01.07.95 - F1: THE FRENCH GPDamon Hill snatched pole for the third year running in France after a thrilling duel with Michael Schumacher in final qualifying. Williams teammate David Coulthard briefly held provisional pole after eclipsing Hill's Friday time with a lap of 1:17.925. But it was bettered by Schumacher and Hill, who headed the lap times twice apiece with Hill's 1:17.225 finally proving unbeatable. Coulthard will start from third on the grid alongside Canadian GP winner Jean Alesi.
Damon Hill was delighted at maintaining his perferct pole position record at Magny-Cours but sounded at note of caution. "Any one of the top three drivers can win this race," enthused the Williams driver. "And there are drivers below the top three who will think the same. But Williams and Renault have put in a lot of work and getting pole is good for confidence," he said. Teammate David Coulthard added: "It would have been very difficult to pip Damon."
Italian team Minardi were back in action on Saturday after being excluded from the first day's practice by a court order. They reached a compromise agreement with lawyers in their dispute with Irish firm Grand Prix Engineering over a 1993 engine rental bill. Team boss Giancarlo Minardi warned, however, that the legal dispute may resume next week. "The Tribunal of Commerce has declared the Grand Prix Engineering request unfounded. We are happy to be back on the track," he said.
Final qualifying times: mins secs 1 D Hill GB Williams 1:17.225 2 M Schumacher Ger Benetton 1:17.512 3 D Coulthard GB Williams 1:17.925 4 J Alesi Fr Ferrari 1:18.761 5 R Barrichello Brz Jordan 1:18.810 6 O Panis Fr Ligier 1:19.047 7 G Berger Aut Ferrari 1:19.051 8 M Hakkinen Fin McLaren 1:19.238 9 M Brundle GB Ligier 1:19.384 10 J Herbert GB Benetton 1:19.555 11 E Irvine NI Jordan 1:19.845 12 H Frentzen Ger Sauber 1:20.309 13 M Blundell GB McLaren 1:20.527 14 M Salo Fin Tyrrell 1:20.796 15 J Boullion Fr Sauber 1:20.943 16 G Morbidelli It Footwork 1:21.076 17 L Badoer It Minardi 1:21.323 18 T Inoue Jpn Footwork 1:21.894 19 U Katayama Jpn Tyrrell 1:21.930 20 P Martini It Minardi 1:22.104 21 A Montermini It Pacific 1:23.466 22 B Gachot Fr Pacific 1:23.647 23 P Diniz Brz Forti 1:24.184 24 R Moreno Brz Forti 1:24.865 02.07.95F1: THE FRENCH GP
Michael Schumacher drove a superb race to clinch his fourth victory of the season and extend his lead in the FIA World F1 Championship. The Benetton star shrugged off the challenge of Williams driver Damon Hill to win by 31.3 seconds. Hill, who led until the first round of pit stops, had no answer to the determined young German who moves 11 points clear in the standings as he bids to retain his world crown. Scot David Coulthard was third in his Williams, with Martin Brundle taking a well-deserved fourth place.
Johnny Herbert was among the early retirements after a collision with the Ferrari of Frenchman Jean Alesi. The Benetton driver was looking well set in sixth place when Alesi attempted to get inside him on a corner but struck his car. "It was such a silly move," said the disappointed Briton. "He tapped my back wheel and spun me round. Then I had trouble with my gears, I could not select a gear." Alesi continued in aggressive mood, waving his fist at Mark Blundell and Luca Badoer later in the race.
Michael Schumacher looked well in charge at the halfway stage of the 72-lap, steadily increasing the gap on his great rival Damon Hill. Hill had led in the early stages before Schumacher took advantage of fuel stops and traffic to get ahead. David Coulthard, in the second Williams, was a little way back in third place ahead of Jean Alesi in the Ferrari with Martin Brundle lying fifth in his Ligier. While the race order looked settled there was some concern over dark rain clouds gathering overhead...
Rain started to fall but only very lightly just as many of the drivers were making their second pit stops. It caused great consternation for the teams who had to decide whether to use slicks or wet weather tyres. They opted for slicks and the gamble paid off with the threat of bad weather coming to nothing. The Ferrari team had also struggled with their first pit stop when the fuel rig malfunctioned on Gerhard Berger's car costing time and a place on the leaderboard.
Race winner Michael Schumacher thanked a perfect Benetton for his comfortable win at Magny-Cours, round seven of the world series. Schumacher, who now leads by 11 points from Damon Hill with 10 rounds remaining, declared: "We did not lose anything in any area. I have never had a car handling as well as mine did today," added the 26-year-old German driver. Schumacher admitted he was worried by the threat of rain partway through the race. "It can easily turn everything around," he said.
Michael Schumacher accused Damon Hill of "unsporting and dangerous" driving after recording his fourth GP victory of the season. The German said he was angered by a braking incident as they approached a backmarker on lap 13 when Hill was holding the lead. "I was very angry with Damon. But I am not speaking to him about it until we have cooled off - maybe at a quiet moment later in the week. "He seemed to lift his foot off the accelerator or maybe even braked a little and it was wrong," he said.
Damon Hill finished runner-up in France for the third year running and was clearly disappointed. "I can't seem to break the rut here," he said. "Schumacher pushed me very hard in the early stages... We have to go back and think again for Silverstone. That's the perfect place to start winning again." Williams teammate David Coulthard just held off Martin Brundle for third. "I did not expect to have trouble with a Ligier. I had a big problem with fast corners," he said.
Result after 72 laps: 1 M Schumacher Ger Benetton 1 hr 38 mins 28.429 secs 2 D Hill GB Williams 31.3s back 3 D Coulthard GB Williams 1:02.826 4 M Brundle GB Ligier 1:03.293 5 J Alesi Fr Ferrari 1:17.869 6 R Barrichello Brz Jordan 71 laps 7 M Hakkinen Fin McLaren 71 8 O Panis Fr Ligier 71 9 E Irvine GB Jordan 71 10 H-H Frentzen Ger Sauber 71 11 M Blundell GB McLaren 70 12 G Berger Aut Ferrari 70 WORLD DRIVERS' CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS 1 M Schumacher Ger Benetton 46 pts 2 D Hill GB Williams 35 3 J Alesi Fr Ferrari 26 4 G Berger Aut Ferrari 17 5 D Coulthard GB Williams 13 6 J Herbert GB Benetton 12 7 R Bar'chello Brz Jordan 7 8 E Irvine GB Jordan 6 9 M Hakkinen Fin McLaren 5 10 H Frentzen Ger Sauber 4 == O Panis Fr Ligier 4 12 M Blundell GB 3 == M Brundle GB Ligier 3 14 G Morbidelli It 1 CONSTRUCTORS' CHAMPIONSHIP: 1 Benetton 48 points 2 Ferrari 43 3 Williams 42 4 Jordan 13 5 McLaren 8 6 Ligier 7 7 Sauber 4 8 Footwork 1RETIREMENTS:- Ukyo Katayama (Tyrrell) retired after a collision with another car just after the start. Johnny Herbert (Benetton) was lying sixth when he was sidelined after a collision with Jean Alesi in the Ferrari. Alesi continued. Also out early in the race were Taki Inoue (Footwork) and Pedro Diniz (Forti Ford). Jean-Christophe Boullion stalled his Sauber on the exit to the pits.
Rubens Barrichello (Jordan) and Olivier Panis (Ligier) both served 10-second stop-go penalties for jumping the start, which dropped them out of the top six. Andrea Montermini (Pacific) was forced out with 10 laps remaining. Team-mate Bertrand Gachot also failed to finish the race. Pierluigi Martini (Minardi) stopped on lap 23.
GTs Result of Sunday's race at Anderstorp after 146 laps: hrs mins secs 1 Ferte/Theveni Fr Ferrari 4:01.03 2 Nielsen/Bscher Den/Ger McLaren 4:01.48 3 Raphanel/Lindsay-J Fr/GB McLaren 144 laps 4 Spinelli/Seiler It/Swi Porsche 142 laps 5 Calderari/Bryner Swi Porsche 142 laps 6 de Lesseps/Margueron/Charriol Fr Porsche 140 laps 03.07.95 - F1The FIA has confirmed that the Italian Grand Prix will go ahead on September 10. The sport's governing body has received a formal undertaking from the Automobil Club d'Italia that all safety works will be carried out within the agreed schedule. The event had been under threat following a row over the removal of trees necessary to complete safety work at the Monza circuit. Last week the FIA insisted on a formal commitment before confirming the event could go ahead.
Martin Brundle has accused Jean Alesi of forcing Johnny Herbert into their collision at the French Grand Prix. "Jean left Johnny to decide whether he wanted to move off the track or have an accident," said Brundle. Herbert said: "I left a gap, but I didn't think he would go for it. He always criticises everybody else, but maybe he should think about what he does." Alesi has already accused David Coulthard of dangerous driving in this year's San Marino Grand Prix.
04.07.95 - F1Williams could ditch their Renault engines in preference for Mugen Honda V10s next year. Although the reigning Formula One contructors have a three-year deal with Renault, Frank Williams is not happy at having to share factory status at Renault with Benetton.
The Ferrari Formula One team are set to abandon their V12 engine at the end of the year. The V12 is not fuel-efficient and is heavy and Ferarri may opt for a 10-cylinder engine in 1996.
