October 1994



01.10.94
CAMBRIAN RALLY:- John Roberts won the ten-stage Cambrian Rally in North Wales, completing the event in 46 mins 56 secs in a Ford Sierra. He finished with 55 secs in hand over runner-up Jon Bennett-Evans.

F3:- Vincent Radermecker beat the atrocious Silverstone weather to take pole for the final round of the British F3 Championship.




02.10.94 - F3
British Formula Three champion Jan Magnussen rounded off the season with victory at Silverstone ahead of Gareth Rees, both driving Dallara F394 Mugens.




05.10.94 - F1
Michael Schumacher will be driving for the McLaren Formula One team next year, according to a German newspaper report. The report in Bild also said that Mercedes will supply engines for the British team, but the German manufacturer would not confirm this. Schumacher, the current Formula One championship leader, had threatened to quit Benetton after a series of problems hit the team. But the German driver has since said he would honour his contract until 1995.

Nigel Mansell will definitely drive for Williams Renault in the last three Grands Prix this year, team owner Frank Williams has confirmed. Williams scotched rumours that the former world champ would be dropped and added he was a "possibility" to join the team in 1995. "We won't decide that until after this season," said Williams. "We have David Coulthard under option for a further period of time. It will be Damon Hill and Mansell or Coulthard," he added.




06.10.94
INDYCAR:- Nigel Mansell aims to end his two-year IndyCar adventure in style by winning Sunday's Bank of America 200 at Laguna Seca. Mansell is returning to Formula One after a frustrating season in which he has yet to register a victory following his 1993 Indy title win. "This team is definitely capable of winning. We've just had some unfortunate things happen and the Penskes have been very tough all year," he commented. Newman Haas teammate Mario Andretti retires following the race.

TOURING CARS:- Newly-crowned British Touring Car champ Gabriele Tarquini is out to prove he is the world's top saloon car racer, in a clash at Donington. Tarquini drives his Alfa Romeo in the 25-lap FIA World Cup race next Sunday, 16 October, with former champions Jo Winkelhock, Tim Harvey and Robb Gravett among rivals. There is more touring car action later in the day with the TOCA shoot-out.




08.10.94
INDYCAR:- Nigel Mansell was third fastest in the opening practice session for his farewell to IndyCar racing at Laguna Seca on Sunday. He had a best lap of 71.071 secs but Paul Tracy smashed the track record with 70.058 and Jacques Villeneuve was also quicker. "The car felt pretty good at first, but then the handling went away," said Mansell, who returns to Formula One next weekend. "We drove a lot of laps but have got to find out how to keep the handling for the race distance."


Provisional grid for Sunday's race at Laguna Seca:
                                 mph
 1 P Tracy     Can Penske Ilm  113.053
 2 J Vil'neuve Can Reynard Fd  112.244
 3 N Mansell   GB  Lola Ford   112.146
 4 R Gordon    US  Lola Ford   112.030
 5 A Unser jr  US  Penske Ilm  111.837
 6 S Johansson Swe Penske Ilm  111.454
 7 T Fabi      It  Reynard Ilm 111.357
 8 R Boesel    Brz Lola Ford   111.350
 9 A Luydendyk Hol Lola Ilmor  110.764
10 M Andretti  US  Reynard Fd  110.687
11 M Andretti  US  Lola Ford   110.619
12 J Vasser    US  Reynard Fd  110.436

SAN REMO RALLY:- Frenchman Didier Auriol chases a third victory in San Remo to boost his bid for a first world crown. The Toyota star leads the standings by six points from Spaniard Carlos Sainz, the double world champion who will challenge hard in a Subaru. Auriol uses his proven World Championship-winning Celica while teammate Juha Kankkunen of Finland, lying third a further 10 points adrift, drives the new version. Mitsuibishi tackle the rally for the first time, with drivers Armin Schwarz and Tommi Makinen.

Carlos Sainz will be relying on his 555 Subaru teammate Colin McRae to help him claim a third world title. Sainz trails Didier Auriol by six points with two round remaining and will be going all out for the 20 points for a win, hoping McRae will keep the Toyota driver at bay. McRae says he feels very relaxed after two successive wins but says: "This is my first visit to San Remo and there will be a learning curve." Miki Biasion and Britain's Malcolm Wilson are in a strong Ford line-up for the four-day event.




09.10.94
INDYCAR:- Nigel Mansell will start his final Indy race from third on the grid after soaring temperatures affected final qualifying at Laguna Seca. The hot weather left the 2.214 mile track slippery and only Al Unser junior (4th) and Emerson Fittipaldi (9th) improved their lap times. "My biggest fear was staying on the track...It was like an ice skating rink," said Mansell, who returns to Formula One next weekend. Canadian Paul Tracy remained on pole with his track record lap of 70.058 secs, set on Friday.


Grid positions for Sunday's
Bank of America 300 at Laguna Seca:
                                 mph
 1 P Tracy     Can Penske Ilm  113.768
 2 J Vil'neuve Can Reynard Fd  112.244
 3 N Mansell   GB  Lola Ford   112.146
 4 A Unser jr  US  Pensek Ilm  112.056
 5 R Gordon    US  Lola Ford   112.030
 6 S Johansson Swe Penske Ilm  111.454
 7 T Fabi      It  Reynard Ilm 111.357
 8 R Boesel    Brz Lola Ford   111.350
 9 E Fit'paldi Brz Penske Ilm  110.942
10 A Luydendyk Hol Lola Ilmor  110.764
11 M Andretti  US  Reynard Fd  110.687
12 M Andretti  US  Lola Ford   110.619

RAC RALLY:- Janie Eaton is set to become the youngest woman in the Network Q RAC Rally - just ten months after passing her driving test. The 17-year-old has obtained an International competitors' licence and will drive a Vauxhall Nova.




