April 1995


01.04.95
INDYCAR:- Canadian Paul Tracy followed up his win at Surfers Paradise two weeks ago by setting the pace in practice for Sunday's Phoenix 200. The 26-year-old lapped the one-mile oval track in 20.196 secs in his Newman Haas Lola-Ford. "On days like today, when you run 20.1 or 20.2 in temperatures near 80F, it shows you've done your homework," he said afterwards. Current Series points leader Bobby Rahal was only fractionally slower with a best lap of 20.221.

Leading Friday practice times for the
Phoenix 200:                     secs
 1 P Tracy     Can Lola Ford    20.196  (178.254mph)
 2 B Rahal     US  Lola Merc    20.221
 3 R Gordon    US  Lola Ford    20.284
 4 R Boesel    Brz Lola Merc    20.317
 5 E Fit'paldi Brz Penske Merc  20.393
 6 J Vasser    US  Reyn'd Ford  20.393
 7 M Andretti  US  Lola Ford    20.394
 8 S Pruett    US  Lola Ford    20.423
 9 A Fernandez Mex Lola Merc    20.429
10 A Ribeiro   Brz Reyn'd Honda 20.490

SUPERTOURING:- Swede Richard Rydell smashed the lap record in his Volvo 850 as he clinched pole for Sunday's opening two rounds of the championship. He chopped 1.5 seconds off the previous record as he charged round the 2.5-mile East Midlands circuit in 1 min 38.50 secs. Rydell averaged 91.37 mph and was only fractionally slower in the second session as he sped round the circuit in 1:38.71. Ex-Formula One star Derek Warwick struggled to live with the pace and starts near the back of the grid.

Qualifying times for Sunday's opening
BTCC round:                  mins secs
 1 R Rydell   Volvo 850        1:38.50
 2 J Cleland  Vauxhall Cav     1:38.65
 3 A Menu     Renault Laguna   1:38.77
 4 P Radisich Ford Mondeo      1:38.78
 5 T Harvey   Volvo 850        1:39.11
 6 J Cecotto  BMW 318          1:39.23
 7 J Thompson Vauxhall Cav     1:39.23
 8 T Sugden   Toyota Carina    1:39.54
 9 D Leslie   Honda Accord     1:39.64
10 J Bailey   Toyota Carina    1:39.65
11 W Hoy      Renault Laguna   1:39.84
12 P Watts    Peugeot 405      1:39.86
13 G Simoni   Alfa Romeo       1:39.94
14 K Burt     Ford Mondeo      1:39.94
15 D Brabham  BMW 318          1:40.06
16 S Harrison Peugeot 405      1:40.08
17 D Warwick  Alfa Romeo       1:40.20
18 M Neal     Ford Mondeo      1:40.35
19 J Kaye     Honda Accord     1:40.39
20 R Kaye     Ford Mondeo      1:41.52
21 R Gravett  Vauxhall Cav     1:43.33
22 C Cox      Ford Mondeo      1:43.50
23 N Smith    Vauxhall Cav     2:02.46

Qualifying times for Sunday's second
BTCC race:                   mins secs
 1 R Rydell   Volvo 850        1:38.71
 2 A Menu     Renault Laguna   1:39.41
 3 J Thompson Vauxhall Cav     1:39.48
 4 P Radisich Ford Mondeo      1:39.66
 5 T Harvey   Volvo 850        1:39.57
 6 J Cleland  Vauxhall Cav     1:39.76
 7 J Cecotto  BMW 318          1:39.86
 8 J Bailey   Toyota Carina    1:39.88
 9 W Hoy      Renault Laguna   1:39.90
10 S Harrison Peugeot 405      1:39.93
11 T Sugden   Toyota Carina    1:40.01
12 G Simoni   Alfa Romeo       1:40.11
13 D Leslie   Honda Accord     1:40.15
14 P Watts    Peugeot 405      1:40.18
15 K Burt     Ford Mondeo      1:40.21
16 M Neal     Ford Mondeo      1:40.22
17 J Kaye     Honda Accord     1:40.50
18 D Brabham  BMW 318          1:40.53
19 D Warwick  Alfa Romeo       1:40.77
20 C Cox      Ford Mondeo      1:40.88
21 R Kaye     Ford Mondeo      1:42.38
22 R Gravett  Vauxhall Cav     1:42.79
23 N Smith    Vauxhall Cav     1:43.36
24 H Irvine   Peugeot 405      1:47.28




02.04.95
INDYCAR:- Unheralded Bryan Herta took a shock pole for Sunday's Phoenix 200 as 18 drivers smashed the old track record in qualifying. The 24-year-old, who broke his hip and pelvis in a crash last July, went round the one-mile oval in 19.875 secs in his Re ynard Ford. "It came as a complete surprise to me. Everything has to come right on an oval," he said. Paul Tracy set the previous record of 20.424 last year, but 20.049 this time was only fourth fastest.

Leading qualifying times for Sunday's
Phoenix 200:                     secs
 1 B Herta     US  Reyn'd Ford  19.785  (181.952mph)
 2 E Fit'paldi Brz Penske Merc  19.957
 3 J Vil'neuve Can Reyn'd Ford  19.994
 4 P Tracy     Can Lola Ford    20.049
 5 M Andretti  US  Lola Ford    20.054
 6 S Pruett    US  Lola Ford    20.116
 7 J Vasser    US  Reyn'd Ford  20.118
 8 R Boesel    Brz Lola Merc    20.127
 9 R Gordon    US  Lola Ford    20.133
10 G de Ferran Brz Reyn'd Merc  20.138
11 M Gugelmin  Brz Reyn'd Ford  20.177
12 A Fernandez Mex Lola Merc    20.197

SUPERTOURING:- Flying Scot John Cleland shared the honours with Rickard Rydell as the 1995 championship got away to an exciting start. Swede Rydell was slow off the grid in the opening race, allowing Cleland to score a start to finish win in the opening r ace. But Rydell made amends second time around as he showed the power of the new Volvo 850 and came home well clear of Cleland. Derek Warwick made a sad debut as he spun off in the first race and was later hit by brake problems.

Results of Sunday's opening race:mins secs
 1 J Cleland  Vauxhall Cav    30:30.49
 (best lap 1 min 40.30 secs; 89.73mph)
 2 A Menu     Renault Laguna  30:36.43
 3 P Radisich Ford Mondeo     30:39.13
 4 R Rydell   Volvo 850       30:39.86
 5 J Cecotto  BMW 318         30:40.63
 6 W Hoy      Renault Laguna  30:43.87
 7 J Thompson Vauxhall Cav    30:44.26
 8 T Harvey   Volvo 850       30:44.63
 9 T Sugden   Toyota Carina   30:48.75
10 G Simoni   Alfa Romeo      30:50.04
11 J Kaye     Honda Accord    30:53.39
12 D Brabham  BMW 318         30:57.66


Results of Sunday's second race:mins secs
 1 R Rydell   Volvo 850       30:26.66
 (best lap 1 min 39.80 secs; 90.18mph)
 2 J Cleland  Vauxhall Cav    30:33.75
 3 T Harvey   Volvo 850       30:35.69
 4 A Menu     Renault Laguna  30:38.50
 5 W Hoy      Renault Laguna  30:40.61
 6 P Radisich Ford Mondeo     30:44.94
 7 J Thompson Vauxhall Cav    30:46.44
 8 J Cecotto  BMW 318         30:49.11
 9 G Simoni   Alfa Romeo      30:51.59
10 J Kaye     Honda Accord    30:55.03
11 P Watts    Peugeot 405     30:56.10
12 D Brabham  BMW 318         30:56.49

FORMULA RENAULT SPORT
1 G Smith      GB
2 R Ingall     Aus
3 D Turner     GB

ELF RENAULT CLIO UK CUP
1 L Brookes
2 G Povey
3 J Edwards jnr




03.04.95 - INDYCAR
American Robby Gordon scored his first Indy-car victory in the Slick 50 200 at Phoenix. He was given his chance on lap 195 when last year's winner Emerson Fittipaldi was forced to make a pit stop for fuel. "I'm stunned because I didn't know I was in the l ead," said the 26-year-old winner. "It was a shame. The car was flying. I didn't know we were going to have to stop for fuel late in the race," said Fittipaldi.