05.07.95 SUPERTOURING TOCA TEST for Sunday's 15th round at British Grand Prix, Silverstone: mins secs 1 J Cleland Vauxhall Cav 1:58.504 2 J Thompson Vauxhall Cav 1:58.917 3 R Rydell Volvo 850 1:59.364 4 A Menu Renault Laguna 1:59.461 5 D Leslie Honda Accord 1:59.480 6 P Radisich Ford Mondeo 1:59.488 7 J Bailey Toyota Carina 1:59.538 8 T Harvey Volvo 850 1:59.590 9 J Kaye Honda Accord 1:59.696 10 K Burt Ford Mondeo 1:59.909RALLY OF INDONESIA:- Scotland's Colin McRae kicks off his bid for the 1995 Asia-Pacific Rally Championship confident that the crown is his for the taking. McRae won two of the six rounds in last year's championship, finishing fourth overall, but this time he believes he can do even better. "The gravel, mud and rough terrain of the Asia-Pacific series is ideally suited to the way I drive," said the 27-year-old. McRae's main challenge looks set to come from teammate and current APC title holder Possum Bourne.
06.07.95F1:- World champion Michael Schumacher maintained his hold over Damon Hill as he was quickest in testing for the British GP at Silverstone. The German star clocked a best time of 1 min 27.86 secs in the Benetton with Hill second fastest in the Williams in 1:28.48. Hill's teammate David Coulthard was third fastest ahead of Mika Hakkinen in the McLaren.
SUPERTOURING:- Gabriele Tarquini is to make a permanent return to the Alfa Romeo Old Spice Racing team in this year's Touring Car Championship. The reigning champion will join the team for the remainder of the series, starting at Knockhill in Scotland on July 29-30. He will team up with Derek Warwick and replace Giampiero Simoni, who is returning to Italy to prepare for the Superturismo Championship. The return of Tarquini gives Alfa an all ex-Formula One driver line-up.
ITC:- Donington Park is set for a spectacular weekend as the thrills and spills of the International Touring Car series hits the circuit. Former world Formula One champion Keke Rosberg heads the challenge for Opel, with JJ Lehto, Michele Alboreto and Stefano Modena on show. Bernd Schneider and flying Scot Dario Franchitti will be aiming to build on their victories for Mercedes in Mugello. Mercedes have so far failed to win on the three previous visits of the German Championship.
07.07.95 - RALLY OF INDONESIAScotland's Colin McRae recovered after a potentially disastrous start in the Rally of Indonesia to finish day one out in front. McRae broke his Subaru's driveshaft on the second stage - threatening to put him and co-driver Derek Ringer out of the race. But the pair struggled to the finish where mechanics repaired the problem in time for stage three. "The shaft broke near the end of the stage, meaning we lost just 10 seconds on the leader," said McRae.
Positions after 9 of 28 stages:hrs mins secs 1 C McRae GB Subaru 1:19.17 2 K Eriksson Swe Mitsubishi 1:19.28 3 T Makinen Fin Mitsubishi 1:22.33 4 K Hutomo Indo Subaru 1:24.57 5 K Shinozuka Jp Mitsubishi 1:25.06 6 P Bourne NZ Subaru 1:26.58 7 T Hard'to Indo Subaru 1:27.52 8 B Hartono Indo Mitsubishi 1:28.32 9 Gading Ger Subaru 1:28.35 10 K Singh Mal Proton 1:28.50 08.07.95ITC:- Bernd Schneider smashed 2.24 secs off his lap record as he claimed pole for Sunday's fifth and sixth rounds at Donington Park. The German Mercedes driver scorched around the Leicestershire circuit in 1 min 30.44 secs, at 99.18 mph. Denmark's Kurt Thiim, also in a Mercedes, is second on the 24 car grid, with Dario Franchitti, from West Lothian, third. Manuel Reuter, last year's winner at Donington, had a lucky escape when his Opel Calibra filled with smoke and subsequently caught fire.
Final Qualifying times for races 5 & 6: mins secs 1 B Schneider Mercedes 1:30.44 2 K Thiim Mercedes 1:30.67 3 D Franchitti Mercedes 1:31.07 4 J Van Ommen Mercedes 1:31.46 5 G Fisichella Alfa Romeo 1:31.54 6 K Ludwig Opel 1:31.58 7 N Larini Alfa Romeo 1:31.59 8 Y Dalmas Opel 1:31.90 9 U Alzen Mercedes 1:32.25 10 E Lohr Mercedes 1:32.43 INDYCAR Provisional grid for Sunday's Texaco Havoline 200 race in Wisconsin: mins:secs 1 S Pruett US Lola Ford 1:43.430 (139.224mph) 2 J Vil'neuve Can Reynard Fd 1:43.574 3 M Andretti US Lola Ford 1:43.897 4 P Tracy Can Lola Ford 1:44.019 5 G de Ferran Brz Reynard Mrc 1:44.295 6 T Fabi It Reynard Fd 1:44.312 7 B Rahal US Lola Merc 1:44.573 8 C Fit'paldi Brz Reynard Fd 1:44.593 9 B Herta US Reynard Fd 1:44.881 10 E Fit'paldi Brz Penske Merc 1:44.975 11 P Roesel Brz Lola Merc 1:45.073 12 A Unser jr US Penske Merc 1:45.088RALLY OF INDONESIA:- Scotland's Colin McRae is on course for victory in the first round of the Asia-Pacific Championship. McRae, in the Subaru Impreza 555, tore into the second leg and set the fastest time on all but one of the morning's five special stages. He carved out a lead of more than two minutes over second-placed Kenneth Eriksson in the Mitsubishi. McRae said: "A two-minute time cushion means I don't need to take any stupid risks."
Positions after day two: hrs mins secs 1 C McRae GB Subaru 3:09.47 2 K Eriksson Swe Mitsubishi 3:12.04 3 T Makinen Fin Mitsubishi 3:13.59 4 P Bourne NZ Subaru 3:19.51 5 K Shinozuka Jp Mitsubishi 3:23.56 6 T Hard'to Indo Subaru 3:30.10 7 K Singh Mal Proton 3:30.13 8 M Lieu HK Subaru 3:30.49 9 K Hutomo Indo Subaru 3:31.27 10 B Hartono Indo Mitsubishi 3:34.09 RALLY OF ARGENTINA Positions after 15 of 23 stages: hrs mins secs 1 Recalde/Christie 3:12.11 2 Trelles/Del Bueno 3:20.12 3 Sibera/Cross 3:22.46 4 Galanti/Zuchini 3:27.33 5 Raies/Ortiz 3:33.13 6 Suriani/Galindo 3:35.53 7 Torkas/Gatt 3:35.45 8 Pasi/Oliva 3:38.24 9 Triner/Starc 3:41.21 10 Sufan/Rama 3:43.42 09.07.95ITC:- Germany's Bernd Schneider romped to a winning double in the fifth and sixth rounds at Donington. Schneider, who started on pole, underlined his supremacy by charging clear at the start of both races and clipped 0.6 secs off his own year-old lap record. Teammate Dario Franchitti from West Lothian took second in both places as Mercedes enjoyed a clean sweep. The 22-year-old has now moved up to second place in the championship, 20 points adrift of Schneider with six races to go.
Result of race 5: mins secs 1 B Schneider Mercedes 42:06.19 2 D Franchitti Mercedes 42:07.88 3 K Thiim Mercedes 42:13.05 4 J Van Ommen Mercedes 42:14.03 5 G Fischella Alfa Romeo 42:14.72 Result of race 6: 1 B Schneider Mercedes 38:59.27 2 D Franchitti Mercedes 38:59.87 3 J Van Ommen Mercedes 39:04.71 4 K Thiim Mercedes 39:07.89 5 A Grau Mercedes 39:09.13 OVERALL STANDINGS: 1 Schneider Ger 80 pts 2 Franchitti GB 60 3 N Larini It 47INDYCAR:- Canadian Jacques Villeneuve made it two wins out of two at the Road America circuit in Wisconsin by taking the Texaco/Havoline 200. He held off Paul Tracy by 0.965 secs to record the fourth win of his Indy career and his third of this season. "My car was really, really strong today," said Villeneuve, who led for 46 of the 50 laps.
Agreement has, meanwhile, been reached to continue staging the Australian leg of the series at Gold Coast until the year 2000.
Result of Sunday's Texaco Havoline 200 race in Wisconsin (50 laps): hr:mins:secs 1 J Vil'neuve Can Reynard Ford 1:55:29.6 (av.speed 103.901mph) 2 P Tracy Can Lola Ford 3 J Vasser US Reynard Ford 4 A Ribeiro Brz Reynard Honda 5 B Rahal US Lola-Mercedes 6 A Fernandez Mex Lola-Mercedes 7 S Pruett US Lola-Ford 8 C F'tipaldi Brz Reynard-Ford 9 T Fabi It Reynard-Ford 10 S Johansson Swe Penske-Mercedes INTERNATIONAL F3 CHALLENGE Result from Donington Park: mins secs 1 R Firman Dallara-Mugen 30:32.48 2 G Salles Dallara-Mugen 30:36.14 3 W Hughes Dallara-Mitsub 30:38.32 4 A Wurz Dallara-Opel 30:45.63 5 J Matthews Dallara-Mugen 30:46.98 6 T Biagi Dallara-Opel 30:49.53 7 M Gene Dallara-Mugen 30:55.28 8 L Garcia Jr Dallara-Mugen 30:56.71 9 K Mollekens Dallara-Mugen 30:58.65 10 O Gavin Dallara-Vaux 30:59.32RALLY OF INDONESIA:- Colin McRae recorded an emphatic victory in the first round of this year's Asia-Pacific championship. Despite a furious final day charge by Sweden's Kenneth Eriksson, McRae and co-driver Derek Ringer finished the 1995 Rally of Indonesia more than two minutes clear of the field. The Scot began day three out in front, only to see Eriksson claw back an incrdible 42 seconds in the morning's four timed stages. The Asia-Pacific Championship moves to New Zealand for the next round in Auckland from July 27-30.
