02.11.94 - F1French motor racing team Larrousse have announced that Swiss driver Jean-Denis Deletraz will make his Formula One debut at the Australian Grand Prix later this month. Deletraz, 31, has made his mark in sports car and Formula 3000 racing in recent seasons.
JOHN WATSON ON THE JAPANESE GRAND PRIX
It will be a somewhat unfamiliar scene this weekend in Suzuka with so many teams making changes to their driver line-ups. It is more like the first race of a season than the penultimate round with a ridiculous amount of musical chairs and drivers named who are unknown outside their own countries. It does not seem to matter who they are as long as they have the money to pay for their drive. It is confusing and makes a mockery of F1 with drivers competing who would never earn a seat on merit.
Economics play a big part in these last two races of the season with teams having to make changes purely for financial reasons. Those whose budgets are falling short are having to take on drivers with funding, in order to fulfil their contractural obligations. There could be up to four drivers making F1 debuts in Suzuka, among them Taki Inoue in the Simtek. Larrousse Ford have a couple of options with Erik Comas partnered by either Jean-Denis Deletraz or Hideki Noda. Who? I hear you ask.
Johnny Herbert finds himself back at Benetton as they pursue their double World Championship bid. Herbert was plucked from Lotus just before the European Grand Prix and deposited at Ligier and now returns to the team which provided him with his F1 debut back in 1989. Benetton Ford have their sights on both the drivers' title and the constructors' honours. Almost all their points have been won by Michael Schumacher but they believe Herbert can back-up their no 1 star and win points of his own.
Johnny Herbert takes over from Jos Verstappen who has been 'rested' by Benetton after straining his neck muscles three weeks ago in Jerez. Some strain! Herbert is replaced at Ligier by the newly-signed young French test driver Franck Lagorce. Another Benetton 'ex' popping up in Japan is JJ Lehto, now in a Sauber alongside Heinz-Harald Frentzen, with Karl Wendlinger's F1 comeback postponed due to neck pain. An interesting newcomer could be Mika Salo, a Finnish driver based in Japan, in the Lotus Mugen.
It will be a particularly special weekend in Suzuka for three regular drivers, for very personal reasons. Ukyo Katayama will be desperately keen to impress in his Tyrrell in front of his home crowd. For Eddie Irvine in the Jordan, it is the anniversary of his debut. This time last year he was the talk of Formula One. Finn Mika Hakkinen believes he can win a GP this season in his McLaren Peugeot - but time is fast running out for him.
Michael Schumacher and Damon Hill's battle for the title remains the main interest despite all the new faces at Suzuka this weekend. If I was them I would be unhappy about the number of unknowns which could have an influence. Wild cards are one thing but this is Wild East. Amalgamate all the elements already discussed, throw in unpredictable weather, and Suzuka will test their qualities as never before. Only Williams driver Nigel Mansell can benefit, being accustomed as he is to erratic IndyCar drivers.
04.11.94 - F1: THE JAPANESE GRAND PRIX Friday's qualifying times: mins secs 1 M Schumacher Ger Benetton 1:37.209 2 D Hill GB Williams 1:37.696 3 H Frentzen Ger Sauber 1:37.742 4 N Mansell GB Williams 1:37.768 5 J Herbert GB Benetton 1:37.828 6 E Irvine NI Jordan 1:37.880 7 J Alesi Fr Ferrari 1:37.907 8 M Hakkinen Fin McLaren 1:37.998 9 M Brundle GB McLaren 1:38.076 10 R Bar'chello Brz Jordan 1:38.533 11 G Berger Aut Ferrari 1:38.570 12 G M'delli It Footwork 1:39.030 13 M Blundell GB Tyrrell 1:39.266 14 U Katayama Jpn Tyrrell 1:39.462 15 J Lehto Fin Sauber 1:39.483 16 P Martini It Minardi 1:39.548 17 A Zanardi It Lotus 1:39.721 18 C Fittipaldi Brz Footwork 1:39.868 19 O Panis Fra Ligier 1:40.042 20 F Lagorce Fr Ligier 1:40.577 21 M Alboreto It Minardi 1:40.652 22 E Comas Fr Larrousse 1:40.978 23 H Noda Jpn Larrousse 1:40.990 24 D Brabham Aus Simtek 1:41.659 25 M Salo Fin Lotus 1:41.805 26 T Inoue Jpn Simtek 1:45.004 27 B Gachot Fr Pacific 1:46.374 28 P Belmondo Fr Pacific 1:46.629World championship leader Michael Schumacher grasped the early initiative as he took provisional pole for Sunday's Grand Prix. The 25-year-old German clocked 1 min 37.209 secs in his Benetton in the opening session. Damon Hill, five points adrift in the championship race, was second fastest in 1:37.969 in his Williams. German Heinz-Harald Frentzen, in a Sauber, was third fastest, just edging Nigel Mansell into fourth, followed by Johnny Herbert and Eddie Irvine.
05.11.94 - F1: THE JAPANESE GRAND PRIXMichael Schumacher will start from pole position on Sunday after rain ruined Saturday's final qualifying session at Suzuka. No driver was able to improve their first session times leaving Damon Hill in his Williams in second place on the grid behind the German's Benetton. Nigel Mansell clocked the fastest time during the practice session that preceeded final qualifying. Mansell's Williams will line-up alongside the Sauber of Heinz-Harald Frentzen on the second row.
Combined qualifying times: mins secs 1 M Schumacher Ger Benetton 1:37.209 2 D Hill GB Williams 1:37.696 3 H Frentzen Ger Sauber 1:37.742 4 N Mansell GB Williams 1:37.768 5 J Herbert GB Benetton 1:37.828 6 E Irvine NI Jordan 1:37.880 7 J Alesi Fr Ferrari 1:37.907 8 M Hakkinen Fin McLaren 1:37.998 9 M Brundle GB McLaren 1:38.076 10 R Bar'chello Brz Jordan 1:38.533 11 G Berger Aut Ferrari 1:38.570 12 G M'delli It Footwork 1:39.030 13 M Blundell GB Tyrrell 1:39.266 14 U Katayama Jpn Tyrrell 1:39.462 15 J Lehto Fin Sauber 1:39.483 16 P Martini It Minardi 1:39.548 17 A Zanardi It Lotus 1:39.721 18 C Fittipaldi Brz Footwork 1:39.868 19 O Panis Fra Ligier 1:40.042 20 F Lagorce Fr Ligier 1:40.577 21 M Alboreto It Minardi 1:40.652 22 E Comas Fr Larrousse 1:40.978 23 H Noda Jpn Larrousse 1:40.990 24 D Brabham Aus Simtek 1:41.659 25 M Salo Fin Lotus 1:41.805 26 T Inoue Jpn Simtek 1:45.004 27 B Gachot Fr Pacific 1:46.374 28 P Belmondo Fr Pacific 1:46.629 06.11.94 - F1: THE JAPANESE GRAND PRIXDamon Hill kept his nerve over some tense final laps to hold off a charge from Michael Schumacher and claim victory in the Japanese GP. Hill won the drama-packed race by 3.3 seconds, leaving the world title to be decided in a head-to-head finale next week in Adelaide. Schumacher made two pit stops to Hill's one and the Briton took full advantage but faced an agonising battle to the finish as the German star steadily nibbled at his lead. Frenchman Jean Alesi won a battle with Nigel Mansell to take third.
Britain's Damon Hill is just one point behind World Championship leader Michael Schumacher after a dramatic win in a crash-marred race. The Williams team gave Hill every chance with superior pit-stop strategy and he made the most of it to claim his sixth win this season. "It was absolutely thrilling," he said after holding off a determined charge by the Benetton star. "I did not have a moment to rest, it was flat out all the way," he said. "I could not be cautious but it is satisfying to race like that."
Nigel Mansell and Jean Alesi put on a breath-taking display of racing as they battled for third position. The pair were locked in combat on the track with Mansell desperately trying to get by in his Williams as spray from the front and rear tyres made visibility a real problem. Ahead of them Damon Hill, who had inherited the lead when Michael Schumacher stopped for fuel, was making the most of his opportunity. Mansell finally outmanoeuvred Alesi on the line but, on aggregate, the Ferrari driver still claimed third.
Michael Schumacher took the lead in spectacular style as the race got underway in atrocious conditions. Schumacher swept across the track, his wheels spinning and the tail of his Benetton sliding, as he ensured he had the edge on the first corner. Damon Hill tucked in behind in his Williams but, with the rain falling heavily, he was driving near blind to stay right behind his rival. Within just three laps, the safety car came out leaving the remaining 22 cars - four had already spun out - to continue in formation.
Britain's Johnny Herbert was among the early victims of the weather as his return to Benetton ended in bitter disappointment on lap three. Herbert spun off the slippery track just as the safety car came out to slow the race. "I hit a puddle and it felt as if I spun a dozen times" he said. "It's undriveable." Already out were newcomers Hideki Noda in the Larrousse and Takachiho Inoue in the Simtek. The experienced Japanese driver Ukyo Katayama also aquaplaned off the track and out of the race.
Martin Brundle suffered a horrific crash as the red flag came out to halt the race after 15 wet laps. A marshal was taken to hospital with a suspected broken leg after being struck by Brundle's McLaren and the driver himself was lucky to avoid crashing into a truck. "It should not have happened. We need to talk about it," he declared. The safety car had been out from laps 3 to 10 and, by the end of the next four laps, the total number of drivers crashing out had risen to at least nine of the 26 starters.
Result (all classified drivers): 1 D Hill GB Williams 1 hr 55 mins 53.53 secs 2 M Schumacher Ger Benetton 3.365s back 3 J Alesi Fr Ferrari 52.045s 4 N Mansell GB Williams 56.074 5 E Irvine GB Jordan 1:42.107 6 HH Frentzen Ger Sauber 1:59.862 7 M Hakkinen Fin McLaren 2:02.985 8 C Fittipaldi Brz Footwork one lap 9 E Comas Fr Larrousse one lap 10 M Salo Fin Lotus one lap 11 O Panis Fr Ligier one lap 12 D Brabham Aus Simtek two laps 13 A Zanardi It Lotus two laps DRIVERS: 1 M Schumacher Ger 92 pts 2 D Hill GB 91 3 G Berger Aut 35 4 M Hakkinen Fin 26 5 J Alesi Fr 23 6 R Barrichello Brz 16 7 D Coulthard GB 14 8 M Brundle GB 12 9 J Verstappen Hol 10 10 M Blundell GB 8 11 O Panis Fr 7 == H Frentzen Ger 7 13 N Larini It 6 == C Fittipaldi Brz 6 == E Irvine GB 6 CONSTRUCTORS: 1 Williams Renault 108 points 2 Benetton Ford 103 3 Ferrari 64 4 McLaren Peugeot 38 5 Jordan Hart 25 6 Tyrrell Yamaha 13 7 Sauber Mercedes 12 8 Ligier 11 9 Footwork Ford 9 10 Minardi Ford 5 11 Larrousse Ford 2 08.11.94 - F1World title hopeful Damon Hill is planning talks with Williams bosses about his contract. He is still on a test driver's contract, drawn up before he was named as their second driver behind Alain Prost last season. Hill has led the team since the death of Ayrton Senna earlier this year and is locked in a battle for the title with Michael Schumacher. He told the Sun newspaper that he does not feel the amount he is currently paid reflects his value to the team.
09.11.94 - F1Damon Hill has launched a bitter war of words with Williams-Renault by accusing them of failing to back him. Hill is adamant that he is not paid what he feels he is worth and is hoping to negotiate a new contract. He said: "I'm pretty disgusted with some of the things that have gone on. I feel they have not made me feel that the team is behind me to win the championship. I reckon I am a lot better than my contract says I am."
JOHN WATSON ON THE AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX
The stage is now set for a great showdown in Adelaide...not since 1986 with Piquet, Prost and Mansell have we had such a close finish. After the unpredictability of Suzuka we now have another roll of the dice, this time on a street track. The circuit is unforgiving in nature and the weather here has been changeable in the past. I hope the race is won fairly and squarely by the best man and team on the day - Schumacher or Hill, Benetton or Williams-Renault.
Damon Hill and Williams both raised their levels of performance to win the Japanese Grand Prix and the momentum is surely with them. In the past, both team and driver have not always got things right but they were exceptional in Suzuka. The law of averages suggests that Michael Schumacher would have a slightly better chance on Sunday. But the winner will triumph because of what he and his team are able to accomplish on the day and presently Williams are stronger overall. However, it is a very close call.
Another factor favouring Damon Hill is being backed up by a driver of Nigel Mansell's calibre. The fact that Mansell was fastest overall in one of the practice sessions at Suzuka illustrates the value of having a strong partner. This will be the fourth time that Mansell has been in the car and even he will benefit from that experience. Mansell could work his way onto pole position in Adelaide and that would be a crucial distraction for Michael Schumacher.
The street circuit at Adelaide will provide the sternest test possible to decide the outcome of this year's championship. Traditionally, this track has shown us that the most minute error can result in cars being forced into instant retirement. Drivers have to be precise and at the championship's other street circuit in Monaco, it was Michael Schumacher who reigned supreme. Ultimately, I feel it is going to come down to the strength of character of both drivers.
If one thing is clear, it is that Adelaide does tend to favour the powerful cars. While Michael Schumacher is more of what I call a complete driver, it is undeniable that Hill has got the benefit of greater power with his Williams-Renault. However, it will be a long, hard race with traffic always being the uncontrollable factor. Throughout the season, it has been Schumacher who has proved himself to be more consistent in this respect.
This kind of climax to the season is just what Formula One needs to give to its spectators and viewers. However, the circumstances leading up to the battle going to the wire have come about in a highly unsatisfactory manner. In reality, Schumacher should have been champion four or five races ago but his and Benetton's actions have given us this unexpected bonus. It has to be said that it was the two-race ban after Silverstone and the Belgian GP disqualification that set up this exciting finish.
The importance of Damon Hill's win in Japan cannot really be emphasied enough, in my opinion. Had he finished second, the gap of nine points instead of the current one in the drivers' standings would have made his task in Adelaide almost impossible. There is an interesting parallel to be drawn from the 1962 championship showdown between Damon's father Graham Hill and Jim Clark. Clark led the final race in South Africa but when he had to retire, Hill clinched the championship.
The battle for the constructor's championship looks as if it is a lot more pre-determined. Williams are surely set to edge out Benetton in the contest that is of less interest to the public but of paramount importance to the teams. With many cars damaged at Suzuka, team engineers will be struggling in their makeshift workshops. This is the first time we have had grands prix on back-to-back weekends outside Europe and working so far from the regular team bases will stretch their resources.
Ford have announced they are joining forces with the Sauber Formula One team for next season. The Swiss-based company will use the three-litre Zetec-R engine which has powered Michael Schumacher's Benetton this season. Owner Peter Sauber said: "I am convinced the Sauber-Ford car will be able to compete for the top places in the coming season." Mercedes, currently with Sauber, has switched to the McLaren team, while Benetton has signed a three-year contract with Renault.
11.11.94 - F1: THE AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIXNigel Mansell upstaged title rivals Michael Schumacher and Damon Hill by snatching provisional pole for Sunday's Formula One finale. He put an early spin behind him to to edge ahead of Schumacher with a lap of 1 min 16.179 secs in his Williams-Renault. The German suffered a spectacular crash in the dying seconds as he tried to beat Mansell's time but walked away unharmed. His earlier 1:16.197 was good enough to leave Hill with the prospect of a second row start.
Nigel Mansell was at his brilliant best as he claimed provisional pole after narrowly avoiding a nasty crash in Friday's opening session. He came round a blind corner to find Johnny Herbert's Benetton blocking the track but managed to spin to a halt in the nick of time. "You have to have a sense of humour when you come round a corner full bore and see the track blocked," Mansell commented. "I gave myself a lap to settle down and then tried to give it the big one and it was just quick enough."
Title-chasing Michael Schumacher was a relieved man after walking away unhurt from a crash in the final moments of Friday practice. He lost control coming out of the Senna chicane and two wheels were torn off as his car hit the wall. "I went up the kerb going into the chicane. The front of the car jumped away, I went onto the next kerb and then the car was sideways, out of control," he said. "I was worried about this kerb and yesterday asked for changes. They did something, but not enough."
Damon Hill suffered problems with the set-up of his Williams as he was outpaced by teammate Nigel Mansell in opening practice. "I seemed to lose a bit of balance. I'm disappointed, but not disheartened," said Hill, who ended the session only third fastest. "We learnt a lot today and with a bit of work tonight we can use that. It's good for the team that Nigel is on pole," he added. "Psychologically it is important to be on the front row...but I'll do it tomorrow."