Result of Slick 50 200 Indycar race at
Phoenix International Raceway:  laps
 1 R Gordon    US  Reyn'd Ford   200  (133.980mph)
 2 M Andretti  US  Lola Ford     200
 3 E Fit'paldi Brz Penske Merc   200
 4 P Tracy     Can Lola Ford     200
 5 J Vil'neuve Can Reyn'd Ford   200
 6 R Boesel    Brz Lola Merc     198
 7 T Fabi      It  Reyn'd Ford   198
 8 A Unser Jr  US  Penske Merc   197
 9 S Pruett    US  Lola Ford     197
10 C Fit'paldi Brz Reyn'd Ford   195
11 G de Ferran Brz Reyn'd Merc   195
12 A Fernandez Mex Lola Merc     195




04.04.95
F1:- Grand Prix drivers look set to be weighed at the end of each race following apparent anomalies in the pre-season weigh-in in Brazil. World champion Michael Schumacher was among those gaining weight, from 69kg last year to 77kg, thanks to a strict tra ining programme. The minimum weight of the car now includes the driver's weight.

Formula One drivers Michael Schumacher and David Coulthard face a battle to get the points back they lost over fuel irregularities. The pair were disqualified after finishing first and second in the Brazilian GP and it is now almost certain they gained no advantage from the wrong Elf fuel used. FIA president Max Mosley has said there is no suggestion Elf cheated, just that the teams were provided with fuel other than that approved. Appeals will be heard on 13 April.

DTM:- Alfa Romeo boss Giorgio Pianta says a car is available to Derek Warwick for the German Touring car race at Donington in July, if a budget can be found in Britain.




05.04.95
F1: JOHN WATSON ON THE ARGENTINE GP

About $10 million has been spent remodelling the Autodromo Oscar Galvez bringing it to F1 standard. It also features a new pit complex and race control building and is reduced to 4.259km in length. Sadly it is a mere shadow of the circuit last used for a GP in 1981 when the race was won by Nelson Piquet in a Brabham Ford. It was one of my favourite tracks but, due to industrial development, the longer circuit is no longer available and its replacement is best described as sinuous.

The new Buenos Aires circuit has a lot of low speed corners and short straights and requires as much downforce as you can use on the car. Basically not very interesting but it is a thoroughly modern circuit. All teams have the chance to run on Thursday in two one-hour practice sessions, with the track being completely new to everyone. The extra time will be invaluable but it will be the top teams who will be able to make the best use of the sessions. For others it will be work they could do without.

After the problems experienced in Brazil, there is some concern over the quality of the renewed track surface here in Argentina. Many drivers, already struggling with the introduction of new aerodynamic regulations, found it extremely taxing to set up their cars for the washboard surface. Williams enjoyed a clear advantage, with by far the best looking car on the circuit. Also impressive was the chassis on the Ferraris. Renault confirmed they still have the best engine in Formula One.

McLaren proved far more competitive in Brazil than had been expected, having reacted swiftly to handling gremlins with their new MP4/10. The car felt unstable, leaving the drivers concerned, but solving much of the problem and gaining a good result in Brazil has been a huge boost to morale and confidence. Tyrrell, Ligier and Jordan were all expected to shine brightly in the opening round but, for a variety of reasons, none of them showed their full potential in Sao Paulo.

Tyrrell's evolutionary chassis, Yamaha power and a new Finnish star will surely deliver sooner rather than later, perhaps even on Sunday. Mika Salo struggled with torn back muscles and failed to claim as many points as his Brazil drive deserved. In my view, if any engine is going to challenge Renault it will be the Mugen Honda V10 exclusive to Ligier. Add that to the expertise of Tom Walkinshaw, driver Olivier Panis plus Benetton patronage and things are looking very rosy indeed.

Jordan have the potential to threaten anyone but unreliability and a bumpy track inhibited them. One smaller team to impress in Sao Paulo was Footwork with the Brian Hart V8 motor. Gianni Morbidelli did everything expected of him, and more, in the cock pit. Finally, Formula One teams may have found a way to boost their finances having apparently stumbled on the secret of successful slimming. Some drivers are reporting dramatic weight loss in a race. Now, if that could be bottled and marketed...!

NEWS:- Brands Hatch is to be upgraded after a œ15.5 million cash boost following a management buy-out. The Brands Hatch Leisure Group, which also runs Snetterton, Oulton Park and Cadwell Park, said there were no plans to host a Grand Prix at Brands.




07.04.95 - F1: THE ARGENTINE GP

Friday's qualifying times:    mins secs
 1 D Coulthard  GB  Williams   1:54.607
 2 J Alesi      Fr  Ferrari    1:55.213
 3 H Frentzen   Ger Sauber     1:55.583
 4 D Hill       GB  Williams   1:55.677
 5 G Berger     Aut Ferrari    1:52.260
 6 M Hakkinen   Fin McLaren    1:56.449
 7 E Irvine     NI  Jordan     1:56.615
 8 R Bar'chello Brz Jordan     1:56.746
 9 M Schumacher Ger Benetton   1:57.056
10 J Herbert    GB  Benetton   1:57.068
11 L Badoer     It  Minardi    1:57.167
12 G Morbidelli It  Footwork   1:57.684
13 M Salo       Fin Tyrrell    1:57.738
14 PL Martini   It  Minardi    1:58.066
15 M Blundell   GB  McLaren    1:58.660
16 O Panis      Fr  Ligier     1:59.204
17 U Katayama   Jpn Tyrrell    1:59.909
18 A Suzuki     Jpn Ligier     2:01.446
19 A Montermini It  Pacific    2:01.763
20 K Wendlinger Aut Sauber     2:01.774
21 J Verstappen Hol Simtek     2:02.410
22 D Schiat'ela It  Simtek     2:02.806
23 B Gachot     Bel Pacific    2:04.050
24 R Moreno     Brz Forti      2:04.481
25 P Diniz      Brz Forti      2:05.932
26 T Inoue      Jap Arrows     2:07.298
David Coulthard was happy to be ahead of the rest after Friday's qualifying but admitted the heavy rain had ruined the day. He said: "It's great to have provisional pole but it does not really count for much in the conditions. If the weather stays the same as the morning session this track is unraceable. It is frightening." Teammate Damon Hill said: "It would be tempting fate to race in these conditions."




08.04.95
F1: THE ARGENTINE GP

Super Scot David Coulthard claimed the first pole spot of his short Formula One career after defying atrocious conditions in qualifying. Most drivers waited until the last 10 minutes of the session before venturing on to the wet, slippery track and it was Damon Hill who set the first two quick laps. Hill grabbed provisional pole but, as the rain started to fall again, his Williams teammate edged him out. Defending world champion Michael Schumacher continued in a downpour to clock the third best time.