Final positions: hrs mins secs 1 C McRae GB Subaru 4:53.05 2 K Eriksson Swe Mitsubishi 4:55.19 3 T Makinen Fin Mitsubishi 4:57.41 4 P Bourne NZ Subaru 5:03.07 5 K Shinozuka Jp Mitsubishi 5:17.31 6 K Hutomo Indo Subaru 5:24.34 7 T Hard'to Indo Subaru 5:26.12 8 Rukmana Escort Cos 5:29.25 9 B Hartono Indo Mitsubishi 5:30.50 10 Sir'tana Mitsubishi 5:31.56 RALLY OF ARGENTINA Final result after 23 stages: hr min sec 1 Recalde/Christie Lancia 5:22.21 2 Trelles/Del Bueno Lancia 5:31.41 3 Galanti/Zuchini Toyota 5:37.50 4 Sibera/Cross * Skoda 5:39.30 5 Torkas/Gatt Renault 5:57.50 6 Triner/Starc Skoda 6:00.10 7 Sufan/Rama Peugeot 6:02.48 8 Reininger/Csosz + Renault 6:17.46 9 Oxoteguy/Ol'berry Renault 6:38.32 10 Baillek Renault 6:41.42 * = winner 2-litre category + = winner 2-litre Group N category 11.07.95F1:- Damon Hill has admitted that his Williams-Renault team must get their act together if they are going to win the British Grand Prix. "We have to win. It is patently obvious we were well beaten in France and that's no good," said Hill after testing at Silverstone. But to compound his problems, Benetton's Michael Schumacher was fastest after last week's test. "I'm much more optimistic about the British Grand Prix," said the German championship leader.
McLaren's hopes of an improved performance at the British GP were boosted when Mika Hakkinen recorded the best time so far for the team's troublesome 1995 car at Silverstone. Suspension changes to the Mercedes-powered car have boosted the confidence of the Finnish driver and his teammate Mark Blundell.
BMW have played down rumours that they are considering a return to Formula 1. Speculation was fuelled when BMW representatives visited the Williams factory recently. A spokesman has denied the claims.
RALLYING:- Spaniard Carlos Sainz hopes to drive in the New Zealand Rally at the end of the month despite a recent shoulder injury. The World Championship leader hurt his shoulder in a fall from a mountain bike but has arrived to begin testing. Clerk of the course Morrie Chandler said a final decision would be made after Sainz has had "a couple of days behind the wheel". Richard Burns will join Colin McRae and Possum Bourne in the Subaru line-up if Sainz is ruled out.
12.07.95F1:- Germany's dream Formula One pairing of Mercedes and Michael Schumacher is unlikely to happen in the near future, says the world champion. Schumacher has already said that he would love to drive for the German company who helped to launch his career, but feels the new McLaren-Mercedes is not fast enough. "I want a competetive car and that is not the case there at the moment," said Schumacher. "I feel very happy in this team (Benetton), and I want to stay," added the championship leader.
JOHN WATSON ON THE BRITISH GP
This weekend all paths beat to Silverstone and the midway point of the 1995 FIA World F1 Championship. Most eyes and emotion will fall on Damon Hill in his Williams Renault. In fact, such is the nationwide support for this favourite, that the five remaining British drivers may well wonder if the venue has changed its name to "Hillverstone". Without doubt the British Grand Prix this weekend will be another opportunity to enjoy the ongoing battle between Hill and current series leader Michael Schumacher.
Both Williams and Benetton have tested extensively at Silverstone, with Michael Schumacher and Benetton marginally superior. One factor was not present on these test days - you, the spectators, who on the day as seen in previous GPs, provide an intangible boost. Damon Hill will be certain to receive the bulk of the support. In terms of time, it is impossible to quantify but, when the power of 90,000 spectators is behind a driver, it can lead to a superhuman performance.
Benetton are sure to be aware of the Hill euphoria this weekend. However Michael Schumacher is a driver of such character and Benetton are a team confident of their task so they will know what to do and how to do it. I hope we see racing on the circuit worthy of the Championship battle and that pit stops do not totally decide the outcome of the GP. Realistically it should be a bit of both although at Silverstone, with its long pit lane, we may see a gambler's victory.
Further minor changes have been carried out in preparation for this year's British GP at Silverstone. Most noticeable to spectators will be the new F1 pits and garages, which are now as good as any facilities anywhere in the world. On-track changes are minor and are not much more than resurfacing at Becketts and a change to kerbing on entry to and exit from Copse. Pre-race testing was carried out in extreme heat, not necessarily good for downforce. Cooler conditions will see faster lap times.
The outcome of this GP will hinge on what strategy the teams decide to adopt this weekend. One reason Benetton have been so successful in this area this year is, I believe, due to fuel capacity. Benetton and Williams thinking differs in this area, with the former equipped with a larger tank. This represents a slight handicap in the early laps for Michael Schumacher but, when it comes to refuelling, Benetton need less fuel gain vital seconds and sometimes snatch the lead.
Ferrari, the only team other than Benetton and Williams to win this season, must fancy their chances on a circuit where handling counts. Jean Alesi and Gerhard Berger's cars are not short of hp either. Jordan and McLaren, four and five in the standings, continue their season-long battle while Ligier, impressive in France will be out to prove they are no one-race wonder. Massimiliano (Max) Papis, test driver for Footwork Hart, debuts at Silverstone this weekend. Sadly Gianni Morbidelli stands down.
JOHN WATSON ON THE BRITISH DRIVERS:-
DAMON HILL:- The Public's Choice and their number one challenger in the 1995 FIA Formula One World Championship. The Hill v Michael Schumacher contest will provide Damon with the opportunity to show his home crowd the racing qualities last seen in Japan and Australia last season. He certainly has speed and, in those aforementioned GPs, he proved his toughness in traffic. Whatever the result, he will leave Silverstone on Sunday night a wiser man...
DAVID COULTHARD:- He will be trying to tap into the same vein of emotional support given to Damon Hill this weekend. He is badly in need of a strong result since a mixture of driver error and car unreliability have resulted in a disappointing first half of the 1995 season. Silverstone, round eight of the 17-race World Championship, would be the ideal venue to put things right and launch his bid for a much more convincing second half.
JOHNNY HERBERT:- Certain to receive popular support and, a win by him on Sunday, would be certain to raise the roof! The idea of him beating teammate Michael Schumacher and the two Williams from the front is a delightful one.
MARTIN BRUNDLE:- The most senior British driver this weekend, his experience should lift Ligier and help Olivier Panis. Ligier could upset the formcard and Brundle and team boss Tom Walkinshaw would be joyous.
EDDIE IRVINE:- His recent comments about the Northants circuit suggest he does not like the place. However this is the home GP for the Silverstone-based Jordan Peugeot team, so he must deliver the goods and forget controversial comments.
MARK BLUNDELL:- May well escape much of the media attention and can concentrate on the intensive testing improvements and repay the faith put in him by McLaren Mercedes.
SUPERTOURING:- Drivers compete in front of their biggest crowd of the season in round 15 of the popular BTCC series at Silverstone on Sunday. Richard Kaye, joint leader of the Total Cup class of the saloon car series, almost did not make it. He races his Fuji film/Sofitam pumps Ford Mondeo despite a broken leg! He has been boosted by a late offer of finance from his sponsors which will see him through the season. "Last Friday I thought that was it for the year. When they rang, my leg was suddenly not so painful."
Richard Kaye shares top spot in the Total Cup class, for cars over one year old, with Matt Neal. They lead with 198 points, six clear of Nigel Smith. Kaye has the toughest task this weekend since he is competing with a broken leg following a cycle training accident. Kaye raced at Donington after the crash, claiming a class win and runner-up spot, before his leg was operated on and put in plaster. "My leg was so painful I just left it on pedal and braked with my left foot," he explained.
Pre-race testing at Silverstone for the Auto Trader RAC British Touring Car Championship race saw the Vauxhall Cavaliers setting the pace. Ford Mondeo driver Richard Kaye says testing is critical. "Touring cars are very sensitive - 1/4 degree of extra camber can make or lose a second a lap," he said. "I think Cleland will win but there will be lots of action behind him between the Renaults, Volvos and Fords. Also watch for my brother James in the works Honda."
Yorkshireman Richard Kaye goes into the Grand Prix BTCC race without any pre-event testing in his Fuji/Sofitam Ford Mondeo. "I have not been able to test due to my leg so I'll be using the two 30-minute qualifying sessions to set up the car and then really go for a time," he admitted. Five cars compete in the Total Cup class with Kaye's main opposition coming from Matt Neal, in a Mondeo, and Nigel Smith in a Cavalier. "Robb Gravett is back this weekend so we should have some fun" he said.
F3:- Formula One team managers will be keeping a close watch on drivers competing in Saturday's showpiece race in the British F3 Championship. Among the competitors are many who could be featuring in Formula One races within the next few years. Norfolk's Ralph Firman heads the series and starts favourite at Silverstone following his victory in last weekend's non-championship International F3 race at Donington. Firman, 20, who drives in the Paul Stewart Racing team, won the season openers at Silverstone in March.
Oliver Gavin will be keen to put an end to a lean spell when he races at Silverstone on Saturday. Gavin trails fellow-Briton Ralph Firman by 13 points in the series. He was on his way to F1 with the Pacific team after finishing second in the 1993 F3 Championship but a cash crisis ended his ambitions. Jeremie Dufour, the only Frenchman to win a British F3 race, will be chasing further success but the biggest challenge could come from Sunderland's Warren Hughes who has set the pace in pre-race testing.