Friday's qualifying times: mins secs 1 N Mansell GB Williams 1:16.179 2 M Schumacher Ger Benetton 1:16.197 3 D Hill GB Williams 1:16.830 4 M Hakkinen Fin McLaren 1:16.992 5 R Bar'chello Brz Jordan 1:17.537 6 E Irvine NI Jordan 1:17.667 7 J Herbert GB Benetton 1:17.277 8 J Alesi Fr Ferrari 1:17.801 9 M Brundle GB McLaren 1:17.950 10 H Frentzen Ger Sauber 1:17.962 11 G Berger Aut Ferrari 1:18.070 12 O Panis Fr Ligier 1:18.072 13 M Blundell GB Tyrrell 1:18.237 14 A Zanardi It Lotus 1:18.331 15 U Katayama Jpn Tyrrell 1:18.411 16 M Alboreto It Minardi 1:18.755 17 JJ Lehto Fin Sauber 1:18.806 18 P Martini It Minardi 1:18.957 19 C Fittipaldi Brz Footwork 1:19.061 20 F Lagorce Fr Ligier 1:19.153 21 G Morbidelli It Footwork 1:19.610 22 M Salo Fin Lotus 1:19.844 23 H Noda Jpn Larrousse 1:20.145 24 D Brabham Aus Simtek 1:20.442 25 J Deletraz Fr Larrousse 1:22.422 26 O Sch'rella It Simtek 1:22.529 27 P Belmondo Fr Pacific 1:24.087 28 B Gachot Fr Pacific 7:40.317 12.11.94 - F1: THE AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIXNigel Mansell will start from pole position in Sunday's race after heavy rain restricted speeds in the final qualifying session. It was particularly frustrating for Williams teammate Damon Hill, who was denied the chance to improve his third place on the grid. Mansell, who clocked 1 min 16.179 secs on Friday, is joined on the front row by Hill's title rival Michael Schumacher. The German's 1:32.627 was the best time in the wet, with Hill second fastest after clocking 1:33.792.
Nigel Mansell slammed suggestions that he would try to hinder Michael Schumacher in a bid to help Damon Hill win the world title on Sunday. "That is a disgraceful suggestion. It is beyond professionalism and I don't even want to talk about it. They have got their own race and the last thing I want to do is interfere," Mansell commented. "These are two great drivers, who have got themselves into a position to challenge for the championship. I just hope the best driver in the best car wins," he added.
Damon Hill promised a clean fight with title rival Michael Schumacher in Sunday's race after rain wrecked his chances of a front row start. "Obviously there are such things as race tactics...but there would be no pride in playing dirty tricks. "It is not necessary. It would be a shame if that happened," said Hill, who is bidding to emulate the world title success of his father Graham. "I'm just looking to go out and get ahead of Michael. That's the best position to be in," he added. Hill will start from third on the grid.
German ace Michael Schumacher was in confident mood after proving his mastery in wet conditions during the final practice session. He will start the race with a one point lead over title rival Damon Hill and expressed a hope for more rain during the race. "At Suzuka I didn't (wish for rain) because the car wasn't handling the way I like it - this time it is," the Benetton driver explained. Schumacher was involved in a heavy crash in Friday's session but said he felt no ill-effects.
Final qualifying times: mins secs 1 N Mansell GB Williams 1:16.179 2 M Schumacher Ger Benetton 1:16.197 3 D Hill GB Williams 1:16.830 4 M Hakkinen Fin McLaren 1:16.992 5 R Bar'chello Brz Jordan 1:17.537 6 E Irvine NI Jordan 1:17.667 7 J Herbert GB Benetton 1:17.277 8 J Alesi Fr Ferrari 1:17.801 9 M Brundle GB McLaren 1:17.950 10 H Frentzen Ger Sauber 1:17.962 11 G Berger Aut Ferrari 1:18.070 12 O Panis Fr Ligier 1:18.072 13 M Blundell GB Tyrrell 1:18.237 14 A Zanardi It Lotus 1:18.331 15 U Katayama Jpn Tyrrell 1:18.411 16 M Alboreto It Minardi 1:18.755 17 JJ Lehto Fin Sauber 1:18.806 18 P Martini It Minardi 1:18.957 19 C Fittipaldi Brz Footwork 1:19.061 20 F Lagorce Fr Ligier 1:19.153 21 G Morbidelli It Footwork 1:19.610 22 M Salo Fin Lotus 1:19.844 23 H Noda Jpn Larrousse 1:20.145 24 D Brabham Aus Simtek 1:20.442 25 J Deletraz Fr Larrousse 1:22.422 26 O Sch'rella It Simtek 1:22.529 NON-QUALIFIERS 27 P Belmondo Fr Pacific 1:24.087 28 B Gachot Fr Pacific 7:40.317 13.11.94 - F1: THE AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIXMichael Schumacher clinched the world drivers' championship in the most controversial fashion after a dramatic crash with Damon Hill. Both men had to retire after a shunt on lap 36 of a grand prix eventually won by Nigel Mansell. Schumacher appeared to be at fault as he bounced into a wall and back onto the track before stopping Hill moving into the lead on the inside. The Benetton ace cut out the Briton as he tried to pass and damage to both cars left Schumacher one point clear in the drivers' standings.
Nigel Mansell's race victory was overshadowed by the crash between Michael Schumacher and Damon Hill which decided the world title. Mansell assumed the lead on lap 36 after the collision but had to hold off fierce opposition from Gerhard Berger for his 31st grand prix win. Ferrari's Berger had to settle for second, while Briton Martin Brundle finished third in his McLaren. Williams-Renault were consoled after Damon Hill's disaster as they took the constructors' championship thanks to Mansell's victory.
The crash on lap 36 is sure to cast doubts over Michael Schumacher's world title victory in Adelaide. He and Hill were heading into the east terrace stretch of the track when Schumacher dramatically lost the line on the corner and bounced into the containing wall and back. Schumacher appeared to deliberately block Hill after his mistake and so ensured that the Englishman could not go through in first place. Hill drove on briefly after the shunt but damage to the front wheel and wishbone forced his retirement.
World champion Michael Schumacher paid tribute to worthy challenger Damon Hill after the crash that put them both out of the race. He said: "It was a very great battle between me and Damon. I made some comments this year about how I did not have respect for him but I have to say now that I was wrong. He was a great rival and he did a fantastic job. As far as winning the world championshop goes, it is like I am sitting here in a dream - I just can't express my feelings."
Michael Schumacher offered his world championship triumph to the memory of Ayrton Senna as he collected his thoughts in Adelaide. Schumacher became the first German to win the drivers' title but shrugged off praise to honour Senna who died at Imola this season. He said: "It hasn't sunk in that I have won yet. I want to dedicate this victory to Ayrton Senna. I always thought he'd win the championship this year. For me he was the greatest."
Michael Schumacher claimed it was a steering problem that caused him to collide with Damon Hill in Adelaide. He said: "I just wanted to turn into the corner and suddenly I saw Damon next to me and we just hit each other. I went up in the air, I was afraid because I thought I was going to roll over, but the car came back. My steering was not working. When I looked Damon was just there, I drove over his front wheel. When I hit the wall the steering broke."
Benetton team boss Flavio Briatore spoke of his delight at Michael Schumacher becoming world champion. He said: "I am happy. We have split the two titles as Williams will take the constructors championship. It has been a very difficult year for all of us, a hard year and we hope now it is over we never have another one like it. Michael had to walk back into the garage from his crash and it was like a casino. A big party. When I saw the crash I was worried but someone was looking after us."
Distraught Damon Hill tried to put a brave face on his Adelaide misery after watching his world title hopes dashed by Michael Schumacher. Hill, who retired after a crash with Schumacher, said: "It was a terrific race but it's over now. I have just got this empty feeling inside me. I saw an opportunity to overtake and thought I had to go for it, but it wasn't to be. I have to say everyone at Williams deserves a medal after the season we have had but I'll tell you this, we'll be back again next year."
Nigel Mansell smiled broadly after winning the Australian Grand Prix but offered consoling words for Williams team mate Damon Hill. He said: "I'd just like to offer my sympathies to Damon for missing out on the title but also my congratulations on his achievements. "I had a very difficult year in America and this is a very emotional win for me," he added. "It had been the sort of year where I asked myself a lot of questions, so the emotion of being on the podium was fantastic."
Damon Hill refused to condemn world title winner Michael Schumacher for the collision that put an end to an exciting championship contest. Hill, who appeared to be the victim of Schumacher's error, said: "I am not going to be drawn on the interpretation of what happened. That is something other people will do and I'm sure the debate over it will go on for a long time. We thought we had a chance but at the moment it is just difficult to accept it is finally over."
Team boss Frank Williams ruled out the possibility of an official protest over the crash between Michael Schumacher and Damon Hill. The Williams-Renault supremo said it simply had not crossed his mind to complain about the incident that denied Hill a chance of winning the world championship. Williams said: "I have only seen the crash once. It's clearly controversial so I'd rather say nothing. A protest would serve no purpose."
Final result: hrs:mins.secs 1 N Mansell GB Williams 1:47.51.480 2 G Berger Aut Ferrari @ 2.5 secs 3 M Brundle GB McLaren @52.48 secs 4 R Bar'chello Brz Jordan @1.10.53 secs 5 O Panis Fr Ligier @ 1 lap 6 J Alesi Fr Ferrari @ 1 lap 7 H Frentzen Ger Sauber @ 1 lap 8 C Fittipaldi Brz Footwork @ 1 lap 9 PL Martini It Minardi @ 2 laps 10 JJ Lehto Fin Sauber @ 2 laps 11 F Lagorce Fr Ligier @ 2 laps 12 M Hakkinen Fin McLaren @ 5 laps NOT CLASSIFIED: Laps: M Alboreto It Minardi 69 M Blundell GB Tyrrell 66 J Deletraz Swi Larrousse 56 M Salo Fin Lotus 49 D Brabham Aus Simtek 49 A Zanardi It Lotus 40 M Schuamcher Ger Benetton 35 D Hill GB Williams 35 M Sch'rella It Simtek 21 U Katayama Jpn Tyrrell 19 H Noda Jpn Larrousse 18 G Morbidelli It Footwork 17 E Irvine NI Jordan 15 J Herbert GB Benetton 13 Final standings: 1 M Schumacher Ger 92 pts 2 D Hill GB 91 3 G Berger Aut 41 4 M Hakkinen Fin 26 5 J Alesi Fr 24 6 R Barrichello Brz 19 7 M Brundle GB 16 8 D Coulthard GB 14 9 N Mansell GB 13 10 J Verstappen Hol 10 11 O Panis Fr 9 12 M Blundell GB 8 13 H Frentzen Ger 7 Final standings: 1 Williams Renault 118 points 2 Benetton Ford 103 3 Ferrari 71 4 McLaren Peugeot 42 5 Jordan Hart 28 6 Ligier 13 = Tyrrell Yamaha 13 8 Sauber Mercedes 12 9 Footwork Ford 9 10 Minardi Ford 5 11 Larrousse Ford 2 GRAND PRIX WINNERS IN 1994: Brazil Michael Schumacher Pacific Michael Schumacher San Marino Michael Schumacher Monaco Michael Schumacher Spain Damon Hill Canada Michael Schumacher France Michael Schumacher Britain Damon Hill Germany Gerhard Berger Hungary Michael Schumacher Belgium Damon Hill (after M Schumacher disqualified) Italy Damon Hill Portugal Damon Hill Europe Michael Schumacher Japan Damon Hill Australia Nigel Mansell 14.11.94Nigel Mansell should know his Formula One future within the next few weeks. The former world champion won the Australian GP in Adelaide on Sunday and helped Williams to clinch their seventh constructors' championship. Damon Hill is under contract to Williams for 1995 so the other seat seems to be between Mansell or the promising Scot David Coulthard. Team owner Frank Williams said: "I know everything I need to know about all the drivers by now, but it is a very difficult decision."
15.11.94 - F1Michael Schumacher has hit back at accusations that he cheated his way to the Formula One world title. Hill's fans and some British newspapers have claimed that the German deliberately blocked Hill as the pair clashed in Adelaide. Schumacher said: "They are allowed to have their opinion. I know what happened and Damon knows. "I did not get the feeling that he was bitter about it. When you look at the whole year I think it is completely okay that I won."
16.11.94 - F1Britain's Damon Hill must wait to discover whether the FIA will investigate Michael Schumacher's world championship success. Hill lost the title by one point to the German driver after the pair collided during the Australian Grand Prix last Sunday. It is claimed that the official FIA observer at the race will present a report blaming Schumacher for the incident. An FIA spokesman said: "There'll be a report and it will be considered as it is after every race."
17.11.94 - PREVIEW OF THE RAC RALLYFrenchman Didier Auriol sets off from Chester on Sunday knowing that a top four finish will earn him his first World Championship crown. Auriol, in a Toyota Celica GT4, leads the title race by 110 points to 99 after snatching victory from Championship rival Carlos Sainz in the closing stages in San Remo. "El Matador" now faces a difficult task to claim a third world crown. Ahead of the battling duo - and 183 other competitors - will be four days of action over 29 timed stages totalling 323.37 high speed miles.
Finn Juha Kankkunen with British co-driver Nicky Grist will be first away at the start of the Network Q RAC Rally in Chester on Sunday. Kankkunen, four-time world champion and last year's RAC winner, drives the "new shape" Toyota Celica in its British debut. Teammate Didier Auriol stays with his trusty Celica Turbo 4wd as he bids to add the driver's title to the manufacturers' award already retained by Toyota in 1994. Kankkunen's hopes of retaining his crown disappeared in San Remo.
Ford Motorsport enter a six-car team for the final round of the World Championship, as they mark their last appearance in the series. Top Ford seed is French star Francois Delecour with co-driver Daniel Grataloup, competing in only their fifth event of the season. Delecour, winner in Monte Carlo, has been involved in much of Ford's pre-event testing with the Escort Cosworth and is in determined mood. He is joined by Miki Biasion, Stig Blomqvist, Malcolm Wilson, recent recruit Bruno Thiry and Ari Vatanen.
Spaniard Carlos Sainz looks for a repeat of 1990 and '92 when he took his season's tally to four with RAC success to capture the world crown. Sainz has only one victory to his credit, the Acropolis, for 1994 but has a serious chance to win a third world title if he can overhaul Didier Auriol in the final round. Among his main rivals for RAC glory will be his 555 Subaru teammates Colin McRae and rising star Richard Burns, all in 4wd Imprezas.
Carlos Sainz describes the Network Q RAC Rally as the most difficult event on the World Championship calendar, despite winning it twice. "I need to win and for Didier Auriol to be out of the top four to win the world title. If he retires, I will just be going for points. My main objective since the start of the year has been to win the title and this is still my aim. The car is ready for the RAC but I know it will not be easy. I find it a tough event because there is only limited practice at slow speeds."
Carlos Sainz took his overall World Rally Championship tally to 14 with victory in Greece but damaged his world title hopes in San Remo. Sainz lost out to his main rival Didier Auriol on the final day and admitted: "The car was not set up properly. It was my mistake." It has been a tough season for the popular Spaniard. "At the start of the year we were trying to score points while still developing the new car. It was very difficult. The team is very professional and we have done okay."
Carlos Sainz is quite clear about the highlights of 1994. "My victory in the Acropolis - and the birth of my son Carlos a couple of months ago." Sainz also has a daughter Blanca, aged 18 months. He has just one ambition left for 1994, to win the world crown. "We have a chance although I don't know how big a chance since it will depend a lot on Didier Auriol. Realistically it is going to be difficult...but not impossible."
Scot Colin McRae has led the RAC Rally during the last three events, only to suffer an accident or misfortune and go out of contention. The Subaru star once again starts as top British contender despite a superb third place finish last year by Ford driver Malcolm Wilson. McRae went off while leading in '91 and the following year suffered brake failure on exactly the same corner, eventually finishing sixth. He retired while leading last year. "If I don't win soon, my supporters will go elsewhere," joked the Scot.
Top Brit Colin McRae heads for Chester full of determination after recovering from a poor start to the season with two Championship wins. "New Zealand was the turning point and then to win again in Australia really took the pressure off. It was the first time in five years that Juha Kankkunen had been beaten. I was also really pleased with fifth place in San Remo since it was my first time there. We can now concentrate on winning the RAC Rally. The competition will be tough but we have a good chance."
Colin McRae works hard on fitness, using hotel gyms and a mountain bike he takes everywhere with him. He is also a reluctant runner. His efforts will help him through four tough days on the RAC Rally. "I'll be driving on the safe side of flat out from the start," he promised. "You can't afford to back off but it's easy to make a mistake. "The first day spectator stages are much better than they used to be. The best of them is Donington. It's a really good stage, ideal for spectators and very safe."
Richard Burns is Subaru's youngest driver but his confidence is skyhigh after a great result in the Hong Kong-Beijing marathon. The 23-year-old from Reading was runner-up behind his teammate there Possum Bourne and is excited at the prospect of competing "at home". "I have been looking forward to the RAC Rally since the end of last year's event," he said. "Competing at World Championship level has brought my game up and it will be great to be on familiar territory once again."
Spaniard Jesus Puras made a late entry into the rally after his comfortable lead in the Group N Championship was challenged in San Remo by Germany's Isolde Holderied. Another win for Holderied and her Swedish co-driver Christina Thorner would give them the Group N title to add to the women's world crown. Skoda's steady performance in every round sees them leading the Formula Two World Cup for manufacturers of non-turbocharged front-wheel-drive 2-litre cars. David Llewellin leads the challenge from Vauxhall/Opel and Nissan are also in contention.
Will Hoy switches from British Touring Car racing to the rougher tracks, making his RAC Rally debut in a Group N Toyota Celica turbo. Multiple British champion Russell Brookes celebrates the 25th anniversary of his first start in the rally by competing in a Mini Cooper - as he did in 1969. His best finish was second in 1979. The Mini celebrates its 35th anniversary with five entries, including one from twin brothers Robert and Michael Plant delighted that Rover have homologated the car for international competition again.