David Coulthard said his terrific last lap in qualifying was the result of traffic-free racing and inspired team work. Coulthard, who claimed his first grand prix pole position, said: "Once I had heard that Damon (Hill) had gone faster, I knew I needed a good clear lap and that was what we concentrated on. We found some space and it was a good lap," he added. Coulthard is now praying for no more rain: "This circuit is tight and slippery enough in the dry."

World champion Michael Schumacher was in philosophical mood after only securing third place on the grid for Sunday's Argentine GP. "It was just a case of who found the right car in front of them to clear some of the water without being held up," he sai d. "The Williams got the better of that but I am not too unhappy. In my mind, I was already starting from ninth on the grid. We made progress with the car, there is no doubt of that." he added.


Final qualifying times:       mins secs
 1 D Coulthard    GB  Williams 1:53.241
 2 D Hill         GB  Williams 1:54.057
 3 M Schumacher   Ger Benetton 1:54.272
 4 E Irvine       GB  Jordan   1:54.381
 5 M Hakkinen     Fin McLaren  1:54.529
 6 J Alesi        Fr  Ferrari  1:54.637
 7 M Salo         Fin Tyrrell  1:54.757
 8 G Berger       Aut Ferrari  1:55.276
 9 H Frentzen     Ger Sauber   1:55.583
10 R Bar'chello   Brz Jordan   1:56.114
11 J Herbert      GB  Benetton 1:57.068
12 G Morbidelli   It  Footwork 1:57.092
13 L Badoer       It  Minardi  1:57.167
14 J Verstappen   Hol Simtek   1:57.231
15 U Katayama     Jpn Tyrrell  1:57.484
16 PL Martini     It  Minardi  1:58.066
17 M Blundell     GB  McLaren  1:58.660
18 O Panis        Fr  Ligier   1:58.824
19 A Suzuki       Jpn Ligier   1:58.882
20 D Schiatarella It  Simtek   1:59.539
21 K Wendlinger   Aut Sauber   2:00.751
22 A Montermini   It  Pacific  2:01.763
23 B Gachot       Bel Pacific  2:04.050
24 R Moreno       Brz Forte    2:04.481
25 P Diniz        Brz Forte    2:05.932
26 T Inoue        Jap Arrows   2:07.298


Saturday's free practice leading times:
                              mins secs
 1 M Schumacher  Ger Benetton  1:31.376
 2 D Hill        GB  Williams  1:31.595
 3 D Coulthard   GB  Williams  1:32.136
 4 J Alesi       Fr  Ferrari   1:32.383
 5 M Hakkinen    Fin McLaren   1:32.440
 6 E Irvine      NI  Jordan    1:33.510
 7 G Berger      Aut Ferrari   1:33.554
 8 R Barrichello Brz Jordan    1:34.080
 9 O Panis       Fr  Ligier    1:34.174
10 M Salo        Fin Tyrrell   1:34.310
11 M Blundell    GB  McLaren   1:34.317
14 J Herbert     GB  Benetton  1:35.372
Conditions perfect - sunny and dry

INDYCAR:- Michael Andretti is on course for the 30th pole of his Indy career after a sparkling practice display for Sunday's race at Long Beach. The 1991 Indy champion produced a lap of 52.705 secs in his Lola Ford around the eight-turn, 1.59-mile street circuit. But Bobby Rahal was only two-tenths of a second slower and Andretti said he would need to go faster in final practice to secure pole. "In this game, someone can find something and blow you off," added the 32-year-old.

Provisional grid for Sunday's Indy
Grand Prix at Long Beach:        secs
 1 M Andretti  US  Lola Ford    52.705   (108.426mph)
 2 B Rahal     US  Lola Merc    52.876
 3 P Tracy     Can Lola Ford    53.011
 4 M Gugelmin  Brz Reyn'd Ford  53.134
 5 E Fit'paldi Brz Penske Merc  53.274
 6 T Fabi      It  Reyn'd Ford  53.310
 7 S Pruett    US  Lola Ford    53.393
 8 R Gordon    US  Reyn'd Ford  53.433
 9 R Boesel    Brz Lola Merc    53.549
10 G de Ferran Brz Reyn'd Merc  53.554
11 A Fernandez Mex Lola Merc    53.586
12 J Vil'neuve Can Reyn'd Ford  53.264


GRANITE CITY RALLY
Result (after 9 stages):       mins secs
 1 M Grierson    Subaru Legacy   70.26
 2 C Mellors     Ford Escort     70.48
 3 D Gillanders  Ford Escort     70.50
 4 B Lyall       Ford Escort     71.28
 5 T Smith       Ford Escort     72.28
 6 R Duckworth   Ford Sierra 4x4 72.43
 7 M Horne       Ford Sierra Cos 73.28
 8 N Dougan      Ford Escort     74.11
 9 T Ellis-Jones Nissan GTi-R    74.12
10 S Smith       Lancia Delta    74.16
Dalbeattie engineer Murray Grierson has won the Anderson Cars Renault Granite City Rally in Aberdeen for the second time in three years. He and co-driver Stewart Merry in the ex-Alister McRae Subaru Legacy finished 22 seconds clear of Escort Cosworth driv er Chris Mellors. Mellors put in a late charge to overhaul David Gillanders, also in an Escort, over the final stages. Grierson and Gillanders now share the lead in the Mintex National series, with Mellors one point back after two rounds.

George Gauld made a spectacular start, rolling his Escort right in front of the 'Top Gear' cameras almost at the start of stage 1. The car was not badly damaged. Driveshaft failure ended the hopes of John Gray who had been seventh in his MG Metro after stage 1. Callum Guy also made an early exit with an underbonnet fire on his Toyota Celica. Ray Munro retired his Escort with a serious oil leak in the gearbox; Peter Vassallo stopped after a roll in Bin forest. Both had been top 10.





09.04.95

F1: THE ARGENTINE GP
Result after 72 laps:         hr:min.sec
1 D Hill        GB  Williams   1:53.145
2 J Alesi       Fr  Ferrari  @ 6.4 secs
3 M Schumacher  Ger Benetton @ 33 secs
4 J Herbert     GB  Benetton   1 lap
5 H Frentzen    Ger Sauber     2 laps
6 G Berger      Aut Ferrari    2 laps
7 O Panis       Fr  Ligier     2 laps
8 U Katayama    Jpn Tyrrell    3 laps
9 D Schiat'ella It  Simtek     4 laps
No other drivers finished race

Drivers' championship:
1 G Berger     Aut Ferrari  11 pts
2 D Hill       GB  Williams 10
= J Alesi      Brz Ferrari  10
4 M Hakkinen   Fin McLaren   6
5 M Schumacher Ger Benetton  4
6 M Blundell   GB  McLaren   3
= J Herbert    GB  Benetton  3
8 M Salo       Fin Tyrrell   2
= H Frentzen   Ger Sauber    2

Constructors' championship:
1 Ferrari                  21 pts
2 Williams                 10
3 McLaren Mercedes          9

Damon Hill grabbed his first win of the season with a comfortable triumph at the Autodromo. The Williams man drove a mature and impeccable race to finish over six seconds clear of Jean Alesi, with main rival Michael Schumacher third. Most of the real a ction was centred around the first 20 laps, which saw the lead change several times and a restart after a crash on lap one. David Coulthard was unfortunate to retire because of an electrical failure on lap 17 while in the lead.

Britain's Damon Hill said he was delighted to have recorded his 10th Grand Prix win with victory here. "I'm really thrilled to have won. It's great to be in double figures now and great to have broken my duck for the 1995 season," he said. "It was a to ugh race - only nine people finished - and I was worried by Jean Alesi the whole way. "He was only a few seconds behind me for most of the race and it's easy to lose time like that when you're fighting through traffic."

