01.11.93MANSELL:- Nigel Mansell has left hospital after his horrific 120mph touring car crash at Donington on Sunday. He was discharged from Nottingham's Queen's Medical Centre after being detained overnight but is suffering from a stiff neck and bruising. The Indy Car champions's accident shocked 50,000 fans at the circuit on Sunday but he looks certain to carry on his career undaunted. "It could have been a lot worse. I had a lucky escape," said Mansell, who was involved in a 180mph crash in Phoenix earlier this year.
CATALUNYA RALLY:- The 29th Catalunya Rally starts on Tuesday with Francois Delecour determined to close the gap on championship leader Juha Kankkunen. The Frenchman must win both in Spain and at the RAC Rally later this month, with the Finn finishing no higher than third in either, to steal the world championship. But the Ford driver faces a stiff task over the 1,750 kilometres that includes 29 special stages. Kankkunen, in a Toyota this year, was second in 1992 in a Lancia, while Delecour crashed out.
03.11.93F1:- JOHN WATSON ON THE AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX
It is end of term at Adelaide this weekend and, as always, the general atmosphere will be different to that of any other GP in the year. This race also has a sting in the tail and, despite its beguiling nature, Adelaide should not be underestimated. This once-a-year track is very unforgiving. First sight of this street circuit disguises the difficulty and many have been punished for their laxity. Even Ayrton Senna inexplicably fell foul of the circuit while leading in 1990 by a comfortable margin.
Ayrton Senna arrives in Adelaide fresh from his fourth GP win of the year and I would be surprised if he repeated his 1990 Adelaide faux pas. Controversy clouded his victory in Japan. It involved a post-race confrontation with Ulsterman Eddie Irvine who was celebrating scoring a point in his debut GP. This was the result of Irvine cheekily unlapping himself from Senna in his pursuit of Damon Hill. Senna was singularly unimpressed... Both parties handled the post-race situation badly, in my opinion.
Eddie Irvine drove with great heart and provided an interest unseen in F1 since Phoenix in 1990. In that race, Jean Alesi in his Tyrrell Ford was all over mighty Ayrton Senna like a rash. Irvine drove extremely hard in very difficult conditions and was on the pace all weekend, qualifying eighth for his first GP in a car which had been unimpressive so far this year. His natural skill married to his intimate knowledge of Suzuka clearly rattled many established reputations.
Adelaide always provides a spectacular event well fitted to the final stage of the season. For Alain Prost it represents the end of a wonderful period in his life; for Damon Hill it is a chance to finish Championship runner-up in his first full F1 season. Ayrton Senna also goes for second place, as well as his fifth GP win this season while Mika Hakkinen chases a first ever victory. Over at Benetton Michael Schumacher must be relishing the prospect of another five-way battle to the flag.
Eighty-one laps of the 2.349-mile Adelaide circuit makes this one of the most fatiguing GPs of the year. Rain has marred past races but in fine weather it is a great occasion. Adelaide sees the end of an era in GP car design. All electronic aids which have changed the driver's role are to be banned from now on. The expertise of highly-gifted electronic engineers has become a dominant factor in GP racing and I welcome this return to old values. Remember the important element in GP racing must always be the driver.
Mercedes Benz are to return to Formula One racing next year by developing an engine in conjunction with ILMOR Engineering, who supply engines to the Sauber team. The German car giants, who pulled out of racing in 1955, also plan to develop an Indy-car engine.
CATALUNYA RALLY: Positions after 19 of 29 stages:mins secs 1 F Delecour Fr Ford Escort 3:32.22 2 D Auriol Fr Toyota 3:32.50 3 M Biasion It Ford Escort 3:34.19 4 J Kankkunen Fin Toyota 3:34.55 5 A Fiorio It Lancia 3:36.44 6 G Trelles Uru Lancia 3:37.24 7 B Thiry Bel Opel Astra 3:48.28 8 L Climent Sp Opel Astra 3:51.43 9 J Bardolet Sp Opel Astra 3:53.16 10 E Doctor Hol Opel Calibra 3:54.50 Positions after 22 of 29 stages:mins secs 1 F Delecour Fr Ford Escort 4:06.42 2 D Auriol Fr Toyota 4:07.17 3 J Kankkunen Fin Toyota 4:09.34 4 M Biasion It Ford Escort 4:11.53 5 A Fiorio It Lancia 4:11.58 6 G Trelles Uru Lancia 4:14.06 7 B Thiry Bel Opel Astra 4:26.14 8 L Climent Sp Opel Astra 4:29.20 9 J Bardolet Sp Opel Astra 4:30.26 10 E Doctor Hol Opel Calibra 4:33.22 End of second leg 04.11.93F1:- Ayrton Senna has said he regretted punching fellow driver Eddie Irvine in a row after the Japanese GP. The Brazilian accused Irvine of blocking him out during the race and ended up knocking the Ulsterman over a table. But as Senna began the build-up to Sunday's Australian Grand Prix, he admitted: "In the end I lost my temper, which I deeply regret." Both he and Irvine have been summoned to an official FIA inquiry into the incident on December 9.
CATALUNYA RALLY Final position after 29 stages:mins secs 1 F Delecour Fr Ford Escort 5:36.19 2 D Auriol Fr Toyota 5:37.19 3 J Kankkunen Fin Toyota 5:40.28 4 M Biasion It Ford Escort 5:42.57 5 A Fiorio It Lancia 5:44.07 6 G Trelles Uru Lancia 5:46.27 7 B Thiry Bel Opel Astra 6:03.47 8 L Climent Sp Opel Astra 6:07.37 9 J Bardolet Sp Opel Astra 6:07.37Juha Kankkunen clinched his fourth world championship drivers' title as he took third place in Spain. It gave the flying Finn, in his Toyota, an unbeatable lead of 123 points, while Francois Delecour is in second spot after an impressive win in Spain. The Frenchman, in the Ford Escort Cosworth, finished almost a minute ahead of nearest rival Didier Auriol, with Miki Biasion fourth. Kankkunen said: "I am very happy because the Catalonia rally has always brought me luck."
After the Rally of Spain: DRIVERS 1 J Kankkunen Fin Toyota 123 pts 2 F Delecour Fr Ford 102 3 D Auriol Fr Toyota 86 4 M Biasion It Ford 76 5 C Sainz Sp Lancia 50 = C McRae GB Subaru 50 MANUFACTURERS 1 Toyota 151 pts 2 Ford 145 3 Subaru 100 4 Lancia 92 5 Mitsubishi 69 05.11.93 - F1: THE AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIXThree-times world champion Ayrton Senna broke the lap record in a stunning performance to take provisional pole for Sunday's race. The Brazilian dominated the opening qualifying session, clocking a time of 1 min 13.371 secs, four-tenths off Nigel Mansell's previous best. Alain Prost was second fastest in a Williams with 1:13.807, but even he was no match for the McLaren driver. German Michael Schumacher was third and Mika Hakkinen fourth in the second Mclaren, but Briton's Damon Hill trailed behind in sixth.
Britain's Derek Warwick missed first practice after feeling unwell. The 39-year-old Footwork driver complained of dizziness and extreme fatigue and, after precautionary X-rays, was ordered to rest. Brazilian Christian Fittipaldi is standing by to replace him if he is not fit to practice on Saturday. Damon Hill was only sixth fastest in his Williams and said: "It is bound to be a handicap not knowing this place. The opposition are catching us up. I must work harder."
Friday's opening qualifying times:mins secs 1 A Senna Brz McLaren 1:13.371 2 A Prost Fr Williams 1:13.807 3 M Schumacher Ger Benetton 1:14.098 4 M Hakkinen Fin McLaren 1:14.106 5 G Berger Aut Ferrari 1:14.194 6 D Hill GB Williams 1:14.721 7 J Alesi It Ferrari 1:15.332 8 M Brundle GB Ligier 1:16.022 9 R Patrese It Benetton 1:16.077 10 A Suzuki Jpn Footwork 1:16.079 11 K Wendlinger Aut Sauber 1:16.106 12 J Lehto Fin Sauber 1:16.286 13 R Bar'chello Brz Jordan 1:16.459 14 M Blundell GB Ligier 1:16.862 15 P Martini It Minardi 1:16.905 16 U Katayama Jpn Tyrrell 1:17.018 17 A De Cesaris It Tyrrell 1:17.350 18 J Herbert GB Lotus 1:17.612 19 E Comas Fr Larrousse 1:17.750 20 JM Gounon Fr Minardi 1:17.754 21 P Lamy Por Lotus 1:19.628 22 E Irvine Ire Jordan 1:19.733 23 T Suzuki Jpn Larrousse 1:21.793 Derek Warwick did not take part due to illnessUkyo Katayama has signed a contract to stay with Tyrrell for 1994. The Japanese driver has competed in 29 GPs but has yet to earn a point. Adelaide are bidding to host the Australian F1 race after the end of their contract in 1996. They could face competition from several other cities including Melbourne.
06.11.93 - F1: THE AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIXAyrton Senna remained at the top of the practice leaderboard to claim the 62nd pole of his career, ending Williams domination of the grid. The Brazilian secured his first pole of the season with Frenchman Alain Prost starting his 199th and final GP alongside him on the grid. Damon Hill moved from sixth place on the grid to third, one of only seven of the 24 drivers to better their Friday time. The Briton clocked the fastest lap of the day in his Williams, with a time of 1 min 13.826 secs.
Damon Hill looks set for a terrific battle with Ayrton Senna for the Championship runner-up spot after a big improvement in final practice. The 33-year-old Londoner was the only driver in the top 13 places to improve as high temperatures meant slower track conditions. His time of 1 min 13.826 secs put him on the second row of the grid behind pole man Senna in a McLaren and Williams teammate Alain Prost. "I put in a special effort. We made a slight improvement to the car and I began to know the track," he said.
Final qualifying times: mins secs 1 A Senna Brz McLaren 1:13.371 2 A Prost Fr Williams 1:13.807 3 D Hill GB Williams 1:13.826 4 M Schumacher Ger Benetton 1:14.098 5 M Hakkinen Fin McLaren 1:14.106 6 G Berger Aut Ferrari 1:14.194 7 J Alesi It Ferrari 1:15.332 8 M Brundle GB Ligier 1:16.022 9 R Patrese It Benetton 1:16.077 10 A Suzuki Jpn Footwork 1:16.079 11 K Wendlinger Aut Sauber 1:16.106 12 J Lehto Fin Sauber 1:16.286 13 R Bar'chello Brz Jordan 1:16.459 14 M Blundell GB Ligier 1:16.469 15 A De Cesaris It Tyrrell 1:16.892 16 P Martini It Minardi 1:16.905 17 D Warwick GB Footwork 1:16.919 18 U Katayama Jpn Tyrrell 1:17.018 19 E Irvine Ire Jordan 1:17.341 20 J Herbert GB Lotus 1:17.450 21 E Comas Fr Larrousse 1:17.750 22 JM Gounon Fr Minardi 1:17.754 23 P Lamy Por Lotus 1:19.369 24 T Suzuki Jpn Larrousse 1:21.793 07.11.93F1:- THE AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX
Ayrton Senna ended a superb career with McLaren with a convincing win in the final race of the season. Senna lapped all but the two Williams as he claimed his 41st GP victory, beating new world champion Alain Prost by 9.25 seconds. The Brazilian finished runner-up in the World F1 Championship, edging out Britain's Damon Hill who was third behind his Williams teammate after recovering from a spin. It was the fifth win of the season for Senna who now replaces retiring Prost at Williams next year.
Ayrton Senna made the best of his pole position when the race finally got underway, after three attempts, at the 2.349-mile Adelaide circuit. Senna roared into the lead in his McLaren, ahead of Alain Prost and Damon Hill and steadily pulled away from the Williams duo. Martin Brundle, starting from the back row after stalling on the warm-up lap, was back in his place on the grid for the first re-start. Eddie Irvine then overshot his spot and found himself at the back when the race was again re-started.
Finn JJ Lehto made a spectacular exit from the final race of 1993, his Sauber going almost vertical in the air after missing a chicane. He went out on lap 57, only the eighth driver to retire in the race. Britain's Johnny Herbert was among the early retirements, suffering mechanical trouble with the Lotus. Eddie Irvine joined him on the sidelines after damaging the suspension on his Jordan in a spin. Benetton's Michael Schumacher was also forced out with engine trouble.
Ayrton Senna claimed a record win for McLaren in his final race for the British team. It was their 104th GP victory, leaving them on the top of the all-time list one ahead of Ferrari. The Brazilian also overhauled Damon Hill in the battle for runner-up spot in the World Championship. Hill almost crashed out as he tried to improve on third in the race. "I thought there was an opening but Alain (Prost) held a tight line. I was having a go but I lost it on the exit," he explained.
Ayrton Senna led for all but five laps on his way to victory but insisted it was no easy task. "It was difficult to maintain a good pace and to cope with Alain (Prost). I was also worried about my clutch on the third start...." Senna temporarily lost the lead when he made an early pit stop and admitted: "I stopped a little too early. The tyres were no better." He paid tribute to the McLaren team and said he was leaving friends there. "I keep the good moments and happiness we have had," he added.
Result after 79 laps: hr mins secs 1 A Senna Brz McLaren 1:43:27.47 2 A Prost Fr Williams 9.25s back 3 D Hill GB Williams 33.902s 4 J Alesi It Ferrari 1 lap 5 G Berger Aut Ferrari 1 lap 6 M Brundle GB Ligier 1 lap 7 A Suzuki Jap Footwork 1 lap 8 R Patrese It Benetton 2 laps 9 M Blundell GB Ligier 2 laps 10 D Warwick GB Footwork 2 laps 11 R Barrichello Brz Jordan 3 laps 12 E Comas Fr Larrousse 3 laps 13 A de Cesaris It Tyrrell 4 laps 14 T Suzuki Jap Larrousse 5 laps 15 K Wendlinger Aut Sauber 6 laps Final World Championship points: 1 A Prost Fr 99 world champion 2 A Senna Brz 73 3 D Hill GB 69 4 M Schumacher Ger 52 5 R Patrese It 20 6 J Alesi Fr 16 7 M Brundle GB 13 8 G Berger Aut 12 9 J Herbert GB 11 10 M Blundell GB 10 11 M Andretti US 7 == K Wendlinger Aut 7 13 C Fittipaldi Brz 5 == JJ Lehto Fin 5 15 D Warwick GB 4 Final standings: 1 Williams Renault 168 points 2 McLaren Ford 84 3 Benetton Ford 72 4 Ferrari 28 5 Ligier Renault 23 6 Lotus Ford 12 = Sauber 12 8 Minardi 7 9 Footwork 4 10 Larrousse 3 11 Jordan-Hart 3Four times world champion Alain Prost walked away from Formula One and appeared to have few regrets. "I will feel a bit more free. My life should be a little better," said the Frenchman, after finishing second on his favourite circuit at Adelaide in his 199th and final GP. Prost clinched this year's title at Portugal on September 26 having already announced his retirement. He quit F1 racing for a season two years ago but promises this time there will be no comeback. "My life will be different," he admitted.