This year's Network Q RAC Rally marks the 50th running of the event which was first held in 1932. Competitors will follow a 1468-mile route, starting and finishing in Chester, including 29 timed stages over 323.37 competitive miles. Two million spectators are expected to turn out over the four days and at least 11,000 volunteer officials will be on hand to help the event run smoothly.
Janie Eaton from Essex is set to be the youngest driver in the event. She passed her driving test in January and celebrates her 18th birthday on day two of the rally.
Rally HQ - Moat House International Hotel, Trinity Street, Chester
SATURDAY, 19 November ****
0700-1200/1230-1600 Scrutineering at the Northgate Arena, St Oswald's Way, Chester. Well signed. Car parking in city centre but better to use the Park and Ride from Upton Admission #6, children under 16 œ2.
Key to spectator guide **** = excellent viewing with lots of car parking; commentary *** = reasonable viewing/parking ** = limited access/poor parking * = not recommended for viewing SUNDAY, 20 November0800 Chester ****
Rally starts Eastgate Street, Chester. Follow signs to venue. Car parking very limited in city centre
0831 SS1 Ferodo Carden Park ****
Stage length: 2.61 miles. New stage over twisty tarmac roads through open parkland. Good viewing from raised earth banks. Located 9 miles SE of Chester off A534. Only access through main entrance. Admission œ6, children under 16 œ1.
0951 SS2 Tatton Park ****
4.27 miles over tarmac and loose surface tracks through estate. Good vantage points within easy access of car parks. Woods section closed. Located 1 mile N of Knutsford on A50 Stoke to Warrington road.
1143 SS3 Chatsworth ****
6.53 miles around the Duke of Devonshire's estate, over fast and open roads with twisty hill sections. Two spectacular watersplashes and a jump. Located 9 miles W of Chesterfield. Approach on A623, A619 or A621.
1318 SS4 Mobil 1 Clumber Park ****
5.70 miles featuring fast tarmac roads with many tight corners within parkland, as well as some forest roads on the south side - to be shown live on BBC TV. Cars in the Millers Oils RAC International Historic Rally will tackle the stage twice from 0958 onwards at 30-second intervals. Location 4 miles south of Worksop. From A1, approach via A57; from the south use A614, A616 then B6034. From M1 leave at jn30 and take A616.
1502 & 1514 SS5/SS6 Jamo ****
Donington 1 & 2 Circuit and gravel roads on a 4-mile stage. Narrow in places with tricky corners. Stage used twice with cars starting at 30-second intervals. Historic cars also tackle the stage twice from 1159 onwards. Location 2.5 miles W of M1 near Castle Donington. Plenty of car parking; spectator access through the main entrance at Coppice and Macleans. Note: no access from Melbourne Lane.
1744 SS7 Harewood Hill ****
1.86 miles with stage starting down a narrow and tricky loose surface track and finishing up the smooth tarmac hairpins of the British Hillclimb Championship course. Located off A659, 1 mile E of Harewood. Avoid A659 between Pool village and Harewood Bridge. No parking in Harewood or on roadside.
1858 Finish of leg, Harrogate ****
Free admission to Harrogate Exhibition Halls, junction of Ripon Road and Kings Road. Well signed.
MONDAY, 21 November0500 Harrogate Exhibition Halls *
the re-start. Admission free. Stages 8-11 car parks open midnight Sunday; stage 12 9.30am, stage 13 9am; stages 14/15 11am; œ5 per car
0704 SS8 Hamsterley ***
16.86 miles. Located nr Hamsterley village 3 miles west of A68.
0910 SS9 Shepherdshield ***
7.67 miles. Located 9 miles NW of Chollerford. Take B6320 to Wark and unclassified road towards Whygate.
0934 SS10 Pundershaw ***
28.18 miles. Located 3 miles west of Bellingham. Take B6320 through Wark, then unclassified road towards Whygate.
1113 SS11 Chirdonhead **
10.58 miles. Located 11 miles NW of Bellingham. Head for Kielder village, via Saughtree or from Wark and park near Low Cranecleugh.
1219 SS12 Wauchope **
8.80 miles. Located 8 miles SE of Hawick on B6357, one mile SE of Bonchester Bridge.
1301 SS13 Kershope ***
19.55 miles. Located 2 miles SE of Newcastleton. Use B6357 and turn east over bridge on to unclassified road at the south end of village.
1604 SS14 Grizedale West ***
17.33 miles. Located 6 miles SW of Ambleside, W of minor road through Satterthwaite and Grizedale.
1643 SS15 Grizedale East ***
4.85 miles. Located as SS14 but E of minor road through Grizedale.
2000 Finish of leg, Chester ***
Little Roodee car park Grosvenor Rd
TUESDAY, 22 November0500 Rally re-starts Little *
Roodee car park, Grosvenor Road, Chester. Admission free. Stages 16-18 car parks open 8pm Monday; stage 19 7am Tuesday; stage 20 8am; stage 21/22 8pm Monday; œ5 per car.
0649 SS16 Dyfnant 1 *
13.46 miles. Located 2 miles West of Llanfyllin. Use A458 (Welshpool- Dolgellau) and B4395. No spectator access to the stage start or finish.
0822 SS17 Sweetlamb Hafren ***
18.00 miles. Located 6 miles W of Llanidloes near Clywedog Reservoir. From the south use A470 or A44, from N/E take B4518 for 3 miles, turning west onto unclassified road alongside Clywedog Lake.
1048 SS18 Brechfa ***
20.29 miles. Located 2 miles W of Brechfa. Take A485 to New Inn then SE on unclassified road. No access through Brechfa or Gwernogle.
1143 SS19 Trawscoed ***
22.76 miles. Located 3 miles NE of Trawscoed. Use B4537 (not B4310).
1333 SS20 Crychan **
3.88 miles. Located 2 miles south of Llanwrtyd Wells. Use A483.
1511 SS21 Hafren 2 ***
20.53 miles. Located 6 miles W of Llanidloes near Clywedog Reservoir. Use A470, A4 or B4510 for 3 miles, turning west onto unclassified road
1655 SS22 Dyfnant 2 *
13.46 miles. Located 2 miles west of Llanfyllin. Use A458 and B4395.
1930 Finish of leg, Chester ***
Little Roodee car park Grosvenor Rd
WEDNESDAY, 23 November0515 Rally re-starts Little *
Roodee car park, Grosvenor Road, Chester. Admission free. Stages 23-25 car parks open 4am; stages 26/27 6am; stages 28/29 8am; œ5 per car.
0741 SS23 Pantperthog ***
9.41 miles. Located 2.5 miles north of Machynlleth, west of A487. Use A487 from south. No right turn off A487 from the north - go to SS24 instead.
0810 SS24 Dyfi ***
14.57 miles. Located 4 miles N of Machynlleth, E of A487. Use A487. From S go via Machynlleth, B4404 and unclassified road north. From SE take A489 from Newtown, A470, A489, B4404 and unclassified road. From E use A458, A470 to Aberangell then west on unclassified road.
0853 SS25 Gartheiniog ***
14.04 miles. Located 7 miles north of Machynlleth, west of A470. From E use A458, A470 to Aberangell and the unclassified road west. From N take A470 from Dolgellau and turn west at Aberangell.
1052 SS26 Penmachno South ***
8.31 miles. Located 3 miles S of A5 at Conwy Falls (near Betws-y-Coed). From S go via Ffestiniog, B4391, B4407 and N on unclassified road (closed 30 mins before first car).
1113 SS27 Penmachno North ***
6.25 miles. Located 2 miles S of A5 at Conwy Falls (near Betws-y-Coed). Directions as for SS26.
1220 SS28 Clocaenog West ***
3.75 miles. Located 10 miles west of Ruthin. From S use B5105 and A5. From E take B5105 from Ruthin.
1232 SS29 Clocaenog East ***
12.04 miles. Final stage. Located 10 miles west of Ruthin. From S use B5105 and A5. From E take B5105 from Ruthin. From N take B4501 from Denbigh and unclassified road to Cyffyliog.
1455 Finish of rally, Chester ****
Free admission to watch the cars arrive at Chester Race Course. Well signed. Use Sealand Road and city centre car parks. The Park & Ride from Upton operates between 7am and 6.45pm. Full commentary and grandstand seating.
PAST WINNERS: 1993 Juha Kankkunen/Nicky Grist Toyota Celica turbo 1992 Carlos Sainz/Luis Moya Toyota Celica turbo 1991 Juha Kankkunen/Juha Pironen Lancia Delta HF Integrale 1990 Carlos Sainz/Luis Moya Toyota Celica GT-4 1989 Pentti Airikkala/Ronan McNamee Mitsubishi Galant VR-4 1988 Markku Alen/Ilkka Kivimaki Lancia Delta HF Integrale 1987 Juha Kankkunen/Juha Pironen Lancia Delta HF 1986 Timo Salonen/Seppo Harjanne Peugeot 205 turbo 16 1985 Henri Toivonen/Neil Wilson Lancia Delta S4 Drivers' world standings (after San Remo Rally) 1 D Auriol Fr Toyota 110 points 2 C Sainz Sp Subaru 99 3 J Kankkunen Fin Toyota 78 4 M Biasion It Ford 42 5 B Thiry Bel Ford 32 6 A Schwarz Ger Mitsubishi 31 7 F Delecour Fr Ford 30 8 C McRae GB Subaru 29 Manufacturers 1 Toyota 151 points Championship winners 2 Subaru 134 3 Ford 102 4 Mitsubishi 41 NETWORK Q RAC RALLY - SELECTED ENTRIES 1 Kankkunen/Grist Fin/GB Toyota 2 Sainz/Moya Sp/Sp Subaru 3 Delecour/Grataloup Fr/Fr Ford 4 McRae/Ringer GB/GB Subaru 5 Biasion/Siviero It/It Ford 6 Auriol/Occelli Fr/Fr Toyota 7 Jonsson/Johansson Swe/Swe Ford 9 Burns/Reid GB/GB Subaru 10 Wilson/Thomas GB/GB Ford 11 Thiry/Prevot Bel/Bel Ford 12 Blomqvist Swe Ford 14 Fujimoto/Hertz Jap/Swe Toyota 15 Llewellin/Grindrod GB/GB Vauxhall 16 A McRae/Senior GB/GB Nissan F2 17 De Mevius/Lux Bel/Bel Opel F2 24 Brookes/Wilson GB/GB Mini C F2 27 G Evans/Davis GB/GB Ford F2 30 Holderied/Horner Ger/Swe Mitsubi'i (1994 women's world champion) 31 A McHale Ire Toyota 32 Milner/Turvey GB/GB Ford 126 Simmonite/Simmonite GB/GB Peugeot (1994 national women's champion) 151 Mallory/Mee GB/GB Lada (1993 national women's champion)F1:- Formula One's governing body, the FIA, have received the report of an official observer at last Sunday's Australian Grand Prix. Michael Schumacher won the world title after colliding with the car of rival Damon Hill in Adelaide. Neither Hill nor his Williams team have complained about the crash but there has been speculation that the German may be stripped of the title after consideration of the report. But a fine seems more likely if Schumacher is found to have committed any driving offence.
20.11.94THE RAC RALLY
Super Scot Colin McRae finished the seven spectator stages leading in his 555 Subaru for the first time on day one of the RAC Rally. McRae took the lead on SS3 as world title challengers Carlos Sainz and Didier Auriol both hit trouble. Sainz recovered to set the fastest time on the challenging Clumber stage but McRae responded and led his teammate by 11 seconds as the rally headed for the Harrogate halt. Last year's winner Juha Kankkunen was back in third in his Toyota, 1 min 40 secs off the pace.
Scot Colin McRae delighted his many thousands of fans around the stages with a determined drive which saw him take the lead at SS3 Chatsworth. McRae was fastest by a massive six seconds on the stage in his works Subaru and moved to the top of the leaderboard, nine seconds ahead of Juha Kankkunen in the Toyota. Teammate Carlos Sainz was a further second back but with problems with his radiator after the watersplash. The car was repaired at service and Sainz answered all concern by recording the fastest time on SS4.
Frenchman Didier Auriol's bid for a first world title suffered a major setback early in the four-day event. The Toyota driver was in trouble on the third spectator stage, at Chatsworth, losing about 4.5 minutes when he clipped a rock damaging the front suspension and driveshaft. Subaru star Carlos Sainz, his only rival for the crown, had put him under early pressure setting the fastest time on the opening stage. Auriol has an 11-point lead in the drivers' standings and needs to finish fourth to win the series.
Colin McRae promised to "push at 100%" when the rally resumes in Harrogate early on Monday morning. McRae led by 11 seconds at the end of day one after a troublefree time and declared: "I've been unlucky in recent RACs to this year I am determined to hang on in there. In many ways this is the trickiest day because for the rest of the event you prepare yourself mentally for the long difficult stages. You make your own luck but you cannot win this rally without driving 100%," said the Subaru star.
Carlos Sainz was a relieved driver after surviving a major scare and then seeing his great rival Didier Auriol run into difficulty. Sainz needed repairs to his Subaru after damaging the radiator in the watersplash on SS3 Chatsworth. "I did not realise how deep the water was, it pushed the radiator back so we had no power steering or cooling for 4km. We were lucky not to lose more time or even retire. "Now Didier is further back I have a chance in the Championship. The pressure is on I must go for a win"
LEADERBOARD AFTER SPECIAL STAGE 7 Driver Car H M S 1 C McRae GB Subaru 32:44 2 Sainz Sp Subaru 32:55 3 Kankkunen Fin Toyota 33:04 4 Thiry Bel Ford 33:17 5 Wilson GB Ford 33:18 6 Biasion It Ford 33:29 7 Blomqvist Swe Ford 33:42 8 Burns GB Subaru 34:04 9 Vatanen Fin Ford 34:06 10 Hill GB Mitsubishi 35:07 11 Makinen Fin Nissan 35:29 12 De Mevius Bel Opel 35:48 13 Evans GB Ford 35:51 14 A McRae GB Nissan 35:52Will Hoy made a spectacular exit from the event, driving his Toyota straight on into the trees at SS3 Clumber - in front of TV cameras. The British touring car driver was 63rd overall, 25th in Group N, when he lost control of the car over a fast series of bumps on gravel. "We were pitched off the road into lots of trees so I chose one. We hit it at 70-80mph," he said. "I had not noticed the bumps earlier." Hoy and co-driver Mike Corner were unhurt but the car was damaged.
Rising star Richard Burns suffered a day of frustration as he battled to impress in front of a home crowd. Burns, fresh from a superb second place in the Hong Kong-Beijing Rally, started in confident mood only to spin in his works Subaru on each of the first three stages. "I just could not get into a rhythm but it must have made great television," declared the Reading driver who recovered to set second fastest times on SS4 and SS5. He was lying 103rd after the first stage but battled back to eighth.
Frenchman Francois Delecour has been excluded after an off-the-road excursion on the day's final stage. Delecour went off the Harewood stage and down a steep bank but managed to rejoin the track - in the wrong direction. He eventually finished but in an impossibly fast time, having missed a large part of the stage, and was shown temporarily at the top of the leaderboard after seven stages. Ford have launched an appeal which will be heard by stewards tonight.
A total of 178 cars left Chester in heavy rain on Sunday morning at the start of the 50th RAC Rally. They cover just 29 competitive miles over seven stages on day one out of 323 in total for the four days. Russell Brookes lost time on the opening stage when the primary fuel pump failed on his Mini. Three crews failed to reach the second stage. Tom Somerville (122 Ford) suffered a broken gearbox, John Brazier (127 Vauxhall) did not report at TC2 while Chris Blake (140 Lancia) stopped after problems with the driveshaft.
Welshman David Llewellin suffered a fright when he went off in his Vauxhall Astra on the fifth corner of SS1. "The heavy rain earlier has left a lot of standing water and conditions are very slippery." Juha Kankkunen, four times world champion and three times winner of the RAC Rally, says he is happy with the wet conditions. "I much prefer the rain to the snow." Front-runner Carlos Sainz went off briefly when he went straight on at a junction on SS2 but amazingly his time was just one second off the pace set by Didier Auriol.
Alister McRae led the Formula Two battle after two stages in a Nissan to give the McRae family a unique triple position, with brother Colin in overall rally lead and father Jimmy leading the historic rally. Karamjit Singh (car no 39) lost over four minutes trying to remove a rear wheel damaged when he hit a tree stump on SS2. Mark Higgins (53) completed SS2, Tatton Park, without pacenotes after they had been mislaid.
Great excitement in the Toyota camp over reports that Carlos Sainz's Subaru was pushed into emergency service by Ford's Francois Delecour - but no witnesses have been found and an official prote st is unlikely.
Jimmy McRae lost out to Ake Andersson on the last stage of the two-day FIA European Historic Rally Championship. Andersson, in a Porsche 911, won by five seconds.
Rod Menzies (71 Ford) struggled on the early stages with windscreen wiper problems and had to cope with a broken driveshaft on each of the day's first three stages.
Malloch Nicoll (116 Audi) finished SS3 backwards with co-driver Ian Nicoll sitting in the boot after suffering heavy damage to the front suspension in an off. Their efforts were in vain and they retired. Ford driver Francois Delecour spun on the first lefthand bend at the entrance to the forest section on SS4 Clumber. He still managed the fourth best time, five seconds behind Carlos Sainz to lie sixth. Teammate Malcolm Wilson was shaken after sliding sideways for 100m at high speed in a narrow forestry section on the same stage.