10.10.94
INDYCAR:- Nigel Mansell slipped quietly from the world of IndyCar racing at the Bank of America 300 at Laguna Seca in Monterey, California. Mansell, who is due to return to Formula One for the last three Grands Prix of the season, finished eighth a lap behind winner Paul Tracy. He is due to return to Europe to begin preparing for the European Grand Prix next Sunday in Jerez, Spain.


Pos  Driver               Nat  Chassis-Engine                Time
-----------------------------------------------------------------
 1.  Paul Tracy           CDN  Penske94-Ilmor/D        2:00:0.763
 2.  Raul Boesel          BR   Lola94-Ford XB             +21.417
 3.  Jacques Villeneuve   CDN  Reynard94-Ford XB          +22.485
 4.  Emerson Fittipaldi   BR   Penske94-Ilmor/D           +25.591
 5.  Teo Fabi             I    Reynard94-Ilmor/D          +26.277
 6.  Arie Luyendyk        NL   Lola94-Ilmor/D             +35.089
 7.  Adrian Fernandez     MEX  Reynard94-Ilmor/D          +44.978
 8.  Nigel Mansell        GB   Lola94-Ford XB              -1 lap
 9.  Andrea Montermini    I    Lola94-Ford XB              -1 lap
10.  Dominic Dobson       USA  Lola94-Ford XB              -1 lap
11.  Willy T. Ribbs       USA  Lola93-Ford XB              -1 lap
12.  Stefan Johansson     S    Penske93-Ilmor/D            -1 lap
13.  Robby Gordon         USA  Lola94-Ford XB             -2 laps
14.  Mark Smith           USA  Lola94-Ford XB             -2 laps
15.  Mike Groff           USA  Lola94-Honda               -2 laps
16.  Alessandro Zampedri  I    Lola93-Ford XB             -2 laps
17.  Parker Johnstone     USA  Lola94-Honda               -3 laps
18.  Franck Freon         F    Lola93-Ford XB             -3 laps

19.  Mario Andretti       USA  Lola94-Ford XB     on lap 80  Engine
20.  Al Unser Jr.         USA  Penske94-Ilmor/D   on lap 74 Gearbox
21.  Scott Sharp          USA  Lola94-Ford XB     on lap 59  Engine
22.  Mauricio Gugelmin    BR   Reynard94-Ford XB  on lap 51 Exhaust
23.  Hiro Matsushita      J    Lola94-Ford XB   on lap 48 Electrics
24.  Marco Greco          BR   Lola94-Ford XB     on lap 44 Gearbox
25.  Eddie Cheever        USA  Lola93-Ford XB   on lap 36 Electrics
26.  Jimmy Vasser         USA  Reynard94-Ford XB on lap 35 Accident
27.  Scott Goodyear       CDN  Lola94-Ford XB    on lap 16 Accident
28.  Michael Andretti     USA  Reynard94-Ford XB  on lap 0 Accident
29.  Bobby Rahal          USA  Lola94-Honda       on lap 0 Accident


FINAL INDYCAR POINTS STANDINGS
 1 A Unser Jr    225 points
 2 E Fittipaldi  178
 3 P Tracy       152
 4 Mi Andretti   118
 5 R Gordon      104
 6 J Villeneuve   94
 7 R Boesel       90
 8 N Mansell      88
 9 T Fabi         79
10 B Rahal        59

F1:- Japan's Hideki Noda will drive for the French team Larrousse in the last three Grands Prix of this season. He will replace Frenchman Yannick Dalmas in Spain on Sunday. The 25-year-old finished ninth in the Formula 3000 championships.

SAN REMO RALLY:- Britain's Malcolm Wilson pushed his Escort Cosworth to the limit as he finished the first day's eight stages in second place. The British Rally champion and co-driver Bryan Thomas did well as they finished one minute, one second behind leader Carlos Sainz. Scotland's Colin McRae was eighth in his Subaru almost four minutes behind Sainz. Tuesday's second leg consists of another 11 stages with an early morning start covering 150km.


Overall leaders after ss8 of 26:
                           mins:secs
 1 C Sainz     Sp  Subaru   2:31.54
 2 M Wilson    GB  Ford Cos 2:32.55
 3 B Thiry     Bel Ford Cos 2:33.10
 4 D Auriol    Fr  Toyota   2:34.05
 5 F Delecour  Fr  Ford Cos 2:34.17
 6 M Biasion   It  Ford Cos 2:34.41
 7 A Schwarz   Ger Mits'shi 2:35.01
 8 C McRae     GB  Subaru   2:35.19
 9 G Cunico    It  Ford Cos 2:36.01
10 G Pian'ola  It  Toyota   2:38.04




11.10.94
F1:- Nigel Mansell had problems in testing at Estoril on his return to the Formula One scene on Tuesday. His first drive was delayed by half an hour because of a seat-fitting problem in the car used by Damon Hill on Monday. Then he only completed a few laps before the session was stopped by heavy rain for quarter-of-an-hour. Mansell's fastest lap was one minute, 23.40 seconds while Michael Schumacher recorded 1:19.28 with Hill less than half-a-second behind.

TOURING CARS:- Kiwi Paul Radisich scorched around Donington Park in his Ford Mondeo in 1min 38.33 secs, two seconds inside the lap record, to head the leaderboard for Sunday's FIA World Cup race.

