 U Katayama Jpn Tyrrell 1:43.173 26 M Blundell GB Ligier 9:32.793 (one lap) AUTO TRADER RAC BRITISH TOURING CAR CHAMPIONSHIP Round 9 Friday's first practice times: mins secs 1 K Odor Nissan Primera 2:00.73 2 W Hoy Toyota Carina 2:00.83 3 D Leslie Vaux Cavalier 2:00.92 4 P Radisich Ford Mondeo 2:00.92 5 A Rouse Ford Mondeo 2:00.94 6 P Watts Mazda Xedos 2:01.11 7 J Bailey Toyota Carina 2:01.16 8 J Cleland Vaux Cavalier 2:01.21 9 S Soper BMW 318i 2:01.29 10 A Menu Renault 19 2:01.47 11 J Winkelhock BMW 318i 2:01.51 BRITISH FORMULA 3 CHAMPIONSHIP Round 9 Friday's practice times: mins secs 1 O Gavin Dallara Vaux 1:47.81 2 M Gueiros Dallara Vaux 1:47.87 3 W Hughes Dallara Fiat 1:48.34 4 K Burt Reynard Mugen 1:48.62 5 S Lakin Reynard Fiat 1:48.86 6 G Rees Reynard Mugen 1:49.00 7 S Arnold Dallara Mugen 1:49.25 8 M Goossens Dallara Mugen 1:49.42 9 P De La Rosa Reynard Mugen 1:49.46 10 A Ribeiro Reynard Mugen 1:49.84 FORMULA VAUXHALL EUROSERIES Round 10 Friday's first practice times: mins secs 1 V Radermecker 1:54.01 2 K McGarrity 1:54.23 3 J Hauser 1:54.24 4 F van Beuren 1:54.25 5 P Crinelli 1:54.31 6 D Franchitti 1:54.32 7 W Eyckmans 1:54.35 8 J Davies 1:54.36 9 M Calestani 1:54.41 10 J Plato 1:54.45 DUNLOP ROVER GTi CHAMPIONSHIP Round 7 Friday's practice times:mins secs 1 R Schirle 2:19.03 2 D Loudoun 2:19.45 3 N Edwards 2:19.51 4 R Grady 2:19.81 5 P Baldwin 2:19.82 6 L Ellington 2:20.01 7 M Hazell 2:20.12 8 C Harper 2:20.19 9 J Llewellyn 2:20.26 10 M Humphrey 2:20.27 10.07.93 - F1:- THE BRITISH GRAND PRIXDamon Hill produced a brilliant display in final qualifying before being pipped for Sunday's British Grand Prix pole by Alain Prost. The British star, roared on by thousands of cheering fans, twice held pole in a thrilling session at sun-kissed Silverstone. Hill moved onto pole on his final lap but while he waved to the crowd teammate Prost was busy topping it with a blistering 1 min 19.006 secs. Johnny Herbert, Derek Warwick, Mark Blundell and Martin Brundle all made the top nine.
Damon Hill is determined to go all out to give his fans the victory they crave on Sunday - team orders permitting. Hill had a great battle with Alain Prost for pole and said: "To know there are a lot of people rooting for me spurs me on. "This sort of attention is all new to me but it's good because it will bring out the best in me. I'm learning to cope with the pressure. "I know this is the big one and I'll be trying to give it that bit extra on Sunday."
Alain Prost played party-pooper as he snatched pole from Williams teammate and Damon Hill. The championship leader clearly has no intention of gifting victory to Hill as he looks to stretch his lead with a 50th Grand Prix victory. He said: "I knew Damon was going very well and he showed that in final qualifying. Luckily I had a very nice final lap." Hill added: "Alain took it personally when I took pole in France! He wasn't going to take that lying down."
Championship leader Alain Prost was more than happy to emerge on pole after once again sampling the exacting demands of Silverstone. The relieved Frenchman said: "It was the most difficult pole position I have done this year. I was never completely happy with the car when we tested here. I had lots of problems since then but today the car felt just right. I think it is going to be difficult to give 100 per cent for the whole race because it is such a physically demanding circuit."
Veteran Derek Warwick and battling Johnny Herbert gave the British fans more to cheer about as they both impressed in final qualifying. Warwick had a great run in the Footwork, finally finishing eighth fastest in 1 min 22.834 secs. He said: "We have been getting to grips with the active (suspension) and from here we can go forward in leaps and bounds." Herbert, a superb seventh in the Lotus, said: "It's great for the home fans to see British drivers doing well."
Mark Blundell bounced back from Friday's horrific crash to qualify ninth fastest in the Ligier. The 27-year-old from Royston had a lucky escape after a bad smash at Abbey, fractionally avoiding serious injury. He said: "My priority today was just to qualify. I'm still stiff and sore from the crash." Teammate Martin Brundle, with points in his last three races, was sixth fastest and said: "To hear the crowd cheering was fantastic."
FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP Final qualifying times: mins secs 1 A Prost Fr Williams 1:19.006 2 D Hill GB Williams 1:19.134 3 M Schumacher Ger Benetton 1:20.401 4 A Senna Brz McLaren 1:21.986 5 R Patrese It Benetton 1:22.364 6 M Brundle GB Ligier 1:22.421 7 J Herbert GB Lotus 1:22.487 8 D Warwick GB Footwork 1:22.834 9 M Blundell GB Ligier 1:22.885 10 A Suzuki Jpn Footwork 1:23.077 11 M Andretti US McLaren 1:23.114 12 J Alesi Fr Ferrari 1:23.203 13 G Berger Aut Ferrari 1:23.257 14 A Zanardi It Lotus 1:23.533 15 R B'chello Brz Jordan 1:23.635 16 JJ Lehto Fin Sauber 1:24.071 17 E Comas Fr Larrousse 1:24.139 18 K Wendlinger Aut Sauber 1:24.525 19 C Fittipaldi Brz Minardi 1:24.664 20 P Martini It Minardi 1:24.718 21 A De Cesaris It Tyrrell 1:25.254 22 U Katayama Jpn Tyrrell 1:25.343 23 T Boutsen Bel Jordan 1:25.363 24 P Alliot Fr Larrousse 1:25.397 25 L Badoer It Lola 1:26.239 26 M Alboreto It Lola 1:26.520 AUTO TRADER RAC BRITISH TOURING CAR CHAMPIONSHIP Round 9 Combined practice times (Fri/Sat): mins secs 1 K Odor Nissan Primera 2:00.73 2 W Hoy Toyota Carina 2:00.83 3 D Leslie Vaux Cavalier 2:00.92 4 P Radisich Ford Mondeo 2:00.92 5 A Rouse Ford Mondeo 2:00.94 6 P Watts Mazda Xedos 2:01.11 7 J Bailey Toyota Carina 2:01.16 8 J Cleland Vaux Cavalier 2:01.21 9 S Soper BMW 318i 2:01.29 10 A Menu Renault 19 2:01.47 11 J Winkelhock BMW 318i 2:01.51 BRITISH FORMULA 3 CHAMPIONSHIP Round 9 Saturday's result after 15 laps:mins secs 1 O Gavin Dallara Vaux 27:04.63 2 W Hughes Dallara Fiat 27:09.74 3 R Rosset Dallara Mugen 27:13.48 4 K Burt Reynard Mugen 27:13.84 5 S Arnold Dallara Mugen 27:16.93 6 M Goossens Dallara Mugen 27:17.53 7 P De La Rosa Reynard Mugen 27:17.86 8 S Lakin Reynard Fiat 27:18.76 9 A Ribeiro Reynard Mugen 27:30.20 10 J Spence Bowman Opel 27:33.13 FORMULA VAUXHALL EUROSERIES Round 10 Combined practice times (Fri/Sat): mins secs 1 V Radermecker 1:53.83 2 F van Beuren 1:53.89 3 L Garcia 1:53.92 4 J Mowlem 1:53.97 5 J Hauser 1:53.99 6 M Giao 1:53.99 7 P Crinelli 1:54.08 8 J Plato 1:54.13 9 M O'Connell 1:54.15 10 K McGarrity 1:54.19 DUNLOP ROVER GTi CHAMPIONSHIP Round 7 Saturday's result after 10 laps: mins secs 1 D Loudoun 24:00.64 2 R Schirle 24:01.51 3 P Baldwin 24:02.14 4 N Edwards 24:02.49 5 M Hazell 24:03.22 6 R Mears 24:04.14 7 M Buxton 24:08.25 8 C Harper 24:10.62 9 R Hann 24:10.97 10 R Grady 24:11.90 11.07.93 - F1:- THE BRITISH GRAND PRIXDamon Hill's dream of a maiden GP win was shattered by a blown engine at Silverstone as he looked set to triumph in front of his own fans. The British star, desperate to give the crowd what they wanted, had held off teammate Alain Prost but was forced out 17 laps from home. It was heartbreak for Hill who had broken Nigel Mansell's lap record seconds earlier with a blistering run of 1 min 22.515 secs. Prost stormed to a record 50th GP victory while Ayrton Senna came to grief on the final lap.
Damon Hill was left to reflect on what might have been after an agonising engine failure cost him a glorious Grand Prix victory. The 32-year-old Londoner roared in front from the start to the delight of his adoring fans. His charge was checked as drivers had to slow for the safety car after 37 laps - and Prost began to close after the 're-start'. Hill again raced clear - breaking the lap record - but his fans watched in horror as his smoking Williams ground to a sorry halt.
Damon Hill ultimately paid the price for pushing too hard as his engine expired - but he was under enormous pressure. Hill and Alain Prost were left to duel after the safety car came on following Luca Badoer's crash. Hill said: "Once the safety car pulled off it was a 20-lap race. I knew I had to go for it. It's infuriating and I feel empty. You do everything right and then something like that stops you. I can't believe it."