Alain Prost was beaten by long-time rival Ayrton Senna in the final race of his fine Formula One career. "I would have loved to have won but I knew it would be difficult," said the Williams driver. He has had many heated moments with Senna both on and off the track but insisted: "I think we've had a good time." Senna agreed, adding: "It is the end of an era, for him and me." Prost, the only Frenchman to take a F1 world title, has 51 GP wins to his name and a record points total of 798.5 among his many successes.
12.11.93 - F1Simtek Grand Prix has entered a two car team in next year's Formula One world championships. David Brabham, son of triple champion Sir Jack Brabham, will be one of the drivers with the other to be named early next year. The team has placed a $500,000 deposit with the FIA and will probably be using Ford V8 engines.
15.11.93 - F1Buenos Aires will stage a Formula One Grand Prix next year, Argentine president Carlos Menem has said. He told a radio interviewer that he had signed a decree which overrides a 1960 by-law banning motor racing from the capital's streets. The race is scheduled to take place through the city's Palermo gardens district but local residents are unhappy with the plan. Argentina last staged a GP in 1981 at the now derelict Buenos Aires municipal racecourse.
17.11.93 - UAE DESERT CHALLENGEThe UAE Desert Challenge, the final round of the FIA Cross-Country Cup, gets underway on Thursday from the Abu Dabi Corniche. Joint leaders Pierre Lartigue and Timo Salonen are favourites to become Rally Raids champion.
18.11.93 - THE RAC RALLYScot Colin McRae will start out from Birmingham on Sunday as one of the favourites in the final round of the World Rally Championship. McRae, 25, describes his first full year in the top flight as "perfect" and, with a win against a quality entry in the New Zealand round, his confidence is skyhigh. He held the lead in the RAC Rally in both 1991 and 1992 but ran into trouble on both occasions. This year, driving the new Subaru Impreza, he intends to be leading at the finish...
Talented Scot Colin McRae has made a big impression on the world scene this season, regularly leading or setting fastest times in his Subaru. His win in New Zealand was the first by a British driver at world level since Roger Clark in 1976. "I was relieved and happy for the whole team," said McRae, who has nothing but praise for the Prodrive set-up at Banbury. "They had been dedicated to this win for so long. Three stages from the finish I led by just seven seconds from Francois Delecour. It was very exciting."
Colin McRae says he has learned as much from the "downs" as from the "ups" during his great 1993 season. "You cannot expect to win all the time and I could not have wished for a better year," he insisted. "Acropolis was a bit of a disaster. Ari (Vatanen) was leading and I was second. I went out on the second morning and Ari went later that day. It was a real disappointment but we just had to put it behind us and get on with the next one. Luckily that was New Zealand," he said.
"Everything started perfectly last year and I found myself leading without any pressure," said Colin McRae, who had also led in 1991. "I ran into trouble at Grizedale. My transmission broke on the very same corner on which I had crashed out the previous year. That was it, I was out of contention..."
"The problems were really caused by an earlier road accident. Some guy decided to overtake on a blind bend. Things are looking even better this year. We have as good a chance as anyone to win this rally."
Subaru star Colin McRae will be at the wheel of the new Impreza as he chases victory in the RAC Rally. "Ari drove it in the 1,000 Lakes but I have only used it in testing. It is mechanically much the same as the Legacy but smaller, more refined and more powerful. It is more nimble and easier to manoeuvre. "I would have liked to have spent more time in it," admitted the Scot "I think it will be a disadvantage on the first day. It would have been better to have started with full confidence in the car."
Colin McRae rejects claims that he is at an advantage being on home ground in the Network Q RAC Rally. "We all recce the route, driving each stage twice and we will be using pacenotes which cancels out any advantage of local knowledge. "In any case, most top drivers have done the RAC many times and have competed in British Championship rounds so they know the stages well. "But it's great having so much home support. The fans were out last year cheering and waving flags - it gives you an extra gear."
"Any of the top 10 seeds could be tipped for victory," insists Colin McRae, who carries number two on his Subaru Impreza 555. The number one seed is Toyota's Juha Kankkunen who McRae describes as "one of the safer bets". "He may not be quickest but he'll be there at the end in a position to win." McRae also rates his teammate Ari Vatanen, Toyota's Didier Auriol and Ford driver Francois Delecour. "Malcolm Wilson also has a point to prove and I am sure he will be up there among the challengers."
Colin McRae is quite clear about his tactics as he goes for glory in the Network Q RAC Rally. "I'll be going flat out from the start to the finish," he declared. "Five years ago drivers used to go a bit steady on the first day over the spectator stages but nowadays you cannot do that - it is 100 per cent from the opening stage. The top drivers are on the limit all the way and the winner is the one who does not make a mistake. I don't feel under any pressure - I know exactly what I have to do..."
Network Q, Britain's first national brand name in used car retailing, sponsors the event, final round of the 1993 World Rally Championship. They face a tough task, replacing Lombard who backed the rally for 19 years. Network Q have agreed a three-year deal. Juha Kankkunen, the newly-crowned and four times FIA world champion, heads the entry of 170-plus drivers. Britain's Colin McRae is among the favourites. He and co-driver Derek Ringer give the new Subaru Impreza 555 its first British outing.
Fourteen countries are represented in the Network Q RAC Rally, which boasts the biggest and best entry list of any round of the '93 series. Three cars arrive from Japan, while Russia and Czechoslovakia and most mainland European and Scandinavian countries provide competitors. Furthest travelled British entrant is David Stewart, originally from Croydon but now living in Finland. He drives car no 105 sponsored by the Santa Claus Village in Lapland. Skoda chase their 21st class win in 21 years of RAC Rally competition.
Youngest competitor is Katy Tuthill aged 17 who co-drives for brother Richard (19) in a Subaru Vivio. Their father Francis won the London to Sydney Marathon in a 911 Porsche earlier this year. Another 'son-of-a-famous-father' is 23-year-old Matthew Clark. Roger Clark was the last British driver to win the event, in 1972 and '76. Mark Lawn from Leeds won his drive in a 'works' car in the Peugeot GTi Rally Challenge. An Audi 200 Quattro (no 154) is the largest car competing.
Malcolm Wilson starts his 17th RAC Rally confident his Group A Ford Escort Cosworth could take him to success. "I've never felt better about my chances," he says. His Michelin Pilot teammate Robbie Head has competed twice before in a Group N car. "This is my first time on gravel in the Group A car," he says. "I'll take it easy at first." Bob Green from Kendal will be relieved to reach the start this time, having missed out in 1992 when his Ford Sierra Cosworth was stolen in Chester hours before the event and used in a ram-raid.
Organisers have left nothing to chance, enlisting the back-up of 11,000 volunteer marshalls, 60 ambulances with cutting gear, 50 doctors, 50 St John crews, 12 fire tenders and a helicopter. Gwyndaf Evans, the 1993 British Group N Rally Champion, will be among the favourites for Group N honours in his Shell Helix Escort Cosworth, running on unleaded fuel. Jardine PR boss Tony Jardine will be co-driven by Daily Express journalist Bob McKenzie as he makes his third appearance in the event. His Toyota Celica is car no 71.
SPECTATOR GUIDE - THE STAGES, WHERE, HOW AND WHEN. Key to spectator guide **** = excellent viewing with lots of car parking; commentary *** = reasonable viewing/parking ** = limited access/poor parking * = not recommended for viewingSATURDAY, 20 November ****
0700-1600 Scrutineering and Rally Show (0730-1730) at the National Indoor Arena. Follow signs to City Centre, car parking at Arena. Admission œ5, children under 12 œ2
SUNDAY, 21 November
0730 Rally starts Centenary Square, Birmingham. ****
Follow signs to City Centre and International Convention Centre. Car parking National Indoor Arena and city centre.
0757 SS1 AutoWindscreens Sutton Pk ****
Stage length: 2.96 miles. Set in 2400 acres of natural parkland, the stage consists of twisty tarmac roads through open heath land and wooded areas and features a famous watersplash, hairpin junctions and a number of flat out crests.
1325 SS5 Shell Helix at Chatsworth ****
6.53 miles around the Duke of Devonshire's estate. The route gives excellent viewing and includes a spectacular watersplash and a jump. Also used by the Rally Britannia - first car due 0840.
1447 SS6 Mobil 1 Clumber Park ****
A fast 3.19-mile stage on tarmac roads through National Trust parkland with many difficult corners, a jump and the famous Clumber Bridge. The stage will be "live" on TV and is used twice by Rally Britannia - first car due 1000 and 1020.
1631 SS7/8 Daily Express ****
Donington 1 & 2 Circuit and gravel roads used on 4.76-mile stage which is run twice. Narrow in places with tricky corners and a jump on the infield section. Also used twice by the Rally Britannia - first car due 1214 and 1232.
1750 SS9 MIRA 4.66 miles
No admission to spectators
1951 Finish of leg, Birmingham ****
Location in Centenary Square. Follow signs to city centre, then International Convention Centre.
MONDAY, 22 November
0400 Re-start from National Indoor Arena, South Lower car park, in Birmingham.
0632 SS10 Dyfnant *
12.75 miles. Mainly fast open roads with long flowing corners, but including several tight sections.
0834 SS11 Myherin **
20.87 miles. Long and testing stage through Welsh forest. Steep climb from start, through high open moor-land into forest. Final section on both sides of valley and features many deceptive corners. Located 2 miles E of Devil's Bridge off A14.
0938 SS12 Hafren ***
Fast flowing forest roads on 15.14-mile stage but with some hairpins and deceptive corners. No access at Staylittle. Large car park at Sweetlamb directly off A44.
1113 SS13 Pantperthog ***
A difficult 9.41-mile stage on narrow, twisty and hilly roads. Located 2.5 miles N of Machynlleth, west of A487.
1142 SS14 Dyfi Main ***
A popular stage with drivers due to its wide sweeping corners and excellent road surface. Located 4 miles N of Machynlleth, E of A487.
1219 SS15 Gartheiniog ***
14.52 miles on a good surface with numerous junctions and tight bends. Located 7 miles N of Machynlleth, W of A470.
1421 SS16 Penmachno South ***
A 8.31-mile stage with a mixture of fast roads, steep hills, tight hairpins and fearsome drops. At Conwy Falls, near Betws-y-coed.
1442 SS17 Penmachno North ***
Similar to SS16 but with fewer hairpins and more fast corners. The 6.25-mile stage is at Conwy Falls, 2 miles S of A5.
1544 SS18 Brenig ***
A 5.7-mile stage on fast, straight roads with angled junctions and some hairpins, often slippery. Near Llyn Brenig, west of B4501.
1625 SS19 Clocaenog ***
Fast and twisty roads with deep ditches on this 11.96-mile stage. Located 10 miles W of Ruthin.
2041 Finish of leg, Lancaster ***
Located at Dalton Square, with parking in the town centre. Commentary as the cars arrive back.
TUESDAY, 23 November
0630 Re-start in Lancaster from car park off Lower Church Street.
0751 SS20 Grizedale East ***
The smaller of the two Grizedales. A 4.47-mile stage, very twisty and deceptive. Located 6 miles SW of Ambleside, east of the minor road through Satterwaite and Grizedale.
0804 SS21 Grizedale West ***
17.31 miles and very popular with spectators. Virtually continuous bends make this one of the toughest stages of the rally with many junctions, deceptive crests and firebreaks. Location west of above.
1105 SS22 Kershope ***
At 24.68 miles, the longest stage of the event - starting in England and finishing in Scotland! Mainly fast rugged roads with a very twisty riverside section. Located 2 miles SE of Newcastleton.
1228 SS23 Wauchope West **
High and fast tracks on 7.1-mile stage, twisty towards finish. Located 8 miles SE of Hawick, B6357
1249 SS24 Wauchope East **
6.87 miles. Fast riverside roads at start with rougher sections towards finish. Located as above.
1420 Re-group, Rothbury **
First car leaves 1510 from Rothbury village centre
1532 SS25 Harwood ***
13.24 miles. Fast, good roads with downhill hairpin and very fast finishing section. Located 10 miles SW of Rothbury.
1658 SS26 Falstone ***
18.56 miles and very popular with spectators but with restricted access to the car park. Remains a typical Kielder test despite road improvements. Soft, unforgiving verges and ditches. Located 11 miles NW of Bellingham.
1806 SS27 Broomylinn ***
11.08 miles, using only the north half of the usual stage with roads which venture into the remotest and highest parts of Kielder. Located 11 miles NW of Bellingham.
1856 SS28 Pundershaw ***
18.78 miles. Open, curving and undulating roads, mostly fast. Good surface but a bit sticky when wet.
2125 Finish of leg, Gateshead ***
Plenty of entertainment with an American classic car display, motor show and rally simulator before the cars arrive at the Gateshead International Stadium. Use buses.
WEDNESDAY, 24 November
0630 Re-start from Gateshead *
International Stadium off A6114.
0736 SS29 Hamsterley ***
15.75 miles. Generally good surface with some parts fast and others more twisty. Sections on high ground may be affected by early morning ice and fog. Features the famous Hamsterley ford.
1047 SS30 Cropton ***
Fast 8.07-mile stage with good surface but can be rough on some corners. Many junctions. Located about 5 miles NW of Pickering.
1113 SS31 Gale Rigg **
5.46 miles. Generally fast and good surface with tight corners at the finish. Located about 6 miles N of Pickering, west of A169.