SAN REMO RALLY:- Spain's Carlos Sainz held off a strong challenge from Didier Auriol to retain the lead on day two. Sainz achieved a one minute, 13 seconds lead over the Frenchman to boost his chances of overtaking him in the World Championship standings. Britain's Malcolm Wilson slipped back to fourth place after being second at the end of the first day. Colin McRae was just three seconds behind Wilson in fifth place. The 17th section was cancelled as too many fans were on the roads.


Overall leaders after ss19 of 26:
                        hrs:mins.secs
 1 C Sainz     Sp  Subaru   4:07.50
 2 D Auriol    Fr  Toyota   4:09.03
 3 M Biasion   It  Ford Cos 4:09.12
 4 M Wilson    GB  Ford Cos 4:09.42
 5 C McRae     GB  Subaru   4:09.45
 6 B Thiry     Bel Ford Cos 4:10.01
 7 G Cunico    It  Ford Cos 4:11.02
 8 J Kankkunen Fin Toyota   4:12.13
 9 A Schwarz   Ger Mits'shi 4:12.48
10 G Pian'ola  It  Toyota   4:15.14




12.10.94
F1:- The Ligier team have announced that British driver Johnny Herbert has joined them in place of Frenchman Eric Bernard. Herbert will race for Ligier in the final three grands prix of the current season, starting with the European GP at Jerez on Sunday. Herbert, who had been with the cash-starved Lotus team, will join Frenchman Olivier Panis at Ligier next season. The British ace began his Formula One career with Benetton and has also driven for Tyrrell.

Nigel Mansell is refusing to commit himself over a return to Formula One in 1995 despite his decision to quit IndyCar racing in America. Mansell said "the fires still burn" for Formula One but he will not yet make any predictions about his future career plans. Testing at Estoril in Portugal in preparation for Sunday's European Grand Prix at Jerez, Mansell said: "IndyCar for the immediate future is definitely over. As for next year, you'll have to be patient and wait and see."

The Italian judge investigating the fatal crash of Ayrton Senna at the San Marino Grand Prix says he will rule on the case soon. However, Maurizio Passarini refused to comment on reports that the breaking of the steering column may have caused Senna's car to career into a concrete wall. "I can't say anything about that, you will know everything at the end of the investigation," he said. Judges are looking into both the possibility of a mechanical failure and the safety of the Imola track.

Ferrari have given up a libel suit against Nelson Piquet after he denied saying that Gerhard Berger's contract was a cover for illegal transfer of funds.


SAN REMO RALLY
Overall leaders after final stage:
                        hrs:mins.secs
 1 D Auriol    Fr  Toyota   5:56.40
 2 C Sainz     Sp  Subaru   5:57.01
 3 M Biasion   It  Ford Cos 5:57.27
 4 B Thiry     Bel Ford Cos 5:57.57
 5 C McRae     GB  Subaru   5:58.16
 6 G Cunico    It  Ford Cos 5:58.31
 7 J Kankkunen Fin Toyota   6:00.38
 8 P Longhi    It  Toyota   6:05.49
 9 M Wilson    GB  Ford Cos 6:07.42
10 J Bica      It  Lancia   6:27.06

Frenchman Didier Auriol snatched victory in a dramatic finish to the three-day event to strengthen his grip on the world title. Auriol in a Toyota Celica, edged ahead of Spaniard Carlos Sainz, his main rival for the crown, over the final stages to win by 21 seconds. Sainz led by 73 seconds overnight but suffered injection trouble on his Subaru Impreza during the third stage of the final day. He held on to take the runner-up spot, with Italy's Massimo Biasion third in his Ford Escort.

Didier Auriol increased his lead in the World Rally Championship with a superb victory in San Remo. He now has 110 points, 11 clear of Carlos Sainz, who finished second, leaving all to fight for in the final round - the Network Q RAC Rally in Chester next month. Four times world champion Juha Kankkunen of Finland went out of contention after finishing back in seventh place in his Toyota. Kankkunen was driving the new style Celica GT-4 while Auriol competed in the proven Celica Turbo 4wd car.


DRIVERS' TITLE
1 D Auriol    Fr   Toyota 110 pts
2 C Sainz     Sp   Lancia  99
3 J Kankkunen Fin  Toyota  78
4 M Biasion   It   Ford    42
5 B Thiry     Bel  Ford    32

MANUFACTURERS' TITLE
1 Toyota                  165 pts
2 Subaru                  146
3 Ford                    102
4 Mitsubishi               41




13.10.94
F1:- Lotus have named Frenchman Eric Bernard as replacement driver for Johnny Herbert in Sunday's European Grand Prix at Jerez. Herbert is to drive for Ligier in the remaining three races of the season and Bernard has moved in the opposite direction. He made his Formula One debut for Larrousse in 1989 but was out for over a year after a crash in practice for the 1991 Japanese GP. Bernard will support new Lotus team leader Alessandro Zanardi.

JOHN WATSON ON THE EUROPEAN GRAND PRIX

The venue for the European Grand Prix is Jerez in Spain, the circuit that last hosted a Spanish GP in 1990 before moving on to Barcelona. Jerez has changed somewhat since then, most notably with a new chicane at the corner where Martin Donnelly had an appalling accident. Another major alteration has been the lengthening of the rear straight and the quickening of the corner leading onto it. There are few chances to overtake and, as ever, the value of a front row position is crucial.