13.07.95 - F1Benetton and Ferrari have both firmly denied that they want Damon Hill to drive for them next season. Hill, preparing for this weekend's British Grand Prix, said he would like to stay with Williams but he needed to talk to other teams. "My contract with Williams is up at the end of the year so I have been looking at the prospects with other teams," he said. But Benetton and Ferrari have both refuted reports suggesting that Hill had already held dicussions with them.
The Italian government has postponed its decision on whether to approve safety improvements at Monza that would allow the Italian F1 Grand Prix to go ahead. The regional parliament has already approved a plan involving the felling of 185 trees but environmentalists oppose it. A ruling is expected on Tuesday.
14.07.95F1: THE BRITISH GP
Damon Hill pipped German arch-rival Michael Schumacher in Friday's qualifying session at Silverstone to take provisional pole. Williams-Renault star Hill shrugged off the speculation surrounding his future to post the quickest time ahead of Schumacher in second. Hill's teammate David Coulthard was third despite struggling with his car in the gusty conditions. Finn Mika Salo was disqualified from Friday's session for ignoring a red light at the weighing area, but he will be back on Saturday.
Damon Hill delighted the record crowd at Silverstone as he clocked the fastest lap in first qualifying for Sunday's British F1 Grand Prix. A loud cheer went up as his first sector time was flashed up on the circuit screens and the noise level grew as he lapped at 206.58kph. There was also delight at the sight of a disgruntled Michael Schumacher who was watching in the pits. A record number of 37,000 fans were watching on Friday. Organisers say Sunday is a 90,000 sell-out and no tickets will be sold on the day.
Damon Hill played a waiting game to claim provisional pole position in his Rothmans Williams Renault. "The pressure is very much on and, when Michael (Schumacher) goes a second quicker you really have to screw things down and concentrate to respond," said the British star. "My first run was not as good as I hoped it would be... The last run was how I knew it could be done - digging a bit deeper and taking a few more risks." Final qualifying takes place from 1-2pm on Saturday.
World Championship leader Michael Schumacher finished second fastest in first qualifying in his Benetton Renault despite handling problems. "We have some problems in the slow corners," explained the German driver. "The car is not behaving as it should but we hope to solve it." Teammate Johnny Herbert was content with his 5th place as he also had trouble. "The car seems a little twitchy, a bit loose at the rear." He intends to chase fourth place. "It would be nice to complete an all-Renault quartet at the front."
MARK BLUNDELL (McLaren, 10th) "I am satisfied with progress, the new modifications are a step forward but today was a learning curve."
MIKA HAKKINEN (McLaren, 8th) "The speed of the car is disappointing. We have the same problems as in Magny-Cours with balance and understeering."
EDDIE IRVINE (Jordan, 7th) "My only complaint is with brake balance, an on-going thing which we do not seem to be able to sort out properly. The front has a tendency to lock so you cannot use full brakes."
MASSIMILIANO PAPIS (Footwork, 18th) "My first time in F1 as an official driver, what impressed me was the frenetic rhythm of free practice and especially the qualifying."
BETRAND GACHOT (Pacific, 22nd) "I had a problem with the gears which ruined my times. I was also experiencing too much oversteer."
ANDREA MONTERMINI (Pacific) Did not practice due to a brake problem.
MIKA SALO (Tyrrell) Missed a red light so times did not count. "With the sun so bright, I did not see the light until I was passing it."
Friday's qualifying session: mins secs 1 D Hill GB Williams 1:28.124 2 M Schumacher Ger Benetton 1:28.397 3 D Coulthard GB Williams 1:28.947 4 G Berger Aut Ferrari 1:29.657 5 J Herbert GB Benetton 1:29.867 6 J Alesi Fr Ferrari 1:29.874 7 E Irvine GB Jordan 1:30.083 8 M Hakkinen Fin McLaren 1:30.140 9 R Barrichello Brz Jordan 1:30.354 10 M Blundell GB McLaren 1:30.453 11 M Brundle GB Ligier 1:30.946 12 H Frentzen Ger Sauber 1:31.602 13 O Panis Fr Ligier 1:31.842 14 U Katayama Jpn Tyrrell 1:32.087 15 P Martini It Minardi 1:32.259 16 J Bouillon Fr Sauber 1:33.166 17 M Papis It Footwork 1:34.154 18 L Badoer It Minardi 1:34.556 19 T Inoue Jpn Footwork 1:35.323 20 P Diniz Brz Forti 1:36.023 21 B Gachot Fr Pacific 1:36.076 22 R Moreno Brz Forti 1:36.651 PORSCHE SUPERCUP First qualifying mins secs 1 J Malcher Fr 2:03.449 2 E Collard Fr 2:04.191 3 M Werner Ger 2:04.955 4 J von Gartzen Ger 2:04.983 5 J Cleland GB 2:05.159 6 F Giroix Fr 2:05.494 7 H Farnbacher Ger 2:05.542 8 B Corradi It 2:06.175 9 J Dufour Fr 2:06.874 10 A Kulundzic Yug 2:07.170F3:- Britain's Oliver Gavin completed the task he set himself when he was fastest in both practice sessions for Saturday's British F3 race. Gavin, fighting back from a lean spell in the Championship, improved his earlier time to claim pole spot with a lap of 1 min 49.206 secs ahead of Brazilian Gaulter Salles. Norfolk's Ralph Firman, who leads the series, was fourth fastest behind Steve Arnold. "I am very pleased with the way everything is going," said Gavin. "This is a big race for us."
Final qualifying mins secs 1 O Gavin Vauxhall 1:49.206 2 G Salles Mugen Honda 1:49.544 3 S Arnold Vauxhall 1:49.553 4 R Firman Mugen Honda 1:49.569 5 C Da Matta Mugen Honda 1:49.731 6 J Dufour Mugen Honda 1:49.813 7 H Castro N Mugen Honda 1:49.843 8 G Waberski Mugen Honda 1:49.850 9 G Rodriguez Mitsubishi 1:49.974 10 J Spence TOMS Toyota 1:50.003 Race starts 3.05pm Saturday FORMULA RENAULT EUROCUP First qualifying mins secs 1 G Smith Van Diemen RF95 1:56.735 2 A Ferraresi Ermolli FR95 1:57.220 3 J Seccombe Martini Mk71 1:57.246 4 D Vercoe Mygale FRS95 1:57.569 5 S Boulet Mygale FR95 1:57.589 6 C Sauvage Mygale FR95 1:57.693 7 D Turner Van Diemen RF95 1:57.729 8 P Cook Swift RS95 1:57.837 9 R Ingall Van Diemen RF95 1:57.918 10 R McNally Van Diemen RF95 1:58.121SUPERTOURING:- James Thompson set the fastest time of the first qualifying session only to fall foul of post-practice scrutineering of his Vauxhall. The Yorkshireman's Cavalier was found to be 4mm wider than allowed by the BTCC rules although he will be permitted to take part in the second session on Saturday. Privateer Nigel Smith, quickest of the Total Cup competitors, suffered the same fate with his Cavalier. New Zealander Paul Radisich in his Ford Mondeo topped the times ahead of Championship leader John Cleland.
First qualifying mins secs 1 P Radisich NZ Ford Mondeo 1:59.913 2 J Cleland GB Vauxhall Cav 1:59.989 3 W Hoy GB Renault Lag 2:00.178 4 A Menu Fr Renault Lag 2:00.223 5 D Leslie GB Honda 2:00.273 6 K Burt GB Ford Mondeo 2:00.469 7 R Rydell Swe Volvo 850 2:00.493 8 J Bailey GB Toyota Car 2:00.779 9 G Simoni It Alfa Romeo 2:00.853 10 J Kaye GB Honda Accord 2:00.906 James Thompson set fastest time but was disqualified from Friday session ROVER TURBOCUP Qualifying mins secs 1 D Loudoun 2:13.967 2 A Lyall 2:14.016 3 A Heaton 2:14.445 4 P Johnson 2:14.562 5 B Heerey 2:14.626 6 J Cotterill 2:14.665 7 S Day 2:14.694 8 R Hann 2:14.828 9 N Carr 2:14.889 10 S Warburton 2:14.990 15.07.95F1: THE BRITISH GRAND PRIX
Damon Hill retained pole position for Sunday's big race as rain destroyed any chance of a challenge from his rivals in final qualifying. The huge crowd which turned up at Silverstone to watch the day's action were left staring at a near empty track for at least 30 minutes. Only Andrea Montermini and Mika Salo, who missed out on Friday, and then Roberto Moreno ventured out in the first half of the session. Michael Schumacher in his Benetton lines up alongside Hill on the grid with David Coulthard in third place.
Leading drivers Damon Hill, Michael Schumacher and David Coulthard finally put on a show for the patient crowd despite the rain. "I think everyone feels an obligation to go out," said Hill. "It was good to get out and have a bit of fun, slide about a bit and give everyone who came something to see... The car felt quite good in the wet," added the Williams driver. Many drivers struggled on the slippery track and among those to spin were Schumacher, Johnny Herbert and Jean Alesi.
Scot David Coulthard was fastest in the rain-hit final qualifying session but was disappointed not to have the chance of a fast, dry lap. "I did not want to be third," declared the Williams driver. "I wanted to be on the front row." Coulthard said his car had felt "most unusual" in Friday qualifying and they had made some changes. "It's impossible to know whether we have sorted out the problems because we did not get a chance to test them properly," he added.
Damon Hill admitted he felt a sense of deja vue after claiming the eighth pole position of his career. "I have started from pole a number of times this season - and the result has been reversed in the race," said Hill, who is determined that will not be the case on Sunday. "Pole position is part of the job but what most of the crowd want tomorrow is to see us do well." Hill finished final qualifying with more than just the race on his mind with wife Georgie due to give birth to their third child on Sunday.