Mitsuo Maeshima (42 Subaru) has struggled with fuel problems. Similar trouble for Gari Henry (79 Ford) who lost his fuel pump on SS1 and crashed on SS2 trying to make up the time, but continued. Skoda driver Steve Wedgbury badly damaged his front nearside and rear axle after going off in Chatsworth and hitting a boulder. He lost the lead in the Group N 1300cc class. Martin Rowe struggled in the new untested Peugeot 306S16. He drove SS3 without windscreen wipers and suffered a misfire at Donington.
FULL LIST OF RESULTS - OVERALL POSITIONS AFTER SPECIAL STAGE 6 1 C McRae/Ringer Subaru Car 4 Grp A: 1 Class 8: 1 29:57 2 Sainz/Moya Subaru Car 2 Grp A: 2 Class 8: 2 30:08 3 Kankkunen/Grist Toyota Car 1 Grp A: 3 Class 8: 3 30:15 4 Wilson/Thomas Ford Car 10 Grp A: 4 Class 8: 4 30:28 5 Thiry/Prevot Ford Car 11 Grp A: 5 Class 8: 5 30:29 6 Delecour/Grataloup Ford Car 3 Grp A: 6 Class 8: 6 30:31 7 Biasion/Siviero Ford Car 5 Grp A: 7 Class 8: 7 30:42 8 Blomqvist/Melander Ford Car 12 Grp A: 8 Class 8: 8 30:49 9 Vatanen/Pons Ford Car 7 Grp A: 9 Class 8: 9 31:14 9 Burns/Reid Subaru Car 9 Grp A: 9 Class 8: 9 31:14 11 Hill/Boyles Mitsubishi Car 33 Grp A:11 Class 8:11 31:56 12 Makinen/Harjanne Nissan Car 18 Grp A:12 Class 7: 1 32:22 13 A McRae/Senior Nissan Car 16 Grp A:13 Class 7: 2 32:37 14 Evans/Davis Ford Car 27 Grp A:14 Class 7: 3 32:38 15 De Mevius/Lux Opel Car 17 Grp A:15 Class 7: 4 32:43 16 Habig/Judd Ford Car 38 Grp A:16 Class 8:12 32:51 17 Kamioka/Stewart Subaru Car 28 Grp N: 1 Class 4: 1 32:54 18 Fujimoto/Hertz Toyota Car 14 Grp A:17 Class 8:13 32:55 19 Milner/Turvey Ford Car 32 Grp N: 2 Class 4: 2 32:56 20 Easson/Cook Ford Car 35 Grp N: 3 Class 4: 3 33:07 21 Llewellin/Grindrod Vauxhall Car 15 Grp A:18 Class 7: 5 33:08 22 Dyas/Derry Ford Car 46 Grp N: 4 Class 4: 4 33:15 23 Jones/Morgan Mitsubishi Car 43 Grp A:19 Class 8:14 33:29 23 Kirtley/Geldart Ford Car 45 Grp A:19 Class 8:14 33:29 25 Maeshima/Gormley Subaru Car 42 Grp N: 5 Class 4: 5 33:30 26 Doctor/Badenberg Mitsubishi Car 34 Grp N: 6 Class 4: 6 33:40 27 Worswick/Molyneux Ford Car 44 Grp A:21 Class 8:16 34:04 28 Ellis Jones/Lewis Ford Car 37 Grp N: 7 Class 4: 7 34:05 28 Humphreys/Jones Ford Car 52 Grp N: 7 Class 4: 7 34:05 30 Stephenson/Whittaker Ford Car 49 Grp A:22 Class 8:17 34:09 30 Jones/Jenkins Nissan Car 61 Grp A:22 Class 8:17 34:09 32 Holderied/Thorner Mitsubishi Car 30 Grp N: 9 Class 4: 9 34:11 33 Triner/Klima Skoda Car 22 Grp A:24 Class 5: 1 34:18 34 Clark/Dyson Ford Car 48 Grp N:10 Class 4:10 34:26 35 Puras/Romani Ford Car 26 Grp N:11 Class 4:11 34:31 35 Joannides/Dashfield Ford Car 55 Grp N:11 Class 4:11 34:31 37 Somerville/Perrin Ford Car 57 Grp A:25 Class 8:19 34:37 38 Rowe/Wood Peugeot Car 40 Grp A:26 Class 7: 6 34:39 39 Petch/Croft Ford Car 36 Grp N:13 Class 4:13 34:47 40 Auriol/Occelli Toyota Car 6 Grp A:27 Class 8:20 34:48 40 Barry/Barry Mitsubishi Car 56 Grp N:14 Class 4:14 34:48 42 Sibera/Gross Skoda Car 23 Grp A:28 Class 5: 2 34:50 43 Curran/Warner Ford Car 50 Grp A:29 Class 8:21 35:00 44 Higgins/Simmons Honda Car 53 Grp N:15 Class 2: 1 35:03 45 Cox/Eccleston Vauxhall Car 69 Grp N:16 Class 4:15 35:09 46 Porter/Foy Vauxhall Car 87 Grp A:30 Class 6: 1 35:11 47 Davies/Hobbs Vauxhall Car 88 Grp N:17 Class 3: 1 35:21 48 Green/Thomas Vauxhall Car 92 Grp A:31 Class 6: 2 35:38 49 Green/Capstick Ford Car 54 Grp N:18 Class 4:16 35:42 50 Joel/Capstick Ford Car 59 Grp N:19 Class 4:17 35:51 51 Holfeld/Morgan Ford Car 51 Grp N:20 Class 4:18 35:57 52 Lancaster/Spooner Peugeot Car 85 Grp A:32 Class 7: 7 36:04 52 Jones/Welson Vauxhall Car 101 Grp A:32 Class 6: 3 36:04 54 Stoodley/Collins Peugeot Car 66 Grp A:34 Class 7: 8 36:05 55 Willoughby/Steward Ford Car 143 Grp A:35 Class 8:22 36:06 56 Crabtree/Jordan Mitsubishi Car 64 Grp N:21 Class 4:19 36:11 57 Hackett/Davies Ford Car 75 Grp N:22 Class 4:20 36:12 58 Skar/Eikasen Opel Car 67 Grp A:36 Class 7: 9 36:15 59 Higgins/Park Peugeot Car 91 Grp A:37 Class 5: 3 36:16 60 Wetton/Leighton Volkswagen Car 73 Grp A:38 Class 8:23 36:19 61 Richardson/Hill Peugeot Car 93 Grp A:39 Class 7:10 36:25 62 Coughtrie/Cooledge Subaru Car 119 Grp N:23 Class 4:21 36:33 63 Rees/Heymer Ford Car 74 Grp A:40 Class 8:24 36:45 64 French/Baines Volkswagen Car 95 Grp A:41 Class 7:11 36:55 65 Leckie/Lewis Ford Car 115 Grp N:24 Class 4:22 36:58 66 Girardin/Amacher Ford Car 60 Grp N:25 Class 4:23 36:59 67 Luer/Schaller Ford Car 47 Grp N:26 Class 4:24 37:00 68 Reynolds/Joll Honda Car 94 Grp N:27 Class 2: 2 37:06 68 Archer/Cammack Vauxhall Car 107 Grp N:27 Class 3: 2 37:06 70 Stromberg/Ohlsson Saab Car 76 Grp A:42 Class 7:12 37:10 71 Bown/Bown Vauxhall Car 108 Grp A:43 Class 7:13 37:11 72 Johnson/Burkill Skoda Car 121 Grp A:44 Class 5: 4 37:13 73 Barge/Stubbs Ford Car 120 Grp N:29 Class 4:25 37:18 74 Hunt/McGrogan Ford Car 102 Grp N:30 Class 4:26 37:19 75 Youde/Neale Peugeot Car 113 Grp A:45 Class 7:14 37:22 76 Sisson/Savage Ford Car 82 Grp N:31 Class 4:27 37:23 77 Whitehurst/Atherton Toyota Car 134 Grp A:46 Class 6: 4 37:27 78 Evans/Butcher Peugeot Car 84 Grp A:47 Class 7:15 37:30 79 Barbara/Desseaux Ford Car 63 Grp N:32 Class 4:28 37:31 79 Hill/Hilton Ford Car 80 Grp N:32 Class 4:28 37:31 81 Wood/Wood Saab Car 124 Grp A:48 Class 8:25 37:35 82 Clarke/Preston Peugeot Car 97 Grp A:49 Class 7:16 37:37 83 Jaffray/McGowan Ford Car 65 Grp A:50 Class 8:26 37:38 83 Menzies/Thake Ford Car 71 Grp N:34 Class 4:30 37:38 85 Smith/Carstairs Ford Car 62 Grp N:35 Class 4:31 37:48 85 Wills/Brown Rover Car 148 Grp N:35 Class 3: 3 37:48 87 Dalgarno/Taylor Ford Car 117 Grp N:37 Class 4:32 37:54 88 Kedward/Cresswell Ford Car 139 Grp N:38 Class 4:33 37:55 89 Kollevold/Lie Peugeot Car 145 Grp N:39 Class 3: 4 37:56 90 Simmonite/Simmonite Peugeot Car 126 Grp A:51 Class 7:17 38:12 91 Reininger/Csosz Renault Car 81 Grp N:40 Class 3: 5 38:14 92 Bowers/Stokoe Peugeot Car 125 Grp A:52 Class 7:18 38:18 93 Healer/Wynn Ford Car 141 Grp N:41 Class 4:34 38:26 94 Kitching/Tatham Vauxhall Car 173 Grp A:53 Class 6: 5 38:35 95 Simpson/Booth Peugeot Car 162 Grp N:42 Class 3: 6 38:37 96 Ceen/Bull Ford Car 72 Grp N:43 Class 4:35 38:38 96 Dewitt/Bowman Ford Car 83 Grp A:54 Class 8:27 38:38 98 Hopcraft/Pomfret Peugeot Car 136 Grp A:55 Class 7:19 38:39 99 Williams/Sheppard Vauxhall Car 109 Grp N:44 Class 2: 3 38:44 99 Bengry/Forsbrook Peugeot Car 130 Grp A:56 Class 5: 5 38:44 101 Brown/Brooks Vauxhall Car 114 Grp A:57 Class 6: 6 38:48 102 Smith/Middleton Suzuki Car 166 Grp N:45 Class 1: 1 38:52 103 Chadwick/Entwistle Opel Car 163 Grp A:58 Class 5: 6 38:54 104 Kent/Whiten Peugeot Car 161 Grp N:46 Class 1: 2 38:58 105 Backwall/Rydham Citroen Car 167 Grp N:47 Class 1: 3 39:00 106 Wilson/Harrison Vauxhall Car 165 Grp A:59 Class 7:20 39:03 107 Gunningham/Rabbett Peugeot Car 147 Grp A:60 Class 7:21 39:08 108 Presswell/Cottam Vauxhall Car 133 Grp A:61 Class 7:22 39:10 108 O'Neill/Curry Honda Car 150 Grp N:48 Class 2: 4 39:10 110 Menestrier/Gros Peugeot Car 131 Grp A:62 Class 6: 7 39:12 111 Knott/Connor Peugeot Car 172 Grp A:63 Class 7:23 39:15 112 Jaques/Jaques Vauxhall Car 118 Grp N:49 Class 3: 7 39:16 113 Wedgbury/Regan Skoda Car 137 Grp N:50 Class 1: 4 39:19 113 Bowman/Chew Ford Car 154 Grp A:64 Class 8:28 39:19 115 Bailey/Loveys BMW Car 99 Grp A:65 Class 8:29 39:22 115 Andrew/Heather Peugeot Car 197 Grp N:51 Class 1: 5 39:22 117 Worts/Phillipson Vauxhall Car 149 Grp A:66 Class 7:24 39:23 118 Marlow/Marlow Ford Car 123 Grp A:67 Class 8:30 39:25 119 Brookes/Wilson Rover Car 24 Grp A:68 Class 5: 7 39:32 120 Russell/Ashfield Ford Car 98 Grp N:52 Class 4:36 39:37 121 Labaune/Sassoulas Peugeot Car 132 Grp A:69 Class 6: 8 39:39 121 Tilly/Moore Vauxhall Car 152 Grp N:53 Class 2: 5 39:39 123 Comelli/Candoni Peugeot Car 144 Grp N:54 Class 3: 8 39:41 124 Jonquieres/Phelippea Peugeot Car 138 Grp N:55 Class 2: 6 39:45 125 Smith/Davies MG Car 176 Grp N:56 Class 3: 9 39:58 126 Kelly/Davies Vauxhall Car 129 Grp A:70 Class 7:25 40:03 127 Evans/Hawes Vauxhall Car 157 Grp N:57 Class 2: 7 40:07 128 Heath/Hely Ford Car 156 Grp N:58 Class 4:37 40:18 128 Murrell/Davies Opel Car 179 Grp A:71 Class 5: 8 40:18 130 Wynne/Bevan Suzuki Car 185 Grp N:59 Class 1: 6 40:37 131 Raven/Terry Peugeot Car 174 Grp N:60 Class 1: 7 40:39 132 Tyson/Crabtree Peugeot Car 128 Grp N:61 Class 2: 8 41:09 133 Zamparutti/Ciani Peugeot Car 110 Grp N:62 Class 3:10 41:18 134 Wheatley/Orr Skoda Car 180 Grp N:63 Class 1: 8 41:38 135 Stevens/Rodgers Skoda Car 181 Grp N:64 Class 1: 9 41:43 136 Bennett/Langley Lancia Car 155 Grp A:72 Class 8:31 41:48 137 Senior/Loveluck Vauxhall Car 187 Grp N:65 Class 2: 9 41:59 138 Shaw/Prout Lada Car 170 Grp A:73 Class 5: 9 42:07 139 Mason/Burns Vauxhall Car 194 Grp N:66 Class 2:10 42:11 140 Gobert/Cloteau Peugeot Car 168 Grp N:67 Class 3:11 42:21 140 Winstanley/Winstanle Nissan Car 190 Grp N:67 Class 3:11 42:21 142 Fletcher/Chadwick Peugeot Car 159 Grp N:69 Class 1:10 42:22 143 Timlin/Kenyon Vauxhall Car 160 Grp A:74 Class 5:10 42:27 144 Godwin/Wyer Rover Car 184 Grp A:75 Class 5:11 42:28 145 Johnson/Flynn Rover Car 175 Grp N:70 Class 1:11 42:46 146 Glenister/Nixon Lada Car 188 Grp A:76 Class 5:12 42:54 147 Bevan/Armstrong Vauxhall Car 164 Grp N:71 Class 3:13 43:19 148 Skelton/Walker Skoda Car 182 Grp N:72 Class 1:12 43:20 149 Maundrell/Pain Peugeot Car 177 Grp A:77 Class 7:26 43:26 150 Gaillard/Epalle Renault Car 135 Grp N:73 Class 3:14 43:30 151 Crowton/Stewart MG Car 153 Grp N:74 Class 3:15 43:42 152 Grimes/Deeley Peugeot Car 195 Grp A:78 Class 7:27 43:55 153 Barry/Gooch Suzuki Car 186 Grp N:75 Class 1:13 44:01 154 Mallory/Mee Lada Car 151 Grp A:79 Class 5:13 44:05 155 Lennox/Wood Peugeot Car 158 Grp A:80 Class 7:28 44:20 156 Henry/Wise Ford Car 79 Grp N:76 Class 4:38 44:28 157 Boden/Parkhurst Vauxhall Car 189 Grp N:77 Class 1:14 44:32 158 Eaton/Powell Vauxhall Car 191 Grp A:81 Class 5:14 44:49 159 Warring/Owen MG Car 196 Grp A:82 Class 7:29 45:09 160 Moore/Lucas Rover Car 192 Grp N:78 Class 1:15 45:24 161 Singh/Teoh Boon Sim Mitsubishi Car 39 Grp N:79 Class 4:39 46:04 162 Plant/Plant Rover Car 193 Grp N:80 Class 1:16 46:14 163 Mason/Mountford Lada Car 171 Grp A:83 Class 5:15 1:02:55F3:- Kelvin Burt of England finished second in the Macau Grand Prix, 3.30 secs behind Sascha Maassen. Ralf Schumacher, brother of Formula One champion Michael, came fourth on his debut.
21.11.94 - THE RAC RALLYSuper Scot Colin McRae extended his lead as another incident-filled day came to a close with the rally heading back to the halt at Chester. The Subaru star was fastest on six of Monday's eight stages and left Grizedale East with a comfortable 76-second lead over Carlos Sainz. His Spanish teammate had been third for much of the day but regained the number two spot when Toyota's Juha Kankkunen went off on SS14. Kankkunen, who shared two fastest times with McRae and had two of his own, finished 1:45 off the pace.
Juha Kankkunen kept Colin McRae under pressure all day only to see his challenge fade as darkness fell. The four times world champion, seeking a fourth RAC Rally win, was just 40 seconds adrift going into the penultimate stage but went off losing time and bits of his car. Among the missing parts were his spotlights, leaving him to struggle through five miles of forest tracks on the final stage of the day. He lost over 30 seconds in his SS14 mishap and a further 23 seconds as he battled through a dark SS15.