Disappointed Damon Hill could not hide his frustration after engine trouble wrecked his hopes of a home and maiden Grand Prix victory. Hill's legendary father Graham never won the British GP - and that undoubtedly spurred him on. It was still a great drive in only his 11th GP but Hill said: "I just wish I could have finished the job off after leading for so long. "It is only the second time an engine has blown up on me and both times it has cost me a race."
Alain Prost became the first driver to win 50 Grands Prix as he pounced after Damon Hill's misfortune. The 38-year-old Frenchman stretched his Championship lead to 20 points over Ayrton Senna after Senna ran out of fuel on the last lap. Prost, who also equalled Jim Clark's record of five British GP wins, said: "I don't think I would have won if Damon had not gone out. Overtaking here is very difficult. I'm sorry for the British fans and Damon. He's been driving very well."
Ayrton Senna suffered more Silverstone woe as he ran out of fuel on the last lap. The Brazilian ace, desperate for points to close the gap on Alain Prost, had been a strong third but was finally classified fifth. He was hit by mechanical trouble at Silverstone last year seven laps from home - and ran out of petrol at the death in 1991. Senna said: "The computer told us we had fuel but apart from that we've had stability problems all weekend."
Johnny Herbert gleefully helped himself to another three points as he grabbed fourth place after a frantic finish at Silverstone. The exuberant 29-year-old Lotus star, fourth in Brazil and at Donington, moved up after Ayrton Senna stopped on the last lap. Herbert had been locked in a superb battle for fourth as he chased Riccardo Patrese - along with veteran Derek Warwick. Warwick, in the new 'active' Footwork, finished sixth for his first point of the season.
Happy Johnny Herbert came away with fourth place - and only just missed out on third after a terrific tussle with Riccardo Patrese. Herbert, top-placed Briton on the day, said: "I just couldn't quite do it! I was really pushing but I couldn't get quite close enough. My car was better through the Esses and Bridge but he had more speed on the straight. It was a good race though." Lotus chief Peter Collins said: "It shows what can be achieved when you work hard and don't give up."
Ligier duo Martin Brundle and Mark Blundell left Silverstone somewhat disappointed after a frustrating British Grand Prix. Brundle, with points in his last three races, retired four laps from home while Blundell finished just out of the points. Brundle said: "I lost my gears 10 laps from the end and I had to stop. I'm really disappointed." Blundell was seventh after a late spin and said: "I couldn't do much then because my tyres were damaged."
Result after 59 laps: 1 A Prost Fr Williams 1:25'38.189 2 M Schumacher Ger Benetton 1:25'45.849 3 R Patrese It Benetton 1:26'55.671 4 J Herbert GB Lotus 1:26'56.596 5 A Senna Brz McLaren 1 lap 6 D Warwick GB Footwork 1 lap 7 M Blundell GB Ligier 1 lap 8 JJ Lehto Fin Sauber 1 lap 9 J Alesi Fr Ferrari 1 lap 10 R B'chello Brz Jordan 1 lap 11 P Alliot Fr L'rousse 2 laps 12 C Fittipaldi Brz Minardi 3 laps 13 U Katayama Jpn Tyrrell 4 laps 14 M Brundle GB Ligier 6 laps Fastest lap: D Hill 1:22.515 (lap recd) NOT CLASSIFIED: 15 A De Cesaris It Tyrrell 43 laps 16 D Hill GB Williams 41 laps 17 A Zanardi It Lotus 41 laps 18 T Boutsen Bel Jordan 41 laps 19 L Badoer It Lola 32 laps 20 P Martini It Minardi 31 laps 21 K Wendlinger Aut Sauber 24 laps 22 G Berger Aut Ferrari 10 laps 23 A Suzuki Jpn Footwork 8 laps * M Andretti US McLaren did not complete first lap F1 DRIVERS' STANDINGS (British GP) 1 A Prost Fr 67 points 2 A Senna Brz 47 3 M Schumacher Ger 30 4 D Hill GB 28 5 R Patrese It 9 6 M Brundle GB 9 7 J Herbert GB 9 8 M Blundell GB 6 9 JJ Lehto Fin 5 = C Fittipaldi Brz 5 11 G Berger Aut 5 12 J Alesi Fr 4 13 M Andretti US 3 14 P Alliot Fr 2 15 F Barbazza It 2 16 K Wendlinger Aut 1 = A Zanardi It 1 = D Warwick GB 1 F1 CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP (British GP) 1 Williams Renault 95 points 2 McLaren Ford 50 3 Benetton Ford 39 4 Ligier Renault 15 5 Lotus Ford 10 6 Ferrari 9 7 Minardi 7 8 Sauber 6 9 Larrousse 2 10 Footwork 1Williams are threatening to boycott the next two Grands Prix if FISA chiefs ban active suspension. The Didcot-based team may pull out of the German Grand Prix at Hockenheim and the Hungarian GP at Hungaroring. Williams have been unbeatable due to their high-tech system and technical chief Patrick Head said: "If FISA announces that active suspension is banned we will appeal. If the appeal is turned down we will not be at the next two GP." FISA are due to meet next week.