The main focus of interest at Jerez will be split into three factors: Damon Hill is on the charge to win a World Championship title and coming off the back of two straight wins, he is feeling strong. Michael Schumacher is back after his ban and he has emphatically re-stamped his authority in recent testing in Portugal.

Finally, our Nige is back! Mansell returning to Formula One is going to create excitement for the public and a great deal of consternation for the other teams and drivers. Nigel Mansell will have only had two days testing to re-acquaint himself with a car that has changed considerably since the French GP. This will ask a great deal of the man but Mansell is always a factor and he will no doubt have a major influence on the proceedings. His role with Williams-Renault has changed from the one he negotiated with the team earlier this year. He is now requested to help team-mate Damon Hill score the maximum points or ensure Michael Schumacher is unable to win.

Whichever end result occurs, the appearance of Nigel Mansell is sure to guarantee massive media interest around the world. But, with the focus so clearly on the front of the championship, one could be excused for forgetting the other teams competing at Jerez. Ferrari have been threatening in recent races though the nature of the Jerez track does not help them in any specific way. Jerez is an agressive circuit with nowhere to relax. Stamina will reflect in the final outcome.

Aside from the two major players this weekend, the battle for places between the other teams is sure to be intense. McLaren-Peugeot, Tyrrell-Yamaha and Jordan-Hart are three teams who will seek the opportunity for points and consolidation. Power is not of major value at this track and most teams can enjoy a high downforce set-up. This is the last grand prix in Europe and despite who wins, the championship can't be wrapped up before Japan.

The news that Johnny Herbert is to join Ligier for the final three races of the season will be welcomed by motor sport enthusiasts. Herbert will bring qualities to Ligier that will be to their advantage and they can rely on him to exercise the car's potential. Team technical director Frank Dernie will provide the reassurance and confidence that Herbert has been unable to enjoy this year. The prospects for 1995 look good now Ligier are negotiating for Factory Ford engines.

JERSEY RALLY:- Former Formula One driver Derek Warwick will be partnered by rookie Richard Twinam in a Honda Civic VTEC in the Jersey Rally starting on October 21.




14.10.94
F1: THE EUROPEAN GRAND PRIX

Damon Hill answered criticism from title rival Michael Schumacher in the best way possible by taking provisional pole in Spain. The German was quoted in newspapers as saying that he did not regard Hill as a "number one driver." But Hill let his Williams Renault do the talking as he clocked 1 min 24.137 secs, with Schumacher only third fastest. He suffered the indignity of also being outpaced by fellow German Heinz Harald Frentzen, while Nigel Mansell (1:24.971) was sixth best.

Damon Hill looked forward to final qualifying with relish after taking provisional pole in Spain. Hill said: "It's close but we are on the right side of the divide. It is first blood to Williams, Renault and to me." Hill was involved in a shunt with Michael Alboreto and said: "I did my best to put my car out of his way but it is not the first time this has happened between us." He dismissed comments by Michael Schumacher as "a half-baked attempt to de-stabilise me".

Nigel Mansell has been warned by team boss Frank Williams that a place in his 1995 plans is far from certain. Mansell is back at Williams-Renault for the final three grands prix of this season but Williams said he will have to earn a new deal. "Nigel is driving for a seat next year," he said. "If he's staggeringly quick he'll make a good case. He's agreed to help Damon Hill's title chances, but at the same time he has to prove he is still fast."


Friday's qualifying times:    mins secs
 1 D Hill       GB  Williams   1:24.137
 2 H Frentzen   Ger Sauber     1:24.184
 3 M Schumacher Ger Benetton   1:24.207
 4 R Bar'chello Brz Jordan     1:24.700
 5 E Irvine     NI  Jordan     1:24.794
 6 N Mansell    GB  Williams   1:24.971
 7 G Berger     Aut Ferrari    1:25.079
 8 J Alesi      Fr  Ferrari    1:25.182
 9 M Hakkinen   Fin McLaren    1:25.275
10 O Panis      Fr  Ligier     1:25.384
11 A de Cesaris It  Sauber     1:25.407
12 PL Martini   It  Minardi    1:25.812
13 M Brundle    GB  McLaren    1:25.942
14 M Blundell   GB  Tyrrell    1:25.995
15 G Morbidelli It  Footwork   1:26.048
16 C Fittipaldi Brz Footwork   1:26.094
17 J Herbert    GB  Ligier     1:26.241
18 U Katayama   Jpn Tyrrell    1:26.304
19 M Alboreto   It  Minardi    1:26.744
20 A Zanardi    It  Lotus      1:26.973
21 E Comas      Fr  Larrousse  1:28.042
22 E Bernard    Fr  Lotus      1:28.047
23 D Brabham    Aus Simtek     1:28.388
24 H Noda       Jpn Larrousse  1:29.041
25 D Sc'tarella It  Simtek     1:30.069
26 B Gachot     Bel Pacific    1:30.099
27 P Belmondo   Fr  Pacific    1:31.162
28 J Verstappen Hol Benetton   1:35.441


TOURING CARS:-
Friday's free practice combined:
                             mins secs
 1 S Soper      BMW 318i       1:37.95
 2 G Tarquini   Alfa Romeo     1:38.01
 3 P Radisich   Ford Mondeo    1:38.03
 4 S Modena     Alfa Romeo     1:38.05
 5 J Winkelhock BMW 318i       1:38.12
 6 A Menu       Renault Laguna 1:38.17
 7 T Harvey     Renault Laguna 1:38.17
 8 A Reid       Vauxhall Cav   1:38.58
 9 A Tamburini  Alfa Romeo     1:38.27
10 J Cecotto    BMW 318i       1:38.35
11 J Cleland    Vauxhall Cav   1:38.59
12 E Pirro      Audi 80        1:38.63

F2:- Phil Andrews and Jose Luis di Palma resume their battle for the British title in Sunday's penultimate round at Snetterton. Each currently has 30 points, with the final race set for Donington Park on October 30.