Frenchman Didier Auriol saw his world title hopes evaporate on day two when he rolled his works Toyota on the first stage at Hamsterley. Auriol, already trailing by about 4.5 minutes after crashing on SS3, went off halfway through the stage and lost 10 minutes getting his slightly damaged car back in action. A blown turbo on SS13 cost him four minutes and he finished the day well out of contention at present. If Auriol fails to score points, Carlos Sainz would need a top three finish to claim the world crown.
Colin McRae was relieved to get through Kielder and even more delighted to clear the day's final stages at Grizedale, still leading. "There were so many people in there cheering me - it was fantastic," said the Subaru star. "I am not too worried about running first on the road tomorrow. It's all slippery." McRae's bid for victory in 1993 ended in snowy Kielder and he added: "This year was a lot easier. I now have a bit of a cushion over Carlos (Sainz) and Juha (Kankkunen) but I cannot slow up too much."
Carlos Sainz has the world title almost in his grasp but insists: "I cannot afford to think about the Championship just yet." His chances of winning a third crown have been boosted by Didier Auriol's problems with his Toyota. Sainz, second at the end of day two behind his Subaru teammate Colin McRae, said: "To reach Chester in at least this position on Wednesday is the priority." He added: "The Welsh stages are going to be very hard and the weather could change at any point."
Driver Car H M S 1 C McRae GB Subaru 2:19:48 2 Sainz Sp Subaru 2:21:04 3 Kankkunen Fin Toyota 2:21:33 4 Thiry Bel Ford 2:24:34 5 Wilson GB Ford 2:25:19 6 Blomqvist Swe Ford 2:25:53 7 Vatanen Fin Ford 2:29:46 8 Fujimoto Jap Toyota 2:34:56 9 Evans GB Ford 2:35:48 10 Habig SA Ford 2:35:55 11 Makinen Fin Nissan 2:36:04 12 De Mevius Bel Opel 2:36:25 13 Llewellin GB Vauxhall 2:36:42 14 Milner GB Ford 2:38:05Richard Burns made a disappointing exit from the 50th RAC Rally having battled back from earlier problems to take an impressive sixth place. The 23-year-old Reading driver went off on SS9, damaging the front leftside bodywork and wheel. He struggled on into SS10 but stopped after about four miles and retired. Burns, who struggled through the first day, had moved into sixth place after SS8, the day's opening stage. He was second fastest on the 16-mile test behind Juha Kankkunen.
Welshman Gwyndaf Evans had few complaints as he challenged hard for the Formula Two honours. Evans, in the Rapid Fit Ford Escort RS2000, took the lead in the 2-litre two-wheel-drive category, on SS10 despite a puncture. "The car is not wearing anything out. If I could get a clear road it would be even more fun," said Evans who keeps catching Jesus Puras (26) and Russell Brookes (24) on stages. Tommi Makinen is 16 seconds back in his Nissan while David Llewellin (Vauxhall) remains in contention.
Twice world champion Miki Biasion retired with engine problems after having set off for Hamsterley at the start of the day in sixth place. The Italian's day was fraught with problems which began when he hit a deer in the first stage. He damaged the gearbox oil cooler on his Ford and dropped off the leaderboard. Biasion battled back to eighth spot before fuel pressure problems at the start of SS15 proved too much. Malcolm Wilson offered help by relaying information on repairs radioed through by the back-up crew.
Nineteen of the original 178 crews failed to restart from Harrogate on day two. The survivors faced a hard day of eight stages over 113.82 competitive miles through Kielder, the Scottish border regions and the Lake District, finishing at Chester. Among the non-starters was Ford's Francois Delecour who was excluded after a mistake on the final stage. The Frenchman went off down a bank but rejoined the stage, for a time driving in the wrong direction. Disappointment for intrepid PR boss Tony Jardine (100 Escort) who went out before SS6 with gearbox failure.
Jeremy Easson (35 Escort) broke his driveshaft on SS8. "We yumped high and landed heavily in Hamsterley. We finished with rear wheel drive only." He then went too hard on SS9 and broke the turbo pipe as well. Alister McRae's challenge for Formula Two honours came to an end on SS9 when his Nissan stopped with electrical trouble. He had been two seconds adrift of Tommi Makinen. Welshman Gwyndaf Evans moved into the lead, in the F2 challenge, when Makinen lost time with a puncture on SS10. Evans also had a puncture but continued on the rim.
Ford driver Bruno Thiry drove most of the 16-mile Hamsterley stage with no clutch after breaking the clutch release arm. He lost about 50 seconds and slipped one place to fifth on the leaderboard. Vauxhall Nova driver Janie Eaton (car no 191) has been receiving lots of good wishes during today's stages - it is her 18th birthday. Yorkshireman Johnny Milner grabbed the Group N lead in his Ford on SS8 overhauling Japanese Subaru driver Masao Kamioka. He held his lead despite transmission problems which left him stuck in fourth gear.
Malcolm Wilson's hopes of improving on last year's third place were all but dashed when he hit a rock on SS9 bending the rear suspension beam. "We've a lot of work to do to catch up but it's early days yet." He completed SS10 with a wheel missing but lost little time. "I didn't hit anything, the wheel just came off," said the Ford driver. Matthew Clark (48 Escort) bent the front strut and wishbone on SS9 and struggled through SS10. Sierra driver Duncan Jaffray went off at speed on SS10 but continued.
Jerry Bailey (99 BMW) went off on SS10 and retired. He and co-driver Darren Loveys were unhurt. Russell Brookes has found Monday's stages hard going in his Mini. "I'm sliding all over the place," he declared while co-driver Neil Wilson added: "It's different - for a start, we're much lower down." Paul Dyas needed the help of marshals and spectators when he went into a firebreak on SS8. "We beached the car on its floorpan - just goes to prove a stout rope is a must. We've lost a lot of time but I'm certain we'll pull it back"
Co-driver Peter Croft was forced to shout at Ford Escort driver Steve Petch over the 28-mile Pundershaw stage, when their intercom failed. Peugeot driver Martin Rowe has a cracked windscreen and broken wipers but insists he is "still going well" after surviving a scare at the ford in Hamsterley forest which was deeper than he expected. Paul Kirtley (45 Sierra) struggled through SS10 with a misfire. Mick Jones (43 Mitsubishi) lost time after crawling out of SS10 with a bent suspension arm.
David Higgins was forced to retire when the cambelt broke on his Peugeot 106 Rallye partway through SS10. He and co-driver Mike Park watched their rivals speed by as they waited for recovery - and helped a few Skodas out of a ditch! Help was also needed by Gavin Cox who went off on SS9, landing on the co-driver's side wedged in a tree's branches with both doors jammed shut. Spectators had them back in action after a 21-minute delay. Co-driver Jon Geldart pushed Paul Kirtley's Sierra (45) two miles after driveshaft failure on SS11.
Former world champion Ari Vatanen struggled, losing three minutes on SS14 with turbo failure and more time on SS15. He finished in seventh, almost 10 minutes off the pace in his Ford. Rudi Lancaster's Peugeot 306 (car no 85) needed a new fuel tank when it was melted by the exhaust. Roger Davies was amazed at the size of the crowds. "We've never seen so many spectators in Grisedale," said the Vauxhall driver.
FULL LIST OF RESULTS - OVERALL POSITIONS AFTER SPECIAL STAGE 15 1 C McRae/Ringer Subaru Car 4 Grp A: 1 Class 8: 1 2:19:48 2 Sainz/Moya Subaru Car 2 Grp A: 2 Class 8: 2 2:21:04 3 Kankkunen/Grist Toyota Car 1 Grp A: 3 Class 8: 3 2:21:33 4 Thiry/Prevot Ford Car 11 Grp A: 4 Class 8: 4 2:24:34 5 Wilson/Thomas Ford Car 10 Grp A: 5 Class 8: 5 2:25:19 6 Blomqvist/Melander Ford Car 12 Grp A: 6 Class 8: 6 2:25:53 7 Vatanen/Pons Ford Car 7 Grp A: 7 Class 8: 7 2:29:46 8 Fujimoto/Hertz Toyota Car 14 Grp A: 8 Class 8: 8 2:34:56 9 Evans/Davis Ford Car 27 Grp A: 9 Class 7: 1 2:35:48 10 Habig/Judd Ford Car 38 Grp A:10 Class 8: 9 2:35:55 11 Makinen/Harjanne Nissan Car 18 Grp A:11 Class 7: 2 2:36:04 12 De Mevius/Lux Opel Car 17 Grp A:12 Class 7: 3 2:36:25 13 Llewellin/Grindrod Vauxhall Car 15 Grp A:13 Class 7: 4 2:36:42 14 Milner/Turvey Ford Car 32 Grp N: 1 Class 4: 1 2:38:05 15 Kamioka/Stewart Subaru Car 28 Grp N: 2 Class 4: 2 2:38:59 16 Puras/Romani Ford Car 26 Grp N: 3 Class 4: 3 2:42:08 17 Auriol/Occelli Toyota Car 6 Grp A:14 Class 8:10 2:42:25 18 Rowe/Wood Peugeot Car 40 Grp A:15 Class 7: 5 2:42:57 19 Holderied/Thorner Mitsubishi Car 30 Grp N: 4 Class 4: 4 2:43:07 20 Doctor/Badenberg Mitsubishi Car 34 Grp N: 5 Class 4: 5 2:43:35 21 Easson/Cook Ford Car 35 Grp N: 6 Class 4: 6 2:43:59 22 Sibera/Gross Skoda Car 23 Grp A:16 Class 5: 1 2:44:37 23 Petch/Croft Ford Car 36 Grp N: 7 Class 4: 7 2:44:49 24 Triner/Klima Skoda Car 22 Grp A:17 Class 5: 2 2:45:02 25 Higgins/Simmons Honda Car 53 Grp N: 8 Class 2: 1 2:45:47 26 Curran/Warner Ford Car 50 Grp A:18 Class 8:11 2:46:29 27 Green/Capstick Ford Car 54 Grp N: 9 Class 4: 8 2:46:41 28 Dyas/Derry Ford Car 46 Grp N:10 Class 4: 9 2:49:27 29 Ellis Jones/Lewis Ford Car 37 Grp N:11 Class 4:10 2:49:44 30 Hill/Boyles Mitsubishi Car 33 Grp A:19 Class 8:12 2:49:57 31 Holfeld/Morgan Ford Car 51 Grp N:12 Class 4:11 2:50:22 32 Stephenson/Whittaker Ford Car 49 Grp A:20 Class 8:13 2:52:25 33 Smith/Carstairs Ford Car 62 Grp N:13 Class 4:12 2:52:43 34 Worswick/Molyneux Ford Car 44 Grp A:21 Class 8:14 2:52:54 34 Jaffray/McGowan Ford Car 65 Grp A:21 Class 8:14 2:52:54 36 Porter/Foy Vauxhall Car 87 Grp A:23 Class 6: 1 2:53:13 37 Davies/Hobbs Vauxhall Car 88 Grp N:14 Class 3: 1 2:53:28 38 Stoodley/Collins Peugeot Car 66 Grp A:24 Class 7: 6 2:53:54 39 Barry/Barry Mitsubishi Car 56 Grp N:15 Class 4:13 2:54:08 40 Green/Thomas Vauxhall Car 92 Grp A:25 Class 6: 2 2:54:12 41 Somerville/Perrin Ford Car 57 Grp A:26 Class 8:16 2:54:23 42 Singh/Teoh Boon Sim Mitsubishi Car 39 Grp N:16 Class 4:14 2:54:51 43 Coughtrie/Cooledge Subaru Car 119 Grp N:17 Class 4:15 2:55:16 44 Sisson/Savage Ford Car 82 Grp N:18 Class 4:16 2:55:17 45 Reynolds/Joll Honda Car 94 Grp N:19 Class 2: 2 2:56:49 46 Willoughby/Steward Ford Car 143 Grp A:27 Class 8:17 2:57:15 47 Girardin/Amacher Ford Car 60 Grp N:20 Class 4:17 2:57:39 48 Leckie/Lewis Ford Car 115 Grp N:21 Class 4:18 2:57:49 49 Menzies/Thake Ford Car 71 Grp N:22 Class 4:19 2:58:14 50 Lancaster/Spooner Peugeot Car 85 Grp A:28 Class 7: 7 2:58:39 51 Joel/Capstick Ford Car 59 Grp N:23 Class 4:20 2:58:50 52 Hunt/McGrogan Ford Car 102 Grp N:24 Class 4:21 2:59:01 53 Evans/Butcher Peugeot Car 84 Grp A:29 Class 7: 8 2:59:11 54 Richardson/Hill Peugeot Car 93 Grp A:30 Class 7: 9 2:59:32 55 Barge/Stubbs Ford Car 120 Grp N:25 Class 4:22 3:00:32 56 Ceen/Bull Ford Car 72 Grp N:26 Class 4:23 3:00:57 57 Barbara/Desseaux Ford Car 63 Grp N:27 Class 4:24 3:03:15 57 Bown/Bown Vauxhall Car 108 Grp A:31 Class 7:10 3:03:15 59 French/Baines Volkswagen Car 95 Grp A:32 Class 7:11 3:03:20 60 Healer/Wynn Ford Car 141 Grp N:28 Class 4:25 3:03:30 61 Dalgarno/Taylor Ford Car 117 Grp N:29 Class 4:26 3:03:40 62 Clarke/Preston Peugeot Car 97 Grp A:33 Class 7:12 3:04:04 63 Jaques/Jaques Vauxhall Car 118 Grp N:30 Class 3: 2 3:05:33 64 Kitching/Tatham Vauxhall Car 173 Grp A:34 Class 6: 3 3:05:34 65 Presswell/Cottam Vauxhall Car 133 Grp A:35 Class 7:13 3:05:37 66 Archer/Cammack Vauxhall Car 107 Grp N:31 Class 3: 3 3:05:42 66 Menestrier/Gros Peugeot Car 131 Grp A:36 Class 6: 4 3:05:42 68 Russell/Ashfield Ford Car 98 Grp N:32 Class 4:27 3:06:00 69 Williams/Sheppard Vauxhall Car 109 Grp N:33 Class 2: 3 3:06:44 70 Chadwick/Entwistle Opel Car 163 Grp A:37 Class 5: 3 3:07:19 71 O'Neill/Curry Honda Car 150 Grp N:34 Class 2: 4 3:07:53 72 Henry/Wise Ford Car 79 Grp N:35 Class 4:28 3:08:27 73 Knott/Connor Peugeot Car 172 Grp A:38 Class 7:14 3:08:28 74 Simmonite/Simmonite Peugeot Car 126 Grp A:39 Class 7:15 3:08:33 75 Worts/Phillipson Vauxhall Car 149 Grp A:40 Class 7:16 3:08:38 76 Bengry/Forsbrook Peugeot Car 130 Grp A:41 Class 5: 4 3:09:25 76 Wedgbury/Regan Skoda Car 137 Grp N:36 Class 1: 1 3:09:25 78 Kent/Whiten Peugeot Car 161 Grp N:37 Class 1: 2 3:09:56 79 Simpson/Booth Peugeot Car 162 Grp N:38 Class 3: 4 3:09:58 80 Wood/Wood Saab Car 124 Grp A:42 Class 8:18 3:10:59 81 Rees/Heymer Ford Car 74 Grp A:43 Class 8:19 3:11:09 82 Backwall/Rydham Citroen Car 167 Grp N:39 Class 1: 3 3:11:12 83 Brown/Brooks Vauxhall Car 114 Grp A:44 Class 6: 5 3:11:16 83 Wilson/Harrison Vauxhall Car 165 Grp A:44 Class 7:17 3:11:16 85 Gunningham/Rabbett Peugeot Car 147 Grp A:46 Class 7:18 3:11:17 86 Labaune/Sassoulas Peugeot Car 132 Grp A:47 Class 6: 6 3:11:19 87 Johnson/Burkill Skoda Car 121 Grp A:48 Class 5: 5 3:12:15 88 Wills/Brown Rover Car 148 Grp N:40 Class 3: 5 3:12:37 89 Andrew/Heather Peugeot Car 197 Grp N:41 Class 1: 4 3:12:39 90 Brookes/Wilson Rover Car 24 Grp A:49 Class 5: 6 3:13:00 91 Evans/Hawes Vauxhall Car 157 Grp N:42 Class 2: 5 3:14:21 92 Reininger/Csosz Renault Car 81 Grp N:43 Class 3: 6 3:14:46 93 Jonquieres/Phelippea Peugeot Car 138 Grp N:44 Class 2: 6 3:15:25 94 Gaillard/Epalle Renault Car 135 Grp N:45 Class 3: 7 3:16:31 95 Kedward/Cresswell Ford Car 139 Grp N:46 Class 4:29 3:17:30 96 Timlin/Kenyon Vauxhall Car 160 Grp A:50 Class 5: 7 3:17:36 97 Bowman/Chew Ford Car 154 Grp A:51 Class 8:20 3:17:39 98 Wheatley/Orr Skoda Car 180 Grp N:47 Class 1: 5 3:17:46 99 Tilly/Moore Vauxhall Car 152 Grp N:48 Class 2: 7 3:18:09 100 Raven/Terry Peugeot Car 174 Grp N:49 Class 1: 6 3:18:18 101 Hill/Hilton Ford Car 80 Grp N:50 Class 4:30 3:18:22 102 Bowers/Stokoe Peugeot Car 125 Grp A:52 Class 7:19 3:18:34 103 Cox/Eccleston Vauxhall Car 69 Grp N:51 Class 4:31 3:19:17 104 Heath/Hely Ford Car 156 Grp N:52 Class 4:32 3:19:32 105 Stevens/Rodgers Skoda Car 181 Grp N:53 Class 1: 7 3:21:24 106 Hopcraft/Pomfret Peugeot Car 136 Grp A:53 Class 7:20 3:21:39 107 Kollevold/Lie Peugeot Car 145 Grp N:54 Class 3: 8 3:21:49 108 Gobert/Cloteau Peugeot Car 168 Grp N:55 Class 3: 9 3:23:24 109 Winstanley/Winstanle Nissan Car 190 Grp N:56 Class 3:10 3:23:52 110 Wynne/Bevan Suzuki Car 185 Grp N:57 Class 1: 8 3:24:15 111 Shaw/Prout Lada Car 170 Grp A:54 Class 5: 8 3:24:16 112 Tyson/Crabtree Peugeot Car 128 Grp N:58 Class 2: 8 3:25:03 113 Johnson/Flynn Rover Car 175 Grp N:59 Class 1: 9 3:28:03 114 Bennett/Langley Lancia Car 155 Grp A:55 Class 8:21 3:28:21 115 Grimes/Deeley Peugeot Car 195 Grp A:56 Class 7:21 3:29:06 116 Mason/Burns Vauxhall Car 194 Grp N:60 Class 2: 9 3:29:34 117 Senior/Loveluck Vauxhall Car 187 Grp N:61 Class 2:10 3:31:04 118 Mallory/Mee Lada Car 151 Grp A:57 Class 5: 9 3:33:18 119 Marlow/Marlow Ford Car 123 Grp A:58 Class 8:22 3:35:33 120 Fletcher/Chadwick Peugeot Car 159 Grp N:62 Class 1:10 3:37:23 121 Boden/Parkhurst Vauxhall Car 189 Grp N:63 Class 1:11 3:37:25 122 Maundrell/Pain Peugeot Car 177 Grp A:59 Class 7:22 3:40:14 123 Plant/Plant Rover Car 193 Grp N:64 Class 1:12 3:42:02 124 Moore/Lucas Rover Car 192 Grp N:65 Class 1:13 3:42:28 125 Eaton/Powell Vauxhall Car 191 Grp A:60 Class 5:10 3:44:19 126 Warring/Owen MG Car 196 Grp A:61 Class 7:23 3:50:14 127 Skelton/Walker Skoda Car 182 Grp N:66 Class 1:14 3:51:38 128 Glenister/Nixon Lada Car 188 Grp A:62 Class 5:11 3:53:02 129 Zamparutti/Ciani Peugeot Car 110 Grp N:67 Class 3:11 4:02:51 130 Kelly/Davies Vauxhall Car 129 Grp A:63 Class 7:24 4:10:16 131 Smith/Davies MG Car 176 Grp N:68 Class 3:12 4:15:32 132 Godwin/Wyer Rover Car 184 Grp A:64 Class 5:12 4:16:10 133 Smith/Middleton Suzuki Car 166 Grp N:69 22.11.94THE RAC RALLY
Gritty Scot Colin McRae produced a world class show around Wales as he comfortably retained his lead on day three of the 50th RAC Rally. McRae, who has led since the third stage on the opening day, increased the gap over his Subaru teammate Carlos Sainz to 1 min 45 secs with Toyota's Juha Kankkunen still third. The three drivers shared the day's fastest times, with McRae best on three stages and the others on two. Kankkunen overcame a few problems with his car and finished the day 2 min 53 secs off the pace.