TOURING CARS:- Keith Odor held on for a thrilling victory after an action-packed ninth round at Silverstone. Odor held off Win Percy in a superb battle between the two Nissan Primera eGTs to come home in 30 mins 59.97 secs. Will Hoy, second fastest in qualifying, was left fuming after his Toyota Carina E GTi was hit by teammate Julian Bailey early on. Hoy's car was left on its roof after the crash but he emerged unscathed. Championship leader Joachim Winkelhock was fourth.
AUTO TRADER RAC BRITISH TOURING CAR CHAMPIONSHIP Round 9 Sunday's result after 15 laps:mins secs 1 K Odor Nissan Primera 30:59.97 2 W Percy Nissan Primera 31:02.10 3 P Radisich Ford Mondeo 31:06.01 4 J Winkelhock BMW 318i 31:06.81 5 D Leslie Vaux Cavalier 31:06.81 6 J Cleland Vaux Cavalier 31:09.11 7 H Nuttall Vaux Cavalier 31:15.97 8 A Menu Renault 19 31:16.42 9 R Gravett Peugeot 405 31:23.67 10 J Kaye Toyota Carina 31:24.68 FORMULA VAUXHALL EUROSERIES Round 10 Sunday's result after 15 laps: mins secs 1 V Radermecker 28:50.65 2 L Garcia 28:53.71 3 J Hauser 29:00.88 4 M Giao 29:03.75 5 J Plato 29:04.45 6 J Mowlem 29:05.78 7 A Kanaan 29:07.87 8 D Morelli 29:11.65 9 M O'Connell 29:13.35 10 R Ingall 29:18.25 LABATTS WORLD ENDURANCE '50s SPORTSCARS Sunday's result after 9 laps: mins secs 1 N Mason Maserati T60 21:04.15 2 F Sytner Jaguar D Type 21:04.44 3 G Pearson Jaguar D Type 21:04.93 4 S Griswold Lister Chev 21:12.39 5 S Martin Ferrari 196 21:14.50 6 J Pattinson Cooper Monaco 21:15.77 7 J Harper Jaguar D Type 21:16.02 8 D Ham Lister Jaguar 21:17.22 9 P Alexander Ferrari 750 Mon 21:44.59 10 S O'Rourke Lister Jaguar 21:48.51INDYCARS:- Nigel Mansell took third place in the Cleveland Grand Prix as the Penske drivers claimed a 1-2. Pole starter Paul Tracy of Canada took the chequered flag while the batle went on for second between the two former Formula One drivers. Brazilian Emerson Fittipaldi edged ahead over the closing stages to leave the Briton, driving with a sprained wrist, third. Fittipaldi has now closed the gap on Mansell at the top of the standings to just 14 points.
Result of the Cleveland Grand Prix: mph 1 P Tracy Can Penske Chev 127.913 2 E Fit'paldi Brz Penske Chev 3 N Mansell GB Lola Ford 4 S Johansson Swe Penske Chev 5 M Andretti US Lola Ford 6 B Gordon US Lola Ford Times unavailable due to computer failure at track 12.07.93 - F1Damon Hill has been given a vote of confidence by Frank Williams, after the Briton's Silverstone disaster. Hill's dreams of winning his first Grand Prix in front of his home crowd were left in tatters when his engine exploded in flames. The car is being examined by technicians and Williams said: "I would imagine Damon will kick the furniture over but by Tuesday he will be back to normal. He's on a learning curve and he's improving fast. He's surprised all of us, it's most impressive."
14.07.93 - ARGENTINE RALLY Positions after 1 of 25 stages: mins secs 1 J Kankkunen Fin Toyota 2.56 2 D Auriol Fr Toyota 2.59 = M Biasion It Ford Escort 2.59 4 C Sainz Sp Lancia 3.00 = G Trelles Uru Lancia 3.00 6 C Menem Arg Ford Escort 3.05 7 R Stohl Aut Audi 3.09 8 B Sulayem UAE Ford Escort 3.11 9 J Recalde Arg Lancia 3.15 10 G Rates Arg Renault 3.17 = M Stohl Aus Audi 3.17 Sainz retired after SS1 with broken engine 15.07.93 - F1FISA have banned traction control and high-tech suspension used by the sport's most successful teams. President of the governing body, Max Mosley, announced the ban after a meeting to determine whether the devices were illegal. Formula One teams have spent millions on the development of the systems and are likely to appeal. If any team appeals the ruling will be suspended allowing the teams to run in the next race, the German Grand Prix.