Damon Hill's 10th Grand Prix win of his career moved him up to second in the drivers' championship. Austrian Gerhard Berger's sixth place means he leads by one point - but that could change pending the appeal into the Brazilian GP. Hill reached another milestone when he overtook Michael Schumacher with a brilliant manoeuvre on lap 11. It was the first time that the Briton had ever overtaken the German Benetton driver in true race conditions.

David Coulthard's bid for glory ended in failure as he was forced to retire while in the lead. The young Scot started in pole position and held his lead until an electrical fault caused the car to slow down on the seventh lap. He slipped down to third place but some brilliant driving saw him regain the lead nine laps later. But, sadly for the Williams driver, the same problem returned on the very next lap and he was forced to retire from the race.

The second race of the Formula One season got off to a bad start as a crash at the very first corner forced a race restart. Wreckage was left strewn over the track after a pile-up as cars competed for positions. Jean Alesi, Johnny Herbert and Eddie Irv ine had to use their spare cars while Rubens Barrichello was forced to start at the back. It was disappointing for Britain's David Coulthard, who had made an excellent getaway in pole position.

INDYCAR:- Michael Andretti smashed his own track record to clinch pole for Sunday's race at Long Beach. The 1991 Indy champion produced a lap of 52.482 secs around the 1.59-mile street circuit to earn the 30th pole of his Indy career. Canadian teammate Pa ul Tracy, the current points leader after victory in Australia, was less than one tenth of a second slower. "I was worried about Paul. He was real close and I didn't know what he was going to do in his final laps," Andretti said afterwards.


Leading practice times for Sunday's
Indy Grand Prix at Long Beach:   secs
 1 M Andretti  US  Lola Ford    52.482  (109.066mph)
 2 P Tracy     Can Lola Ford    52.581
 3 G de Ferran Brz Reyn'd Merc  52.766
 4 A Unser jr  US  Penske Merc  52.774
 5 M Gugelmin  Brz Reyn'd Ford  52.777
 6 B Rahal     US  Lola Merc    52.876
 7 T Fabi      It  Reyn'd Ford  52.881
 8 J Vasser    US  Reyn'd Ford  53.002
 9 E Fit'paldi Brz Penske Merc  53.035
10 S Pruett    US  Lola Ford    53.145
11 J Vil'neuve Can Reyn'd Ford  53.240
12 C Fit'paldi Brz Reyn'd Ford  53.263

GTs (Jarama):- McLaren's Ray Bellm and Mauricio Sala won their third international race in four events against some strong opposition. The British/Brazilian pairing won despite losing pole Luciano della Noce and Anders Olofsson's Ferrari. The lead changed hands seven times as cars dropped out, with heat affecting tyres and transmissions. Despite Bellm and Sala's trio of victories, Bob Wollek and Christophe Bouchut lead the championship by a single point.

Result of Sunday's 143-lap race:         hrs mins secs
1 Bellm/Sala            GB/Brz   McLaren    4:00.57
2 Nielsen/Bscher        Den/Swi  McLaren    4:01.36
3 Jarier/Wollek/Bouchut Fr       Porsche    4:01.46
4 Wallace/J Bell        GB       McLaren    4:02.03
5 Grouillard/Giroix     Fr       McLaren    142 laps

Driver standings after four rounds:
1 JP Jarier   Fr  Porsche  92 pts
= B Wollek    Fr  Porsche  92
= C Bouchut   Fr  Porsche  92
4 R Bellm     GB  McLaren  91
= M Sala      Brz McLaren  91
6 J Nielsen   Den McLaren  90
= T Bscher    Swi McLaren  90




10.04.95
F1:- Nigel Mansell could launch his Formula One return at Imola after sitting out the first two races of the season. The 1992 World Champion did not fit comfortably into his McLaren at the start of the season but the rebuild is ahead of schedule. Team bos s Ron Dennis said the crash test for the new car is on April 24 leaving Mansell just a few days to prepare for the race at Imola. "At the moment I would say there is a 60-40 chance in favour of Nigel driving at Imola," said Dennis.

RALLYING:- Former world champion Ari Vatanen will compete in the second round of the Mobil 1/Top Gear British Rally Championship from April 22-23. The Finn will drive the Michelin Pilot Team Ford Escort RS Cosworth at the Pirelli International Rally. "The last time I rallied on a regular basis in Britain was in 1982," he said. "It's going to be very emotional being amongst the British fans again." Vatanen will be co-driven by the experienced Italian Fabrizio Pons.

French rally champion Patrick Bernardi teams up with Bruno Thiry and Francois Delecour to drive for RAS Ford in the World Championship Tour of Corsica from May 1-6.

SUPERTOURING:- Giampiero Simoni's hopes of success in the Auto Trader RAC British Touring Car Championship went up in flames when he crashed in testing. The car was extensively damaged in the blaze but the Alfa Romeo driver emerged unscathed. Rikard Rydel l was fastest as he lapped the tortuous 1.2-mile Brands Indy circuit in 46.29 seconds, well under the qualifying record. The Swede was eight-hundredths of a second ahead of championship leader John Cleland, whose Vauxhall team-mate James Thompson was thir d.

Monday testing for Easter Monday's
third and fourth BTCC rounds: mins secs
 1 R Rydell   Volvo 850        0:46.29
 2 J Cleland  Vauxhall Cav     0:46.37
 3 J Thompson Vauxhall Cav     0:46.39
 4 J Bailey   Toyota Carina    0:46.46
 5 J Cecotto  BMW 318          0:46.55
 6 T Harvey   Volvo 850        0:46.63
 7 J Kaye     Honda Accord     0:46.67
 8 K Burt     Ford Mondeo      0:46.67
 9 A Menu     Renault Laguna   0:46.77
10 P Watts    Peugeot 405      0:46.81




11.04.95 - F1
World champion Michael Schumacher says he may quit Formula One for IndyCar racing following recent controversies. The German was disqualified in Brazil for fuel irregularities and has also been accused this season of trying to exploit loopholes in new reg ulations over weight limits. "There are limits to everything and, yes, I have had thoughts about going to IndyCar," he said. "I'm getting to the point where I'm finding all these accusations a bit too much." added the 28-year-old.




12.04.95 - F1
Elf have claimed that differences in sampling procedure could have resulted in the fuel discrepancies at the Brazilian Grand Prix. The petroleum company have issued a joint statement with Williams and Benetton as both teams appeal against David Coulthard and Michael Schumacher's disqualification. The FIA have confirmed that no advantage was gained and there was no intention to infringe the rules. Both Coulthard and Schumacher will learn on Thursday the result of their teams' appeal to the FIA.




22.04.95
INDYCARS:- Scott Pruett outpaced the bigger names in a rain-delayed unofficial practice session for Sunday's Nazareth 200. The weather prevented the cars from taking to the track for over six hours but Pruett did not waste the opportunity when it relented . He lapped the one-mile oval at 180.873 mph, more than 2 mph faster than closest rival Robby Gordon. "The pit lane was damp and the track cool, so every time you went out it took a couple of laps to get going again," Pruett said.