World champion Michael Schumacher slid on to the gravel during the wet final session but insisted he would not mind a wet race on Sunday. "We are prepared either way, wet or dry," declared the Benetton driver. "The only thing I would not want is a mixture of wet and dry because it is not a predictable situation." He said Friday's problems with his car had now been solved. "It is looking good," said Schumacher, who currently heads the Championship by 11 points from Damon Hill.
JOHNNY HERBERT (Benetton, 5th) "I had a little 'flick' at the back which cause me to go off into the gravel... The car was damaged but we are all set for tomorrow."
EDDIE IRVINE (Jordan, 7th) "I did a few laps to check the balance in the wet. I had no problems at all. The new engine feels really good... I reckon in the dry I could have been about fourth on the grid"
MIKA SALO (Tyrrell, 23rd) The Finn was fourth fastest in the wet final session. "I hope it rains tomorrow, it will be easier to overtake."
Final practice session: mins secs 1 D Hill GB Williams 1:28.124 2 M Schumacher Ger Benetton 1:28.397 3 D Coulthard GB Williams 1:28.947 4 G Berger Aut Ferrari 1:29.657 5 J Herbert GB Benetton 1:29.867 6 J Alesi Fr Ferrari 1:29.874 7 E Irvine GB Jordan 1:30.083 8 M Hakkinen Fin McLaren 1:30.140 9 R Barrichello Brz Jordan 1:30.354 10 M Blundell GB McLaren 1:30.453 11 M Brundle GB Ligier 1:30.946 12 H Frentzen Ger Sauber 1:31.602 13 O Panis Fr Ligier 1:31.842 14 U Katayama Jpn Tyrrell 1:32.087 15 P Martini It Minardi 1:32.259 16 J Bouillon Fr Sauber 1:33.166 17 M Papis It Footwork 1:34.154 18 L Badoer It Minardi 1:34.556 19 T Inoue Jpn Footwork 1:35.323 20 P Diniz Brz Forti 1:36.023 21 B Gachot Fr Pacific 1:36.076 22 R Moreno Brz Forti 1:36.651 23 M Salo Fin Tyrrell 1:48.639 24 A Montermini It Pacific 1:52.398Team boss Ron Dennis has refused to guarantee Mark Blundell's future with the McLaren Mercedes team. But he appears unlikely to have direct approach to Damon Hill. "I have had conversations with him but they have been more about living in than about joining McLaren" he said. Blundell, who scored points in Monaco, is hoping for more races after the German GP on July 30. "He has signed a contract as a test and race driver and we have no obligation to enter him in every single race," insisted Dennis.
Saturday free practice: (two sessions) mins secs 1 M Schumacher Ger Benetton 1:31.390 2 J Alesi Fr Ferrari 1:31.908 3 D Coulthard GB Williams 1:32.763 4 J Herbert GB Benetton 1:33.062 5 O Panis Fr Ligier 1:33.637 6 H Frentzen Ger Sauber 1:34.169 7 M Blundell GB McLaren 1:34.321 8 R Barrichello Brz Jordan 1:34.353 9 P Martini It Minardi 1:36.025 10 M Papis It Footwork 1:36.638 11 M Hakkinen Fin McLaren 1:37.251 12 L Badoer It Minardi 1:37.898 13 P Diniz Brz Forti 1:38.251 14 U Katayama Jap Tyrrell 1:38.898 15 J Boullion Fr Sauber 1:39.500 16 A Montermini It Pacific 1:39.975 17 B Gachot Fr Pacific 1:43.946 18 E Irvine GB Jordan 1:46.416 19 M Brundle GB Ligier 1:47.087 20 M Salo Fin Tyrrell 1:47.271 21 G Berger Aut Ferrari 1:49.320 22 D Hill GB Williams 1:49.581 23 R Moreno Brz Forti 1:53.474 24 T Inoue Jap Footwork 1:54.364 Conditions: track dry in placesMichael Schumacher set the pace in an eventful free practice session on Saturday which saw Damon Hill sidelined after just two laps. The Benetton ace was half-a-second clear of Jean Alesi who as usual turned in a superb show in the wet. Schumacher's best lap was recorded towards the end of the second of the two 45-minute periods after some sunshine had dried the track. Hill spun off in his first outing and did not return while Alesi was involved in two incidents in the closing stages of the session.
Frenchman Jean Alesi survived two big scares as the morning's free practice came to a close. Alesi, in his words, "hit some traffic". His Ferrari collided with Bertrand Gachot's Pacific and he limped back to the pits with a slightly damaged car. He then survived a narrow escape in the entrance to the pit lane when he spun while avoiding a car being pushed in by marshals. "I was looking at my speed and suddenly there was a car and a marshal in the middle" he explained.
INDYCAR Provisional grid for Sunday's Toronto Molson Indy race: secs 1 J Vil'neuve Can Reynard Fd 58.332 (109.855mph) 2 B Rahal US Lola Merc 58.420 3 R Gordon US Reynard Fd 58.441 4 A Unser jr US Penske Merc 58.447 5 A Ribeiro Brz Reynard Hon 58.485 6 J Vasser US Reynard Fd 58.655 7 M Andretti US Lola Ford 58.704 8 T Fabi It Reynard Fd 58.709 9 D Sullivan US Reynard Fd 58.736 10 P Tracy Can Lola Ford 58.777 11 M Gugelmin Brz Reynard Fd 58.846 12 S Pruett US Lola Ford 58.890 PORSCHE SUPERCUP Final qualifying mins secs 1 J Malcher Fr 2:02.555 2 M Werner Ger 2:03.156 3 E Collard Fr 2:03.158 4 P Huisman Hol 2:03.628 5 J von Gartzen Ger 2:03.830 6 J Cleland GB 2:04.090 7 F Giroix Fr 2:04.512 8 A Kulundzic Yug 2:05.289 9 B Corradi It 2:05.520 10 H Farnbacher Ger 2:05.542 After draw for grid places, order is: Malcher - Von Gartzen - Huisman - Werner - Cleland - Collard Race due to start 1015 SundayF3:- Brazilian Gaulter Salles was handed his first win in the Championship when Gonzalo Rodriguez of Uruguay was disqualified at Silverstone. Rodriguez had crossed the linefirst edging past long-time leader Salles in the final laps but hiscar failed post-race scrutineeringdue to a damaged airbox. Britain's Ralph Firman finished fourth behind Jeremie Dufour to retain his Championship lead. Oliver Gavin, who started on pole, went off under first lap pressure from Salles but fought back to 9th.
Result (after 15 laps): mins secs 1 G Rodriguez Mitsubishi 30:13.76 2 G Salles Mugen Honda 30:16:08 3 J Dufour Mugen Honda 30:16:77 4 R Firman Mugen Honda 30:17.40 5 S Arnold Vauxhall 30:21.32 6 J Spence TOMS Toyota 30:22.89 7 H Castro N Mugen Honda 30:23.51 8 A Wurz Opel 30:25.76 9 O Gavin Vauxhall 30:26.20 10 J Matthews Mugen Honda 30:27.35 Fastest lap: Rodriguez 102.96mph FORMULA RENAULT EUROCUP Final qualifying mins secs 1 T Rustad Tatuus RC95 1:56.033 2 G Smith Van Diemen RF95 1:56.735 3 A deLorenzi Ermolli FR95 1:56.778 4 A B Jimenez Alpa FR95 1:56.814 5 S Boulet Mygale FR95 1:56.827 6 D Vercoe Mygale FRS95 1:56.945 7 R Ingall Van Diemen RF95 1:57.058 8 D Turner Van Diemen RF95 1:57.173 9 J Seccombe Martini Mk71 1:57.183 10 A Ferraresi Ermolli FR95 1:57.220SUPERTOURING:- John Cleland gave himself an extra birthday present when he captured pole spot in his Vauxhall Cavalier for the British Touring Car race. Equally impressive was teammate James Thompson, disqualified from the top of Friday times after a problem with his car, who was fourth quickest despite worn tyres. Alain Menu starts alongside Cleland on the front row in his Renault, just ahead of Ford's Paul Radisich. Cleland, the Championship leader, starts favourite but says: "Strange things happen in GP rounds!"
DUNLOP ROVER TURBOCUP Result (after 12 laps): mins secs 1 A Lyall 27:15.55 2 J Cotterill 27:17.18 3 P Johnson 27:17.67 4 D Loudoun 27:20.28 5 S Day 27:21.41 6 R Hann 27:22.53 7 N Carr 27:23.15 8 N Edwards 27:24.61 9 M Hazell 27:24.97 10 P Burgess 27:25.46 LOUIS VUITTON HISTORIC SPORTS CARS Final qualifying mins secs 1 J Pattinson Cooper Monaco 2:19.15 2 G Pearson Lister Jaguar 2:19.62 3 J Beasley Cooper Monaco 2:19.72 4 F Sytner Jaguar D Type 2:20.79 5 R Brooks Lotus 15 2:20.96 6 B Williams Tojeiro Jaguar 2:21.19 7 P Hardman Aston Martin 2:22.11 8 M Martin Ferrari 196S 2:23.66 9 D Ham Lister Jaguar 2:24.32 10 V Lindsay Jaguar D Type 2:24.38 16.07.95 INDYCAR Grid for Sunday's Toronto Molson Indy:secs 1 J Vil'neuve Can Reynard Fd 58.126 (110.396mph) 2 J Vasser US Reynard Fd 58.141 3 T Fabi It Reynard Fd 58.239 4 S Pruett US Lola Ford 58.264 5 B Rahal US Lola Merc 58.272 6 M Andretti US Lola Ford 58.288 7 R Gordon US Reynard Fd 58.442 8 A Unser jr US Penske Merc 58.447 9 A Ribeiro Brz Reynard Hon 58.485 10 P Tracy Can Lola Ford 58.541 11 G de Ferran Brz Reynard Merc 58.579 12 C Fit'paldi Brz Reynard Ford 58.667RALLYING:- World champion Carlos Sainz has been forced to withdraw from the Rally of New Zealand. The Spaniard is still recovering from surgery following a mountain bike accident last month. The Subaru driver's place will be taken by Britain's Richard Burns.