Colin McRae gave rally fans in Wales a real treat as he swept through the forest in the lead but the euphoria could be shortlived. McRae is looking to become the first Briton to win the event since Roger Clark in 1976 and only the second Scot since 1945. His progress could be halted by team orders with Subaru's Carlos Sainz needing to beat Didier Auriol by 12 points to win the world title. Auriol is back in ninth and, if he moves into seventh or above, Sainz will need to win to take the crown.
Colin McRae started the day saying he was missing his sleep but there was no sign of tiredness as he tore around the Welsh forest stages. "This is my first time in this part of Wales for a long time," admitted the Scot. "The big problem was the mud, soft on top and hard below."
"I did not want to take too many risks. My aim was to get to the end and it will be the same tomorrow. The spectators really helped me today with their support. They have been wonderful," added the 555 Subaru driver.
Twice world champion Carlos Sainz admitted at the end of day three that he had never been in such a tense World Championship event. He said world title challenger Didier Auriol was on his mind. "Of course I am worried about him but there is nothing I can do about him so I must just keep going flat-out." He was not certain whether team orders would be given on Wednesday. "The ball is in Toyota's court but first we have to arrive at that situation. There is still another day to go," said the Spaniard.
Prodrive boss David Richards heaped praise on his Subaru driver Colin McRae but admitted he might have to impose team orders on the final day. McRae may have to let Carlos Sainz through if he has a chance to take the world title from Didier Auriol. "Colin has driven an impeccable rally but we are in a complicated situation. We have been working for the world title all season... It's likely Auriol will be eighth, barring retirements in front of him but Toyota could withdraw Kankkunen and it would be out of our hands."
Finn Juha Kankkunen was reported to be in trouble as he left SS21, the second visit to the Hafren stage, with his throttle jammed open. Kankkunen, third in his Toyota, appeared to have a problem with the engine management system and the service crew were trying to put it right before the day's final stage. They appeared to have succeeded as Kankkunen was then fastest on SS22. The four times world champion seeks a fourth RAC Rally victory but his task is tough with Subaru's Colin McRae and Carlos Sainz ahead of him.
Driver Car H M S 1 C McRae GB Subaru 4:12:21 2 Sainz Sp Subaru 4:14:06 3 Kankkunen Fin Toyota 4:15:14 4 Thiry Bel Ford 4:20:00 5 Blomqvist Swe Ford 4:23:21 6 Wilson GB Ford 4:23:38 7 Vatanen Fin Ford 4:27:24 8 Makinen Fin Nissan 4:40:02 9 Auriol Fr Toyota 4:40:10 10 Evans GB Ford 4:41:10 11 De Mevius Bel Opel 4:41:43 12 Habig SA Ford 4:42:00 13 Llewellin GB Vauxhall 4:42:24 14 Milner GB Ford 4:44:28Cumbrian Malcolm Wilson is happy to leave the attention to Colin McRae despite being top Briton in 1993. Wilson, who finished a superb third in his Ford last year, overcame an engine problem only to lose three minutes in a ditch on SS21 Hafren 2. His mishaps cost the Michelin Pilot Team Ford driver a place and he was sixth behind teammates Bruno Thiry and Stig Blomqvist after SS22. An impressive final stage saw him third fastest, matching the time of Juha Kankkunen. He moved to within 17s of fifth-placed Blomqvist.
A spectator was taken to hospital by air ambulance after being struck by one of the leading cars on SS18. The 27-year-old man, thought to have suffered a broken leg, was in collision with the no 38 Ford driven by South African Jan Habig. "It's very upsetting," said Douglas Judd, Habig's co-driver. "We were off the road a bit but not by much." The stage was abandoned and all cars yet to compete were given the same time as the slowest driver. All crews were sent straight toSS19 causing massive traffic jams.
Finn Tommi Makinen topped the F2 times on six of Tuesday's seven stages as he took control in the two-litre two-wheel drive category. Gwyndaf Evans was forced to battle hard to stay in touch. "I have to be careful and ignore Tommi's times - he must be mental," he commented. Evans needed a new gearbox in his Rapid Fit Ford Escort after SS18 and faced an anxious wait as his crew struggled through heavy traffic to reach him. He trailed Makinen by 68s after SS22, with Gregoire De Mevius third.
Slippery stages faced the 131 crews who set off from Chester on day three of the four-day event. They tackled seven stages, over a total of 112.21 miles, in the Welsh forests before returning to the overnight halt at Chester. David Llewellin found things tough on the first of his home stages."It was very, very tricky in Dyfnant," said the Vauxhall Astra driver. "Very slippery in there, much worse than I ever thought it would be." Llewellin overcame clutch problems to remain fourth in the F2 category with Wednesday's seven stages to go.
Belgian Gregoire De Mevius survived a scare on SS16 as he continued to challenge for the F2 lead. "The Astra skidded off under braking on a downhill left-hander. I was scared it would not reverse out but we only lost 8 seconds." F2 overnight leader Gwyndaf Evans had trouble with his rear brakes on SS16, Dyfnant, but insisted it was "nothing I could not cope with". Former world champion Ari Vatanen, seventh overnight in his Ford, said Dyfnant was "quick and very frightening - paralysing!"
Ford works driver Bruno Thiry, fifth in the world standings, has been relishing the slippery stages. "This rally is the greatest fun we have ever had," said the Belgian. All-Malaysian crew Singh Karamjit and Ron Teoh Boon Sim, competing in the only Proton in the rally, were lying 30th overall after SS22 after battling back from a mishap on SS2 which had left them 174th and last. Stig Blomqvist, the 1984 world champion, said SS16 was "foggy and dark and, at my age, difficult to see". He ran Pirelli mousse tyres on Tuesday for the first time.
A nasty moment for Roger Simpson (162 Peugeot 205) when all the warning lights came on during SS16. Graeme Presswell (133 Vauxhall) was still hung over after two tough days as he started the stage. "I woke up after two nasty corners..." A knocking noise from the engine worried Paul Richardson (93 Peugeot 205) but he managed to reach SS22. Tom Coughtrie (119 Subaru) had worries about his gearbox but also completed the day's seven stages. Steve Hunt (102 Sierra) had a dodgy fuel light. "It's on all the time."
Phyllis Fletcher (159 Peugeot 205) went off on SS16 but suffered only minor damage to her car. A sticky situation for Innes and Alyson Marlow (123 Sierra) when a chocolate bar became dislodged, slid about on the floor of the car - and then melted by the footpedals. Co-driver Monica Ciani found herself changing gear with a hand cable when the accelerator broke on Mauro Zamparutti's Peugeot 309. Tina Powell, co-driving for Janie Eaton (191 Vauxhall Nova) has lost her voice making navigating hard.
A new experience for Christopher Willoughby (143 Sierra) who has a new set of tyres. "I just can't believe the grip. I'm being ever so careful on the road sections so I don't wear them out too quickly." Theo Bengry (130 Peugeot 106) is being kept going by team boss Bill Bengry, the 75-year-old former British rally champion, and one 16-year-old mechanic who is having a hard time keeping up with Bill! Spectators to the rescue when Chris Bowman (154 Ford Sapphire) went off in Dyfnant at a right-hander. He was back in action in three minutes.
Russell Brookes seems to be questioning his decision to compete again in a Mini. "You realise how small they are when you pull alongside an Escort and all you can see is the lettering on the side- walls...and the rocks look bigger!" David Llewellin was sorry to see SS18 abandoned. "It's the best stage of the rally." Officials from SS21 reported vast numbers of spectators with cars along the A44 six miles from the nearest access point to Hafren.
Group N leader Johnny Milner, an impressive 14th overall in his showroom-standard Ford Escort Cosworth, said he was backing off from now on. "I'm happy enough with the advantage I have so we will now be avoiding any risks." South African Jan Habig failed to meet his service team before the long Hafren stage and had to complete it in fast fading light with only one headlight.
FULL LIST OF RESULTS - OVERALL POSITIONS AFTER SPECIAL STAGE 22 1 C McRae/Ringer Subaru Car 4 Grp A: 1 Class 8: 1 4:12:21 2 Sainz/Moya Subaru Car 2 Grp A: 2 Class 8: 2 4:14:06 3 Kankkunen/Grist Toyota Car 1 Grp A: 3 Class 8: 3 4:15:14 4 Thiry/Prevot Ford Car 11 Grp A: 4 Class 8: 4 4:20:00 5 Blomqvist/Melander Ford Car 12 Grp A: 5 Class 8: 5 4:23:21 6 Wilson/Thomas Ford Car 10 Grp A: 6 Class 8: 6 4:23:38 7 Vatanen/Pons Ford Car 7 Grp A: 7 Class 8: 7 4:27:24 8 Makinen/Harjanne Nissan Car 18 Grp A: 8 Class 7: 1 4:40:02 9 Auriol/Occelli Toyota Car 6 Grp A: 9 Class 8: 8 4:40:10 10 Evans/Davis Ford Car 27 Grp A:10 Class 7: 2 4:41:10 11 De Mevius/Lux Opel Car 17 Grp A:11 Class 7: 3 4:41:43 12 Habig/Judd Ford Car 38 Grp A:12 Class 8: 9 4:42:00 13 Llewellin/Grindrod Vauxhall Car 15 Grp A:13 Class 7: 4 4:42:24 14 Milner/Turvey Ford Car 32 Grp N: 1 Class 4: 1 4:44:28 15 Kamioka/Stewart Subaru Car 28 Grp N: 2 Class 4: 2 4:45:55 16 Puras/Romani Ford Car 26 Grp N: 3 Class 4: 3 4:50:37 17 Rowe/Wood Peugeot Car 40 Grp A:14 Class 7: 5 4:50:47 18 Holderied/Thorner Mitsubishi Car 30 Grp N: 4 Class 4: 4 4:51:27 19 Easson/Cook Ford Car 35 Grp N: 5 Class 4: 5 4:52:28 20 Doctor/Badenberg Mitsubishi Car 34 Grp N: 6 Class 4: 6 4:54:02 21 Sibera/Gross Skoda Car 23 Grp A:15 Class 5: 1 4:54:07 22 Triner/Klima Skoda Car 22 Grp A:16 Class 5: 2 4:54:25 23 Petch/Croft Ford Car 36 Grp N: 7 Class 4: 7 4:55:26 24 Curran/Warner Ford Car 50 Grp A:17 Class 8:10 4:55:27 25 Dyas/Derry Ford Car 46 Grp N: 8 Class 4: 8 4:58:16 26 Hill/Boyles Mitsubishi Car 33 Grp A:18 Class 8:11 4:59:00 27 Ellis Jones/Lewis Ford Car 37 Grp N: 9 Class 4: 9 4:59:42 28 Davies/Hobbs Vauxhall Car 88 Grp N:10 Class 3: 1 5:04:52 29 Holfeld/Morgan Ford Car 51 Grp N:11 Class 4:10 5:05:25 30 Singh/Teoh Boon Sim Mitsubishi Car 39 Grp N:12 Class 4:11 5:05:36 31 Jaffray/McGowan Ford Car 65 Grp A:19 Class 8:12 5:06:11 32 Smith/Carstairs Ford Car 62 Grp N:13 Class 4:12 5:06:33 33 Porter/Foy Vauxhall Car 87 Grp A:20 Class 6: 1 5:07:30 34 Barry/Barry Mitsubishi Car 56 Grp N:14 Class 4:13 5:09:22 35 Somerville/Perrin Ford Car 57 Grp A:21 Class 8:13 5:09:41 36 Worswick/Molyneux Ford Car 44 Grp A:22 Class 8:14 5:09:56 37 Green/Thomas Vauxhall Car 92 Grp A:23 Class 6: 2 5:10:46 38 Sisson/Savage Ford Car 82 Grp N:15 Class 4:14 5:11:56 39 Stoodley/Collins Peugeot Car 66 Grp A:24 Class 7: 6 5:12:38 40 Joel/Capstick Ford Car 59 Grp N:16 Class 4:15 5:12:51 41 Reynolds/Joll Honda Car 94 Grp N:17 Class 2: 1 5:14:34 42 Willoughby/Steward Ford Car 143 Grp A:25 Class 8:15 5:15:10 43 Evans/Butcher Peugeot Car 84 Grp A:26 Class 7: 7 5:17:04 44 Richardson/Hill Peugeot Car 93 Grp A:27 Class 7: 8 5:17:07 45 Leckie/Lewis Ford Car 115 Grp N:18 Class 4:16 5:18:46 46 Girardin/Amacher Ford Car 60 Grp N:19 Class 4:17 5:19:55 47 Green/Capstick Ford Car 54 Grp N:20 Class 4:18 5:21:28 48 Barge/Stubbs Ford Car 120 Grp N:21 Class 4:19 5:22:30 49 Dalgarno/Taylor Ford Car 117 Grp N:22 Class 4:20 5:23:03 50 French/Baines Volkswagen Car 95 Grp A:28 Class 7: 9 5:23:33 51 Bown/Bown Vauxhall Car 108 Grp A:29 Class 7:10 5:25:21 52 Barbara/Desseaux Ford Car 63 Grp N:23 Class 4:21 5:25:53 53 Clarke/Preston Peugeot Car 97 Grp A:30 Class 7:11 5:26:43 54 Russell/Ashfield Ford Car 98 Grp N:24 Class 4:22 5:27:13 55 Henry/Wise Ford Car 79 Grp N:25 Class 4:23 5:28:23 56 Jaques/Jaques Vauxhall Car 118 Grp N:26 Class 3: 2 5:28:44 57 Presswell/Cottam Vauxhall Car 133 Grp A:31 Class 7:12 5:29:35 58 Chadwick/Entwistle Opel Car 163 Grp A:32 Class 5: 3 5:30:03 59 Bengry/Forsbrook Peugeot Car 130 Grp A:33 Class 5: 4 5:30:35 60 Simmonite/Simmonite Peugeot Car 126 Grp A:34 Class 7:13 5:30:49 61 Worts/Phillipson Vauxhall Car 149 Grp A:35 Class 7:14 5:31:08 62 Johnson/Burkill Skoda Car 121 Grp A:36 Class 5: 5 5:31:23 63 Wedgbury/Regan Skoda Car 137 Grp N:27 Class 1: 1 5:32:25 64 Kent/Whiten Peugeot Car 161 Grp N:28 Class 1: 2 5:33:28 65 Cox/Eccleston Vauxhall Car 69 Grp N:29 Class 4:24 5:35:01 66 Coughtrie/Cooledge Subaru Car 119 Grp N:30 Class 4:25 5:35:53 67 Rees/Heymer Ford Car 74 Grp A:37 Class 8:16 5:37:15 68 Wilson/Harrison Vauxhall Car 165 Grp A:38 Class 7:15 5:38:01 69 Ceen/Bull Ford Car 72 Grp N:31 Class 4:26 5:40:18 70 Labaune/Sassoulas Peugeot Car 132 Grp A:39 Class 6: 3 5:41:39 71 Andrew/Heather Peugeot Car 197 Grp N:32 Class 1: 3 5:42:07 72 Reininger/Csosz Renault Car 81 Grp N:33 Class 3: 3 5:45:02 73 Wheatley/Orr Skoda Car 180 Grp N:34 Class 1: 4 5:46:19 74 Kedward/Cresswell Ford Car 139 Grp N:35 Class 4:27 5:46:39 75 Brookes/Wilson