Leading unofficial practice times for
Sunday's Nazareth 200 in Pennsylvania:
                                 secs
 1 S Pruett    US  Lola Ford    19.686  (182.873mph)
 2 R Gordon    US  Reyn'd Ford  19.927
 3 J Vasser    US  Reyn'd Ford  19.949
 4 E Fit'paldi Brz Penske Merc  20.011
 5 B Herta     US  Reyn'd Ford  20.067
 6 A Fernandez US  Lola Merc    20.101
 7 P Tracy     Can Lola Ford    20.156
 8 B Rahal     US  Lola Merc    20.242
 9 E Cheever   US  Lola Ford    20.242
10 M Andretti  US  Lola Ford    20.278

GTs:- Twice World Sportscar champion Derek Bell will contest the Le Mans 24-hour race in June. The five-times winner said he would not race again after finishing fifth last year. But the opportunity to race with his son Justin and 1988 winner Andy Wallace in a McLaren F1 GTR has persuaded him otherwise. "There is nothing to stop me changing my mind. It's great to be part of a British team with all British drivers driving a fabulous British car," said Bell.


BRITISH F3 CHAMPIONSHIP
Leading qualifying times at Donington:
                             mins secs
1 H Castro N  Dallara Honda   1:15.077
2 G Rodriguez Dallara M'bishi 1:15.097
3 J Spence    Dallara Honda   1:15.121

LONDON-MEXICO RALLY:- Sixty crews set off from outside a London hotel on Saturday morning for a 10,000-mile test of their rallying skills and endurance. They will be competing for 30 days over 44 closed road special stages, a total of 992kms often on roug h, winding gravel roads. The route includes an eight-day run from the Atlantic coast of South America to the Pacific coast and drivers will cross the Equator and pass through four time zones. The event ends in Acapulco in Mexico on Sunday, May 21.

Competitors can expect to face a number of hazards as they negotiate the route from London to Mexico through 18 different countries. They will travel on unmade roads in the Brazil coffee plantations, face steamy heat in the rain forests of Ecuador, cro ss vast deserts and spend six days at high altitude. They could meet stray llamas in Bolivia, reckless truck drivers in Peru and man-eating sharks - should they stray into Lake Managua. All cars are of the 1970 era, to celebrate the last run 25 years ago.

Among the entrants for the event are:
 1 H Mikkola/Gunnar Palm  Ford Escort
    winners of original 1970 event
 2 R Clark/T Moy          Ford Escort
    crew were 4th on London-Sydney 1993
 3 T Daly/B Brill         Ford Mustang
 4 R Dunkerton/H Mansson  Datsun 240Z
    Ross is 5 times Australian champion
 5 G Lorimer/J Brittan    Ford Escort
 6 T Fall/R Dixon         Volvo 142
    Tony was 6th on the 1970 event
 9 B Hodgson/P McClintock Ford Falcon
    both over 65, competed L-Sydney 68/93
10 M Harvey/M Clark       Ford Escort
    Roger Clark's son Matthew built car
11 C Regazzoni/C Valion   Mercedes 300
    Driver paraplegic after US GP crash
19 M Everett/W Brooks     Datsun 510
    Rallying partners for 25 years
34 I James/D French       BMW 2002ti
    Ian is chief superintendant in Met Police
39,40,41 All Skodas driven by former factory rally drivers or mechanics

CUMBRIA RALLY:- Ari Vatanen ended a trouble-free day nearly two minutes ahead of his nearest rival at the end of leg one of the Pirelli International Rally. The former World Champion heads his fellow Escort driver Tomas Abrahamsson with Gregoire de Mevius in third in a Nissan Sunny. Gwyndaf Evans had a spectacular accident in Kielder that saw his RS2000 fly eight feet into the air in a multiple roll at 70mph. Both Evans and navigator Howard Davies escaped injury and finished the day in 12th place overall.

Positions after 7 stages:   hrs mins secs
 1 A Vatanen     Ford Escort   1:07:42
 2 T Abrahamsson Ford Escort   1:09:23
 3 G de Mevius   Nissan Sunny  1:10:15
 4 A McRae       Nissan Sunny  1:10:21
 5 A Mokkonen    Nissan Sunny  1:11:59
 6 K Curran      Ford Escort   1:12:11
 7 M Jones       Mitsubishi    1:12:45
 8 A Oreille     Renault Clio  1:12:59
 9 H Rovanpera   Vaux'l Astra  1:13:07
10 S Green       Vaux'l Corsa  1:14:06
Rally resumes on Sunday




23.04.95
INDYCAR:- Emerson Fittipaldi clinched his 22nd career Indycar victory at the Bosch Spark Plug GP after Eddie Cheever ran out of fuel. Cheever, who has never won on the Indycar circuit, had less than two laps remaining when on lap 198 he slowed dramaticall y before stopping. The Brazilian flew by the American in his Penske Mercedes and held off the challenge of Jacques Villenueve. Fittipaldi finished a few car lengths ahead for his third victory on the one mile Nazareth Oval.

Result of the Bosch Spark Plug GP at
Nazareth, Pennsylvania:         Laps
 1 E Fittipaldi Brz Penske Merc  200
    (ave speed 131.305 mph)
 2 J Villeneuve Can Reynard Ford 200
 3 S Johansson  Swe Penske Merc  200
 4 R Gordon     US  Reynard Lola 200
 5 E Cheever    US  Lola Ford    199
 6 B Rahal      US  Lola Merc    199
 7 T Fabi       It  Reynard Ford 199
 8 S Pruett     US  Lola Ford    199
 9 A Fernandez  US  Lola Merc    199
10 R Boesel     Brz Lola Merc    199


GERMAN TOURING CARS, Hockenheim
Round One                    mins secs
1 B Schneider AMG Mercedes   40:45.07
2 J van Ommen AMG Mercedes   40:52.23
3 D Fr'chitti AMG Mercedes   40:57.93

Round Two
1 B Schneider AMG Mercedes   40:36.94
2 J van Ommen AMG Mercedes   41:02.95
3 K Ludwig    Opel Calibra   41:18.69


BRITISH F3 CHAMPIONSHIP
Result at Donington Park (25 laps):mins secs
1 H Castro N  Dallara Honda   28:08.53
2 W Hughes    Dallara M'bishi 28:11.77
3 G Rodriguez Dallara M'bishi 28:19.81


FOUR HOUR INTERNATIONAL GT SPORTSCARS
Result from Nurburgring (133 laps):
                           hrs:mins:secs
1 Bellm/Sala        GB/Brz   4:00:26.35
2 Grouillard/Giriox Fr       4:00:44.16
3 Nielsen/Buscher   Den/Swi  4:02:01.98
all driving McLarens

LONDON-MEXICO RALLY:- Ross Dunkerton and Hannu Mikkola were neck and neck at the head of the field as the 10,000-mile event got under way in Hampshire. They ended day one with identical times of 9 mins 59 secs after two forest stages on the Earl of Pembro ke's Wilton estate. Australian Dunkerton was fastest on the opener in his Datsun 240Z but Mikkola, winner of the inaugural London-Mexico event in 1970, took the second. Britain's Roger Clark (10.28) ended the day in joint fourth place.

Leaders at end of day one (Portsmouth):
                             mins secs
 1 Dunkerton/Mansson Datsun 240Z  9:59
 = Mikkola/Palm      Ford Escort  9:59
 3 Dalgarno/Taylor   Ford Escort 10:25
 4 Lorimer/Brittan   Ford Escort 10:28
 = Clark/Moy         Ford Escort 10:28
 6 Harvey/Clark      Ford Escort 10:32
 7 Martin-H/Kon'veld Ford Escort 10:38
 8 Fall/Dixon        Volvo       10:50
 = Illman/Stangl     Porsche 911 10:50
10 Poin'ger/Pol'nig  Ford Escort 10.57


CUMBRIA RALLY:- Ari Vatanen won the second round of the championship by a convincing four minute margin in his Ford Escort Cosworth. The flying Finn set fastest times on six of the 11 special stages in the famous Kielder Forest complex that claimed more t han half the 91 entrants over the two day event. Swede Tomas Abrahamsson took second followed by a brace of two litre cars driven by Gregoire de Mevius and Alister McRae. The Scot took the first round of the championship in Wales.