F1: THE BRITISH GP
Sunday's warm-up session: mins secs 1 M Hakkinen Fin McLaren 1:29.685 2 D Hill GB Williams 1:29.800 3 D Coulthard GB Williams 1:29.901 4 J Alesi Fr Ferrari 1:30.002 5 G Berger Aut Ferrari 1:30.577 6 M Schumacher Ger Benetton 1:30.665 7 R Barrichello Brz Jordan 1:30.848 8 M Brundle GB Ligier 1:30.905 9 E Irvine GB Jordan 1:31.174 10 M Blundell GB McLaren 1:31.193 11 O Panis Fr Ligier 1:31.446 12 J Herbert GB Benetton 1:31.843 13 M Salo Fin Tyrrell 1:32.685 14 P Martini It Minardi 1:33.228 15 H Frentzen Ger Sauber 1:33.320 16 J Bouillon Fr Sauber 1:33.471 17 U Katayama Jpn Tyrrell 1:33.535 18 L Badoer It Minardi 1:34.033 19 M Papis It Footwork 1:34.605 20 A Montermini It Pacific 1:34.951 21 B Gachot Fr Pacific 1:35.838 22 T Inoue Jpn Footwork 1:35.872 23 R Moreno Brz Forti 1:37.242 24 P Diniz Brz Forti 1:37.763Finn Mika Hakkinen produced a surprise in the morning warm-up session as he swept to the top of the times in the Marlboro McLaren Mercedes. Damon Hill, having already claimed pole position for this afternoon's race, was looking well set to head the session which is important because most drivers are testing their race set-up. He was edged into second place as Hakkinen clocked 1 min 29.685 secs on his final lap. Hill recorded 1:29.800. David Coulthard, as keen as anyone for victory in the race, was third fastest followed by the two Ferraris.
RACE:- Johnny Herbert thrilled a massive crowd at Silverstone with victory in his Benetton in the British F1 Grand Prix. It was a tremendously popular victory and more than consolation for race fans who had seen their hero Damon Hill crash out in a collision with race leader Michael Schumacher. It was Herbert's first success in 71 GP races and among the first to congratulate him was Schumacher. Frenchman Jean Alesi was second in his Ferrari with Williams driver David Coulthard in third place.
Damon Hill's bid for victory came to a dramatic end when he collided with race leader Michael Schumacher as he made a challenge for the lead. Hill attempted to dive through as the German braked hard for a corner but the gap was not there and both drivers spun off, their battle over. The lead went to Schumacher's teammate Johnny Herbert and, in almost an action replay, he was challenged by the Williams of David Coulthard. Coulthard nipped by but, in a further twist to this incident-packed GP, the Scot was called in for a 10s penalty.
Damon Hill enjoyed the best possible start to the race, making the most of his pole position to take the early lead - followed by Jean Alesi. The Frenchman swept from sixth on the grid in his Ferrari to take second, a fantastic move which left Championship leader Michael Schumacher an unhappy third in the Benetton. Schumacher, who before the race had been discussing the problems of overtaking, was forced to watch as Hill steadily moved clear of the field. At quarter-distance, the Williams star was 15.8 seconds clear of Alesi.
Michael Schumacher claimed his customary place as race leader when Damon Hill made his first pit stop. It soon became apparent that the Benetton team had opted for a one-stop strategy for Schumacher, leaving Hill to ponder the work ahead of him. He trailed by 10 seconds when the German stopped, at exactly the halfway stage of the race, and urged on by the capacity crowd Hill set about his task. He pulled out a 25-second lead but it was not enough and, when he came out of the pits, he was a second behind. His bid for the lead ended in a collision.
Johnny Herbert was ecstatic as he crossed the line for the first win of his 71-race grand prix career. "I could not believe it when I was told they (Schumacher and Hill) had gone off," said Herbert, who made his debut in F1 in Brazil in 1989. Third-placed David Coulthard had successfully challenged Herbert for the lead but lost it while serving a 10-second penalty for speeding in the pits. "I had no electrics" he explained. Drama, too, for McLaren's Mark Blundell who struggled home fifth with a badly damaged rear wheel after a collision.
Johnny Herbert's win in the British GP was long-awaited and much-deserved, completing his remarkable comeback from a crash which almost ended his career. Herbert was badly injured in a multiple pile-up at Brands Hatch during an F3000 race in 1988 and has reduced strength in his ankles. He admitted he would not have dreamt of winning here a year ago. "It is fantastic," said the 31-year-old Londoner. "It is what I have always wanted. Winning here is special." Herbert said one of his worries while in the lead was the threat of rain. "I thought 'don't you dare'" he said.
Damon Hill described his collision with Michael Schumacher as "a race accident" but the German driver did not agree. "It was a crazy manoeuvre," declared the Benetton star. "I was surprised."
"I thought I saw an opportunity but Michael is a hard man to pass," insisted Hill. "I am very disappointed for the fans and for the Williams team who did such a superb job all weekend." Hill added that the Championship was still wide open. "We have shown we can compete with Schumacher and winning the title is still a real possibility."
Result after 61 laps: CONFIRMED 1 J Herbert GB Benetton 1 hr 34 mins 35.093 secs 2 J Alesi Fr Ferrari 1:34:51.572 3 D Coulthard GB Williams 1:34:58.981 4 O Panis Fr Ligier 1:36:08.261 5 M Blundell GB McLaren 1:36:23.265 6 H Frentzen Ger Sauber 1 lap 7 P Martini It Minardi 1 lap 8 M Salo Fin Tyrrell 1 lap 9 J Boullion Fr Sauber l lap 10 L Badoer It Minardi 1 lap 11 R Barrich'lo Brz Jordan dnf 12 B Gachot Fr Pacific 3 laps DRIVERS' CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS: 1 M Schumacher Ger Benetton 46 points 2 D Hill GB Williams 35 3 J Alesi Fr Ferrari 32 4 J Herbert GB Benetton 22 5 D Coulthard GB Williams 17 = G Berger Aut Ferrari 17 7 R Bar'chello Brz Jordan 7 = O Panis Fr Ligier 7 9 E Irvine GB Jordan 6 10 M Hakkinen Fin McLaren 5 == H Frentzen Ger Sauber 5 == M Blundell GB McLaren 5 13 M Brundle GB Ligier 3 14 G Morbidelli It Footwork 1 CONSTRUCTORS' CHAMPIONSHIP: 1 Benetton 58 points 2 Ferrari 49 3 Williams 46 4 Jordan 13 5 Ligier 10 6 McLaren 10 7 Sauber 5 8 Footwork 1RETIREMENTS:- Eddie Irvine (Jordan) retired on the second lap. Pedro Diniz (Forti) retired lap 10. Martin Brundle (Ligier) spun out at Luffield while lying 11th. Gerhard Berger (Ferrari) lying fifth when he stopped soon after his pit stop realising his left front wheel had not been fitted properly. Mika Hakkinen, running a brand new Mercedes engine in his McLaren, was sidelined after 20 laps while fourth due to an electrical problem. Andrea Montermini (Pacific) retired on lap 22. Taki Inoue (Footwork) stopped at Copse after 16 laps. Ukyo Katayama (Tyrrell) stopped just before his first pit stop when his engine suddenly cut out. Massimiliano Papis's debut in the Footwork came to a dramatic end when his left front suspension collapsed as he approached a corner. His rear wheel rim had also been damaged before he crashed out, presumably in an earlier incident. Michael Schumacher (Benetton) and Damon Hill (Williams) collided and crashed out as the Briton challenged for the lead on lap 45. Both drivers unhurt. Reubens Barrichello (Jordan) crashed out in the closing stages while in the points. He collided with Mark Blundell who managed to struggle over the line despite a badly damaged rear wheel. Roberto Moreno (Forti) stopped lap 48.
MIKA SALO (Tyrrell, 8th) "I should have finished 7th but Pierluigi Martini pushed me on the grass on the Hangar straight and I did a 360! It's a shame the rain started one minute after the end of the race because I would have loved wet conditions.. I am delighted for Johnny"
PIERLUIGI MARTINI/LUCA BADOER (Minardi, 7th and 10th) Boss Giancarlo Minardi said his drivers had "made a faultless race". "Once again the team engineers, the technical team and our drivers have demonstrated the true potential of the Minardi team," he commented.
ROBERTO MORENO (Forti, dnf) "Things were going well and then I got a big vibration in the front left tyre... apparently something glued itself hard to the tyre so I stopped to change it. Later they called me in because the pressure on the reservoir for the pneumatic valves went down."
HEINZ-HARALD FRENTZEN (Sauber, 6th) "I made a good start but, because I was on a one-stop tactic, I could not stay with drivers who were stopping twice. The car felt good before the pit stop but afterwards it was a little out of balance. I am happy to get a point."