TOUR OF MULL:- Local man Neil MacKinnon begins his bid for a sixth Tour of Mull rally win when the three-day event gets under way tonight. Andy Knight and Mike Pattison, who have five past wins between them, are among his main rivals.




15.10.94
F1: THE EUROPEAN GRAND PRIX

Michael Schumacher will have the edge over Damon Hill at the start of Sunday's race after claiming pole position in final practice. The Benetton driver raced to the fifth pole of his grand prix career as Williams-Renault star Hill had to settle for second place. British team-mate Nigel Mansell improved on his Friday times to move up to third on the grid. Mark Blundell, Andrea de Cesaris and Jean Alesi were all involved in separate shunts in final practice but should be fit to race.

Michael Schumacher was a happy man after pipping Damon Hill to claim the fifth pole spot of his career. The German driver said: "I could have gone quicker...but Damon had a problem on his first run and then went off while trying too hard." Schumacher is joined in the front row by Hill with Nigel Mansell starting from the second row. Hill, who had been fastest in morning practice, said: "Michael certainly helped himself getting pole. Getting to the first corner will be vital."

Nigel Mansell was an impressive third fastest in final qualifying for Sunday's race and admitted: "It was an exciting session. It has been a big challenge getting up to speed," said the Williams driver. "We just have to get the car with a better balance." Mansell, back in F1 for the final three races, said his aim on Sunday was to score constructors' points. Johnny Herbert, in a Ligier for the first time, said being "smoother on to the power" had made the car more stable. He was seventh fastest.


Saturday's final qualifying times:
                              mins secs
 1 M Schumacher Ger Benetton   1:22.762
 2 D Hill       GB  Williams   1:22,892
 3 N Mansell    GB  Williams   1:23.393
 4 H Frentzen   Ger Sauber     1:23.431
 5 R Bar'chello Brz Jordan     1:23.455
 6 G Berger     Aut Ferrari    1:23.677
 7 J Herbert    GB  Ligier     1:24.040
 8 G Morbidelli It  Footwork   1:24.079
 9 M Hakkinen   Fin McLaren    1:24.122
10 E Irvine     NI  Jordan     1:24.157
11 O Panis      Fr  Ligier     1:24.432
12 J Verstappen Hol Benetton   1:24.643
13 U Katayama   Jpn Tyrrell    1:24.738
14 M Blundell   GB  Tyrrell    1:24.770
15 M Brundle    GB  McLaren    1:25.110
16 J Alesi      Fr  Ferrari    1:25.182
17 PL Martini   It  Minardi    1:25.294
18 A de Cesaris It  Sauber     1:25.407
19 C Fittipaldi Brz Footwork   1:25.427
20 M Alboreto   It  Minardi    1:25.511
21 A Zanardi    It  Lotus      1:25.557
22 E Bernard    Fr  Lotus      1:25.595
23 D Brabham    Aus Simtek     1:26.065
24 E Comas      Fr  Larrousse  1:26.272
25 H Noda       Jpn Larrousse  1:27.168
26 D Sc'tarella It  Simtek     1:27.976
NQ B Gachot     Bel Pacific    1:29.488
NQ P Belmondo   Fr  Pacific    1:30.234

World championship leader Michael Schumacher has confirmed he will be staying with Benetton next year. The 25-year-old German had said he was only 99% certain of staying following the team's brushes with authority this year. His manager, Willi Weber, said: "Michael has signed, it's over now. He will be with Benetton next year but is free at the end of 1995." Meanwhile, Schumacher and title rival Damon Hill have shaken hands and made up after a war of words between them in the media.



TOURING CARS
Final qualifying leaderboard: mins secs
 1 P Radisich   Ford Mondeo    1:38.09
 2 S Soper      BMW 318i       1:38.26
 3 G Tarquini   Alfa Romeo     1:38.39
 4 J Cleland    Vauxhall Cav   1:38.44
 5 T Harvey     Renault Laguna 1:38.49
 6 E Pirro      Audi 80        1:38.49
 7 A Menu       Renault Laguna 1:38.55
 8 A Reid       Vauxhall Cav   1:38.59
 9 S Modena     Alfa Romeo     1:38.65
10 F Biela      Audi 80        1:38.70
11 Y Muller     BMW 318i       1:39.07
12 J Winkelhock BMW 318i       1:39.08
13 R Ravaglia   BMW 318i       1:39.46
14 M Duez       BMW 318i       1:39.46

Paul Radisich looked determined to hold on to his world saloon car crown as he clinched pole spot for the World Cup race at Donington. The 32-year-old New Zealander, who won last year's World Final at Monza, has set the pace throughout the week's testing in a Ford Mondeo. He lapped at 91.75mph, in a time of 1 min 38.09 secs, 2.3s inside the record, with Britain's Steve Soper in a BMW second fastest in 1:38.26. Italian Gabriele Tarquini, the new British champion, starts from the second row in his Alfa Romeo.

F2:- Phil Andrews and Jose Luis di Palma resume their battle for the British title in Sunday's penultimate round at Snetterton. Each currently has 30 points, with the final race set for Donington Park on October 30.