1239 SS32 Langdale
Road closures all around, no access
1311 SS33 Dalby ***
20.55 miles and possibly the most popular stage of the Rally. Starts twisty but route becomes straight and very fast with long, curving bends. Located 20 miles W of Scarborough, N of A170, E of A169. New car park E gives easy access to northern part of stage, Staindale.
1555 SS34 Scunthorpe
4.45 miles. No spectators allowed.
1812 SS35 Daily Express Donington 3 ****
2.81 miles and another visit to the location used twice on Sunday but with a different route, using only gravel roads. Final stage of 1993 FIA World Rally Championship.
1955 Finish of rally, Birmingham ****
Free admission to watch the cars arrive back at Centenary Square. Parking at Indoor Arena and city centre. Full commentary.
DRIVERS 1 J Kankkunen Fin Toyota 123 pts new world champion 2 F Delecour Fr Ford 102 3 D Auriol Fr Toyota 86 4 M Biasion It Ford 76 5 C Sainz Sp Lancia 50 = C McRae GB Subaru 50 7 A Vatanen Fin Subaru 30 8 G Trelles Uru Lancia 28 9 K Eriksson Swe M/bishi 26 = T Makinen Fin Vauxhall 26 MANUFACTURERS 1 Toyota 151 pts 2 Ford 145 3 Subaru 100 4 Lancia 92 5 Mitsubishi 69 (Toyota are the 1993 champions) FIA PRIORITY A DRIVERS 1 J Kankkunen Fin Toyota 2 C McRae GB Subaru 3 F Delecour Fr Ford 4 K Eriksson Swe Mitsubishi 5 A Vatanen Fin Subaru 6 D Auriol Fr Toyota 7 A Schwarz GB Mitsubishi 8 M Wilson GB Ford 9 M Jonsson Swe Toyota 10 R Burns GB Subaru 11 S Lindholm Fin Ford 12 A McRae GB Subaru 14 R Dunkerton Aus Mitsubishi 15 D Llewellin GB Vauxhall 16 G De Mevius Bel Nissan 17 P Siberia Cro Skoda 18 E Triner Cro Skoda FIA PRIORITY B DRIVERS 19 G Pianezzola It Lancia 22 R Head GB Ford 23 T Makinen Fin Lancia 24 A Fassina It Mazda OTHER SELECTED DRIVERS 25 G Evans GB Ford 27 A Mokkonen Fin Audi 28 J Muller Ger Ford 29 P Wambergue Fr Subaru 30 J Milner GB Ford 31 D W-Clark GB Ford 32 J Easson GB Ford 33 J McRae GB Volkswagen 34 A Fidanza It Ford 35 G Jones GB Toyota FORMER RAC WINNERS 1976 R Clark Ford 1977 B Waldegard Lancia 1978 H Mikkola Ford 1979 H Mikkola Ford 1980 H Toivonen Talbot 1981 H Mikkola Audi 1982 H Mikkola Audi 1983 S Blomqvist Audi 1984 A Vatanen Peugeot 1985 H Toivonen Lancia 1986 T Salonen Peugeot 1987 J Kankkunen Lancia 1988 M Alen Lancia 1989 P Airikkala Mitsubishi 1990 C Sainz Toyota 1991 J Kankkunen Lancia 1992 C Sainz ToyotaF1:- British racing car manufacturers Lola will return to Formula One competition in 1995. Lola's partnership with Scuderia Italia in 1993 proved unsuccessful and the company have decided to run independently. They consistently failed to qualify for races in 1993 and the team had effectively withdrawn from the championship by the end of the year. "We'll focus next year on preparing a solid foundation from which to launch our Formula One assault in 1995," said chairman Eric Broadley.
21.11.93 - THE RAC RALLY1000 LAKES RALLY:- Organisers of the 1,000 Lakes Rally have secured multi-year backing from Finnish oil and chemicals firm Neste Corporation.
RAC RALLY:- Finn Juha Kankkunen showed all his world rally champion qualities as he overcame treacherous conditions to lead at the end of the first day. Drivers tackled snow and ice on many of the nine stages and the early pace was set by Mitsubishi works driver Armin Schwarz, fastest on three of the first four stages. But a slight error at SS6 Clumber gave Kankkunen a chance to go clear in his Toyota and he extended his lead to 14 seconds after SS9 Mira. Kenneth Eriksson in third completed a good day for the Mitsubishi team.
Finn Juha Kankkunen took no chances in the slippery conditions, moving steadily into the lead on day one. Kankkunen, with the '93 world crown secured, set the fastest time on SS1 declaring he was "out to enjoy myself" but completed SS2 saying he was "being very cautious". He took the outright lead on SS6, heading the two Mitsubishis with Subaru duo Colin McRae and Ari Vatanen well-placed to challenge. McRae set best or joint best times on three successive stages from SS5 as he moved fourth.
LEADERBOARD AFTER SPECIAL STAGE 9 Driver Car H M S 1 Kankkunen Toyota 38:34 2 Schwarz Mitsubishi 38:48 3 Eriksson Mitsubishi 38:49 4 C McRae Subaru 38:51 5 Vatanen Subaru 39:00 6 Auriol Toyota 39:08 7 Delecour Ford 39:15 8 Wilson Ford 39:43 9 Burns Subaru 39:49 10 Jonsson Toyota 39:55 11 A McRae Subaru 40:00 12 Head Ford 40:33 13 Evans Ford 40:46 14 Lindholm Ford 40:57Scot Colin McRae moved steadily up the leaderboard as he began to get the feel of his new Subaru Impreza. The 25-year-old rally favourite, whose first day target was to be within 20 seconds of the lead, was a well-placed fourth after SS9 just 17 seconds behind Juha Kankkunen. His early problems included a wrong tyre choice on SS2 which left him back in ninth. He also struggled on SS5 and declared: "Chatsworth was awful - much too wet and slippy." Meanwhile brother Alistair in the Legacy was going well in 11th place.
British champion Richard Burns has made an impressive start to his first RAC Rally in a Legacy with the 555 Subaru World Rally Team. The 22-year-old from Reading was lying ninth overall after SS9, with three days and 26 stages to go. Burns struggled early on, going off four times on SS2 at Weston Park and having engine trouble on SS3. He and co-driver Robert Reid were drenched as a 'tidal wave' flooded the cockpit at the watersplash on SS5 but battled on, the car fitted with a new engine management system.
Sweden's Mats Jonsson in Toyota car no 9 suffered an early setback when he spun on the first corner of SS1, as did Stewart Somerville (no 55). Jeremy Easson (car no 32) suffered a similar mishap and said he had been "frightened to death" by a 360-degree spin in his Ford Escort. Early trouble too for Glyn Jones who suffered possible turbocharger failure on his Toyota on SS1.
The watersplash at Sutton Park caused problems. Vince Wetton lost time when his Volkswagen stopped while misted-up windows slowed Richard Moore (no 63). Alistair McRae, younger brother of Colin, was joint fourth fastest on SS2 in his Subaru Legacy despite reports that his engine had been overheating on the first stage. Ford driver Malcolm Wilson emerged from the watersplash on SS2 with the window missing from co-driver Bryan Thomas's door after hitting a post. He then lost four seconds after spinning on the next stage.
Trevor Cathers (no 57) lost fifth gear on SS2 and was forced to drive 12 miles of the road section with his Peugeot 205 jammed in one gear. Subaru driver Richard Burns spun off four times on SS2 due to the "incredibly slippy" conditions. Frenchman Gilbert Renoux hit a post on SS1, smashing passenger-side windows in his Peugeot 106. Red Barry (141) completed SS1 in his Volkswagen Golf without any brakes and came out of a crash on SS6 with three wheels - but after repairs he is carrying on.
Richard Worts (no 170) damaged the front driver's side of his Opel Corsa after hitting a tree on SS1. Nigel Worswick (54) ended up in a stream after over-shooting his Ford Sierra Cosworth on SS2. Fellow Sierra driver Stewart Somerville spun off three times on the stage. Norway's Bernt Kollevold (160) also spun on SS2, finishing up with his Peugeot 205 stuck on straw bales. Britain's Roger Davies (101) damaged bodywork on his Vauxhall Astra after colliding with a gate - before the start of SS3.
Brendan Crealey (no 160) suffered a broken front wishbone in his Honda Civic on SS4 but is soldiering on, as is Jeff Dewitt (72) who broke both differentials in his Escort. Didier Auriol lost about 10 seconds after missing a junction on SS5 in his Toyota and reversing back. Italy's Gilberto Pianezzola (19) was forced to stop on SS5 with severe body damage to the Lancia. Third-placed Swede Kenneth Eriksson nearly came to a halt on SS5 after waterlogged electrics caused his Mitsubishi to misfire for 300m.
Penny Mallory and Sue Mee (no 69) retired after a heavy crash on SS5 left their Ford Escort with a split fuel tank and one wheel missing. Toyota's Mats Jonsson overshot the junction after the bridge on SS6, losing about 10 seconds. Jimmy McRae was content to run well down the field as his sons battled for leaderboard places. McRae snr said he was still struggling with the four-wheel drive on his VW Golf. The engine in Sebastian Lindholm's Ford Escort Cosworth overheated badly in both Donington stages.
Tony Jardine, battling back from a wrong tyre choice on SS1, described SS5 Chatsworth as "very slippery, a complete nightmare". Co-driver Bob McKenzie, a newspaper journalist, has overcome his sickness of an earlier outing and is reported to be tucking into bars of chocolate. Skoda fill the first four places in the Group A Class 5 section after seven stages. Works driver Pavel Siberia leads the field by 27 seconds and lies 44th overall. Ari Vatanen finished both Donington stages with no map light, making note-reading almost impossible.
OVERALL POSITIONS AFTER SPECIAL STAGE 8 1 Kankkunen/Grist Toyota Car 1 Grp A: 1 Class 8: 1 34:08 2 Schwarz/Thul M'ubishi Car 7 Grp A: 2 Class 8: 2 34:17 3 Eriksson/Parmander M'ubishi Car 4 Grp A: 3 Class 8: 3 34:18 4 C McRae/Ringer Subaru Car 2 Grp A: 4 Class 8: 4 34:24 5 Vatanen/Berglund Subaru Car 5 Grp A: 5 Class 8: 5 34:27 6 Delecour/Grataloup Ford Car 3 Grp A: 6 Class 8: 6 34:37 7 Auriol/Occelli Toyota Car 6 Grp A: 6 Class 8: 6 34:37 8 Wilson/Thomas Ford Car 8 Grp A: 8 Class 8: 8 35:03 9 Jonsson/Backman Toyota Car 9 Grp A: 9 Class 8: 9 35:11 10 Burns/Reid Subaru Car 10 Grp A:10 Class 8:10 35:17 11 A McRae/Senior Subaru Car 12 Grp A:11 Class 8:11 35:25 12 Head/Roy Ford Car 22 Grp A:12 Class 8:12 35:43 13 Evans/Davies Ford Car 25 Grp N: 1 Class 4: 1 35:55 14 Lindholm/Hakala Ford Car 11 Grp A:13 Class 8:13 36:18 15 Milner/Turvey Ford Car 30 Grp N: 2 Class 4: 2 37:03 16 Kirtley/Elder Ford Car 59 Grp A:14 Class 8:14 37:27 17 Payne/Bull Ford Car 40 Grp A:15 Class 8:15 37:34 18 Watson-Clark/McNiven Ford Car 31 Grp N: 3 Class 4: 3 37:53 19 De Mevius/Lux Nissan Car 16 Grp A:16 Class 7: 1 38:02 20 Clark/Leighton Ford Car 51 Grp N: 4 Class 4: 4 38:16 21 Llewellin/Grindrod Vauxhall Car 15 Grp A:17 Class 7: 2 38:22 22 Worswick/Pulleyn Ford Car 54 Grp A:18 Class 8:16 38:26 23 Petch/Croft Ford Car 37 Grp N: 5 Class 4: 5 38:28 24 Easson/Cook Ford Car 32 Grp N: 6 Class 4: 6 38:31 25 Dyas/Derry Ford Car 49 Grp N: 7 Class 4: 7 38:35 26 Higgins/Corner Vauxhall Car 42 Grp A:19 Class 7: 3 38:51 27 Humphreys/Morris Ford Car 47 Grp N: 8 Class 4: 8 38:52 28 Jones/Evans Toyota Car 35 Grp A:20 Class 8:17 39:01 29 Jones/Dashfield M'ubishi Car 39 Grp A:21 Class 8:18 39:05 30 Somerville/Perrin Ford Car 55 Grp A:22 Class 8:19 39:22 31 Rimmer/Patterson Subaru Car 38 Grp N: 9 Class 4: 9 39:25 32 Smith/Orrick Peugeot Car 56 Grp A:23 Class 7: 4 39:26 33 Stephenson/Jenkins Ford Car 58 Grp A:24 Class 8:20 39:36 34 Joannides/Farrell Ford Car 50 Grp A:25 Class 8:21 39:37 35 Green/Capstick Ford Car 68 Grp N:10 Class 4:10 39:46 36 Sibera/Gross Skoda Car 17 Grp A:26 Class 5: 1 39:51 37 Mokkonen/Mannisenmak Audi Car 27 Grp N:11 Class 4:11 39:57 38 Moore/Foster Lancia Car 63 Grp A:27 Class 8:22 40:08 39 Watanabe/Sugimura M'ubishi Car 44 Grp N:12 Class 4:12 40:10 40 Green/Foy Vauxhall Car 73 Grp N:13 Class 3: 1 40:44 41 Rees/Heymer Ford Car 67 Grp A:28 Class 8:23 40:45 42 Triner/Klima Skoda Car 18 Grp A:29 Class 5: 2 41:09 