MARK BLUNDELL (McLaren, 5th) "I got stuck behind Martini for 2.5 laps which cost me a lot of time and created the situation which saw Rubens Barrichello getting very close to me. In the end I defended my line and Rubens hit the back of my car. I lost the rear left tyre and limped to the finish on three wheels, losing a place"
MIKA HAKKINEN (McLaren, dnf) "I was very optimistic after the warm-up. The car was feeling good and Mercedes had made a big step forward with my race engine... Unfortunately, on lap 10, electrical problems started affecting a lot of things in the car."
JEAN ALESI (Ferrari, 2nd) "I managed to make a very good start and was never overtaken on the track, only the pit stops made me lose places."
MASSIMILIANO PAPIS (Footwork, dnf) "I was too fast exiting the pit and understeered into the barrier damaging the suspension. It failed some place further down the track."
TAKI INOUE (Footwork, dnf) "I spun due to a mistake. I kept the engine running but, as it happened in a quick corner, I made a bit of confusion with the gearbox selection for first gear to move off and stalled the car. Sorry."
Damon Hill and Michael Schumacher have both received a severe reprimand by race stewards over the collision which put them out of the event. Both men blamed each other for the incident, Schumacher more openly saying Hill's attempt to overtake was "really stupid and totally unnecessary". Hill would say only that he thought he saw a chance but "Michael is a harder man to pass than that" and they crashed. Mark Blundell and Rubens Barrichello were also ticked off for their collision in the closing stages. All four were warned over future conduct.
AUTO TRADER RAC BRITISH TOURING CARS Result (after 15 laps): mins secs 1 J Cleland GB Vauxhall Cav 33:47.70 2 W Hoy GB Renault Lag 33:55.27 3 J Thompson GB Vauxhall Cav 33:56.96 4 J Bailey GB Toyota Car 33:57.48 5 K Burt GB Ford Mondeo 34:01.64 6 P Radisich NZ Ford Mondeo 34:15.51 7 D Brabham Aus BMW 318i 34:23.28 8 T Sugden GB Toyota Car 34:24.99 9 D Warwick GB Alfa Romeo 34:31.63 10 P Watts GB Peugeot 405 34:33.72 Total Cup 13 R Gravett GB Ford Mondeo 34:46.10 14 M Neal GB Ford Mondeo 34:48.72John Cleland produced a determined drive in appalling conditions to claim his fourth BTCC win in a row. Cleland, in his Vauxhall Cavalier, overcame a fierce challenge from Paul Radisich in the early stages, briefly losing the lead to the Ford Mondeo driver who eventually faded to sixth. Championship leader Cleland, once again proving his ability in heavy rain, finished 7.5 seconds clear of Will Hoy in a Renault Laguna with teammate James Thompson an impressive third. Total Cup honours, for cars over a year old, went to Robb Gravett in a Mondeo.
John Cleland extended his lead in the Auto Trader RAC British Touring Car Championship with a convincing victory at a rain-drenched Silverstone circuit. "It is a credit to the drivers to produce such a great race in such treacherous conditions," he said. "I may have scored four wins in a row but I am not complacent about the title." Will Hoy finished second despite losing his windscreen wiper on the second lap. "I would have given John a good race if I had been able to see where I was going," he said. "I spend most of the race looking out of the side window!"
PORSCHE SUPERCUP Result (after 15 laps): mins secs 1 E Collard Fr 31:02.999 2 J Malcher Fr 31:11.074 3 J von Gartzen Ger 31:16.087 4 P Huisman Hol 31:19.115 5 H Farnbacher Ger 31:33.898 6 B Corradi It 31:34.071 7 J Dufour Fr 31:42.238 8 J Cleland GB 31:50.624 9 A Kulundzic Yug 31:53.389 10 A Ahrle Ger 31:58.126 FORMULA RENAULT EUROCUP Race result (15 laps): mins secs 1 G Smith Van Diemen RF95 29:28.36 2 A B Jimenez Alpa FR95 29:28.81 3 A deLorenzi Ermolli FR95 29:29.10 4 R Ingall Van Diemen RF95 29:35.36 5 J Seccombe Martini Mk71 29:36.29 6 P Cook Swift RS95 29:46.73 7 C Sauvage Mygale FR95 29:46.86 8 D Cook Swift RS95 29:53.05 9 D Vercoe Mygale FRS95 30:00.05 10 R Mast'ardi Tatuus RC95 30:11.16 LOUIS VUITTON HISTORIC SPORTS CARS Result (after 8 laps): mins secs 1 G Pearson Lister Jaguar 21:52.88 2 F Sytner Jaguar D Type 21:57.05 3 M Martin Ferrari 196S 21:57.26 4 R Brooks Lotus 15 22:17.92 5 P Hardman Aston Martin 22:21.81 6 D Ham Lister Jaguar 22:23.33 7 J Beasley Cooper Monaco 22:26.76 8 B Williams Tojeiro Jaguar 22:27.22 9 P Burdell Jaguar D Type 22:41.22 10 V Lindsay Jaguar D Type 23:03.29 Conditions: very wet track Fastest lap: Martin 71.26mph 17.07.95F1:- Damon Hill believes he was not to blame after colliding with Michael Schumacher at the British Grand Prix. The Williams-Renault driver's attempt to pass the world champion was slammed as "crazy" by Schumacher after both men crashed out of the race. Hill said: "I felt there was a genuine chance to attack him as he had taken a wide line. I believe that and I don't think I did anything wrong." Williams publicly back their driver but team boss Frank Williams is understood to have visited the Benetton garage after the race to apologise.
Nigel Mansell is still hopeful of returning to Formula One - possibly this season but more realistically for next year's Championship. Mansell abandoned his return in the McLaren Mercedes earlier this season after complaining that the car had a fundamental flaw. He said: "Everybody knows I am here. They know I have not retired. I shall wait and see what might or might not transpire in the next month. "If an opportunity arises I will be in there like a shot."
INDYCAR:- Michael Andretti ended his season-long frustration by outwitting Bobby Rahal to win the Toronto Molson Indy race. Andretti drove his Lola Ford Cosworth to his first victory since last year's Toronto race. "I love this place," Andretti said. "My crew did a great job today on pit strategy. That's what won us the race. And we had two great pit stops." Fellow American Rahal finished second in a Lola Ford-Cosworth, followed by Canadian Jacques Villeneuve in his Reynard Ford Cosworth.
Result of Sunday's Toronto Molson Indy: 1 M Andretti US Lola Ford 94.787mph 2 B Rahal US Lola Mercedes 3 J Vil'neuve Can Reynard Ford 4 T Fabi It Reynard Ford 5 R Gordon US Reynard Ford 6 R Boesel Brz Lola Mercedes 7 A Fernandez Mex Lola Mercedes 8 P Tracy Can Lola Ford 9 C Fit'paldi Brz Reynard Ford 10 E Fit'paldi Brz Penske Mercedes All drivers completed 98 lapsFANGIO:- Legendary motor racing ace Juan Manuel Fangio has died at a Buenos Aires hospital after a long illness, aged 84. The Argentine won the Formula One world championship a record five times in 1951, 1954, 1955, 1956 and 1957. His first title came driving for Alfa Romeo with two for Mercedes and then with Ferrari and Maserati. He won 24 of his 51 Grands Prix, the seventh highest total of all time. Former teammate Stirling Moss described Fangio as "a wonderful person" and "a father figure".
18.07.95 - F1Damon Hill's boss Frank Williams has denied calling his star driver a "prat" in the wake of Sunday's British Grand Prix clash with Michael Schumacher. Williams was reported to have visited the Benetton garage after the race to apologise for Hill's actions. But he said later: "Press reports alleging I labelled Damon Hill a 'prat' and apologised to the Benetton team are totally erroneous. I congratulated Johnny Herbert on his win on behalf of our team and told Schumacher I thought it was a shame a good race had ended in such a way."
Benetton boss Flavio Briatore has not ruled out the possibility of swapping world champion Michael Schumacher with Ferrari's Jean Alesi next year. "If Schumacher decides to leave, we will keep on winning races with another driver. Alesi is a driver I like very much," Briatore said in interviews with Italian media this week. The manager of Formula One's most successful team was reacting to reports that Ferrari have made a œ15m bid to sign Schumacher for the 1996 season. Schumacher's manager Willi Weber said: "At the moment, everything is open."
The Italian government has given the go-ahead for safety work at Monza that should allow the Italian Formula One GP to be held as scheduled on September 10. The government backed a plan already approved by regional authorities under which œ6.2m will be spent on bringing the track into line with FIA standards, and includes the felling of 185 trees.
23.07.95 - INDYCAR Provisional grid for Sunday's Cleveland Indy race: secs 1 G de Ferran Brz Lola Merc 57.815 (147.512mph) 2 J Vil'neuve Can Reynard Fd 57.826 3 B Herta US Reynard Fd 57.854 4 T Fabi It Reynard Fd 58.011 5 A Ribeiro Brz Reynard Hon 58.018 6 P Tracy Can Lola Ford 58.048 7 S Pruett US Lola Ford 58.080 8 R Gordon US Reynard Fd 58.088 9 P Boesel Brz Lola Merc 58.221 10 M Andretti US Lola Ford 58.229 24.07.95 INDYCAR Result of Sunday's Cleveland Indy race: Laps 1 J Vil'neuve Can Reynard Ford 90 (130.113mph) 2 B Herta US Reynard Ford 90 3 J Vasser US Reynard Ford 90 4 B Rahal US Lola Mercedes 90 5 D Sullivan US Reynard Ford 90 6 R Gordon US Reynard Ford 90 7 M Andretti US Lola Ford 90 8 S Johansson Swe Penske Mercedes 89 9 A Zampedri It Lola Ford 88 10 E Salazar Chl Lola Ford 88Jacques Villeneuve took advantage of his rivals' mistakes to win the Cleveland IndyCar Prix on Sunday. With two laps remaining, the Canadian slipped past Americans Michael Andretti and Bryan Herta for his fourth win in the series this year. Villeneuve, driving a Reynard Ford-Cosw orth averaged 130.113 miles per hour (209.391 kph) to beat Herta's Reynard Ford-Cosworth by 1.157 seconds. The series leader extended his series points lead to 32 points over American Bryan Herta.