F3:- Spaniard Pedro de la Rosa starts from pole position in his West Surrey Racing Dallara for Sunday's race at Donington Park. Britain's Oliver Gavin lines up alongside him chasing a share in the œ20,000 prize money in the one-off international challenge.




16.10.94
F1: THE EUROPEAN GRAND PRIX, JEREZ

Michael Schumacher won the battle of the big guns at Jerez as he outwitted Damon Hill to claim victory in the European Grand Prix. The German strengthened his bid to win the World Championship as Hill had to settle for second place in the face of superior driving. Williams-Renault team mate Nigel Mansell had a sad return to Formula One as he was forced to retire on lap 50 after spinning off the track. Schumacher now leads Hill by five points in the driver's standings with two races of the season to go.

Michael Schumacher looked a picture of contentment after beating Damon Hill at the European Grand Prix. The Benetton driver came back in blistering fashion after his two-race suspension and was clearly delighted with his performance. He said: "This is just great - it is the best thing that could have happened. I've had a great weekend. It is just what we wanted and it is even better to have won, not by a small, but by a big margin. It's been a hard time for everyone in the team but they did a great job."

Damon Hill paid to tribute to grand prix winner Michael Schumacher as he settled for second-best in Jerez. The Williams-Renault driver made a magnificent start and burst into the lead on the first lap but his arch-rival soon moved clear. Hill, whose team made slower pit changes, said: "We tried to challenge to Michael but he put in a terrific performance. I think his team did a better job than ours. Things seemed to go his way in the middle of the race. I just was not able to push and stay with him."

Damon Hill inisted he can still win the World championship despite losing to Michael Schumacher. He said: "I had built my hopes up to do well here but finishing second means my chances of the championship are still there. I'm still in there with a title chance with two races left. The race in Japan is on a track where a lot of horsepower is an advantage, so that should be good for us. I put up a tough fight. Everything is still alive."

Nigel Mansell could hardly contain his frustration after returning to Formula One only to spin out of the race in his Williams-Renault. He said: "I had a very bad start but I soon got into the swing of things until I caught my front wing on Rubens Barrichello's car. I had to have a new wing put on and I struggled from then on in. It was my own fault when I went off... I lost it in the fast straight. I will have a week off to get into the swing off things now and I'm looking forward to Japan."


 Final result:
 1 M Schumacher Ger Benetton
 2 D Hill       GB  Williams @  24.689s
 3 M Hakkinen   Fin McLaren  @1:09.648
 4 E Irvine     NI  Jordan   @1:18.446
 5 G Berger     Aut Ferrari    1 lap
 6 H Frentzen   Ger Sauber       "
 7 U Katayama   Jpn Tyrrell      "
 8 J Herbert    GB  Ligier       "
 9 O Panis      Fr  Ligier       "
10 J Alesi      Fr  Ferrari      "
11 G Morbidelli It  Footwork     "
12 R Bar'chello Brz Jordan       "
13 M Blundell   GB  Tyrrell      "
14 M Alboreto   It  Minardi    2 laps
15 PL Martini   It  Minardi    2 laps
16 A Zanardi    It  Lotus        "
17 C Fittpiladi Brz Footwork   3 laps
18 E Bernard    Fr  Lotus        "
19 D Sc'tarella It  Simtek     5 laps

DRIVERS:
 1 M Schumacher   Ger    86 pts
 2 D Hill         GB     81
 3 G Berger       Aut    35
 4 M Hakkinen     Fin    26
 5 J Alesi        Fr     19
 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
12 N Larini       It      6
== C Fittipaldi   Brz     6
== H Frentzen     Ger     6
15 U Katayama     Jpn     5

CONSTRUCTORS:
 1 Benetton Ford       97 points
 2 Williams Renault    95
 3 Ferrari             60
 4 McLaren Peugeot     38
 5 Jordan Hart         23
 6 Tyrrell Yamaha      13
 7 Ligier              11
 = Sauber Mercedes     11
 9 Footwork Ford        9
10 Minardi Ford         5
11 Larrousse Ford       2

TOURING CARS:- New Zealander Paul Radisich powered his Ford Mondeo to a comfortable World Cup victory at Donington. Radisich always held the upper hand in the race, stopped after a series of incidents on the opening lap brought out the red flags. On the re-start, pole-man Radisich made an excellent start and never looked like being caught. Steve Soper battled his way into second spot while Germany's Joachim Winkelhock finished in third place.


Result:                      mins secs
 1 P Radisich   Ford Mondeo   41:56.73
 2 S Soper      BMW 318i      41:58.65
 3 J Winkelhock BMW 318i      42:03.84
 4 G Tarquini   Alfa Romeo    42:04.69
 5 H Stuck      Audi 80       42:26.23
 6 J Cecotto    BMW 318i      42:27.95
 7 Y Muller     BMW 318i      42:28.85
 8 M Oestreich  Ford Mondeo   42:31.29
 9 M Duez       BMW 318i      42:35.08
10 R Ravaglia   BMW 318i      42:37.38

F2:- Gareth Rees has claimed pole position for the sixth round of the British championship at Snetterton on Sunday.

F3:- Frenchman Christophe Tinseau won the International 15-lap challenge at Donington Park after leader Olivier Gavin spun off the track and let his Opel in.

TOUR OF MULL:- Neil MacKinnon and Mike Stayte scored a record sixth win driving their Ford Escort Cosworth in the Philips 25th Tour of Mull.




19.10.94 - F1
Karl Wendlinger has driven a Formula One car for the first time since crashing in Monaco in May. The Austrian was in a coma for more than three weeks after the accident.