16.07.93F1:- Williams are to appeal against the ruling which has banned the use of high technology driver aids. The Formula One team, currently leading the constructors' championship, have threatened to withdraw from the next two Grands Prix if their appeal is rejected. FISA imposed the ban after deciding active suspension and traction control did not comply with technical regulations. All results up to and including last Sunday's British Grand Prix at Silverstone will stand.
FISA insist they will stick rigidly to their rules banning traction control and active suspension. "From now on, and subject to any appeal, regulations will be rigorously enforced and cars which do not comply will not be allowed to take part in an event." FISA's Max Mosley said teams had seven days to appeal against the decisions and cars which did not comply with regulations would be allowed to race pending the result. McLaren will not comment until they have received formal notification.
FISA will not be taking any action over the use of "illegal fuel" due to uncertainty over the accuracy of the tests used. Samples were taken from several cars including the two Williams'. But despite a report saying some fuel did not comply with technical regulations, FISA are giving the teams the benefit of the doubt. FISA's Max Mosley added, in future competitors would have to supply a detailed specification, analysis and sample of the fuel they intend to use well before the race.
LE-MANS:- Jaguar have been disqualified from their GT class win in last month's Le Mans 24-hour race. The company, who raced their œ500,000 XJ220 at the world's most famous endurance race, said they were "bemused" by the decision. The technical eligibility of the TWR Jaguar team was questioned by the organisers before the race. They argued that turbo-charged cars should have catalytic converters. Jaguar say they were told the disqualification was made because the team did not lodge an appeal.
INDYCAR:- Nigel Mansell crashed into a barrier during practice for Sunday's Canadian Indycar race but escaped unhurt. The 39-year-old smashed his Ford Cosworth into a tyre barrier on the second turn of the street circuit on the shores of Lake Ontario. Mansell was admitted to the Indycar medical coach for observation but was released unhurt. Tests were carried out on Mansell's right wrist which he injured last weekend in a race at Cleveland.
ARGENTINE RALLY Positions end of leg one - SS8:mins secs 1 J Kankkunen Fin Toyota 1:51.46 2 M Biasion It Ford Escort 1:52.23 3 G Trelles Uru Lancia 1:55.19 4 D Auriol Fr Toyota 1:58.13 5 C Menem Bra Ford Escort 2:01.45 6 B Bir Arg Ford Escort 2:01.45 7 M Stohl Aus Audi 2:05.59 8 G Rates Arg Renault 2:06.29 9 R Stohl Aut Audi 2:09.09 10 J Bescham UAE Fiat 2:09.47 17.07.93INDYCAR:- Nigel Mansell crashed fror the second successive day when he hit a barrier during qualifying for Sunday's Canadian Indycar race. Britain's Formula One world champion crashed his Ford Cosworth into a wall of tyres having spun into a tyre barrier on Friday. The 39-year-old who switched to Indycars this season said: "I might be a miracle man but I am just not experienced here." Mansell, who was unhurt in both crashes, leads the championship.
Final qualifying for Sunday's Molson Indy Toronto race: mins:secs 1 E Fit'paldi Brz Penske Chev 58.256 2 P Tracy Can Penske Chev 58.497 3 B Rahal US Lola Chev 58.611 4 D Sullivan US Lola Chev 58.635 5 S Johansson Swe Penske Chev 58.695 6 R Boesel Brz Lola Ford 58.702 7 A Unser US Lola Chev 58.771 8 A Luyendyk Ned Lola Ford 58.773 9 N Mansell GB Lola Ford 58.832 10 S Goodyear Can Lola Ford 58.968 ARGENTINE RALLY Final positions after 1,836km: hrs:mins secs 1 J Kankkunen Fin Toyota 5:32.31 2 M Biasion It Ford Escort 5:34.25 3 D Auriol Fr Toyota 5:49.29 4 G Trelles Uru Lancia 6:00.36 5 C Menem Arg Ford Escort 6:04.05 6 M B Sulayem UAE Ford Escort 6:09.42 7 R Stohl Aut Audi 6:21.53 8 A Coutinho Por Ford Escort 6:30.53 9 G Raies Arg Renault 6:33.01 18.07.93F3:- British Formula Three leader Kelvin Burt romped to an easy nine second victory in a Dallara in the 10th round at Donington. He led home Belgian Marc Goossens with Oliver Gavin third. Burt now has a 15 point lead over Gavin.
GERMAN TOURING CARS:- Former GP driver Christian Danner, driving an Alfa Romeo 155 V16Ti, won the first race in the German Touring Car Championship by eight seconds at Donington Park. Championship leader Nicola Larini took third place and then won the second race in his Alfa.
INDYCAR:- Nigel Mansell was forced out of the Canadian Indycar race on lap 55 after his car lost power. Britain's Formula One world champion had completed more than half the race when he went in to the pits with smoke spewing from his Ford Cosworth. The 39-year-old said: "We've had a lot of problems with the car. On the last 20 laps we were losing boost pressure." Mansell, who crashed twice in qualifying, was ninth when he pulled out.