Rover Car 24 Grp A:40 Class 5: 6 5:46:43 76 Kollevold/Lie Peugeot Car 145 Grp N:36 Class 3: 4 5:47:31 77 Jonquieres/Phelippea Peugeot Car 138 Grp N:37 Class 2: 2 5:49:09 78 Heath/Hely Ford Car 156 Grp N:38 Class 4:28 5:49:16 79 Gaillard/Epalle Renault Car 135 Grp N:39 Class 3: 5 5:49:52 80 Knott/Connor Peugeot Car 172 Grp A:41 Class 7:16 5:50:45 81 Bowman/Chew Ford Car 154 Grp A:42 Class 8:17 5:51:15 82 Gunningham/Rabbett Peugeot Car 147 Grp A:43 Class 7:17 5:51:16 83 Evans/Hawes Vauxhall Car 157 Grp N:40 Class 2: 3 5:51:32 84 Hopcraft/Pomfret Peugeot Car 136 Grp A:44 Class 7:18 5:52:08 85 Timlin/Kenyon Vauxhall Car 160 Grp A:45 Class 5: 7 5:53:34 86 Raven/Terry Peugeot Car 174 Grp N:41 Class 1: 5 5:54:47 87 Wills/Brown Rover Car 148 Grp N:42 Class 3: 6 5:55:40 88 Tyson/Crabtree Peugeot Car 128 Grp N:43 Class 2: 4 5:56:54 89 Wynne/Bevan Suzuki Car 185 Grp N:44 Class 1: 6 5:57:23 90 Stevens/Rodgers Skoda Car 181 Grp N:45 Class 1: 7 5:59:12 91 Bennett/Langley Lancia Car 155 Grp A:46 Class 8:18 6:00:27 92 Winstanley/Winstanle Nissan Car 190 Grp N:46 Class 3: 7 6:01:05 93 Shaw/Prout Lada Car 170 Grp A:47 Class 5: 8 6:04:10 94 Marlow/Marlow Ford Car 123 Grp A:48 Class 8:19 6:06:17 95 Gobert/Cloteau Peugeot Car 168 Grp N:47 Class 3: 8 6:06:23 96 Grimes/Deeley Peugeot Car 195 Grp A:49 Class 7:19 6:11:15 97 Kitching/Tatham Vauxhall Car 173 Grp A:50 Class 6: 4 6:16:54 98 Fletcher/Chadwick Peugeot Car 159 Grp N:48 Class 1: 8 6:22:35 99 Senior/Loveluck Vauxhall Car 187 Grp N:49 Class 2: 5 6:24:28 100 Boden/Parkhurst Vauxhall Car 189 Grp N:50 Class 1: 9 6:24:58 101 Maundrell/Pain Peugeot Car 177 Grp A:51 Class 7:20 6:28:50 102 Mallory/Mee Lada Car 151 Grp A:52 Class 5: 9 6:30:34 103 Moore/Lucas Rover Car 192 Grp N:51 Class 1:10 6:31:36 104 Skelton/Walker Skoda Car 182 Grp N:52 Class 1:11 6:32:48 105 Archer/Cammack Vauxhall Car 107 Grp N:53 Class 3: 9 6:33:15 106 Plant/Plant Rover Car 193 Grp N:54 Class 1:12 6:34:34 107 Warring/Owen MG Car 196 Grp A:53 Class 7:21 6:39:17 108 Smith/Davies MG Car 176 Grp N:55 Class 3:10 6:51:35 109 Zamparutti/Ciani Peugeot Car 110 Grp N:56 Class 3:11 6:52:52 110 Godwin/Wyer Rover Car 184 Grp A:54 Class 5:10 6:59:47 F1:- Prospective Race Calendar for 1995 March 12 Argentina * March 26 Brazil * April 16 Pacific April 30 San Marino * May 14 Spain May 28 Monaco June 11 Canada July 2 France July 16 Britain July 30 Germany Aug 13 Hungary Reserve Aug 27 Belgium Sept 10 Italy * Sept 24 Portugal Oct 8 Europe Oct 29 Japan Nov 12 Australia * - subject to circuit approvalThe San Marino and Italian Grands Prix are still on the calendar for 1995 but the Imola and Monza circuits need approval. Their status is uncertain pending investigations by the authorities into the deaths of Ayrton Senna and Roland Ratzenberger last spring. The Brazil and Argentine circuits are also subject to approval by the World Council.
23.11.94THE RAC RALLY
Scotland's Colin McRae has won the 50th RAC Rally, the first Briton to win the event for 18 years. McRae swept around the final day of stages around mid and north Wales, continuing his relentless pace as he at last claimed the victory to which he had come so close before. It was just reward for a brilliant performance from the 26-year-old Subaru works driver who had led the event over 27 of the 29 stages. McRae won by over 3.5 minutes from Toyota's Juha Kankkunen, one of the best winning margins of the year.
Spaniard Carlos Sainz was left stranded on the second stage of the final day, with his hopes of the world title dashed. Sainz, second overnight in his Subaru, went off on the slippery Dyfi Main stage and later retired. His demise left teammate Colin McRae well clear in the lead, with Toyota's Juha Kankkunen now second but more than three minutes behind. McRae continued to drive impeccably and claimed victory with a flourish setting the fastest time on SS29.
Huge crowds gathered in Chester several hours before the rally was due to return, ready to greet their hero of the four days Colin McRae. The flying Scot, who led from SS3, barely put a wheel out of place as he tore around the slippery stages in England, Scotland and Wales. He led by 11 seconds from teammate Carlos Sainz after day one, by 76s on day two and by 1.25 mins overnight He admitted to "having butterflies" over the final day's stages as he claimed his second Championship win of the year, his third overall.
Scot Colin McRae was greeted by a crowd of more than 8,000 for the victory ceremony at Chester. McRae thanked the supporters who had cheered him through the 29 stages but the Subaru star, who had 16 stage wins only three of them shared, said victory had been easy. "We had no problems. At Kielder we pulled out a small lead and no-one seemed to be challenging us. The Subaru team worked wonders. Everyone will be looking at us as serious contenders for the World Championship next year," he said.
Spaniard Carlos Sainz and his world title rival Frenchman Didier Auriol both ran into trouble on SS24. Sainz saw his bid for world glory come to a sudden halt when he went off on a tightening right-hander into some small trees. Spectators recovered the car but he retired. Auriol, back in eighth place and needing to finish fourth to be certain of the world crown, also went off in his Toyota but with a lot less damage to his prospects. He was seventh at the end of SS24, now certain of the world title.
Frenchman Didier Auriol arrived at service after SS24 totally dejected - and left elated. Auriol, who thought his world title bid had just suffered another setback with an off on the stage, heard that his Championship rival Carlos Sainz was in deeper trouble. "It's incredible. I don't realise yet what has happened," he said. Toyota teammate Juha Kankkunen saw Sainz in a ditch. "A lot of people were trying to get him back on but, with the current situation, I'm not sure how hard they were trying!"
Didier Auriol became the first Frenchman to win the world rally title, with rival Carlos Sainz crashing out on the final day. Among the first to congratulate him was his Toyota teammate Juha Kankkunen who yelled from his car: "You may be a lousy driver but at least you are world champion!" Auriol later thanked Kankkunen for his help. "He kept the pressure on Sainz and that may be why we have won the title today," he declared. The 36-year-old driver won three World Championship rounds this year.
LEADERBOARD AFTER SPECIAL STAGE 29 Driver Car H M S 1 C McRae GB Subaru 5:17:25 2 Kankkunen Fin Toyota 5:20:58 3 Thiry Bel Ford 5:27:37 4 Blomqvist Swe Ford 5:30:13 5 Vatanen Fin Ford 5:34:25 6 Auriol Fr Toyota 5:47:57 7 Evans GB Ford 5:52:24 8 Habig SA Ford 5:53:16 9 Makinen Fin Nissan 5:53:25 10 De Mevius Bel Opel 5:53:54 11 Llewellin GB Vauxhall 5:54:31 12 Milner GB Ford 5:57:37 13 Kamioka Jap Subaru 6:00:38 14 Rowe GB Peugeot 6:04:51Welshman Gwyndaf Evans won a fierce battle for Formula Two honours after his main rival Tommi Makinen succumbed to the horrors of SS24. The stage had already snared world title challengers Carlos Sainz and Didier Auriol, who both went off. The Finn rolled his Nissan on the first corner, losing 2 mins 40 secs and, despite a late charge which saw him move from third to second, he could not catch the flying Ford. Evans finished seventh overall, 61s clear of Makinen, with Opel driver Gregoire De Mevius in third place.
Finn Tommi Makinen handed the F2 lead to Gwyndaf Evans when he rolled his Nissan almost in front of the Welshman's house! Makinen's mishap happened on the second corner of SS24 in a fifth gear bend. The car dropped into a ditch and rolled end-over-end. He finished the stage with a broken windscreen and severe damage to the front of his car. Evans suffered an agonising time with engine and gearshift problems on SS26 but some quick repairs saw him back on the road to F2 victory.
Gwyndaf Evans said he had never dreamed of winning the Formula Two battle in the RAC Rally. "We hoped a good run might leave us in the top 15 overall and top three in F2 but to win and be seventh overall...it's absolutely fantastic. This must be my best ever result, certainly the most satisfying," said Evans who won late backing from Rapid Fit to boost the efforts of Gordon Spooner Engineering. He said he hoped the result would lead to some World Championship drives for Ford next season.
Prodrive boss David Richards made allegations of foul play after his Subaru star Carlos Sainz crashed out ending his world title hopes. Richards said Sainz had been upset by an incident on the first stage of the day when he found two large logs in his path which had not been there earlier for Colin McRae. "He did not make a big fuss about it but he was rather rattled," said Richards. "It's very upsetting." Sainz crashed out on the next stage after a mistake on a tight bend and has so far made no mention of logs.
Cumbrian Malcolm Wilson rolled down a 10ft ravine to end his RAC Rally bid in spectacular style. The 1994 British Champion was well set for a top four finish having overhauled his Ford teammate Stig Blomqvist on SS25 Dyfi Gartheiniog with the third fastest stage time. Disaster struck on the first of the Penmachno stages in north Wales where he went off on a right-hand hairpin not far from the end of the 8.31-mile test. He and co-driver Bryan Thomas are believed to have escaped unhurt.
A total of 109 cars left Chester at the start of the final day, with 69 crews having retired during the first three days. Ahead of the survivors were seven stages through mid and north Wales over 68.37 competitive miles. The first car arrived back in Chester at 3pm. Women's world champions Isolde Holderied of Germany and Swedish co-driver Tina Thorner comfortably won the award for all-women crews. Sisters Stephanie and Rachael Simmonite finished second in their Peugeot. Five of the six all-women entries completed the event.
David Llewellin (15 Vauxhall) was lucky to escape a puncture when he clipped a rock in SS26. He changed the wheel before SS27 just in case. Martin Rowe arrived at service on three wheels in his Peugeot (40) after losing a wheel towards the end of SS27. He survived again when the front strut broke on SS29. Drama for the communications plane which lost one of its two engines and was forced to make an emergency landing at a Welsh airfield. It had been carrying radio and telephone repeater equipment for most of the top teams, except Toyota.
Disappointment for Julian Porter who retired on SS24 when both driveshafts broke on his Vauxhall Nova. "The car had been running perfectly and we had a comfortable class lead," he said dejectedly. Last-placed Trevor Godwin in his Rover finished almost 3.5 hours behind winner Colin McRae. "Our manager Tom Seal issued us with team orders that we must, at all costs, retain our last place in the classification positions," he said. Rodney Bennett (155 Lancia) was running close to maximum lateness after a wheel sheared off in SS24.
General Motors Europe have won the inaugural FIA two-litre rally World Cup with Gregoire De Mevius and David Llewellin third and fourth in the F2 category of the RAC Rally. Husband and wife team Rob and Julie Barry, lying 30th overall in their Mitsubishi at the end of SS27, consider their rally a success. "At least we have made it through the event without an argument" said Rob. Michael Chadwick, 28th overall and fourth in his class after SS25, went off in his Opel on the next stage, losing two minutes. "I've thrown it all away," he said.
Jonny Milner and co-driver Steve Turvey clinched Group N victory with a superb drive in their showroom-standard Ford Escort Cosworth. They were 12th overall, beating Group N rival Masao Kamioka in a Subaru by more than 3 minutes. Spaniard Jesus Puras clinched the FIA Cup for Production Car Drivers with third overall in Group N in his Ford Escort Cosworth. Women's world champions Isolde Holderied and Tina Thorner, the only challengers for the Group N title, finished 15 seconds back in fourth place.
Mike Barge survived a scare on SS28 when he went off in his Sierra and almost struck Malcolm Wilson's stranded Escort. Frenchman Jose Barbara described his first RAC as "most enjoyable". David Kedward nursed his Ford Escort through the final stages after the engine mountings broke on SS27. The crew 'wired' the engine in place and struggled to the end. Jane Gunningham also faced late problems when she hit a hole on SS27 damaging the steering on her Peugeot. She finished in the top 70.
French journalist Stephane Gaillard won the Fleet Street award in his Group N Renault. He was 71st overall out of the 97 finishers. South Africans Jan Habig and Douglas Judd, competing in their first World Championship event, finished eighth in their Ford Escort to claim the Newcomers Award. Welsh crew Gwyndaf Evans and Howard Davies won the F2 category and also clinched the Silver Challenge Trophy presented to the best-placed all-British crew in a British car.