20.10.94
F1:- Johnny Herbert could be set for a sensational return to the Benetton team that sacked him five years ago in next month's Japanese Grand GP. Herbert, who only joined Ligier last week, has been testing for their sister team at Barcelona. He could race for Benetton with championship leader Michael Schumacher at Suzuka on November 6. Herbert was standing in for Jos Verstappen, who reportedly strained his neck in a spin during the European Grand Prix at Jerez. The injury may rule him out in Japan.

HONG KONG-BEIJING RALLY:- Richard Burns will step into the unknown on Saturday when he sets off in the world's longest special stage event. The seven-day, 26-stage rally covers almost 3,800 kms and has added status this year as a round of the Asia-Pacific Championship. Burns will be part of the Subaru team who are looking to match last years 1-2-3 finish, when Ari Vatanen won ahead of Colin McRae. "I've never competed on an event like this before...Stamina will be an important factor," said Burns.




22.10.94
F1:- Ayrton Senna was killed by a piece of his car which punctured his helmet when he crashed in San Marino, it has been claimed. Italian radio reported that an autopsy has shown a two-centimetre perforation above Senna's right eyebrow where he was struck. Part of the suspension and the right front wheel of Senna's Williams car sheared off and was thrust into the cockpit. The causes of the crash are being investigated by magistrates in Bologna at the moment.

HONG KONG-BEIJING RALLY:- Britain's Richard Burns led the field as the world's longest special stage event got underway in Hong Kong. Burns, in the Subaru Impreza 555, was closely followed by German Armin Schwarz in a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. Swedish Kenneth Eriksson's Mitsubishi suffered a punctured tyre and was trailing third-placed Possum Bourne (Subaru). The drivers head off across China's Guandong province on Sunday.




24.10.94
F1:- Jordan's Formula One cars are set to be powered by Peugeot engines next year. The French manufacturers are expected to confirm their split with McLaren at a press conference in Paris on Tuesday. Despite a number of top three finishes this season, McLaren have nevertheless been disappointed by Peugeot's V10 engines. If the split is confirmed the way will be clear for Mercedes to link up with McLaren in 1995.

HONG KONG-BEIJING RALLY:- Britain's Richard Burns more than doubled his lead on Sunday's Leg Two despite driving through blinding white dust in Guangdong. Burns, in the Subaru Impreza 555, is 15 seconds ahead of Sweden's Kenneth Eriksson in a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. The Oxfordshire driver earlier got stuck behind Japan's Kenjiro Shinozuka who broke a steering rod on his Mitsubishi. The 3,800km rally heads into China's Hunan province on Monday.


Standings after Leg Two: mins.secs
1 R Burns     GB  Subaru     52.14
2 K Eriksson  Swe Mitsubishi 52.29
3 A Schwarz   Ger Mitsubishi 52.38
4 P Bourne    NZ  Subaru     52.40
5 M Liue      Chn Mitsubishi 56.45




25.10.94
F1:- Ferrari have confirmed that Jean Alesi and Gerhard Berger will be staying with the Italian Formula One team next season. Ferrari have dismissed newspaper reports linking Alesi with a move to Jordan, saying that both the Frenchman and Berger were under contract for the 1995 season.

Taki Inoue will make his Grand Prix debut in the MTV Simtek-Ford at the penultimate race of the season at Suzuka on November 6. Mimmo Schiattarella will have the seat in the final race at Adelaide.

The Jordan Formula One team are to join forces with Peugeot in an exclusive three year deal. The Northamptonshire based team will use the French manufacturer's 3 litre racing engine.

HONG KONG-BEIJING RALLY:- New Zealand's Possum Bourne leads the 19 survivors of the gruelling 2,356 mile event at the end of the fourth day. The Subaru Impreza 555 driver is 18 seconds ahead of Britain's Richard Burns, also in a Subaru. Kenneth Eriksson, current leader of the Asia Pacific Championship, was forced to retire after his Mitsubishi Lancer hit a tree during the 310 mile stage to Wuhan. 30 cars started the rally that ends on Friday in Tiananmen Square.


Standings after day four:  mins.secs
1 P Bourne    NZ  Subaru     2:36.19
2 R Burns     GB  Subaru     2:36.37
3 A Schwarz   Ger Mitsubishi 2:37.24
4 M Liue      Chn Mitsubishi 2:49.47
5 K Shinozuka Jpn Mitsubishi 2:57.34

RAC RALLY:- The RAC Rally has received a record number of entries for the event starting on November 20. The final round of the 1994 World Championship has 188 starters with Frenchman Didier Auriol needing to finish fourth to clinch the title.




26.10.94
F1:- Damon Hill has escaped unhurt after he was involved in a high-speed crash during testing in Estoril. Hill lost control of his Williams car when he hit a damp stretch of track at a corner, spinning and crashing heavily into barriers. "It was really embarrassing," he said. "I was just warming up when I hit the patch and away it went." Mika Hakkinen had a similar crash at the same corner on Tuesday. Both men were practising for the Japanese Grand Prix on November 6.

Michael Schumacher could join McLaren for the 1996 season after a deal between the team and Mercedes. The German engine manufacturers are set to announce a five-year deal to supply engines to McLaren from next season. The current world championship leader will stay with Benetton for 1995 but manager Willi Weber said in 1996 he will be free to move. "From 1996 we would regard Mercedes McLaren as our number one partner. There has always been a wish to work with Mercedes," said Weber.