Result of Molson Indy Toronto race: 1 P Tracy Can Penske Chev 2 E Fit'paldi Brz Penske Chev 3 D Sullivan US Lola Chev 4 B Rahal US Lola Chev 5 A Unser US Lola Chev 19.07.93 - F1The Williams racing team have filed an appeal against a decision by FISA to ban active suspensions and traction control in Formula One. The appeal means that the systems can be used by any car in the German Grand Prix on Sunday. Williams, dominating the sport this year with active suspension cars, was joined in the appeal by the small Footwork team. Federation President Max Mosley said that the independent tribunal could rule on the appeal as early as two days after the German race.
21.07.93 - F1The appeal by Williams and two other Formula One teams against the ban on high technology drivers' aids will be heard on August 2. FISA announced on Wednesday that the hearing would be conducted by the International Automobile Federation in Paris. FISA last week banned the active suspension and traction control systems fitted in most F1 cars. The Williams, Footwork and McLaren teams have appealed against the ban.
JOHN WATSON ON THE GERMAN GRAND PRIX
This week's German Grand Prix at Hockenheim will probably owe more to Fred Karno's Circus than to to Formula One racing. Trying to explain what is happening in Formula One now is as hard as trying to understand it. In principle, active suspension and traction control were finally deemed to be illegal at a FISA World Council meeting last weekend. Of course, the avenue of appeal is open to those teams who operate such systems and want to contest the decision.
What seems illogical to me is that if any appeal against FISA's new rulings is turned down, the teams concerned will still retain any points they win at Hockenheim. The problem will then roll on to the Hungarian Grand Prix in August. All this may prove to be no more than rhatoric when a team meeting in the paddock on Thursday may see a unanimous agreement reached for a ban on all electronic aids in 1994. If that happens, then teams will be permitted to run their 1993 cars as they have done so far this year.
While all the off-circuit meetings are taking place, it is of course the German Grand Prix this weekend. That involves 45 car-destroying laps of the Hockenheimring circuit. The race has got to be the biggest gift of the 1993 season to the Williams team as nobody will even sniff the fumes from their exhaust. With the Championship battle really now a matter of course for Alain Prost, it is my belief that there will be no team orders this weekend - leaving the way open for a possible Damon Hill victory.
I would not be surprised to see Damon Hill score his first Formula One GP win this weekend. The British GP two weeks ago saw Hill's coming of age as a GP driver. I saw the emergence of a racing driver who realised his desire to be a GP winner - and there is a large distinction between the two. His anger at being denied a maiden win in his home GP is probably the best thing that has happened to him in his career. Now you will see why Frank Williams had the faith to select him as a team driver.
This weekend's race is a question of balancing straight-line speed against downforce. The team most likely to follow in the wake of Williams is Benetton. They combine competitive lap-times with a low downforce set-up, and having Michael Schumacher racing in his home GP is also significant. His teammate Riccardo Patrese will also hog some of the limelight for this is his 250th GP - a truly remarkable achievement. I certainly wish him a memorable race.
Marlboro McLaren appear to have taken their eye off the ball at the moment, despite having the Seven series Ford HB engines. Ayrton Senna has a tough task to catch championship leader Alain Prost, who lies 20 points clear. As for the rest, I emphasize that finishing is the primary objective at Hockenheim - a circuit which is traditionally merciless on engines. My view for this weekend would be to keep an eye on the Ligier and Sauber teams as well.
22.07.93 - F1Formula One teams - including Williams - will be allowed to carry on as they are for the rest of this year's championship. F1 chiefs and FISA have reached a compromise in the row over active suspension and traction control on the eve of the German Grand Prix. All sides have agreed to radical rule changes for 1994 - which is likely to mean the banning of all advanced electronic aids. Williams had been planning an appeal against FISA's initial ban on active suspension.
South Africa's Kyalami circuit has been sold for around #7 million. New owners AA Racing say they plan to stage a full programme in 1994, including the opening F1 grand prix.