Final positions after stage 11:hrs mins secs
 1 A Vatanen     Ford Escort   2:01:24
 2 T Abrahamsson Ford Escort   2:05:29
 3 G de Mevius   Nissan Sunny  2:05:48
 4 A McRae       Nissan Sunny  2:06:05
 5 H Rovanpera   Vaux'l Astra  2:10:55
 6 M Jones       Mitsubishi    2:11:06
 7 D Llewellin   Vaux'l Astra  2:11:13
 8 A Oreille     Renault Clio  2:12:30
 9 D Buckley     Volks Golf    2:13:08
10 K Curran      Ford Escort   2:14:02




24.04.95
SUPERTOURING:- TOCA have withdrawn their appeal against the stewards decision relating to an incident between Will Hoy and Julian Bailey in round one of the Auto Trader RAC British Touring Car Championship. Consequently the results for round one, held at Donington Park on April 2, can be declared official.

F.CLASSIC:- Martin Donnelly, the former Lotus Formula 1 driver seriously injured whilst qualifying for the 1990 Spanish GP, is to make a full-time return to racing in the Formula Classic Championship for Drivers.

LONDON-MEXICO RALLY:- Ross Dunkerton and Hannu Mikkola were still tied for the lead after the second day's run through rural France from St Malo to Biarritz. Australian Dunkerton, with partner Harry Mansson, recorded a total time of nine minutes, 59 secon ds in their Datsun 240Z. Mikkola and Gunnar Palm equalled it in their Ford Escort. There were no major dramas on a quiet second day and day three sees the competitors crossing the border into Spain for a twisting stage knows as the Balcon de Viscaya.

Leaders at end of day two (Biarritz):
                             mins secs
 1 Dunkerton/Mansson Datsun 240Z  9:59
 = Mikkola/Palm      Ford Escort  9:59
 3 Dalgarno/Taylor   Ford Escort 10:25
 4 Lorimer/Brittan   Ford Escort 10:28
 = Clark/Moy         Ford Escort 10:28
 6 Harvey/Clark      Ford Escort 10:32
 7 Martin-H/Kon'veld Ford Escort 10:38
 8 Fall/Dixon        Volvo       10:50
 = Illman/Stangl     Porsche 911 10:50
10 Poin'ger/Pol'nig  Ford Escort 10.57




25.04.95
JOHN WATSON ON THE SAN MARINO GRAND PRIX

The events of one year ago will be foremost in the minds of everyone in Formula One as the cars return to San Marino this weekend. Incredibly the official inquiry into Ayrton Senna's accident has yet to publish its findings leaving a black cloud hovering over the GP. The race will be held on a totally revised circuit and consequently, as in Argentina three weeks ago, there will be an additional free day of practice on the Thursday. Six major alterations have left just one high speed corner at Imola.

Circuit Enzo e Dino Ferrari is now a race track of straights with only second and third gear corners. This is sad but necessary, taking into account the limitations of land and space available. Changes to the circuit have also resulted in a slightly sh orter lap distance. The only remaining high speed curve now leads into the double left Rivazza bends. Assuming everybody gets through these low speed corners briskly, then whoever has the most powerful engine should be quickest.

Formula One teams have been very busy in the last three weeks - and, for many, it is just as well. Williams Renault are currently the class of the field and nothing I have seen to date makes me think anything will be different in Imola. In fact the bes t race of the weekend is likely to be between Damon Hill and David Coulthard. Fellow Renault users Benetton are looking for harmony between engine and chassis and rely heavily on team leader Michael Schumacher to mask current car performance.

Unfortunately Michael Schumacher has been getting sidelined with issues which are a reflection of the stress of being world champion. It is no easy task having to defend the world title but his threats to go IndyCar racing are puerile. One of the quali ties expected of any world champion is dignity. We have seen in the past both the good and the bad. I like the good. Johnny Herbert will once again provide point-scoring support and, as he grows in the team, can expect to become stronger with each race.

The main focus at Imola this weekend will be on Jean Alesi, Gerhard Berger and Ferrari. Alesi's magnificent drive in Argentina was the highlight of the race for many and, with an even higher-revving V12 engine, they will be dominant in the hp race. The only question remains, can reliability match the power? The Ferrari chassis looks superb and, for many people - no, in fact, for everyone in F1 - to see Alesi score a maiden win in Ferrari no 27 would be a moment to treasure.

Ferrari are still sore about the appeal tribunal in Paris recently but I hope F1 will have its house in order on this poignant weekend. Elsewhere there will be huge world media interest in Nigel Mansell on his McLaren Mercedes Benz debut. His false sta rt to the season was unfortunate but, make no mistake, if Mansell has working space in the car, he can deliver. Meanwhile a disappointed Martin Brundle is sidelined at Ligier with Aguri Suzuki making his third start in an eight-race programme.

Jordan and Tyrrell are showing signs of becoming a threat to the Big Four in qualifying. The results will come and, if Imola continues its tradition as a car breaker, points will be on offer. Further down the grid Simtek Ford had a major morale boost f rom Jos Verstappen. The value of confidence to a team is unquantifiable. Finally, out of respect to the two young men who lost their lives a year ago, I urge the drivers to exercise prudence, particularly at the start of the race, on Sunday.

Nigel Mansell has warned his many fans not to expect too much from his return to GP racing on Sunday. The former world champion's first run in the widened McLaren MP4/10B will be on Thursday on the revised Imola circuit. "I don't expect much from Imola," he insisted. "I hope I have reliability, I hope I can function in the car - and that I finish." The car has been re-designed to allow him an extra 25mm on each side of the cockpit for his hips.

Maurizio Passarini, the magistrate heading the inquiry into Ayrton Senna's fatal crash at Imola last year, has requested a further six months before issuing his findings.

GERMAN DTM:- Alfa Romeo motor sport boss Giorgio Pianta has written off the marque's chances of winning this year's German Touring Car Championship after just two of the 16 races. He said problems with the 1995 car were "many and very bad".

INDYCAR:- US football legend Joe Montana is now part owner of Chip Ganassi's Target-Scotch-STP IndyCar team.

LONDON-MEXICO RALLY:- Matthew Clark overcame freezing rain and fog to win the Spanish stage, beating his father Roger in the process. Matthew, 24, in a Ford Escort, finished two seconds in front of New Zealander Graham Lorimer on the third day of the rall y. Former world champion Hannu Mikkola finished third to open up a 19-second overall lead and Roger Clark was sixth. Escorts occupied four of the top five spots. The 59 cars were headed for Portugal on Tuesday.