HONG KONG-BEIJING RALLY:- Possum Bourne held onto his lead through the longest day of the event, the 811km section from Wuhan to Luoyang. The Kiwi, on course for a second Asia-Pacific Championship title, was fastest on three of the five special stages. His Subaru teammate Richard Burns made up some time in second place but has accepted his role as support to Bourne. "We are a team and I want to help Possum and Subaru win the title," said the Briton.


Standings after day five:  mins.secs
1 P Bourne    NZ  Subaru     4:16.02
2 R Burns     GB  Subaru     4:17.06
3 M Liue      Chn Mitsubishi 4:38.05
4 K Shinozuka Jpn Mitsubishi 4:33.56
5 W Bell          Hyundai    5:03.59




27.10.94
F1:- Johnny Herbert is waiting to hear today if he will partner Michael Schumacher at Benetton for the last two races of the season. The 30-year-old Ligier driver has tested for Benetton for the last two days in preparation for next weekend's Japanese Grand Prix. Asked if he will race alongside Schumacher, he said: "It would be great but I don't know anything yet. I've got to hear today because I'm off to Japan tomorrow."

HONG KONG-BEIJING RALLY:- Possum Bourne held onto his lead going into the final day of the rally in Shijiazhuang. Bourne successfully negotiated the high twisting section of the sixth leg through the heart of China's ancient Middle Kingdom. Subaru teammate Richard Burns was under orders to maintain his second place and support Bourne but he still cut the gap by 30 seconds. Burns said: "I decided to have a little fun on that stage. It was more to keep myself amused."


Standings after day six:   mins:secs
1 P Bourne    NZ  Subaru     5:08.26
2 R Burns     GB  Subaru     5:08.59
3 M Lieu      Chn Mitsubishi 5:36.31
4 K Shinozuka Jpn Mitsubishi 5:38.36
5 W Bell          Hyundai    6:08.38




28.10.94
F1:- German car manufacturers Mercedes have confirmed they will supply engines to Formula One team McLaren from next season. The announcement was made in a statement at the company's headquarters by chief executive Helmut Werner. Mercedes are presently supplying engines to Sauber, who have not won a Formula One race this year. British-based team McLaren signed a long-term deal with Peugeot last year but have been frustrated at their lack of success.

Austrian Karl Wendlinger's comeback to F1 after a serious crash could be delayed after he complained of neck pain during a test drive. He has been examined in hospital in Innsbruck where he was treated for severe head injuries after a crash in the Monaco GP in May. No details on his condition have been given but his plans to compete in next weekend's Japanese GP for Sauber-Mercedes could be in doubt. Wendlinger felt pain while testing using simulated race conditions in Barcelona, Spain.

Williams 'odd-man out' David Coulthard has says he may join the McLaren team next season. The 23-year-old Scotsman, who lost his place alongside Damon Hill to Nigel Mansell, said he was talking to several teams. Meanwhile Michael Schumacher has confirmed yet again that he will be for Benetton next season. Benetton have announced that Schumacher will be partnered by Johnny Herbert at the Japanese and Australian GP, with Franck Lagorce taking Herbert's Ligier seat.

RALLYING:- The Castrol Crystal Ford Forest Rally will be held over six stages across North Yorkshire starting on Saturday.

HONG KONG-BEIJING RALLY:- Possum Bourne held onto his lead on the final day as he clinched victory in the Beijing rally. He crossed the finish line just 30 seconds ahead of second-placed Briton Richard Burns, also driving a Subaru Impreza 555. Hong Kong's Michael Lieu, in a Mitsubishi Lancer, followed home in third spot. Only 14 of the 30 cars that started the race last Saturday finished the 2,356 mile rally, the world's longest auto race.


Final standings:           mins:secs
1 P Bourne    NZ  Subaru     5:16.16
2 R Burns     GB  Subaru     5:16.46
3 M Lieu      Chn Mitsubishi 5:45.02
4 K Shinozuka Jpn Mitsubishi 5:46.26
5 W Bell          Hyundai    6:18.21




29.10.94
F1:- Debt-ridden Formula One team Lotus will compete in the last two Grands Prix of the season after being rescued by a mystery buyer. Spokesman Anita Smith confirmed that the company, which has debts of more than œ10 million, was no longer in administration. She said: "The team has been bought and will be going to the Japanese and Australian GP." She added that the buyer's identity might not be revealed for months.

F2:- Christian Pescatori is on pole for Sunday's final round of the British Formula 2 Championship. Kris Nissen joins him on the front row of the grid with series leader Jose Luis di Palma fourth fastest.




31.10.94
F1:- Karl Wendlinger has postponed his Formula One comeback on medical advice, according to Swiss TV. The 25-year-old Austrian was in a coma for several days after crashing during practice for the Monaco Grand Prix in May. But he was hoping to return to the Sauber team in Japan and Australia, the final races of the 1994 season. He has been suffering from neck pains during testing, however, and doctors have advised him to put off his return to racing.

Team Lotus have named talented Finn Mika Salo as their second driver for the forthcoming Japanese GP. The 27-year-old was runner-up to compatriot Mika Hakkinen, now driving for McLaren, in the 1990 British Formula Three Championship. He joins Alessandro Zanardi in the Lotus team after three seasons in the Japanese F3000 series. Team boss Peter Collins said they believed Salo had "untapped potential" and they were delighted to give him his first F1 chance.

TOURING CARS:- BBC TV have agreed a new six-year contract to screen the Auto Trader British Touring Car Championship with series organisers TOCA. Extended versions of the BBC footage will also be shown on one of North America's two top cable TV networks.