23.07.93 - F1:- THE GERMAN GRAND PRIX FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP Friday's qualifying times: mins secs 1 A Prost Fr Williams 1:39.046 2 M Schumacher Ger Benetton 1:39.640 3 D Hill GB Williams 1:40.211 4 M Blundell GB Ligier 1:40.279 5 A Senna Brz Mclaren 1:40.642 6 M Brundle GB Ligier 1:40.916 7 R Patrese It Benetton 1:41.101 8 A Suzuki Jpn Footwork 1:41.138 9 G Berger Aut Ferrari 1:41.290 10 J Alesi It Ferrari 1:41.304 11 M Andretti US McLaren 1:41.531 12 J Herbert GB Lotus 1:41.564 13 A Zanardi It Lotus 1:41.858 14 K W'linger Aut Sauber 1:41.922 15 E Comas Fr Larrousse 1:42.086 16 R B'chello Brz Jordan 1:42.152 17 C Fittipaldi Brz Minardi 1:42.658 18 P Martini It Minardi 1:42.786 19 JJ Lehto Fin Sauber 1:42.845 20 P Alliot Fr Larrousse 1:42.912 21 D Warwick GB Footwork 1:42.977 22 L Badoer It Lola 1:43.345 23 A De Cesaris It Tyrrell 1:43.471 24 T Boutsen Bel Jordan 1:43.476 25 M Alboreto It Lola 1:44.198 26 U Katayama Jpn Tyrrell 1:46.709Championship leader Alain Prost survived a late charge by local hero Michael Schumacher to claim provisional pole for Sunday's race. Prost clocked 1 min 39.046 in his Williams Renault, but then saw the German come within 0.6 secs of his time late in the session. Britain's Damon Hill did not have a trouble-free session but still set the third best time of 1:40.211. Mark Blundell was just 0.068 slower for Ligier before the session ended early when Luca Badoer crashed his Lola at the third chicane.
Alain Prost insisted there was plenty of room for improvement despite claiming provisional pole in his Williams Renault. "We need to find a much better balance, especially under braking. I am not very happy with the car and I feel there are a lot of things to work on before tomorrow." Michael Schumacher thrilled the German crowd with the second best time and said: "It's been a great team performance to be just one sixth of a second behind one of the Williams and in front of the other."
24.07.93 - F1:- THE GERMAN GRAND PRIXAlain Prost secured his ninth pole in 10 races this year for Sunday's race at Hockenheim. Prost, driving the controversial Williams car with active suspension and traction control, clocked a time of one minute 38.748 seconds. Britain's Damon Hill made a bold effort to snatch pole position from his teammate but had to be content with the second fastest time. Home hope Michael Schumacher was third fastes ahead of Ayrton Senna, while Britons Mark Blundell and Martin Brundle were fifth and sixth.
Alain Prost will be looking for his 51st Grand Prix victory on Sunday and was glad to have secured pole. "It is always important to be on pole and especially at a circuit like this where it is bumpy and difficult to pass with 200 litres of fuel on board," said Prost. Britain's Damon Hill produced a fine effort to be second on the grid and predicted a great race. "I think it will be pretty close between the top four cars. I am glad to be on the front row here - it is going to be a cracker."
FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP Final qualifying times: mins secs 1 A Prost Fr Williams 1:38.748 2 D Hill GB Williams 1:38.905 3 M Schumacher Ger Benetton 1:39.580 4 A Senna Brz Mclaren 1:39.610 5 M Blundell GB Ligier 1:40.135 6 M Brundle GB Ligier 1:40.855 7 R Patrese It Benetton 1:41.101 8 A Suzuki Jpn Footwork 1:41.138 9 G Berger Aut Ferrari 1:41.242 10 J Alesi It Ferrari 1:41.304 11 D Warwick GB Footwork 1:41.449 12 M Andretti US McLaren 1:41.531 13 J Herbert GB Lotus 1:41.564 14 K W'linger Aut Sauber 1:41.642 15 A Zanardi It Lotus 1:41.858 16 E Comas Fr Larrousse 1:41.945 17 R B'chello Brz Jordan 1:42.025 18 JJ Lehto Fin Sauber 1:42.032 19 A De Cesaris It Tyrrell 1:42.203 20 C Fittipaldi Brz Minardi 1:42.658 21 U Katayama Jpn Tyrrell 1:42.682 22 P Martini It Minardi 1:42.786 23 P Alliot Fr Larrousse 1:42.910 24 T Boutsen Bel Jordan 1:43.007 25 L Badoer It Lola 1:43.345 26 M Alboreto It Lola 1:44.166TOURING CARS:- Julian Bailey, driving a Toyota Carina, claimed pole position for round nine of the RAC British Touring Car Championship at Knockhill, Scotland. He clocked an overall time of 55.07 seconds with Patrick Watts, in a Mazda Xedos second and John Cleland driving a Cavalier, third.
QUINTON STAGES RALLY:- Brian Bell, driving a Ford Escort Cosworth, won the Quinton Stages Rally - the sixth round of the BTRDA Rally Series. Simon Bray, who finished 39th, retains the overall lead in the series.
25.07.93 - F1:- THE GERMAN GRAND PRIXDamon Hill was once again denied a first-ever GP win as terrible luck continued to haunt him. Hill had a clear 13-second lead over teammate Alain Prost with just two laps to go when a tyre blow-out gave the Frenchman victory. It all seemed too cruel on the young Briton who had led for almost all of the race after Prost had incurred an early 10-second penalty. Home hope Michael Schumacher was second with Britain's Mark Blundell earning a spot on the podium.