Leaders at end of day 3 (Salamanca):
                               mins secs
 1 Mikkola/Palm      Ford Escort 28:10
 2 Lorimer/Brittan   Ford Escort 28:29
 3 Harvey/Clark      Ford Escort 28:31
 4 Dunkerton/Mansson Datsun 240Z 28:47
 5 Dalgarno/Taylor   Ford Escort 29:00
 6 Clark/Moy         Ford Escort 29:11
 7 Martin-H/Kon'veld Ford Escort 29:28
 8 Balazs/Jojart     Porsche 911 29:59
 9 Poin'ger/Pol'nig  Ford Escort 30.16
10 Sunsundegui/Goni  Mercedes    30:29




27.04.95 - F1: THE SAN MARINO GP
Nigel Mansell suffered an unhappy Formula One comeback as his first run at the redesigned circuit ended in a spin. The former world champion, driving his rebuilt McLaren for the first time, went off on the fifth lap of the first extra practice session. Th e incident happened at the Ravazza curve and the 41-year-old had to be towed back to the pit lane by a tractor. Mansell was eighth fastest in the second session but has not yet decided whether to race on Sunday.

Nigel Mansell was full of praise for the McLaren team after putting a morning spin behind him to clock up some valuable practice miles. "I had a great afternoon and must congratulate the McLaren-Marcedes team for the sensational job they have done buil ding this new car. I feel happy in the car and feel that we are now at the point where we can start developing it," the former world champion said. The team have redesigned their MP4/10B chassis to give Mansell 25mm extra hip room in the cockpit.

Thursday's unofficial practice times:
                              mins secs
 1 J Alesi       Fr  Ferrari   1:30.081
 2 D Coulthard   GB  Williams  1:30.448
 3 M Schumacher  Ger Benetton  1:31.110
 4 G Berger      Aut Ferrari   1:31.322
 5 M Hakkinen    Fin McLaren   1:31.827
 6 D Hill        GB  Williams  1:32.228
 7 J Herbert     GB  Benetton  1:32.292
 8 N Mansell     GB  McLaren   1:32.597
 9 G Morbidelli  It  Footwork  1:32.608
10 E Irvine      GB  Jordan    1:32.976
11 R Bar'chello  Brz Jordan    1:33.370
12 O Panis       Fr  Ligier    1:34.001
13 H Frentzen    Ger Sauber    1:34.129
14 U Katayama    Jpn Tyrrell   1:34.543
15 A Suzuki      Jpn Ligier    1:35.203
16 P Martini     It  Minardi   1:35.286
17 J Verstappen  Hol Simtek    1:35.628
18 M Salo        Fin Tyrrell   1:35.951
19 L Badoer      It  Minardi   1:36.448
20 K Wendlinger  Aut Sauber    1:36.806
21 B Gachot      Fr  Pacific   1:39.389
22 R Moreno      Brz Forti     1:39.414
23 P Diniz       Brz Forti     1:39.765
24 D Sch'rella   It  Simtek    1:40.664
25 T Inoue       Jpn Footwork  1:47.316




28.04.95
F1: THE SAN MARINO GP

World champion Michael Schumacher returned to top form by claiming provisional pole for Sunday's race at the re-modelled circuit. The reigning world champion swapped places during the session with the Williams of David Coulthard before Gerhard Berger made a late charge. The Austrian eclipsed the Scot in the dying seconds to line up alongside the German on the grid. Damon Hill was outshone by his Williams teammate by just 0.078 secs and provisionally joins him on the second row.

Scotland's David Coulthard exuded confidence after setting the third best time behind Michael Schumacher in the opening qualifying session. "I'm happy with the way things are going. If that was a classic pole position lap from Schumacher, then I think we can beat it," he said. Williams teammate Damon Hill was fourth fastest and said he was still familiarising himself with the new Imola lay-out. "I have been progressing steadily and feeling my way about... We still have some work to do," he added.

Nigel Mansell professed himself satisfied after easing himself back into Formula One qualifying in his redesigned McLaren Mercedes. "Considering it was the first time I have managed to string together consecutive timed laps, this was not a bad day's wo rk," he said. "Of course, I am still easing myself into the car and its characteristics. But all is well and this, allied to the excellent team work, makes me optimistic for tomorrow," added Mansell, who was ninth fastest.


Friday's official practice times:mins secs
 1 M Schumacher  Ger Benetton  1:27.274
 2 G Berger      Aut Ferrari   1:27.282
 3 D Coulthard   GB  Williams  1:27.459
 4 D Hill        GB  Williams  1:27.537
 5 J Alesi       Fr  Ferrari   1:27.813
 6 M Hakkinen    Fin McLaren   1:28.343
 7 E Irvine      GB  Jordan    1:28.516
 8 J Herbert     GB  Benetton  1:29.403
 9 N Mansell     GB  McLaren   1:29.517
10 R Bar'chello  Brz Jordan    1:29.580
11 G Morbidelli  It  Footwork  1:29.582
12 O Panis       Fr  Ligier    1:30.801
13 M Salo        Fin Tyrrell   1:31.221
14 H Frentzen    Ger Sauber    1:31.358
15 U Katayama    Jpn Tyrrell   1:31.630
16 J Verstappen  Hol Simtek    1:32.156
17 A Suzuki      Jpn Ligier    1:32.297
18 P Martini     It  Minardi   1:32.445
19 T Inoue       Jpn Footwork  1:32.988
20 L Badoer      It  Minardi   1:33.071
21 K Wendlinger  Aut Sauber    1:33.494
22 B Gachot      Fr  Pacific   1:33.892
23 D Sch'rella   It  Simtek    1:33.965
24 A Montermini  It  Pacific   1:35.169
25 P Diniz       Brz Forti     1:36.686
26 R Moreno      Brz Forti     1:37.612


LONDON-MEXICO RALLY
Leaders at end of European sector:hr:min:sec
 1 Mikkola/Palm     Ford Escort 1:02.08
 2 Lorimer/Brittan  Ford Escort 1:02.54
 3 Clark/Moy        Ford Escort 1:04.18
 4 Dalgarno/Taylor  Ford Escort 1:04.21
 5 Harvey/Clark     Ford Escort 1:04.29
 6 Dunk'ton/Mansson Datsun 240Z 1:05.03
 7 Martin-H/Kon'vld Ford Escort 1:06.22
 8 Balazs/Jojart    Porsche 911 1:07.39
 9 Rainsford/R'ford Ford M'tang 1:08.51
10 Fall/Dixon       Volvo       1:09.07
Rally resumes Saturday in Brazil




29.04.95
F1: THE SAN MARINO GP

World champion Michael Schumacher will start from pole for Sunday's race after escaping unhurt in a practice crash. His Benetton hit a concrete wall after spinning off the remodelled circuit in the morning warm-up. The German was able to take part in fin al qualifying but failed to improve Friday's lap time of 1 min 27.274 secs in hot conditions. Gerhard Berger and David Coulthard remain second and third on the grid with Damon Hill fourth despite improving his time to 1:27.512.

Michael Schumacher made light of a practice crash earlier in the day after finishing final qualifying on pole position. "There was no danger in my view. I was going slowly when I went into the wall and it was only because of the angle that the tyre cam e off. I touched a kerb on the inside and the car spun. It was nothing dramatic," the world champion said. Britain's Damon Hill remained fourth on the grid and admitted: "It is going to be difficult to pass and that will be my problem."