43 Spurge/Leaver Toyota Car 78 Grp A:29 Class 6: 1 41:09 44 Artemenko/Timkovskiy Lada Car 77 Grp A:31 Class 6: 2 41:15 45 Davies/Hobbs Vauxhall Car 101 Grp N:14 Class 3: 2 41:16 46 J McRae/Wood V'wagen Car 33 Grp A:32 Class 7: 5 41:17 47 Montagne/Perret Peugeot Car 95 Grp A:33 Class 6: 3 41:19 48 Cox/Eccleston Vauxhall Car 43 Grp N:15 Class 4:13 41:20 49 Hunt/McGrogan Ford Car 81 Grp N:16 Class 4:14 41:22 50 Menzies/Thomas Ford Car 48 Grp N:17 Class 4:15 41:24 51 Wiggins/Shepherd Vauxhall Car 89 Grp A:34 Class 6: 4 41:24 52 Aliasov/Levitan Lada Car 76 Grp A:35 Class 6: 5 41:29 53 Crealey/Jones Honda Car 60 Grp N:18 Class 2: 1 41:34 54 Deville/Lhuguenot Peugeot Car 92 Grp A:36 Class 6: 6 41:34 55 Beckett/Thompson Ford Car 109 Grp N:19 Class 4:16 41:36 56 Lawn/Harris Peugeot Car 65 Grp N:20 Class 3: 3 41:37 56 Bastiaens/Wise Ford Car 74 Grp N:20 Class 4:17 41:37 58 Wood/Wood Saab Car 96 Grp A:37 Class 8:24 41:38 59 Kaneko/Soma M'ubishi Car 41 Grp N:22 Class 4:18 41:43 60 Dubert/Ferrier Peugeot Car 91 Grp A:38 Class 6: 7 41:45 61 Knight/Fletcher Ford Car 120 Grp A:39 Class 7: 6 41:58 62 Ceen/Douglas Ford Car 70 Grp N:23 Class 4:19 42:06 63 Slaymark/Fuller Toyota Car 85 Grp N:24 Class 4:20 42:12 64 Stoodley/Kennedy Peugeot Car 66 Grp A:40 Class 7: 7 42:13 65 Healer/White Ford Car 115 Grp N:25 Class 4:21 42:17 66 Jardine/McKenzie Toyota Car 71 Grp N:26 Class 4:22 42:23 66 Smith/Robbie Ford Car 80 Grp N:26 Class 4:22 42:23 68 Barber/Barber Vauxhall Car 99 Grp A:41 Class 7: 8 42:28 69 Richer/Howlett Ford Car 61 Grp A:42 Class 8:25 42:30 70 Statham/Walker Peugeot Car 116 Grp A:43 Class 7: 9 42:36 71 Clarke/Preston Peugeot Car 87 Grp A:44 Class 7:10 42:43 72 Stewart/Sokero Mazda Car 105 Grp N:28 Class 4:24 42:44 73 Jasper/Edwards Ford Car 86 Grp N:29 Class 4:25 42:46 74 Madge/Cooper Toyota Car 100 Grp N:30 Class 2: 2 42:47 75 Golding/Ayres Toyota Car 88 Grp N:31 Class 2: 3 42:49 76 Fouques/Chapotot Peugeot Car 93 Grp A:45 Class 6: 8 42:51 77 Sisson/Savage Ford Car 106 Grp N:32 Class 4:26 42:51 78 Denman/Bird Peugeot Car 108 Grp A:46 Class 6: 9 42:52 79 Orford/Phillips Toyota Car 98 Grp A:47 Class 6:10 42:56 80 Bowers/Phillipson Peugeot Car 114 Grp A:48 Class 7:11 42:59 81 Haskett/Haskett Peugeot Car 119 Grp N:33 Class 3: 4 43:00 82 Stromberg/Ohlsson Saab Car 64 Grp A:49 Class 7:12 43:02 83 Renoux/Guellerin Peugeot Car 82 Grp A:50 Class 6:11 43:08 84 Bray/Jordan Toyota Car 130 Grp N:34 Class 2: 4 43:08 85 Jackson/Pain Toyota Car 121 Grp A:51 Class 6:12 43:26 86 Smith/Middleton Skoda Car 140 Grp A:52 Class 5: 3 43:27 87 Claridge/Hall Ford Car 107 Grp A:53 Class 8:26 43:31 88 Williams/Sheppard Skoda Car 97 Grp A:54 Class 5: 4 43:36 89 O'Neill/Barge Toyota Car 124 Grp N:35 Class 2: 5 43:41 90 Freeman/Whatmough Peugeot Car 113 Grp A:55 Class 7:13 43:45 98 Simpson/Hancock Peugeot Car 122 Grp N:38 Class 3: 5 44:22 99 Raines/Gregg Ford Car 155 Grp N:39 Class 4:28 44:30 100 Yamada/Tashiro Subaru Car 126 Grp N:40 Class 1: 2 44:37 101 Nicoll/Lumgair Peugeot Car 117 Grp A:61 Class 6:15 44:41 102 Jonquieres/Phelippea Peugeot Car 84 Grp N:41 Class 2: 6 44:43 103 Presswell/Cottam Vauxhall Car 123 Grp A:62 Class 5: 5 45:04 104 O'Leary/Hogan Peugeot Car 103 Grp N:42 Class 3: 6 45:19 105 Shelley/Berris Toyota Car 137 Grp N:43 Class 2: 7 45:25 105 Slade/Howell Peugeot Car 161 Grp N:43 Class 2: 7 45:25 107 Fairweather/Capon Vauxhall Car 118 Grp A:63 Class 7:16 45:26 108 Meade/Paterson V'wagen Car 133 Grp N:45 Class 3: 7 45:27 109 Raymond/Rixon Vauxhall Car 156 Grp A:64 Class 5: 6 45:31 110 Lennox/Hall Peugeot Car 163 Grp N:46 Class 2: 9 45:34 111 Godwin/Wyer V/wagen Car 136 Grp A:65 Class 7:17 45:52 112 Herring/Williams Vauxhall Car 138 Grp N:47 Class 3: 8 45:55 113 Bean/Hesketh Rover Car 134 Grp N:48 Class 3: 9 45:56 114 Lendon/Curry Audi Car 154 Grp A:66 Class 8:28 45:58 115 Collyer/Mollett Vauxhall Car 153 Grp A:67 Class 6:16 46:11 116 Kollevold/Lie Peugeot Car 160 Grp N:49 Class 1: 3 46:13 117 Brooks/Dyson Vauxhall Car 142 Grp N:50 Class 2:10 46:14 118 Worts/Gardner Opel Car 170 Grp A:68 Class 5: 7 46:31 119 Cooledge/Graham Toyota Car 149 Grp N:51 Class 2:11 46:36 120 Brazier/Palmer Peugeot Car 128 Grp N:52 Class 1: 4 46:37 121 Andrew/Heather Skoda Car 159 Grp N:53 Class 1: 5 46:39 122 Willoughby/Steward Ford Car 132 Grp A:69 Class 8:29 46:46 123 Wynne/Griffith Suzuki Car 143 Grp N:54 Class 1: 6 46:56 124 Murrell/Davies Opel Car 151 Grp A:70 Class 5: 8 46:56 125 Darbyshire/Darbyshir Rover Car 139 Grp N:55 Class 3:10 47:01 126 Collins/Jefferies Toyota Car 79 Grp A:71 Class 6:17 47:10 127 Raybould/Oglesby Rover Car 152 Grp A:72 Class 7:18 47:28 128 Hackett/Hackett Peugeot Car 150 Grp A:73 Class 6:18 47:34 129 Kitching/Kay Vauxhall Car 146 Grp A:74 Class 6:19 47:37 130 Barnes/Boram Peugeot Car 169 Grp N:56 Class 2:12 47:37 131 Heath/Hely Peugeot Car 158 Grp N:57 Class 3:11 48:09 132 Wheatley/Orr Skoda Car 165 Grp N:58 Class 1: 7 48:12 133 Butler/Howe Toyota Car 147 Grp A:75 Class 6:20 48:18 134 Barry/Gooch V'wagen Car 141 Grp A:76 Class 8:30 48:30 135 Cooper/Bastiana Ford Car 104 Grp N:59 Class 2:13 48:33 136 Boden/Parkhurst Vauxhall Car 144 Grp N:60 Class 1: 8 48:36 137 Cholmondeley/Turner Opel Car 162 Grp A:77 Class 7:19 48:46 138 Scott/Marshall Vauxhall Car 129 Grp A:78 Class 7:20 49:19 139 Fletcher/Chadwick Peugeot Car 164 Grp N:61 Class 1: 9 49:19 140 Beavan/Chappell Skoda Car 175 Grp N:62 Class 1:10 49:45 141 Warwick/Erskine Seat Car 166 Grp A:79 Class 6:21 49:53 142 Brooks-Johnson/Hall Peugeot Car 157 Grp N:63 Class 2:14 49:55 143 Spencer/Spicer Skoda Car 176 Grp N:64 Class 1:11 50:23 144 Stokoe/Stokoe Skoda Car 172 Grp N:65 Class 1:12 50:29 145 Moore/Biggins Vauxhall Car 171 Grp N:66 Class 2:15 51:26 146 Apperley/Wood Fiat Car 167 Grp A:80 Class 6:22 53:27 147 White/White Lancia Car 178 Grp A:81 Class 7:21 55:54 148 Evans/Bowles Lada Car 168 Grp A:82 Class 5: 9 56:31 149 Tuthill/Tuthill Subaru Car 174 Grp A:83 Class 5:10 57:36 150 Somerville/McGowan Mazda Car 112 Grp N:67 Class 4:29 1:00:30F3:- British champion Kelvin Burt finished third in the Formula Three Macau Grand Prix on Sunday. Burt, driving a Dallara, suffered a poor start in the first leg but battled his way through the field to come in behind German Jorg Muller and Dane Tom Kristensen.
22.11.93THE RAC RALLY
Scot Colin McRae will be first on the road in his Subaru at the start of the third day after overhauling long-time leader Juha Kankkunen. McRae, now much happier with his all-new Impreza, was fastest on six of Monday's 10 stages and finally edged clear of the works Toyota driver on SS19 Clocaenog. Cumbrian driver Malcolm Wilson, in the Ford Escort Cosworth he helped develop, further boosted hopes of a British win when he finished the day well in touch in third place.
Cool-headed Colin McRae shone in the most treacherous of conditions to head for the overnight halt at Lancaster as the new rally leader. He finally edged ahead of Juha Kankkunen on SS19 Clocaenog, as the works Toyota driver lost 28 seconds leaving many wondering if he had slowed in a tactical move. Heavy snow is forecast as the rally heads for the Lake District and Scotland and the Finn could benefit by having tyre marks to follow. McRae can be sure of massive crowd support to give him an extra boost.
Juha Kankkunen won high praise from co-driver Nicky Grist as the Toyota star led throughout most of day two on ice-covered stages in mid-Wales. "This man's magic," declared Grist, while the Finn admitted: "I've never seen Wales so icy." Kankkunen was not unhappy at losing his lead to Colin McRae on the last stage of the day but would not confirm it was a deliberate move. Meanwhile McRae drove as hard as he could, describing the stages as "like Scandinavia in parts" and had no hesitation in grabbing the lead.
World champion Juha Kankkunen said he was not sure if he would gain any advantage by setting off second behind overnight leader Colin McRae. Kankkunen, overhauled on the last stage of the day, explained: "It will be good if there is snow but not so good if it's just ice. I've never seen it so bad on this event. Ice is not a test of driving skill - it's just pure luck!" McRae agreed, saying: "I'd rather it was just wet but I feel fine about Grizedale, it's a good stage."
LEADERBOARD AFTER SPECIAL STAGE 19 Driver Car H M S 1 C McRae GB Subaru 2:48:24 2 Kankkunen Fin Toyota 2:48:45 3 Wilson GB Ford 2:50:48 4 Eriksson Swe Mitsubishi 2:50:58 5 Delecour Fr Ford 2:51:08 6 Auriol Fr Toyota 2:51:43 7 Burns GB Subaru 2:54:20 8 Vatanen Fin Subaru 2:54:27 9 Jonsson Swe Toyota 2:56:40 10 A McRae GB Subaru 2:58:28 11 Head GB Ford 2:58:57 12 Evans GB Ford 2:59:24 13 Lindholm Fin Ford 2:59:40 14 Schwarz Ger Mitsubishi 3:05:51Swede Kenneth Eriksson shrugged off a huge setback to renew Mitsubishi hopes of a good end to the season. Eriksson, third overnight behind leader Juha Kankkunen and teammate Armin Schwarz, lost three minutes with two punctures on SS10 and slipped off the top 10 leaderboard. He battled back with fastest times on the next two stages and, at the end of day two, was lying fourth just 2 mins 34 secs off the pace. "I'm hoping for more ice and snow," he said. "The Subarus and Toyotas have a big power advantage over us."
Alistair McRae had a lucky escape after careering into a tree at high speed, following a puncture. The drama happened on SS11 Myherin as the young Scot was flying down a fast hill in his Subaru Legacy. McRae said: "I went to move over to brake for a corner but the car slid towards a line of trees. We smacked the last one really hard and just bounced back into the road." He incurred a 30-second penalty for time lost on repairs, but still managed to finish 10th overnight, 10 minutes behind brother Colin.
Ford star Malcolm Wilson incurred a 30-second penalty when his engine failed to start with an electrical fault in parc ferme. The Cumbrian driver made amends when he set the second fastest time on SS10. Teammate Francois Delecour, bidding to clinch second place in the World Rally Championship, lost almost two minutes on the snow-covered SS10 with the wrong choice of tyres. Scot Robbie Head, in his Michelin Pilot Team Ford Group A car, could not believe conditions at Dyfnant. "It's the worst I've encountered in my rallying career," he commented.
Belgian Gregoire de Mevius's superb run in the brand new Nissan Sunny GTI ended on SS10 when the car lost all its oil. De Mevius had been leading the F2 class overnight from David Llewellin in a Vauxhall. Toyota's Mats Jonsson lost a minute on SS10 when he slid into a ditch at the bottom of a very icy hill. First day star Armin Schwarz lost 16 minutes when he slid into a ditch in his Mitsubishi on SS10, ending his hopes of a top three finish. He later reported engine trouble, including throttle-lag and intermittent cutting out on SS16.
Phyllis Fletcher and Laurie Chadwick (no 164) went out after failing to arrive at Parc Ferme in time for the start of day two. The Peugeot duo, the last all-women team left, miscalculated the start time reducing the number of cars leaving Birmingham to 146 from the 165 starters on Sunday. Andrew Apperley (167) was saved by his local Fiat dealer after his Uno gear-box broke at the end of day one. Aaran Fiat of Selby worked all night to remove a gear-box from a showroom car and transport it down.