Damon Hill said his Silverstone disappointment could not compare to his Hockenheim horror when a burst tyre robbed him of a first GP win. "It was my race," said Hill, who had a 13-second lead with just two laps remaining when tragedy struck. "It is a million times worse than than at Silverstone because the job had been done and the race was won. But if I was determined to win my first Grand Prix before this race, I am three times more determined to win now," said the gutsy Englishman.
Alain Prost extended his lead over Ayrton Senna in the championship to 27 points after Damon Hill's late misfortune handed him victory. Prost looked set for second place after being given a 10-second stop-start penalty for missing a chicane on the very first lap. "Hill was very unlucky again," said Prost. "But I was surprised with my penalty as I would have hit Martin Brundle and had no choice." Ayrton Senna found himself in last spot after spinning on lap one but fought back to take fourth place.
Mark Blundell repeated his third place spot in South Africa with a fine drive on the Hockenheimring. The Ligier driver held off strong challenges from Gerhard Berger and Ayrton Senna to move into sixth place in the drivers' standings. "It was a great battle with Berger and Senna but I managed to maintain the gap," said the 27-year-old. "Ligier have come a long way this season," he added. Martin Brundle came home in eighth place while Johnny Herbert finished in 10th spot.
Derek Warwick managed to finish in 17th place despite being involved in a 160mph crash during warm-up. The 38-year-old's Footwork Mugen Honda ran into the back of another car during the rain-hit session. The right-hand wheels were broken off and his car slid off the track and flipped over before coming to rest in a gravel track. Warwick was later flown to hospital with a suspected chipped bone in his neck but it turned out to be only a bruise and the Briton declared himself fit to race.
FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP Final result after 45 laps: hrs mins secs 1 A Prost Fr Williams 1:18.40 2 M Schumacher Ger Benetton @ 16 secs 3 M Blundell GB Ligier @ 59 secs 4 A Senna Brz Mclaren @ 1.08 5 R Patrese It Benetton @ 1.31 6 G Berger Aut Ferrari @ 1.34 7 J Alesi Fr Ferrari @ 1.35 8 M Brundle GB Ligier 1 lap 9 K W'linger Aut Sauber 1 lap 10 J Herbert GB Lotus 1 lap 15 D Hill GB Williams 2 laps 17 D Warwick GB Footwork 3 laps DRIVERS STANDINGS 1 A Prost Fr 77 points 2 A Senna Brz 50 3 M Schumacher Ger 36 4 D Hill GB 28 5 R Patrese It 11 6 M Blundell GB 10 7 M Brundle GB 9 = J Herbert GB 9 9 G Berger Aut 6 10 C Fittipaldi Brz 5 = JJ Lehto Fin 5 12 J Alesi Fr 4 13 M Andretti US 3 14 P Alliot Fr 2 15 F Barbazza It 2 16 K Wendlinger Aut 1 = A Zanardi It 1 = D Warwick GB 1 RAC BRITISH TOURING CAR CHAMPIONSHIP Round 10 result from Knockhill:mins secs 1 J Cleland Vauxhall Cav 25:25.95 2 J Bailey Toyota Carina 25:26.11 3 J Winkelhock BMW 318i 25:31.83 4 P Watts Mazda Xedos 25:33.19 5 P Radisich Ford Mondeo 25:38.14 6 J Allam Vauxhall Cav 25:38.57 7 K Odor Nissan Primera 25:38.97 8 E O'Brien Peugeot 405 25:40.01 9 D Leslie Vauxhall Cav 25:41.78 10 W Hoy Toyota Carina 25:45.65 Round 11 result from Knockhill:mins secs 1 J Bailey Toyota Carina 28:08.44 2 J Cleland Vauxhall Cav 28:13.51 3 W Hoy Toyota Carina 28:15.80 4 P Watts Mazda Xedos 28:18.91 5 P Radisich Ford Mondeo 28:20.38 6 J Allam Vauxhall Cav 28:20.80 7 D Leslie Vauxhall Cav 28:21.50 8 S Soper BMW 318i 28:21.89 9 H Nuttall Vauxhall Cav 28:30.58 10 A Rouse Ford Mondeo 28:31.14John Cleland and Julian Bailey shared the honours in Sunday's RAC British Championship double header at Knockhill. Cleland won the first race in his Vauxhall Cavalier with Bailey close behind in his slipstream. It was his first win of the year but Bailey got the better of him in the second race as the finishing positions were reversed. Championship leader Joachim Winkelhock was third in the first race but had to sit out the second with a broken clutch.
30.07.93 - BRITISH RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP ULSTER RALLY - TOP 5 AFTER STAGE 8 1 M Wilson Eng Ford 56m 50s 2 A McHale Ire Toyota 58m 02s 3 K McKinstry NI Subaru 58m 03s 4 B Fisher NI Subaru 58m 05s 5 A McRae Sco Subaru 58m 15sRichard Burns crashed out on stage five. Robbie Head crashed into a ditch on stage three.