Final qualifying times:       mins secs
 1 M Schumacher  Ger Benetton  1:27.274
 2 G Berger      Aut Ferrari   1:27.282
 3 D Coulthard   GB  Williams  1:27.459
 4 D Hill        GB  Williams  1:27.512
 5 J Alesi       Fr  Ferrari   1:27.813
 6 M Hakkinen    Fin McLaren   1:28.343
 7 E Irvine      GB  Jordan    1:28.516
 8 J Herbert     GB  Benetton  1:29.350
 9 N Mansell     GB  McLaren   1:29.517
10 R Bar'chello  Brz Jordan    1:29.551
11 G Morbidelli  It  Footwork  1:29.582
12 O Panis       Fr  Ligier    1:30.760
13 M Salo        Fin Tyrrell   1:31.035
14 H Frentzen    Ger Sauber    1:31.358
15 U Katayama    Jpn Tyrrell   1:31.630
16 A Suzuki      Jpn Ligier    1:31.913
17 J Verstappen  Hol Simtek    1:32.156
18 P Martini     It  Minardi   1:32.445
19 T Inoue       Jpn Footwork  1:32.710
20 L Badoer      It  Minardi   1:33.071
21 K Wendlinger  Aut Sauber    1:33.494
22 B Gachot      Fr  Pacific   1:33.892
23 D Sch'rella   It  Simtek    1:33.965
24 A Montermini  It  Pacific   1:35.169
25 P Diniz       Brz Forti     1:36.065
26 R Moreno      Brz Forti     1:36.624

LONDON-MEXICO RALLY:- British veteran Roger Clark crashed out of contention with damaged suspension on the opening South American stage in Brazil. Clark and co-driver Tony Moy lost third place on a day which saw Graham Lorimer and Jenny Brittan taken to h ospital with broken ribs. They were lying second when they rolled their Ford Escort into a sugar plantation close to the finish at Londrina. Clark was able to use parts from their car to repair his own and make it to the control point.

Leaders at end of day seven - Sao Paulo to Londrina:
                              hr:min:sec
 1 Mikkola/Palm     Ford Escort 1:30.29
 2 Dunk'ton/Mansson Datsun 240Z 1:34.04
 3 Martin-H/Kon'vld Ford Escort 1:37.18
 4 Balazs/Jojart    Porsche 911 1:39.41
 5 Fall/Dixon       Volvo       1:41.29
 6 Rainsford/R'ford Ford M'tang 1:41.58
 7 Point'r/Pol'nig  Ford Escort 1:44.07
 8 Hodgson/McC'tock Ford Falcon 1:44.20
 9 Barrow/Barrow    Mercedes    1:46.46
10 Sun'gui/Goni     Mercedes    1:46.49




30.04.95

F1: THE SAN MARINO GP
Result after 63 laps:        hr:mins:sec
 1 D Hill       GB  Williams 1:41:42.552
 2 J Alesi      Fr  Ferrari     @ 18.510
 3 G Berger     Aut Ferrari     @ 43.116
 4 D Coulthard  GB  Williams    @ 51.390
 5 M Hakkinen   Fin McLaren     @ 1 lap
 6 H Frentzen   Ger Sauber      @ 1 lap
 7 J Herbert    GB  Benetton    @ 2 laps
 8 E Irvine     GB  Jordan      @ 2 laps
 9 O Panis      Fr  Ligier      @ 2 laps
10 N Mansell    GB  McLaren     @ 2 laps
11 A Suzuki     Jpn Ligier      @ 3 laps
12 G M'bidelli  It  Footwork    @ 4 laps
13 P Martini    It  Minardi     @ 4 laps
14 L Badoer     It  Minardi     @ 4 laps

Drivers' championship:
1 D Hill       GB  Williams 20 pts
2 M Schumacher Ger Benetton 14
= J Alesi      Brz Ferrari  14
4 G Berger     Aut Ferrari   9
= D Coulthard  GB  Williams  9
6 M Hakkinen   Fin McLaren   5
7 J Herbert    GB  Benetton  3
= H Frentzen   Ger Sauber    3
9 M Blundell   GB  McLaren   1

Constructors' championship:
1 Ferrari                  23 pts
2 Williams                 23
3 Benetton                  7
4 McLaren                   6
5 Sauber                    3
Damon Hill scored a comfortable victory at Imola to take the lead in the World Championship standings from Michael Schumacher. The Briton took the lead on lap 23 after early dramas on the damp circuit which claimed Schumacher. The German was leading on wet tyres and changed to slicks on lap 10 only to crash off on lap 11. This left David Coulthard and fellow Williams driver Hill in control of the race but the Scot spun and had to settle for fourth behind the two Ferraris.

Gerhard Berger and Jean Alesi gave the Tifosi cause to celebrate as Ferrari took second and third behind Damon Hill. The Austrian had been challenging for the lead and was frequently recording fastest lap times but had a disastrous pit stop and stalled . This put him well down the field but drove hard to claw his way back to third place. The French driver battled hard with David Coulthard for second place but the Scot was given a 10 second penalty for speeding in pit lane.

Damon Hill kept his cool as his main rivals suffered setbacks and fell by the wayside to notch his 11th victory from 37 Grands Prix. Michael Schumacher went out after pushing his cold tyres too hard, Gerhard Berger stalled, David Coulthard spun and had a penalty. All this left Hill to dominate from lap 23 onwards to finish 18.510 seconds ahead of Jean Alesi. He is now six points ahead of reigning world champion Schumacher in the standings with Ferrari and Williams the leading constructors.

Nigel Mansell had to be content with 10th place in his comeback to Grand Prix racing in his newly remodelled McLaren. The former World Champion started on slick tyres as did his teammate Mika Hakkinen but early laps on the damp track proved tricky. At one stage Mansell had forced his way into sixth place and a possible points finish but suffered a series of mishaps. He tangled with Eddie Irvine's Jordan on lap 45 having stopped for a nose cone the lap previously.

Damon Hill was relieved the return to Imola following Ayrton Senna and Roland Ratzenberger's deaths last year had been injury-free. "It is one year now since that race, which was so bad for Williams and it is so special and nice that we can all feel di fferent now. We had a great reception from the public. I know Ayrton would have liked it. It has been a great day. It is special to come here with the sense of foreboding we had and to prove that Grand Prix racing is healthy," said Hill.

Jean Alesi had some harsh words for David Coulthard after finishing second in his Ferrari. The Frenchman had been behind the Scot in the early part of the race and was pushing hard to get past. "I was not at all happy with Coulthard. I am an experience d driver and he is not and he drove very incorrectly," said Alesi. "He touched my left wheel and he banged into my steering and I was lucky to stay on the track and finish the race," he added.

Italian Andrea Montermini has been fined $10,000 after incurring a time penalty for exceeding the speed limit in pit lane. The Pacific driver was forced to withdraw from the race before he could take the penalty so the stewards converted it to a fine. The fine has been suspended for three Grands Prix on the condition he does not commit the same offence during those races.

LONDON-MEXICO RALLY:- British veteran Roger Clark and son Matthew endured another difficult day as overheating problems dogged them on the way into Paraguay. Clark senior had to tow his son's car into Asuncion and the pair may not start the next stage - a 1250km drive to Ju Juy in Argentina. "Unless we can find a reason for our problems, it's better to stop here than end up getting stuck somewhere up in the Andes," Clark commented. Finn Hannu Mikkola holds a 4 min 36 secs lead over Ross Dunkerton.

Leaders at end of day eight - Londrina to Asuncion:
                              hr:min:sec
 1 Mikkola/Palm     Ford Escort 2:05.28
 2 Dunk'ton/Mansson Datsun 240Z 2:10.04
 3 Martin-H/Kon'vld Ford Escort 2:15.34
 4 Balazs/Jojart    Porsche 911 2:17.05
 5 Rainsford/R'ford Ford M'tang 2:23.12
 6 Fall/Dixon       Volvo       2:23.24
 7 Point'r/Pol'nig  Ford Escort 2:24.11
 8 Hodgson/McC'tock Ford Falcon 2:25.15
 9 Paterson/North   Volvo       2:26.37
10 Illman/Stangl    Porsche 911 2:28.08