Essex driver Charles Golding is hoping to turn his white Toyota Corolla GT red during the four days with signatures raising money for a cancer research charity. Golding, who has raised œ4,700 so far, was lying joint 76th overnight. British Group N champion Gwyndaf Evans led Group N by more than 14 minutes at the end of day two after surviving a scare when his gearbox locked up as he headed for service. Jonny Milner, one of Britain's rising rally stars, completed SS16 with no brakes but struggled to service and was 18th after SS19.
Norway's Monty Karlan won the Rally Brittania for the second year running, following the dramatic disqualification of Walter Rohrl. Rohrl led from the third stage in his Porsche 911, winning by over a minute after the 35 stage miles. But, at post-event scrutineering, the Tuthill car was excluded when irregularities were found in the lower suspension wishbone. Karlan's 911 was awarded victory with Mats Adolfson second in a Volvo. Britain's Jonathan Everard was third in his Austin Healey.
John Brazier's Peugeot 205 (no 128) was reported on its side in a ditch during SS10 Dyfnant and could not continue while Neil Freeman (no 113) retired with a hand injury. Two spectators suffered slight leg injuries after a collison with Douglas Watson-Clark's Ford Escort. They received medical help on SS11 and Watson-Clark continued, only to retire after another accident. Spectators came to the rescue when Shaun Martin spun his Peugeot 205 into a deep ditch on SS15. Up to 30 watching fans were able to haul the car out using a tow rope.
Matthew Clark (no 51) retired after an off at jn 7 of SS11. He and co-driver Stephen Leighton were unhurt. Charles Paynes (40) lost time when his Ford Sierra Cosworth was in a 360 degree spin on SS13 Pantperthog. The Ford Sierra Cosworth of Paul Dyas (49) was off for seven minutes a mile into SS13, while Rod Menzies Ford Escort RS (48) went off twice. The gear-stick in Nigel Worswick's Sierra (54) broke off halfway into the stage, but he continued on his way after attaching Molegrips. He was stuck in second gear on SS15.
Mark Lawn (no 65) said he needed help from spectators to get up some of the icy hills on SS13 in his Peugeot 309 while Richard Stoodley went off four times at Hafren SS12, suffering rear damage to his 309. Steve Hunt (81) and his co-driver made temporary repairs to their Sierra's windscreen after the bonnet flew up and smashed it. The Peugeot of Will Clarke (87) suffered the same fate after rolling at Halfren SS12. Red Barry retired after SS12 with supercharger failure on his VW Golf.
World champion Juha Kankkunen requested urgent attention to the suspension on his Toyota after a puncture to his offside rear tyre on SS14. He continued in the lead. Frenchman Jacques Jonquieres had an off on SS14 Dyfi Main in his Peugeot 205 (no 84) and retired. Jimmy McRae suffered a broken driveshaft on his VW Golf on SS15 Gartheiniog and later retired from the rally after an off on the last stage of the day. David Humphreys' Escort had minor damage to the rear after an off.
Finland's Ari Vatanen dropped from fourth to eighth after spinning his Subaru on SS18, losing four minutes. David Llewellin leads the F2 battle by six minutes in the Vauxhall Astra at the end of day two. Pavel Siberia lost nine minutes after a spin on SS12, but Skoda teammate Emil Triner lies second. Triner also leads the Group A 1300 class from three other Skodas. Mike and Tim Hackett's Peugeot 205 (no 150) has been stuck in second gear since SS11. They were hoping to get it serviced after SS15.
Britain's Richard Burns punctured a nearside front wheel on SS19 after driving tight into the ditches to try and gain additional traction, costing him around two minutes. Malcolm Wilson overcame a spin on the final stage of the day to consolidate his third place. Steve Green finished the day with only fourth gear in his Astra. The Ford Escort of Robert Ceen (no 70) and the Sierra Cosworth of Johan Bastiaens (74) both went into the undergrowth on SS19 Clocaenog.
1 C McRae/Ringer Subaru Car 2 Grp A: 1 Class 8: 1 2:48:24 2 Kankkunen/Grist Toyota Car 1 Grp A: 2 Class 8: 2 2:48:45 3 Wilson/Thomas Ford Car 8 Grp A: 3 Class 8: 3 2:50:48 4 Eriksson/Parmander M'bishi Car 4 Grp A: 4 Class 8: 4 2:50:58 5 Delecour/Grataloup Ford Car 3 Grp A: 5 Class 8: 5 2:51:08 6 Auriol/Occelli Toyota Car 6 Grp A: 6 Class 8: 6 2:51:43 7 Burns/Reid Subaru Car 10 Grp A: 7 Class 8: 7 2:54:20 8 Vatanen/Berglund Subaru Car 5 Grp A: 8 Class 8: 8 2:54:27 9 Jonsson/Backman Toyota Car 9 Grp A: 9 Class 8: 9 2:56:40 10 A McRae/Senior Subaru Car 12 Grp A:10 Class 8:10 2:58:28 11 Head/Roy Ford Car 22 Grp A:11 Class 8:11 2:58:57 12 Evans/Davies Ford Car 25 Grp N: 1 Class 4: 1 2:59:24 13 Lindholm/Hakala Ford Car 11 Grp A:12 Class 8:12 2:59:40 14 Schwarz/Thul M'bishi Car 7 Grp A:13 Class 8:13 3:05:51 15 Llewellin/Grindrod V'xhall Car 15 Grp A:14 Class 7: 1 3:11:24 16 Easson/Cook Ford Car 32 Grp N: 2 Class 4: 2 3:13:31 17 Petch/Croft Ford Car 37 Grp N: 3 Class 4: 3 3:14:24 18 Milner/Turvey Ford Car 30 Grp N: 4 Class 4: 4 3:15:09 19 Kirtley/Elder Ford Car 59 Grp A:15 Class 8:14 3:15:49 20 Jones/Dashfield M'bishi Car 39 Grp A:16 Class 8:15 3:15:54 21 Triner/Klima Skoda Car 18 Grp A:17 Class 5: 1 3:17:24 22 Higgins/Corner V'xhall Car 42 Grp A:18 Class 7: 2 3:17:53 23 Joannides/Farrell Ford Car 50 Grp A:19 Class 8:16 3:17:59 24 Stephenson/Jenkins Ford Car 58 Grp A:20 Class 8:17 3:18:20 25 Payne/Bull Ford Car 40 Grp A:21 Class 8:18 3:18:24 26 Humphreys/Morris Ford Car 47 Grp N: 5 Class 4: 5 3:20:18 27 Rimmer/Patterson Subaru Car 38 Grp N: 6 Class 4: 6 3:20:28 28 Worswick/Pulleyn Ford Car 54 Grp A:22 Class 8:19 3:21:54 29 Watanabe/Sugimura M'bishi Car 44 Grp N: 7 Class 4: 7 3:23:16 30 Smith/Orrick Peugeot Car 56 Grp A:23 Class 7: 3 3:23:35 31 Dyas/Derry Ford Car 49 Grp N: 8 Class 4: 8 3:24:15 32 Green/Capstick Ford Car 68 Grp N: 9 Class 4: 9 3:24:39 33 Menzies/Thomas Ford Car 48 Grp N:10 Class 4:10 3:24:45 34 Somerville/Perrin Ford Car 55 Grp A:24 Class 8:20 3:26:43 35 Artemenko/Timkovskiy Lada Car 77 Grp A:25 Class 6: 1 3:27:17 36 Sibera/Gross Skoda Car 17 Grp A:26 Class 5: 2 3:27:31 37 Deville/Lhuguenot Peugeot Car 92 Grp A:27 Class 6: 2 3:27:42 38 Aliasov/Levitan Lada Car 76 Grp A:28 Class 6: 3 3:27:57 39 Stromberg/Ohlsson Saab Car 64 Grp A:29 Class 7: 4 3:29:09 40 Montagne/Perret Peugeot Car 95 Grp A:30 Class 6: 4 3:29:19 41 Crealey/Jones Honda Car 60 Grp N:11 Class 2: 1 3:29:49 42 Sisson/Savage Ford Car 106 Grp N:12 Class 4:11 3:31:30 43 Hill/Hilton Ford Car 62 Grp N:13 Class 4:12 3:31:34 44 Davies/Hobbs V'xhall Car 101 Grp N:13 Class 3: 1 3:31:34 45 Barber/Barber V'xhall Car 99 Grp A:31 Class 7: 5 3:31:51 46 Richer/Howlett Ford Car 61 Grp A:32 Class 8:21 3:34:08 47 Dubert/Ferrier Peugeot Car 91 Grp A:33 Class 6: 5 3:34:37 48 Ceen/Douglas Ford Car 70 Grp N:15 Class 4:13 3:36:14 49 Lawn/Harris Peugeot Car 65 Grp N:16 Class 3: 2 3:36:18 50 Stewart/Sokero Mazda Car 105 Grp N:17 Class 4:14 3:37:12 51 Golding/Ayres Toyota Car 88 Grp N:18 Class 2: 2 3:37:33 52 Smith/Robbie Ford Car 80 Grp N:19 Class 4:15 3:38:44 53 Jones/Bevan Peugeot Car 125 Grp A:34 Class 7: 6 3:39:03 54 Kaneko/Soma M'bishi Car 41 Grp N:20 Class 4:16 3:39:47 55 Clements/Balfour Honda Car 90 Grp A:35 Class 6: 6 3:40:08 56 Smith/Middleton Skoda Car 140 Grp A:36 Class 5: 3 3:41:28 57 Spurge/Leaver Toyota Car 78 Grp A:37 Class 6: 7 3:42:29 58 Hunt/McGrogan Ford Car 81 Grp N:21 Class 4:17 3:42:45 59 Healer/White Ford Car 115 Grp N:22 Class 4:18 3:42:50 60 Berger/Hruska Skoda Car 75 Grp N:23 Class 1: 1 3:43:00 61 Jardine/McKenzie Toyota Car 71 Grp N:24 Class 4:19 3:43:38 62 Yamada/Tashiro Subaru Car 126 Grp N:25 Class 1: 2 3:43:56 63 Williams/Sheppard Skoda Car 97 Grp A:38 Class 5: 4 3:45:05 64 Denman/Bird Peugeot Car 108 Grp A:39 Class 6: 8 3:45:20 65 O'Neill/Barge Toyota Car 124 Grp N:26 Class 2: 3 3:47:31 66 Wiggins/Shepherd V'xhall Car 89 Grp A:40 Class 6: 9 3:47:34 67 Willoughby/Steward Ford Car 132 Grp A:41 Class 8:22 3:48:09 68 Kollevold/Lie Peugeot Car 160 Grp N:27 Class 1: 3 3:48:27 69 Bean/Hesketh Rover Car 134 Grp N:28 Class 3: 3 3:48:43 70 Stoodley/Kennedy Peugeot Car 66 Grp A:42 Class 7: 7 3:48:58 71 Bastiaens/Wise Ford Car 74 Grp N:29 Class 4:20 3:49:45 72 Slaymark/Fuller Toyota Car 85 Grp N:30 Class 4:21 3:49:53 73 Green/Foy V'xhall Car 73 Grp N:31 Class 3: 4 3:49:56 74 Presswell/Cottam V'xhall Car 123 Grp A:43 Class 5: 5 3:50:28 75 Shelley/Berris Toyota Car 137 Grp N:32 Class 2: 4 3:51:10 76 Lennox/Hall Peugeot Car 163 Grp N:33 Class 2: 5 3:52:20 77 Haskett/Haskett Peugeot Car 119 Grp N:34 Class 3: 5 3:53:28 78 Slade/Howell Peugeot Car 161 Grp N:35 Class 2: 6 3:53:43 79 Jackson/Pain Toyota Car 121 Grp A:44 Class 6:10 3:53:50 80 Statham/Walker Peugeot Car 116 Grp A:45 Class 7: 8 3:54:30 81 Collins/Jefferies Toyota Car 79 Grp A:46 Class 6:11 3:54:42 82 Dewitt/Johnston Ford Car 72 Grp A:47 Class 8:23 3:54:46 83 Fairweather/Capon V'xhall Car 118 Grp A:48 Class 7: 9 3:55:39 84 Coleman/Noden V'xhall Car 135 Grp A:49 Class 6:12 3:55:43 85 Raymond/Rixon V'xhall Car 156 Grp A:50 Class 5: 6 3:56:25 86 Andrew/Heather Skoda Car 159 Grp N:36 Class 1: 4 3:56:28 87 Meade/Paterson V'wagen Car 133 Grp N:37 Class 3: 6 3:56:45 88 Nicoll/Lumgair Peugeot Car 117 Grp A:51 Class 6:13 3:56:53 89 Claridge/Hall Ford Car 107 Grp A:52 Class 8:24 3:58:44 90 Wood/Wood Saab Car 96 Grp A:53 Class 8:25 3:58:55 91 Lendon/Curry Audi Car 154 Grp A:54 Class 8:26 4:00:46 92 Wynne/Griffith Suzuki Car 143 Grp N:38 Class 1: 5 4:00:58 93 Clarke/Preston Peugeot Car 87 Grp A:55 Class 7:10 4:01:02 94 Butler/Howe Toyota Car 147 Grp A:56 Class 6:14 4:01:33 95 Beavan/Chappell Skoda Car 175 Grp N:39 Class 1: 6 4:03:13 96 Madge/Cooper Toyota Car 100 Grp N:40 Class 2: 7 4:03:33 97 Simpson/Hancock Peugeot Car 122 Grp N:41 Class 3: 7 4:03:58 98 Kitching/Kay V'xhall Car 146 Grp A:57 Class 6:15 4:03:59 99 Brooks/Dyson V'xhall Car 142 Grp N:42 Class 2: 8 4:04:17 100 Wheatley/Orr Skoda Car 165 Grp N:43 Class 1: 7 4:05:23 101 Raines/Gregg Ford Car 155 Grp N:44 Class 4:22 4:09:11 102 Worts/Gardner Opel Car 170 Grp A:58 Class 5: 7 4:12:01 103 Cooledge/Graham Toyota Car 149 Grp N:45 Class 2: 9 4:12:34 104 O'Leary/Hogan Peugeot Car 103 Grp N:46 Class 3: 8 4:13:05 105 Warwick/Erskine Seat Car 166 Grp A:59 Class 6:16 4:14:09 106 Godwin/Wyer V'wagen Car 136 Grp A:60 Class 7:11 4:15:11 107 Barnes/Boram Peugeot Car 169 Grp N:47 Class 2:10 4:16:04 108 Darbyshire/Darbyshir Rover Car 139 Grp N:48 Class 3: 9 4:16:31 109 Cox/Eccleston V'xhall Car 43 Grp N:49 Class 4:23 4:16:32 110 Cholmondeley/Turner Opel Car 162 Grp A:61 Class 7:12 4:18:03 111 Raybould/Oglesby Rover Car 152 Grp A:62 Class 7:13 4:18:10 112 Stokoe/Stokoe Skoda Car 172 Grp N:50 Class 1: 8 4:24:47 113 Spencer/Spicer Skoda Car 176 Grp N:51 Class 1: 9 4:25:02 114 Scott/Marshall V'xhall Car 129 Grp A:63 Class 7:14 4:26:01 115 Cooper/Bastiana Ford Car 104 Grp N:52 Class 2:11 4:29:56 116 Hackett/Hackett Peugeot Car 150 Grp A:64 Class 6:17 4:31:36 117 Orford/Phillips Toyota Car 98 Grp A:65 Class 6:18 4:37:02 118 Martin/Martin Peugeot Car 131 Grp A:66 Class 7:15 4:38:00 119 Murrell/Davies Opel Car 151 Grp A:67 Class 5: 8 4:39:13 120 Brooks-Johnson/Hall Peugeot Car 157 Grp N:53 Class 2:12 4:46:34 121 Apperley/Wood Fiat Car 167 Grp A:68 Class 6:19 4:50:07 122 Evans/Bowles Lada Car 168 Grp A:69 Class 5: 9 5:11:20AWARDS:- Nigel Mansell and Damon Hill have been heaped with honours in the annual British Racing Drivers' Club awards. Both earned the BRDC Gold Star for their brilliant performances during the year. Hill scooped the John Cobb Trophy, made to the British driver who achieves the most "outstanding success" in a British car during the year. Mansell is rewarded with the ERA Club Trophy and the Earl Howe award for his IndyCar exploits.
