01.10.94CAMBRIAN 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 - F3British 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 - F1Michael 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.
06.10.94INDYCAR:- 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.
08.10.94INDYCAR:- 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 110.436SAN 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.
09.10.94INDYCAR:- 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 110.619RAC 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.
10.10.94INDYCAR:- 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 59F1:- 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 11.10.94F1:- 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 12.10.94F1:- 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 6:27.06Frenchman 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 13.10.94F1:- 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.
14.10.94F1: 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 1:38.63F2:- 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.
15.10.94F1: 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 1:30.234World 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 1:39.46Paul 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.
16.10.94F1: 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 2TOURING 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 42:37.38F2:- 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 - F1Karl 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.
20.10.94F1:- 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.
22.10.94F1:- 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.
24.10.94F1:- 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 25.10.94F1:- 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 2:57.34RAC 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.
26.10.94F1:- 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 27.10.94F1:- 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 28.10.94F1:- 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 29.10.94F1:- 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.
31.10.94F1:- 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.