OVER-ALL POSITIONS AFTER SPECIAL STAGE 29 1 C McRae/Ringer Subaru Car 4 Grp A: 1 Class 8: 1 5:17:25 2 Kankkunen/Grist Toyota Car 1 Grp A: 2 Class 8: 2 5:20:58 3 Thiry/Prevot Ford Car 11 Grp A: 3 Class 8: 3 5:27:37 4 Blomqvist/Melander Ford Car 12 Grp A: 4 Class 8: 4 5:30:13 5 Vatanen/Pons Ford Car 7 Grp A: 5 Class 8: 5 5:34:25 6 Auriol/Occelli Toyota Car 6 Grp A: 6 Class 8: 6 5:47:57 7 Evans/Davis Ford Car 27 Grp A: 7 Class 7: 1 5:52:24 8 Habig/Judd Ford Car 38 Grp A: 8 Class 8: 7 5:53:16 9 Makinen/Harjanne Nissan Car 18 Grp A: 9 Class 7: 2 5:53:25 10 De Mevius/Lux Opel Car 17 Grp A:10 Class 7: 3 5:53:54 11 Llewellin/Grindrod Vauxhall Car 15 Grp A:11 Class 7: 4 5:54:31 12 Milner/Turvey Ford Car 32 Grp N: 1 Class 4: 1 5:57:37 13 Kamioka/Stewart Subaru Car 28 Grp N: 2 Class 4: 2 6:00:38 14 Rowe/Wood Peugeot Car 40 Grp A:12 Class 7: 5 6:04:51 15 Puras/Romani Ford Car 26 Grp N: 3 Class 4: 3 6:05:08 16 Holderied/Thorner Mitsubishi Car 30 Grp N: 4 Class 4: 4 6:05:23 17 Easson/Cook Ford Car 35 Grp N: 5 Class 4: 5 6:06:06 18 Doctor/Badenberg Mitsubishi Car 34 Grp N: 6 Class 4: 6 6:08:50 19 Sibera/Gross Skoda Car 23 Grp A:13 Class 5: 1 6:10:28 20 Petch/Croft Ford Car 36 Grp N: 7 Class 4: 7 6:10:33 21 Dyas/Derry Ford Car 46 Grp N: 8 Class 4: 8 6:12:01 22 Triner/Klima Skoda Car 22 Grp A:14 Class 5: 2 6:13:29 23 Ellis Jones/Lewis Ford Car 37 Grp N: 9 Class 4: 9 6:14:30 24 Singh/Teoh Boon Sim Proton Car 39 Grp N:10 Class 4:10 6:20:25 25 Jaffray/McGowan Ford Car 65 Grp A:15 Class 8: 8 6:23:09 26 Holfeld/Morgan Ford Car 51 Grp N:11 Class 4:11 6:23:40 27 Smith/Carstairs Ford Car 62 Grp N:12 Class 4:12 6:24:11 28 Davies/Hobbs Vauxhall Car 88 Grp N:13 Class 3: 1 6:27:25 29 Somerville/Perrin Ford Car 57 Grp A:16 Class 8: 9 6:28:48 30 Barry/Barry Mitsubishi Car 56 Grp N:14 Class 4:13 6:29:13 31 Green/Thomas Vauxhall Car 92 Grp A:17 Class 6: 1 6:31:35 32 Sisson/Savage Ford Car 82 Grp N:15 Class 4:14 6:32:05 33 Joel/Capstick Ford Car 59 Grp N:16 Class 4:15 6:34:51 34 Willoughby/Steward Ford Car 143 Grp A:18 Class 8:10 6:37:34 35 Green/Capstick Ford Car 54 Grp N:17 Class 4:16 6:38:11 36 Reynolds/Joll Honda Car 94 Grp N:18 Class 2: 1 6:40:13 37 Richardson/Hill Peugeot Car 93 Grp A:19 Class 7: 6 6:41:18 38 Barge/Stubbs Ford Car 120 Grp N:19 Class 4:17 6:42:24 39 Dalgarno/Taylor Ford Car 117 Grp N:20 Class 4:18 6:46:20 40 Barbara/Desseaux Ford Car 63 Grp N:21 Class 4:19 6:46:44 41 Girardin/Amacher Ford Car 60 Grp N:22 Class 4:20 6:48:11 42 Bown/Bown Vauxhall Car 108 Grp A:20 Class 7: 7 6:48:22 43 Henry/Wise Ford Car 79 Grp N:23 Class 4:21 6:49:40 44 Russell/Ashfield Ford Car 98 Grp N:24 Class 4:22 6:49:51 45 Stoodley/Collins Peugeot Car 66 Grp A:21 Class 7: 8 6:50:06 46 French/Baines Volkswagen Car 95 Grp A:22 Class 7: 9 6:50:33 47 Clarke/Preston Peugeot Car 97 Grp A:23 Class 7:10 6:51:36 48 Johnson/Burkill Skoda Car 121 Grp A:24 Class 5: 3 6:51:45 49 Cox/Eccleston Vauxhall Car 69 Grp N:25 Class 4:23 6:52:49 50 Bengry/Forsbrook Peugeot Car 130 Grp A:25 Class 5: 4 6:54:04 51 Simmonite/Simmonite Peugeot Car 126 Grp A:26 Class 7:11 6:54:27 52 Presswell/Cottam Vauxhall Car 133 Grp A:27 Class 7:12 6:54:31 53 Kent/Whiten Peugeot Car 161 Grp N:26 Class 1: 1 6:56:10 54 Jaques/Jaques Vauxhall Car 118 Grp N:27 Class 3: 2 6:56:46 55 Wedgbury/Regan Skoda Car 137 Grp N:28 Class 1: 2 6:56:51 56 Ceen/Bull Ford Car 72 Grp N:29 Class 4:24 6:58:28 57 Chadwick/Entwistle Opel Car 163 Grp A:28 Class 5: 5 7:00:01 58 Rees/Heymer Ford Car 74 Grp A:29 Class 8:11 7:03:10 59 Wilson/Harrison Vauxhall Car 165 Grp A:30 Class 7:13 7:04:29 60 Andrew/Heather Peugeot Car 197 Grp N:30 Class 1: 3 7:11:02 61 Kollevold/Lie Peugeot Car 145 Grp N:31 Class 3: 3 7:12:14 62 Labaune/Sassoulas Peugeot Car 132 Grp A:31 Class 6: 2 7:14:10 63 Wheatley/Orr Skoda Car 180 Grp N:32 Class 1: 4 7:14:25 64 Bowman/Chew Ford Car 154 Grp A:32 Class 8:12 7:15:37 65 Heath/Hely Ford Car 156 Grp N:33 Class 4:25 7:16:06 66 Kedward/Cresswell Ford Car 139 Grp N:34 Class 4:26 7:17:18 67 Knott/Connor Peugeot Car 172 Grp A:33 Class 7:14 7:17:53 68 Gunningham/Rabbett Peugeot Car 147 Grp A:34 Class 7:15 7:18:28 69 Wills/Brown Rover Car 148 Grp N:35 Class 3: 4 7:19:46 70 Jonquieres/Phelippea Peugeot Car 138 Grp N:36 Class 2: 2 7:21:05 71 Gaillard/Epalle Renault Car 135 Grp N:37 Class 3: 5 7:21:34 72 Brookes/Wilson Rover Car 24 Grp A:35 Class 5: 6 7:22:45 73 Hopcraft/Pomfret Peugeot Car 136 Grp A:36 Class 7:16 7:25:16 74 Timlin/Kenyon Vauxhall Car 160 Grp A:37 Class 5: 7 7:25:36 75 Wynne/Bevan Suzuki Car 185 Grp N:38 Class 1: 5 7:26:13 76 Tyson/Crabtree Peugeot Car 128 Grp N:39 Class 2: 3 7:26:15 77 Raven/Terry Peugeot Car 174 Grp N:40 Class 1: 6 7:27:13 78 Evans/Butcher Peugeot Car 84 Grp A:38 Class 7:17 7:33:10 79 Stevens/Rodgers Skoda Car 181 Grp N:41 Class 1: 7 7:33:36 80 Winstanley/Winstanle Nissan Car 190 Grp N:42 Class 3: 6 7:36:32 81 Marlow/Marlow Ford Car 123 Grp A:39 Class 8:13 7:39:14 81 Shaw/Prout Lada Car 170 Grp A:39 Class 5: 8 7:39:14 83 Gobert/Cloteau Peugeot Car 168 Grp N:43 Class 3: 7 7:44:08 84 Grimes/Deeley Peugeot Car 195 Grp A:41 Class 7:18 7:48:41 85 Archer/Cammack Vauxhall Car 107 Grp N:44 Class 3: 8 7:56:15 86 Fletcher/Chadwick Peugeot Car 159 Grp N:45 Class 1: 8 7:56:24 87 Boden/Parkhurst Vauxhall Car 189 Grp N:46 Class 1: 9 8:04:32 88 Mallory/Mee Lada Car 151 Grp A:42 Class 5: 9 8:07:22 89 Senior/Loveluck Vauxhall Car 187 Grp N:47 Class 2: 4 8:07:39 90 Maundrell/Pain Peugeot Car 177 Grp A:43 Class 7:19 8:08:25 91 Moore/Lucas Rover Car 192 Grp N:48 Class 1:10 8:16:03 92 Skelton/Walker Skoda Car 182 Grp N:49 Class 1:11 8:16:14 93 Plant/Plant Rover Car 193 Grp N:50 Class 1:12 8:19:14 94 Warring/Owen MG Car 196 Grp A:44 Class 7:20 8:20:11 95 Smith/Davies MG Car 176 Grp N:51 Class 3: 9 8:21:48 96 Zamparutti/Ciani Peugeot Car 110 Grp N:52 Class 3:10 8:32:17 97 Godwin/Wyer Rover Car 184 Grp A:45 Class 5:10 8:43:25 LIST OF RETIREMENTS 122 Somerville/McCallum Ford N/4 RS01 Gearbox 127 Brazier/Palmer Vauxhall N/3 RS01 Gearbox 140 Blake/Bates Lancia N/4 RS01 Driveshaft 58 Richer/Howlett Ford A/8 SS02 Trackrod 70 Yamada/Watanabe Mitsubishi N/4 SS03 Off in stage 96 Northall/Joy Rover N/3 SS03 Front strut mounting 169 Owen/Chinn Peugeot A/7 SS03 Suspension 116 Nicoll/Nicoll Audi A/8 RS03 Suspension 78 Hoy/Corner Toyota N/4 SS04 Accident in stage 178 Butler/Kennedy Vauxhall N/3 SS04 Accident in stage 183 Collyer/Mollett Vauxhall A/6 SS04 Driveshaft 103 Darragh/Oates Ford N/4 RS04 Engine failure 142 Jasper/Edwards Ford N/4 RS04 Gearbox 77 Kanao/Nakajima Subaru N/4 RS05 Engine failure 100 Jardine/Calvin Ford N/4 RS05 Gearbox 76 Stromberg/Ohlsson Saab A/7 RS06 Piston 3 Delecour/Grataloup Ford A/8 SS07 Exclusion Art. 19.3 & 15.9 171 Mason/Mountford Lada A/5 SS07 Clutch 158 Lennox/Wood Peugeot A/7 RS07 Exceeded maximum lateness 75 Hackett/Davies Ford N/4 SS08 Engine failure 164 Bevan/Armstrong Vauxhall N/3 SS08 Driveshaft 16 A McRae/Senior Nissan A/7 SS09 Electrical 64 Crabtree/Jordan Mitsubishi N/4 RS09 Suspension 9 Burns/Reid Subaru A/8 SS10 Suspension 42 Maeshima/Gormley Subaru N/4 SS10 Off in stage 55 Joannides/Dashfield Ford N/4 SS10 Head gasket 83 Dewitt/Bowman Ford A/8 SS10 Driveshaft 91 Higgins/Park Peugeot A/5 SS10 Cambelt 153 Crowton/Stewart MG N/3 SS10 Accident in stage 43 Jones/Morgan Mitsubishi A/8 RS10 Piston 48 Clark/Dyson Ford N/4 SS11 Off in stage 52 Humphreys/Jones Ford N/4 SS11 Engine failure 61 Jones/Jenkins Nissan A/8 SS11 Electrical 67 Skar/Eikasen Opel A/7 SS11 Accident in stage 186 Barry/Gooch Suzuki N/1 SS11 Driveshaft 45 Kirtley/Geldart Ford A/8 RS11 Driveshaft 179 Murrell/Davies Opel A/5 SS12 Differential 47 Luer/Schaller Ford N/4 SS13 Driveshaft 101 Jones/Welson Vauxhall A/6 SS13 Engine failure 134 Whitehurst/Atherton Toyota A/6 SS13 Electrical 144 Comelli/Candoni Peugeot N/3 SS13 Ignition 73 Wetton/Leighton Volkswagen A/8 RS13 Dropped valve 80 Hill/Hilton Ford N/4 RS13 Exceeded maximum lateness 99 Bailey/Loveys BMW A/8 RS13 Electrical 113 Youde/Neale Peugeot A/7 RS13 Split fuel tank 5 Biasion/Siviero Ford A/8 RS14 Electrical 49 Stephenson/Whittaker Ford A/8 RS15 Front differential 129 Kelly/Davies Vauxhall A/7 RS15 Fuel pump 71 Menzies/Thake Ford N/4 SS16 Off in stage 150 O'Neill/Curry Honda N/2 SS16 Driveshaft 194 Mason/Burns Vauxhall N/2 SS16 Bottom pulley 162 Simpson/Booth Peugeot N/3 RS16 Dropped valve 166 Smith/Middleton Suzuki N/1 RS16 Driveshaft 167 Backwall/Rydham Citroen N/1 SS17 Accident in stage 175 Johnson/Flynn Rover N/1 SS17 Differential 14 Fujimoto/Hertz Toyota A/8 SS18 Accident in stage 85 Lancaster/Spooner Peugeot A/7 SS19 Oil cooler 114 Brown/Brooks Vauxhall A/6 SS19 Differential 125 Bowers/Stokoe Peugeot A/7 SS19 Accident in stage 188 Glenister/Nixon Lada A/5 SS19 Accident in stage 102 Hunt/McGrogan Ford N/4 RS20 Gearbox 109 Williams/Sheppard Vauxhall N/2 SS21 Steering 124 Wood/Wood Saab A/8 SS21 Distributor 152 Tilly/Moore Vauxhall N/2 SS21 Ball joint 141 Healer/Wynn Ford N/4 RS21 Engine failure 191 Eaton/Powell Vauxhall A/5 RS21 Clutch 53 Higgins/Simmons Honda N/2 SS22 Engine failure 131 Menestrier/Gros Peugeot A/6 SS22 Accident in stage 173 Kitching/Tatham Vauxhall A/6 RS22 Exceeded maximum lateness 87 Porter/Foy Vauxhall A/6 SS24 Driveshafts 149 Worts/Phillipson Vauxhall A/7 SS24 Accident in stage 2 Sainz/Moya Subaru A/8 RS24 Accident in stage 115 Leckie/Lewis Ford N/4 RS24 Suspension 10 Wilson/Thomas Ford A/8 SS25 Accident in stage 33 Hill/Boyles Mitsubishi A/8 SS25 Accident in stage 44 Worswick/Molyneux Ford A/8 RS25 Head gasket 157 Evans/Hawes Vauxhall N/2 RS25 Did not reach SS26 50 Curran/Warner Ford A/8 SS27 Lost wheel 119 Coughtrie/Cooledge Subaru N/4 RS27 Did not reach SS28 155 Bennett/Langley Lancia A/8 RS27 Did not reach SS28 81 Reininger/Csosz Renault N/3 SS29 Stopped in stage Final drivers' world standings 1 D Auriol Fr Toyota 116 points 2 C Sainz Sp Subaru 99 3 J Kankkunen Fin Toyota 93 4 C McRae GB Subaru 49 5 B Thiry Bel Ford 44 6 M Biasion It Ford 42 7 A Schwarz Ger Mitsubishi 31 8 F Delecour Fr Ford 30 9 A Vatanen Fin Ford 28 10 T Makinen Fin Nissan 22 Manufacturers 1 Toyota 151 points Championship winners 2 Subaru 140 3 Ford 116 4 Mitsubishi 41F1:- German Michael Schumacher has been confirmed as world champion after an inquiry into his collision with Damon Hill at the Australian GP. The sport's governing body, the FIA, said there was insufficient evidence to justify summoning either to the World Motor Sport Council meeting on December 9. A statement said they had looked at "all relevant information, including some not available to the stewards in Adelaide". The statement added: "The matter is therefore closed."
The FIA are to consider plans to prevent future world championships being decided by a collision. The move follows the crash involving Michael Schumacher and Damon Hill in Australia, which sealed the title for the German. One possible option would be to allow title rivals to continue in spare cars or stage a race-off at the end of the Grand Prix. Schumacher's Benetton team welcomed the FIA's "constructive comments about possible modifications to the rules to avoid future controversy."
25.11.94RALLYCROSS:- Drivers from all over Europe will be heading for Brands Hatch for the Autoglass British Rallycross Grand Prix on 3/4 December. The two-day spectacular is set to feature a clash of the titans with a head-to-head between the top Group A and Group B supercars. Top Brits Will Gollop, Barry Squibb and Richard Hutton take on some of Europe's best including Jean-Luc Pailler and Martin Schanche.
JAPANESE F3000:- Britain's Andrew Gilbert-Scott could clinch the Japanese F3000 title with victory at Suzuka on Sunday. If he is victorious he will be the first Briton to win the premier single seat category since Geoff Lees in 1983. "If I can win the championship, I think there is a strong chance that I will drive in Formula One next season," said Gilbert-Scott.
26.11.94 - JAPANESE F3000Britain's Andrew Gilbert-Scott claimed pole position for Sunday's Japanese F3000 title decider at Suzuka. His time of 1 min 42.315 secs was nearly a second faster than championship leader Marco Apicella. Gilbert-Scott needs to win to ensure himself the title. "The car was handling very well today and I feel very confident about the race tomorrow," he said.
28.11.94JAPANESE F3000:- Andrew Gilbert-Scott's bid for the Japanese F3000 title ended in the gravel at Suzuka. The Briton started on pole and needed to win to clinch the title from championship leader Marco Apicella. But the Italian crashed into Gilbert-Scott at the first corner and therefore won the title by three points. "I've had a great year of racing, I took four poles and three wins on a lean budget. I will now consider my options," said Gilbert-Scott.
SPORTSCARS:- McLaren are to take part in the Le Mans 24 Hours race for the first time in 1995, together with US fuel company Gulf Oil.
29.11.94 - RALLYINGGregoire de Mevius has lost his ninth place at the Australian rally in September after being found guilty of using illegal fuel. The Belgian Opel driver used a mixture of authorised fuel and "a commercial super fuel", according to FIA, the sport's governing body. FIA added: "There were no fradulent intentions on behalf of the competitor and there are no grounds for demanding further sanctions."
30.11.94 - F1Ulsterman Eddie Irvine and Brazil's Rubens Barrichello are to retain their seats in the Jordan Formula One Grand Prix team next season. Barrichello will be with the team for a third year, while Irvine has signed a long-term deal after completing his first year in F1. "It's a major bonus to the team to have retained both our drivers for 1995," said team boss Eddie Jordan. Barrichello, who finished sixth in the 1994 Drivers' Championship, said: "I decided to stay because the team have a very good package."