23.11.93 - THE RAC RALLYJuha Kankkunen battled hard to hang on to his lead after two punctures on one of the day's closing stages. The Toyota star was well clear when punctures in front and rear tyres on SS26 allowed Mitsubishi charger Kenneth Eriksson to close the gap. Kankkunen recovered to set the best time on SS28 but Cumbrian Malcolm Wilson in a Ford Escort Cosworth was still in touch in third place. Kankkunen and British co-driver Nicky Grist had been helped by some smart moves, not least their choice of snow tyres earlier in the day.
Colin McRae's brave bid for victory came to an abrupt end when he hit a branch on SS22 Kershope, the longest stage of the four-day event. The Subaru star, comfortably in the lead, damaged the radiator about five miles into the 24.6-mile stage. He limped to the finish but the engine proved beyond repair. McRae, in contention in 1991 and '92 when he went out at Grizedale, seemed to have shaken off his jinx when it struck again a stage later. His mishap handed the lead back to works Toyota driver Juha Kankkunen.
Colin McRae's victory bid ended abruptly for the third successive year, with the heartbroken Scot almost in sight of his home stages. "A branch came into the engine bay and made a hole in the radiator," he explained. "As the temperature went up my heart sank. We managed to get one stage further this year but I was still heartbroken - I thought we were away this time. I hope all the spectators will come out again next year. I was trying to win for them this year."
Colin McRae said he was "thoroughly disappointed" after a badly damaged engine forced him to retire. "What can you say - these things happen. The guys tried their best to repair the damage but the heat sensors and cam-belt were melted. We had as good a chance as we've ever had - we were leading with no problems...but we've run out of time," said the 25-year-old Scot, as his rally ended in Scotland. The Subaru star joked about his future plans. "I'm off home to open my Christmas presents!" he said.
Subaru team manager Dave Richards predicted a bright future for Colin McRae, despite the disappointment at his retirement from the rally. "He's done a fantastic job for everyone. These things are sent to try us, but we'll be there at Monte Carlo trying equally as hard." He added: "There is no question he will win the rally one day - I can promise you of that." Colin's dad Jimmy, himself forced to retire on Monday, said: "He's done me proud and all he needs now is to have a bit of good luck."
LEADERBOARD AFTER SPECIAL STAGE 28 Driver Car H M S 1 Kankkunen Fin Toyota 5:16:04 2 Eriksson Swe Mitsubishi 5:17:25 3 Wilson GB Ford 5:18:20 4 Delecour Fr Ford 5:19:41 5 Vatanen Fin Subaru 5:21:01 6 Auriol Fr Toyota 5:21:12 7 Burns GB Subaru 5:29:02 8 Schwarz Ger Mitsubishi 5:37:37 9 Jonsson Swe Toyota 5:43:26 10 A McRae GB Subaru 5:44:29 11 Evans GB Ford 5:49:38 12 Llewellin GB Vauxhall 6:02:15 13 Jones GB Mitsubishi 6:05:09 14 Triner Cz Skoda 6:06:49Ford driver Malcolm Wilson took on the mantle of leading Briton after the sad exit of Colin McRae. The experienced 37-year-old had his own problems but was third at the end of day three, 2 mins 16 secs behind leader Juha Kankkunen. A spin on one of the morning stages had cost him 20 seconds but his worst moment came on SS25 where a branch punctured his radiator - remarkably he was still fastest. Wilson, surprised by the conditions said: "I've never seen so much snow in 17 years of doing this event."
Malcolm Wilson was clearly relaxed as he headed for the overnight halt at Gateshead carrying British hopes in the world championship event. The popular Cumbrian, whose best result in 17 RAC rallies was ninth place last year, said he planned a careful start in order to hang on to his hard-earned third place. "Everything went very well this afternoon...but you normally need to go to Sweden for conditions like these," he commented. "I expect things to be pretty much the same tomorrow at Hamsterley."
Mitsubishi battler Kenneth Eriksson moved back into contention over the nine tough stages on day three. The Swede, helped by a thorough overhaul of his car, was second fastest on four of the day's first five stages to move into third and then second as Colin McRae went out. He closed to within 32 seconds of leader Juha Kankkunen as the Finn survived a double puncture and ended the day 1 min 21 secs adrift. Mitsubishi team manager Andrew Cowan said: "Ken's at home in these conditions and we remain hopeful."
Freezing conditions greeted drivers on the first two stages of the day but did not deter Scot Colin McRae. The Subaru star swept through the foggy, frosty Grizedale stages - a total of 21.78 miles - losing just three seconds of his lead over works Toyota driver Juha Kankkunen. Teammate Ari Vatanen was fastest on SS20 while Francois Delecour in the works Ford took the honours on SS21. But McRae's brilliant run came to an abrupt halt at Kershope, longest stage of the event, where a branch destroyed his hopes of victory.
Subaru newcomer Richard Burns found himself flying the flag for his team alongside veteran Ari Vatanen after the demise of the McRaes. The highly-rated 22-year-old continued to shine as Colin was forced to retire after SS22 and Alister went off on the same stage. Burns finished day three in seventh saying things were better once "we got used to all the white stuff - I have little experience on snow." Alister suffered damage to the offside rear after getting stuck in a pile of logs and lost 12 minutes.
An accident on SS21 Grizedale West closed the stage for many of the back-runners on the rally. Driver William Hill was taken to hospital with a broken foot after crashing his Ford Escort while co-driver Clive Hilton suffered a broken hand. Both competitors were released after treatment. The stage was stopped as the ambulance attended the scene and all cars running 89th and onwards were credited with the same time.
Patches of freezing fog greeted the 121 remaining competitors as they left Lancaster for the morning's Lake District stages and things got worse with heavy snowfalls in the Kielder Forest. Survivors face seven stages on the final day. Finland's Sebastian Lindholm went out of the rally after rolling his Ford Escort RS Cosworth on SS21 Grizedale West. He had been lying 13th overnight. Robbie Head (no 22) spun twice on SS21 and also experienced trouble with a jammed clutch on his Ford Escort.
Charles Golding's charity fund was œ5 short at the end of SS21 as the Toyota driver explained: "A fan waved the note at us on a hairpin but we were going too well to stop." Car no 88 is now covered in names of fans supporting the bid to raise œ5,000 for cancer research - œ20 from a woman whose garden was used by the crew to service their car! Britain's Jonny Milner (no 30) suffered a fractured brake pipe in his Ford Escort on SS21. Gwyndaf Evans said he struggled on SS23 without snow tyres.
Tony Jardine gave his newspaper journalist co-driver Bob McKenzie a scare when he crashed into a pile of logs on SS21. The crew lost many minutes changing a damaged wheel. Richard Nicoll's Peugeot 205 (117) went off backwards into a ditch on SS23 Wauchope West. SS24 Wauchope East was stopped after 18 crews were stuck behind cars that had slid off in the icy conditions. Rescue teams were sent in to recover the vehicles and all other competitors were diverted to the next rally time control.
Mick Smith (no 140) went off on SS23 after his Skoda Favorit hit a bridge parapet. Frenchman Francois Delecour chose gravel tyres for SS23 and SS24 and admitted: "Malcolm (Wilson), Didier (Auriol) and I made a big mistake - it is hard on snow without studs." Mats Jonsson needed the help of spectators when he slid off on SS24 in his Toyota losing about a minute "This snow is fine but it's not like at home when we can use studded tyres. It's like driving in winter on summer tyres," said the Swede who finished the day in ninth.
Vauxhall's David Llewellin, well clear in the F2 battle, admitted the going was tough. "It is a bit scary driving a two-wheel drive car in these conditions without snow tyres," said the Welshman. Japanese crew Youzou Watanabe and Takuya Sugimura are enjoying their first taste of snow. "It is very exciting - lots of fun," they said. Paul Kirtley nursed his Ford Sierra Cosworth out of SS22 after cracking the sump and damaging the tracking in a heavy landing. They were held up by another competitor on SS24 - pushing him to the end of the stage.
Mark Higgins' Vauxhall Astra went off on SS24 and was then struck by Jonathan Joannides' Ford Sierra. Joannides shot off into the ditch, but Higgins remarkably carried on. Mark Lawn lost half an hour on the hill in SS24. The Peugeot driver said: "It took us 42 minutes to get through a seven mile stage! We tried to get up forwards, backwards and with people sat on the bonnet." Lawn came off on SS26. Robbie Head could be out after coming off on SS27. His Ford Escort was believed to be stuck on rocks.
Alister McRae lost time with two "pirhouettes" on SS25 Harwood. He finished the day in 10th place. Jeremy Easson (no 32) stopped on SS26 Falstone with damage to his Ford Escort and is likely to retire. Britain's Gary Smith (80) lost over 30 minutes after an off in SS26. Bob Green (68) went off in stage SS27 Broomylinn, while Vladimir Berger (75) and Alexander Artemenko (77) both stopped.
Emil Trina led the Group A 1300 class in his Skoda Favorit, with teammate Pavel Sibera second. The Group N class was headed by Gwyndaf Evans in the Ford Escort, a massive 19 minutes clear of Jonny Milner in second place. Subaru's Michael Rimmer was third. Mick Jones leads the battle for the newly-introduced Castrol Amateur Award in his Mitsubishi. Jones has a 12 minute lead over Youzou Watanabe, also in a Mitsubishi. The class is only open to vehicles owned and entered independently.
1 Kankkunen/Grist Toyota Car 1 Grp A: 1 Class 8: 1 4:55:34 2 Eriksson/Parmander M'bishi Car 4 Grp A: 2 Class 8: 2 4:56:06 3 Wilson/Thomas Ford Car 8 Grp A: 3 Class 8: 3 4:57:33 4 Delecour/Grataloup Ford Car 3 Grp A: 4 Class 8: 4 4:58:30 5 Auriol/Occelli Toyota Car 6 Grp A: 5 Class 8: 5 4:59:40 6 Vatanen/Berglund Subaru Car 5 Grp A: 6 Class 8: 6 5:00:07 7 Burns/Reid Subaru Car 10 Grp A: 7 Class 8: 7 5:06:31 8 Schwarz/Thul M'bishi Car 7 Grp A: 8 Class 8: 8 5:15:35 9 Jonsson/Backman Toyota Car 9 Grp A: 9 Class 8: 9 5:20:49 10 A McRae/Senior Subaru Car 12 Grp A:10 Class 8:10 5:21:48 11 Evans/Davies Ford Car 25 Grp N: 1 Class 4: 1 5:26:44 12 Llewellin/Grindrod V'xhall Car 15 Grp A:11 Class 7: 1 5:37:34 13 Jones/Dashfield M'bishi Car 39 Grp A:12 Class 8:11 5:38:58 14 Triner/Klima Skoda Car 18 Grp A:13 Class 5: 1 5:42:10 15 Joannides/Farrell Ford Car 50 Grp A:14 Class 8:12 5:42:44 16 Milner/Turvey Ford Car 30 Grp N: 2 Class 4: 2 5:45:29 17 Rimmer/Patterson Subaru Car 38 Grp N: 3 Class 4: 3 5:46:18 18 Higgins/Corner V'xhall Car 42 Grp A:15 Class 7: 2 5:49:43 19 Sibera/Gross Skoda Car 17 Grp A:16 Class 5: 2 5:50:07 19 Kirtley/Elder Ford Car 59 Grp A:16 Class 8:13 5:50:07 21 Watanabe/Sugimura M'bishi Car 44 Grp N: 4 Class 4: 4 5:50:26 22 Dyas/Derry Ford Car 49 Grp N: 5 Class 4: 5 5:51:36 23 Worswick/Pulleyn Ford Car 54 Grp A:18 Class 8:14 5:52:40 24 Stephenson/Jenkins Ford Car 58 Grp A:19 Class 8:15 5:56:01 25 Smith/Orrick Peugeot Car 56 Grp A:20 Class 7: 3 5:59:15 26 Stromberg/Ohlsson Saab Car 64 Grp A:21 Class 7: 4 6:00:35 27 Crealey/Jones Honda Car 60 Grp N: 6 Class 2: 1 6:07:15 28 Deville/Lhuguenot Peugeot Car 92 Grp A:22 Class 6: 1 6:07:31 29 Dubert/Ferrier Peugeot Car 91 Grp A:23 Class 6: 2 6:07:53 30 Barber/Barber V'xhall Car 99 Grp A:24 Class 7: 5 6:11:12 31 Aliasov/Levitan Lada Car 76 Grp A:25 Class 6: 3 6:15:26 32 Montagne/Perret Peugeot Car 95 Grp A:26 Class 6: 4 6:23:16 33 Stewart/Sokero Mazda Car 105 Grp N: 7 Class 4: 6 6:23:56 34 Sisson/Savage Ford Car 106 Grp N: 8 Class 4: 7 6:24:08 35 Yamada/Tashiro Subaru Car 126 Grp N: 9 Class 1: 1 6:28:03 36 Green/Capstick Ford Car 68 Grp N:10 Class 4: 8 6:28:30 37 Williams/Sheppard Skoda Car 97 Grp A:27 Class 5: 3 6:31:21 38 Stewart/Sokero Mazda Car 105 Grp N:10 Class 4: 9 6:05:59 39 Yamada/Tashiro Subaru Car 126 Grp N:11 Class 1: 1 6:10:04 40 Berger/Hruska Skoda Car 75 Grp N:12 Class 1: 2 6:11:26 41 Ceen/Douglas Ford Car 70 Grp N:13 Class 4:10 6:12:02 42 Williams/Sheppard Skoda Car 97 Grp A:29 Class 5: 3 6:12:27 43 O'Neill/Barge Toyota Car 124 Grp N:14 Class 2: 2 6:19:08 44 Hunt/McGrogan Ford Car 81 Grp N:15 Class 4:11 6:22:37 45 Jardine/McKenzie Toyota Car 71 Grp N:16 Class 4:12 6:23:59 46 Stoodley/Kennedy Peugeot Car 66 Grp A:30 Class 7: 6 6:26:56 47 Golding/Ayres Toyota Car 88 Grp N:17 Class 2: 3 6:36:35 48 Humphreys/Morris Ford Car 47 Grp N:18 Class 4:13 6:37:49 49 Bastiaens/Wise Ford Car 74 Grp N:19 Class 4:14 6:38:46 50 Kollevold/Lie Peugeot Car 160 Grp N:20 Class 1: 3 6:39:34 51 Wiggins/Shepherd V'xhall Car 89 Grp A:31 Class 6: 6 6:49:15 52 Smith/Robbie Ford Car 80 Grp N:21 Class 4:15 7:02:42 53 Slaymark/Fuller Toyota Car 85 Grp N:22 Class 4:16 7:05:58 54 Bean/Hesketh Rover Car 134 Grp N:23 Class 3: 1 7:08:55 55 Dewitt/Johnston Ford Car 72 Grp A:32 Class 8:17 7:10:54 56 Kaneko/Soma M'bishi Car 41 Grp N:24 Class 4:17 7:26:11 57 Presswell/Cottam V'xhall Car 123 Grp A:33 Class 5: 4 7:57:11 24.11.93 - THE RAC RALLYFinn Juha Kankkunen swept through the slippery snow-packed stages in consistently fast times to claim victory in the Network Q RAC Rally. Kankkunen, with Welsh co-driver Nicky Grist, dominated the tough four-day event in his works Toyota to win by 1 mins 44 secs from Mitsubishi's Kenneth Eriksson. Cumbrian driver Malcolm Wilson in a Ford Escort was a superb third. Kankkunen's success - his third in the RAC Rally - makes him the most successful ever world championship driver with 20 wins to his name.
Ice-cool Finn Juha Kankkunen barely put a wheel wrong on the final day, clocking five fastest times in the seven stages on his way to victory. His only bad moment came on SS30, the eight-mile Cropton stage, where he almost went off at junction one. "We went off sideways and hit a post very hard," explained Welsh co-driver Nicky Grist. "It broke my window and covered me in snow. We kept it full on in the ditch and managed to get the car back on the stage." They returned to a heroes' welcome in Birmingham.
RAC Rally champion Juha Kankkunen described this year's event as the toughest British world round he had experienced in 12 attempts. Kankkunen, who clinched the world crown when he won the event in 1987 and 1991, insisted this was the best of his three victories. "The conditions were so difficult. Day three in Kielder was the hardest and I lost time but also won time," said the dominant Finn. Welsh co-driver Nicky Grist added: "This is something I will cherish for the rest of my life."
RAC Rally winner Juha Kankkunen was co-driven by Welshman Nicky Grist their third success in just five World Championship events together. Kankkunen, with the 1993 world rally crown already secured, left Birmingham on Sunday insisting he was just "out to enjoy myself". But he was fastest on the first of the 35 competitive stages and led outright again from SS6 through to the end of day two, when the lead passed to Scot Colin McRae (Subaru). With McRae out, he led from SS23 to the end of the four-day rally.
LEADERBOARD AFTER SPECIAL STAGE 35 Driver Car H M S 1 Kankkunen Fin Toyota 6:25:48 2 Eriksson Swe Mitsubishi 6:27:32 3 Wilson GB Ford 6:31:26 4 Delecour Fr Ford 6:32:57 5 Vatanen Fin Subaru 6:33:59 6 Auriol Fr Toyota 6:39:39 7 Burns GB Subaru 6:47:25 8 Schwarz Ger Mitsubishi 6:51:02 9 Jonsson Swe Toyota 7:00:48 10 A McRae GB Subaru 7:02:12 11 Evans GB Ford 7:10:44 12 Llewellin GB Vauxhall 7:26:42 13 Milner GB Ford 7:29:12 14 Jones GB Mitsubishi 7:31:46Malcolm Wilson finished a brilliant third after struggling to stay with the fearsome pace of the leaders. The 37-year-old Cumbrian spun on the first junction of slippery SS29 Hamsterley and was then forced to stop on a hairpin after trapping a rock below one of his wheel arches. "It was just as if somebody had thrown out an anchor and scuppered any chance of catching Kenneth (Eriksson)," said the Ford test driver who also half spun on SS31. His third place was the best result by a British driver since 1987.
Malcolm Wilson admitted he had made a few mistakes on his way to third place in the Network Q RAC Rally. "It was the most difficult of my 17 RACs but, at the end of the day, the most enjoyable," he said. "When I look at the regular world runners behind me, I must be pleased." The Ford driver added: "This result helps make up for the bad luck we had this year in the British Rally Championship. It's a great relief." Co-driver Bryan Thomas was full of praise for Wilson's efforts. "This was a driver's rally," he commented.
Mitsubishi charger Kenneth Eriksson took a hard-earned runner-up spot with co-driver Staffan Parmandar. The battling Finn dropped from third to 11th with punctures at the start of day two but, undeterred, was back to fourth as the day ended. He took over second spot behind new leader Juha Kankkunen when Colin McRae went out on SS22 and kept his fellow Finn under constant pressure. "After the problems we had right at the beginning we are pleased," said Eriksson as he headed for his third second place in the last four RACs.
Ford works driver Francois Delecour had been counting the miles to the finish in Birmingham and admitted he found the rally extremely tough. "There is more stress than pleasure for us drivers," said the Frenchman who battled on to finish fourth. "I'm sure it's wonderful for spectators to see us sliding off everywhere but for us it is not fun. The snow is not important in itself - you have to believe in the car and just drive," said Delecour, who clinched runner-up place in the 1993 FIA World Rally Championship.
Subaru's young stars Richard Burns and Alister McRae did the team proud with superb top 10 finishes. Burns produced one of the drives of the rally to finish seventh but insisted he had hoped to do better. "I was hoping to finish in the top five, but considering I'd never driven in ice or snow before I am happy with the result," he said. The 22-year-old almost came to grief on the last stage, but an electrical problem in the engine of the Legacy was fixed in time. McRae, also 22, came home in 10th.
Welshman Gwyndaf Evans clinched the Group N world championship for Ford after an emphatic performance. The part-time bus driver led from start to finish in his Escort RS Cosworth and was 18 minutes clear of the rest of the field. It was Evans' second RAC win in the class for showroom-standard cars and it completed a memorable year, following his British title triumph. Jonny Milner ensured a 1-2 for Ford after steering his Escort into the runner-up spot.
Talented young Scot Robbie Head was still bubbling 24 hours after his first competitive RAC Rally ended in a snowy ditch on SS27 Broomylinn. "I have to take the good things out of the rally," said the 25-year-old who went out while eighth in his Michelin Pilot Team Ford Escort. "I've learnt a lot. It was my first drive on snow tyres and the first on gravel in a Group A car - what there was of it! You have to take your hat off to drivers like Kankkunen, setting such consistently fast times."
The rally was delayed at the start of the final day by a drivers' protest on the opening stage. Many of the leading competitors refused to start SS29 Hamsterley because the 15.75-mile stage had been shortened by organisers. Heavy snowfalls caused the route to be altered and drivers complained they had not seen the new route. The teams instructed their drivers to start and the stage began, about 40 minutes late, with competitors being warned they would be excluded if such an incident happened again.
Exactly 100 cars left Gateshead at the start of the final day, with 65 retirements on the first three days. The remaining crews included more than 40 involved in a big diversion on Tuesday evening which saw many of them unable to compete over stages 24 to 28. Following a stewards' meeting all crews unable to complete those stages were allocated a time. Road penalties for time controls 24 to 28b and the early arrival penalty at Gateshead were cancelled.
Formula Two leader David Llewellin was involved in a head-on collision with a non-competing car on SS30. No-one was injured and Llewellin's Astra was able to continue. Welshman Gwyndaf Evans survived a puncture on SS29 and said he was enjoying the challenge of the thick snow although "the only thing these stages are good for are picture postcards!". He came home in 11th. Jonny Milner had a slow puncture and bounced in and out of a ditch on SS31, but his Sierra emerged unscathed and he lost no time, finishing 13th overall.
David Llewellin clinched the F2 title in his Vauxhall Astra GSi, seeing off the challenge of Emil Triner in the Skoda to win with five minutes to spare. The Welshman led for most of the event, finishing 12th overall, while Trina led a Skoda 1-2-3 in the GPA 1300 class. Ari Vatanen's Subaru had to be hauled from a snow-covered ditch en route to SS32 after he took drastic action to avoid one of his own service vehicles. But the Finn recovered to overhaul Didier Auriol and finish in fifth place.
Mick Jones took the Castrol award for independent competitors using their own cars. Jones' Mitsubishi finished nearly 13 minutes ahead of Paul Kirtley and Paul Dyas, who were both driving Sierras. Peter Stephenson (no 58) lost the front bumper of his Sierra after coming off on a chicane on SS33. Charles Golding carried out some emergency welding to the rear axle with two stages to go - just as he had at the same point last year. The Toyota Corolla (88) has been collecting cash for cancer research and the fund now stands at œ6,600.
Jonny Milner had a few half-spins in his Ford Escort on SS30, blaming too much power in the corners. The Sierra of Paul Dyas (no 49) suffered damage to the front after an off in SS30 Cropton. Didier Auriol, who finished fifth, lost two minutes on SS33. He moaned "I can't drive this car (Toyota), it is impossible! I will get to the finish very slowly, I think." Germany's Armin Schwarz commented: "They have all stopped getting so scared of punctures, because they are in the ditches everywhere!"
Toyota's Mats Jonsson said after SS33 Dalby: "I am not enjoying this at all. This is a good rally for the Swedish Championship but we all have the wrong tyres." The Swede eventually came home in ninth place. Mick Jones (no 39) said SS32 was "the first clean run we've had in ages - all that with three gears and a puncture!" Leslie Andrew (159) was forced to retire after an off in SS32. The Seat Ibiza of Walter Warwick (166) spun a couple of times on SS32, but he regained control.
Steve Hunt (no 81) said he felt as if his Sierra was towing a trailer after going off in "a few" ditches on SS33 Dalby. Grahame Coleman (no 135) finished SS32 Langdale with a "bit of tree" on the roof of his Vauxhall Nova.
1 Kankkunen/Grist Toyota Car 1 Grp A: 1 Class 8: 1 6:25:48 2 Eriksson/Parmander M'bishi Car 4 Grp A: 2 Class 8: 2 6:27:32 3 Wilson/Thomas Ford Car 8 Grp A: 3 Class 8: 3 6:31:26 4 Delecour/Grataloup Ford Car 3 Grp A: 4 Class 8: 4 6:32:57 5 Vatanen/Berglund Subaru Car 5 Grp A: 5 Class 8: 5 6:33:59 6 Auriol/Occelli Toyota Car 6 Grp A: 6 Class 8: 6 6:39:39 7 Burns/Reid Subaru Car 10 Grp A: 7 Class 8: 7 6:47:25 8 Schwarz/Thul M'bishi Car 7 Grp A: 8 Class 8: 8 6:51:02 9 Jonsson/Backman Toyota Car 9 Grp A: 9 Class 8: 9 7:00:48 10 A McRae/Senior Subaru Car 12 Grp A:10 Class 8:10 7:02:12 11 Evans/Davies Ford Car 25 Grp N: 1 Class 4: 1 7:10:44 12 Llewellin/Grindrod V'xhall Car 15 Grp A:11 Class 7: 1 7:26:42 13 Milner/Turvey Ford Car 30 Grp N: 2 Class 4: 2 7:29:12 14 Jones/Dashfield M'bishi Car 39 Grp A:12 Class 8:11 7:31:46 15 Triner/Klima Skoda Car 18 Grp A:13 Class 5: 1 7:31:52 16 Joannides/Farrell Ford Car 50 Grp A:14 Class 8:12 7:35:06 17 Rimmer/Patterson Subaru Car 38 Grp N: 3 Class 4: 3 7:38:15 18 Sibera/Gross Skoda Car 17 Grp A:15 Class 5: 2 7:39:25 19 Higgins/Corner V'xhall Car 42 Grp A:16 Class 7: 2 7:42:58 20 Kirtley/Elder Ford Car 59 Grp A:17 Class 8:13 7:44:04 21 Dyas/Derry Ford Car 49 Grp N: 4 Class 4: 4 7:44:12 22 Watanabe/Sugimura M'bishi Car 44 Grp N: 5 Class 4: 5 7:44:36 23 Worswick/Pulleyn Ford Car 54 Grp A:18 Class 8:14 7:48:29 24 Stromberg/Ohlsson Saab Car 64 Grp A:19 Class 7: 3 7:51:35 25 Stephenson/Jenkins Ford Car 58 Grp A:20 Class 8:15 7:53:51 26 Deville/Lhuguenot Peugeot Car 92 Grp A:21 Class 6: 1 8:05:07 27 Dubert/Ferrier Peugeot Car 91 Grp A:22 Class 6: 2 8:05:10 28 Smith/Orrick Peugeot Car 56 Grp A:23 Class 7: 4 8:07:40 29 Crealey/Jones Honda Car 60 Grp N: 6 Class 2: 1 8:12:06 30 Barber/Barber V'xhall Car 99 Grp A:24 Class 7: 5 8:19:11 31 Aliasov/Levitan Lada Car 76 Grp A:25 Class 6: 3 8:21:24 32 Montagne/Perret Peugeot Car 95 Grp A:26 Class 6: 4 8:29:39 33 Sisson/Savage Ford Car 106 Grp N: 7 Class 4: 6 8:30:05 34 Artemenko/Timkovskiy Lada Car 77 Grp A:27 Class 6: 5 8:30:53 35 Green/Capstick Ford Car 68 Grp N: 8 Class 4: 7 8:31:23 36 Williams/Sheppard Skoda Car 97 Grp A:28 Class 5: 3 8:39:55 37 Jardine/McKenzie Toyota Car 71 Grp N: 9 Class 4: 8 8:44:53 38 Yamada/Tashiro Subaru Car 126 Grp N:10 Class 1: 1 8:44:40 39 Hunt/McGrogan Ford Car 81 Grp N:11 Class 4: 9 8:46:16 40 Berger/Hruska Skoda Car 75 Grp N:12 Class 1: 2 8:47:54 41 Ceen/Douglas Ford Car 70 Grp N:13 Class 4:10 8:56:37 42 O'Neill/Barge Toyota Car 124 Grp N:14 Class 2: 2 8:59:42 43 Stoodley/Kennedy Peugeot Car 66 Grp A:29 Class 7: 6 8:59:44 44 Slaymark/Fuller Toyota Car 85 Grp N:15 Class 4:11 9:01:04 45 Bastiaens/Wise Ford Car 74 Grp N:16 Class 4:12 9:18:16 46 Golding/Ayres Toyota Car 88 Grp N:17 Class 2: 3 9:18:42 47 Kollevold/Lie Peugeot Car 160 Grp N:18 Class 1: 3 9:21:33 48 Wiggins/Shepherd V'xhall Car 89 Grp A:30 Class 6: 6 9:23:04 49 Jones/Bevan Peugeot Car 125 Grp A:31 Class 7: 7 9:35:12 50 Smith/Robbie Ford Car 80 Grp N:19 Class 4:13 9:39:37 51 Kaneko/Soma M'bishi Car 41 Grp N:20 Class 4:14 9:42:55 52 Green/Foy V'xhall Car 73 Grp N:21 Class 3: 1 9:48:13 53 Bean/Hesketh Rover Car 134 Grp N:22 Class 3: 2 9:50:07 54 Willoughby/Steward Ford Car 132 Grp A:32 Class 8:16 9:52:34 55 Menzies/Thomas Ford Car 48 Grp N:23 Class 4:15 10:16:03 56 Dewitt/Johnston Ford Car 72 Grp A:33 Class 8:17 10:21:13 57 Presswell/Cottam V'xhall Car123 Grp A:34 Class 5: 4 10:24:34 58 Davies/Hobbs V'xhall Car101 Grp N:24 Class 3: 3 10:27:33 59 Smith/Middleton Skoda Car140 Grp A:35 Class 5: 5 10:45:53 60 Warwick/Erskine Seat Car166 Grp A:36 Class 6: 7 10:49:05 61 Darbyshire/Darbyshir Rover Car139 Grp N:25 Class 3: 4 10:58:21 62 Madge/Cooper Toyota Car100 Grp N:26 Class 2: 4 11:01:26 63 Wood/Wood Saab Car 96 Grp A:37 Class 8:18 11:01:39 64 Jackson/Pain Toyota Car121 Grp A:38 Class 6: 8 11:11:34 65 Clarke/Preston Peugeot Car 87 Grp A:39 Class 7: 8 11:14:28 66 Claridge/Hall Ford Car107 Grp A:40 Class 8:19 11:14:39 67 Clements/Balfour Honda Car 90 Grp A:41 Class 6: 9 11:15:13 68 Coleman/Noden V'xhall Car135 Grp A:42 Class 6:10 11:15:25 69 Statham/Walker Peugeot Car116 Grp A:43 Class 7: 9 11:15:58 70 Shelley/Berris Toyota Car137 Grp N:27 Class 2: 5 11:17:02 71 Worts/Gardner Opel Car170 Grp A:44 Class 5: 6 11:18:05 72 Spurge/Leaver Toyota Car 78 Grp A:45 Class 6:11 11:18:55 73 Raybould/Oglesby Rover Car152 Grp A:46 Class 7:10 11:27:18 74 Slade/Howell Peugeot Car161 Grp N:28 Class 2: 6 11:36:05 75 Lendon/Curry Audi Car154 Grp A:47 Class 8:20 11:36:29 76 Meade/Paterson V'wagen Car133 Grp N:29 Class 3: 5 11:36:58 77 Fairweather/Capon V'xhall Car118 Grp A:48 Class 7:11 11:38:08 78 Haskett/Haskett Peugeot Car119 Grp N:30 Class 3: 6 11:41:06 79 Wheatley/Orr Skoda Car165 Grp N:31 Class 1: 4 11:42:01 80 Nicoll/Lumgair Peugeot Car117 Grp A:49 Class 6:12 11:44:15 81 Cooper/Bastiana Ford Car104 Grp N:32 Class 2: 7 11:44:57 82 Cholmondeley/Turner Opel Car162 Grp A:50 Class 7:12 11:50:13 83 Cooledge/Graham Toyota Car149 Grp N:33 Class 2: 8 11:52:07 84 Barnes/Boram Peugeot Car169 Grp N:34 Class 2: 9 11:58:27 85 Kitching/Kay V'xhall Car146 Grp A:51 Class 6:13 12:03:00 86 Simpson/Hancock Peugeot Car122 Grp N:35 Class 3: 7 12:19:05 87 Denman/Bird Peugeot Car108 Grp A:52 Class 6:14 12:28:35 88 Martin/Martin Peugeot Car131 Grp A:53 Class 7:13 12:30:18 89 O'Leary/Hogan Peugeot Car103 Grp N:36 Class 3: 8 12:33:51 90 Scott/Marshall V'xhall Car129 Grp A:54 Class 7:14 12:37:11 91 Orford/Phillips Toyota Car 98 Grp A:55 Class 6:15 12:37:43 92 Brooks/Dyson V'xhall Car142 Grp N:37 Class 2:10 12:42:35 93 Apperley/Wood Fiat Car167 Grp A:56 Class 6:16 13:12:00 94 Evans/Bowles Lada Car168 Grp A:57 Class 5: 7 13:50:35 LIST OF RETIREMENTS 29 Wambergue/Latieule Subaru N/4 SS01 Turbocharger 57 Cathers/Noble Ford N/4 RS01 Gearbox 148 Gobert/Le Jean Suzuki N/1 RS01 Gearbox 45 Armeftis/Lewis Mazda N/4 RS03 Compression 34 Fidanza/Farina Toyota N/4 RS04 OTL 177 Grimes/Deeley Peugeot A/7 RS04 OTL 19 Pianezzola/Roggia Lancia A/8 SS05 Accident damage 28 Muller/Marcus Ford A/8 RS05 OTL 52 Vassallo/Alexander Ford A/8 RS05 Head gasket 69 Mallory/Mee Ford A/8 RS05 Accident 110 Gaillard/Epalle Renault N/3 RS05 Gearbox 173 Bevan/Armstrong Vauxhall N/3 RS05 OTL 53 Barry/Armistead Ford A/8 RS06 Did not start 111 Shield/Tatham Renault N/3 RS06 Gearbox 46 Wetton/Edwards Volkswagen A/8 SS07 Head gasket 63 Moore/Foster Lancia A/8 SS09 Electrical fire 153 Collyer/Mollett Vauxhall A/6 RS09 Blown engine 178 White/White Lancia A/7 RS09 OTL 113 Freeman/Whatmough Peugeot A/7 RS09 Driver injured 164 Fletcher/Chadwick Peugeot N/1 RS09 Did not start 174 Tuthill/Tuthill Subaru A/5 RS09 Head gasket 16 De Mevius/Lux Nissan A/7 SS10 Bottom pulley 109 Beckett/Thompson Ford N/4 SS10 Steering 128 Brazier/Palmer Peugeot N/1 SS10 Off in stage 27 Mokkonen/Mannisenmak Audi N/4 SS11 Oil radiator 35 Jones/Evans Toyota A/8 SS11 Electronics 51 Clark/Leighton Ford N/4 SS11 Off in stage 67 Rees/Heymer Ford A/8 SS12 Off in stage 86 Jasper/Edwards Ford N/4 SS12 Off in stage 93 Fouques/Chapotot Peugeot A/6 SS12 Off in ditch 138 Herring/Williams Vauxhall N/3 SS12 Fuel pump 158 Heath/Hely Peugeot N/3 SS12 Off in stage 171 Moore/Biggins Vauxhall N/2 SS12 Hit a tree 31 Watson-Clark/McNiven Ford N/4 RS12 Accident damage 82 Renoux/Guellerin Peugeot A/6 RS12 Off in stage 141 Barry/Gooch Volkswagen A/8 RS12 Supercharger 144 Boden/Parkhurst Vauxhall N/1 RS12 Gearbox 120 Knight/Fletcher Ford A/7 RS13 Engine mountings 130 Bray/Jordan Toyota N/2 RS13 OTL 84 Jonquieres/Phelippea Peugeot N/2 SS14 Off in stage 112 Somerville/McGowan Mazda N/4 RS17 Gearbox 33 J McRae/Wood Volkswagen A/7 SS19 Off in stage 114 Bowers/Phillipson Peugeot A/7 SS19 Rolled in stage 40 Payne/Bull Ford A/8 RS19 Cam belt failure 11 Lindholm/Hakala Ford A/8 SS21 Rolled 62 Hill/Hilton Ford N/4 SS21 Accident 43 Cox/Eccleston Vauxhall N/4 RS21 Mech. problems 61 Richer/Howlett Ford A/8 SS22 Off in stage 79 Collins/Jefferies Toyota A/6 SS22 Off in stage 115 Healer/White Ford N/4 SS22 Off in stream 156 Raymond/Rixon Vauxhall A/5 SS22 Off in stream 2 C McRae/Ringer Subaru A/8 RS22 Engine failure 150 Hackett/Hackett Peugeot A/6 RS22 Off in stage 175 Beavan/Chappell Skoda N/1 RS22 Off in stage 176 Spencer/Spicer Skoda N/1 RS22 Off in stage 37 Petch/Croft Ford N/4 SS23 Head gasket 143 Wynne/Griffith Suzuki N/1 RS24 OTL 147 Butler/Howe Toyota A/6 RS24 OTL 151 Murrell/Davies Opel A/5 RS24 Off in stage 32 Easson/Cook Ford N/4 SS26 Off in stage 47 Humphreys/Morris Ford N/4 SS26 Off in ditch 65 Lawn/Harris Peugeot N/3 SS26 Off in stage 22 Head/Roy Ford A/8 SS27 Off in stage 136 Godwin/Wyer Volkswagen A/7 RS28 Differential 55 Somerville/Perrin Ford A/8 RS28 Did not start 155 Raines/Gregg Ford N/4 SS29 Off in stage 172 Stokoe/Stokoe Skoda N/1 SS29 Power failure 105 Stewart/Sokero Mazda N/4 SS31 Gearbox 159 Andrew/Heather Skoda N/1 SS32 Off in ditch 163 Lennox/Hall Peugeot N/2 SS32 OTL 157 Brooks-Johnson/Hall Peugeot N/2 RS33 OTL CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS:- DRIVERS 1 J Kankkunen Fin Toyota 135 pts World champion 2 F Delecour Fr Ford 112 3 D Auriol Fr Toyota 92 4 M Biasion It Ford 76 5 C Sainz Sp Lancia 50 = C McRae GB Subaru 50 7 K Eriksson Swe M/bishi 41 8 A Vatanen Fin Subaru 38 9 G Trelles Uru Lancia 28 10 T Makinen Fin Vauxhall 26 MANUFACTURERS 1 Toyota 157 pts 2 Ford 145 3 Subaru 110 4 Lancia 92 5 Mitsubishi 86 (Toyota are the 1993 champions) 25.11.93 - F1Damon Hill emerged shaken but uninjured after a 155mph crash during testing at Estoril. The 33-year-old lost control of his Williams at the second corner of the track, leaving the car wrecked. Team spokeswoman Ann Bradshaw said: "The car swapped ends and it was a very big accident but Damon is alright." Hill reportedly lay on the track after the crash but was then able to walk away. He flew back to London on Thursday afternoon.
27.11.93 - F1Formula One could be its way to Russia with plans to build the country's first-ever GP circuit at the Baltic city of Kaliningrad. "We are trying to develop motor sport in Russia - not just Formula One, but also Formula 3000, a truck cup, touring cars, motorcycles and superbikes," said a spokesman for the scheme's backers.
28.11.93 - F1The 1994 season's first Formula One race - and the first in Argentina for 13 years - has been cancelled, according to a newspaper report. The report quoted race promoter Luiz Ruzzi as saying the March 20 race was called off after a meeting with F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone. Ruzzi spoke of "complications" and lack of sufficient time to organize the race. But he added that he hoped to persuade F1 bosses to hold the race during the latter stages of the 1994 season.