SUPERTOURING:- Rickard Rydell dominated the first official TOCA test session for Sunday's two rounds at Knockhill. The Swede clocked 53.594 seconds on the tight 1.3 mile Fife circuit in his Volvo 850 with teammate Tim Harvey in second, underlining Volvo's resurgence. Championship leader and local hero John Cleland was close behind in his Vauxhall Cavalier. The two Williams-Renault Lagunas of Alain Menu and Will Hoy missed the test but are expected in Scotland for the three remaining tests.
TOCA TEST for rounds 16/17 at Knockhill on Sunday 1 R Rydell Volvo 850 53.594 secs 2 T Harvey Volvo 850 53.638 3 J Cleland Vauxhall Cav 53.668 4 J Thompson Vauxhall Cav 53.903 5 P Radisich Ford Mondeo 53.903 6 D Leslie Honda Accord 54.016 7 T Sugden Toyota Carina 54.117 8 J Bailey Toyota Carina 54.150 9 P Watts Peugeot 405 54.309 10 K Burt Ford Mondeo 54.354 26.07.95F1:- JOHN WATSON ON THE GERMAN GP
The second half of the year brings us to Hockenheim - one of the quickest circuits in Formula One. Not unexpectedly the focus will be on Michael Schumacher, on home ground, and his closest Championship contender Damon Hill. Having detangled and listened to the ensuing rhetoric, is it too much to expect that the battle of words will be eclipsed by a battle on the track? What we saw occur at Silverstone was a very punchy Hill clearly pumped up by the prospect of a definitive victory - and denied by his own actions.
The unusual manoeuvre that we saw from Damon Hill at Silverstone may have appeared unwise but one has to look at why it happened. It was a function of the total belief in himself, the focus of the media and the expectation of the fans. It smacked of a sense of desperation on Hill's part, to take the lead as soon as possible after his last pitstop believing he would win once in the lead. It was an ill-judged manoeuvre that from the outset looked doomed - and Michael Schumacher's reaction was pure disbelief.
A year ago Hockenheim was the scene of another on-track incident when Hill and Katayama touched - and cost Hill an easy victory. If you don't have the ability to use traffic and to overtake, and if you do irrational things, then you are going to get caught out. Williams have a great chassis but when it comes to how to read a race, a driver and team have to look at their own strengths and weaknesses. One way to achieve this is to maximise your pitstop 'windows'; driver and team must show good sense.
Damon Hill has as good a chance as anyone of winning the German Grand at Hockenheim on Sunday. With jingoism on his side Schumacher has an edge and he is also a better overtaker - and Benetton have proved better at winning races. It is an intriguing thought that no post-war German driver has won the German GP - and additional pressure for Schumacher this weekend. The mark of a world champion, however, is driving and performing with that pressure...
A lot of attention at Hockenheim will be on McLaren Mercedes-Benz after a difficult and disappointing year so far. Hockenheim means a massive Mercedes-Benz presence, wanting to see a big improvement in performance. Testing in Spain up until the last minute has brought further progress and direction. They may not yet be in a position to win the race at the front but they must show that the team is moving closer to consistent top three finishes. All McLaren's partners seek the signal that the team has turned around their fortunes.
Jordan have further developed Peugeot engines with small aerodynamic changes to get the most out of their cars on the 200mph straits. The extra driveability will keep them in touch near the front. Barrichello and Irvine will engage again in a feisty team fight. Drivers running between three and eight is where the real dogfight will be - but the biggest factor is the weather. It affects how a team approaches a race - in fact you'd have a better chance of predicting the outcome on Sunday if you were a meteorologist!
SUPERTOURING:- Rickard Rydell was again fastest in the second official TOCA test session for Sunday's two rounds at Knockhill. The Swede, who clocked a record lap of 53.594 seconds on Monday, was slightly slower in his Volvo 850 but the session was interrupted by a high speed crash involving James Thompson. John Cleland's teammate left the circuit in his Vauxhall Cavalier at the notorious Duffus Dip corner at 125mph. The young Yorkshireman was cut free from the wreckage and taken to hospital with severe bruising and concussion.
Second TOCA TEST for rounds 16/17 at Knockhill on Sunday 1 R Rydell Volvo 850 53.786 secs 2 P Radisich Ford Mondeo 53.837 3 T Harvey Volvo 850 54.014 4 A Menu Renault Lag 54.072 5 G Tarquini Alfa Romeo 54.385 6 K Burt Ford Mondeo 54.434 7 D Leslie Honda Accord 54.472 8 T Sugden Toyota Carina 54.505 9 D Brabham BMW 318i 54.514 10 J Cecotto BMW 318i 54.524RALLYING:- Colin McRae and Didier Auriol are leading protests against a stage of this week's Rally of New Zealand - claiming it is too fast. Subaru driver McRae said competitors were planning to send a petition to organisers about the 17th stage through the Pureora Forest. Auriol described the stage, scheduled for late on Friday, as "too fast and dangerous". Clerk of the course Morrie Chandler said: "The object of the exercise is to create a competitive event."
27.07.95 - F1Four times Formula One world champion Alain Prost is at the centre of new speculation over his future after severing his connections with Renault. The Frenchman has enjoyed a 20-year relationship with Renault and had worked in an advisory capacity for them since retiring as a driver in 1993. Prost said: "My decision should not be interpreted as a total break and in no way will it affect the friendly relations I enjoy with Renault. Prost has been linked wth planned projects to form a new French GP team as well as touring car racing.
Italian Giovanni Lavaggi will replace Frenchman Bertrand Gachot in the Pacific team for this weekend's German Grand Prix. Lavaggi, who won this year's Daytona 24-hours race, will partner fellow-Italian Andrea Montermini.
RALLY OF NEW ZEALAND:- Scotland's Colin McRae is on course fora third successive New Zealand Rally triumph after inheriting the lead from Tommi Makkinen. The Finn won the first three stages of the second day in his Mitsubishi but had to retire after going off the track and becoming stuck in mud on stage ten. Subaru star McRae took the fourth stage and finished the day with a 12 second advantage over Didier Auriol. Teammate Richard Burns holds seventh place, but has 59 secs to make up on McRae.
Positions after 15 stages: hrs mins secs 1 C McRae GB Subaru 2:05.26 2 D Auriol Fr Toyota 2:05.38 3 A Schwarz Ger Toyota 2:05.55 4 J Kankkunen Fin Toyota 2:06.01 5 K Eriksson Swe Mitsubishi 2:06.03 6 F Delecour Fr Ford Escort 2:06.16 7 R Burns GB Subaru 2:06.25 8 B Thiry Bel Ford Escort 2:07.42 9 P Bourne NZ Subaru 2:08.45 10 N Allport NZ Ford Escort 2:14.24 At end of day two 28.07.95 - F1:- THE GERMAN GPBritain's Damon Hill put home favourite Michael Schumacher in the shade with a superb display to take provisional pole in the first qualifying session. He clocked 1 min 44.392 secs on a drying circuit following morning rain with Williams teammate David Coulthard second fastest. Schumacher had delighted his home fans by snatching top spot but he was immediately upstaged by Hill. Mika Hakkinen gave McLaren a welcome boost by coming fourth in a session where the lead changed hands 12 times.
Damon Hill pronounced himself delighted with his car after outpacing Michael Schumacher to claim provisional pole. "We were only about a second off last year's time which is quite impressive when you think this is a horsepower circuit and we now have only 3-litres instead of 3.5," he said. Hill received ironic cheers from the German fans after spinning off earlier in a rain-hit free session. But he said: "As far as the reception from the German fans is concerned I have no problem - I am not coming in the boot of a car."
Damon Hill's bid to make the peace with Michael Schumacher fell foul of officials as their attempt to share a parade lap of honour was blocked. The bickering duo wanted to take the heat out of Sunday's showdown by riding together in a vintage car but FIA chief Bernie Ecclestone said the rivals must stick to their own teams. Hill said: "I'm disappointed. I thought it was a good idea to try and do something about the situation." Schumacher added: "It was a way of showing there is not that kind of war going on between him and me."
Friday qualifying times: mins secs 1 D Hill GB Williams 1:44.932 2 D Coulthard GB Williams 1:45.306 3 M Schumacher Ger Benetton 1:45.505 4 M Hakkinen Fin McLaren 1:46.291 5 J Alesi Fr Ferrari 1:46.356 6 J Herbert GB Benetton 1:46.381 7 G Berger Aut Ferrari 1:46.482 8 E Irvine GB Jordan 1:46.916 9 O Panis Fr Ligier 1:47.372 10 H Frentzen Ger Sauber 1:47.769 11 M Blundell GB McLaren 1:47.854 12 R Barrichello Brz Jordan 1:48.203 13 J Boullion Fr Sauber 1:48.526 14 M Salo Fin Tyrrell 1:49.505 15 M Papis Fr Arrows 1:49.621 16 L Badoer It Minardi 1:50.409 17 T Inoue Jpn Arrows 1:50.451 18 P Martini It Minardi 1:51.368 19 R Moreno Brz Forti 1:53.456 20 A Montermini It Pacific 1:53.492 21 P Diniz Brz Forti 1:54.303 22 G Lavaggi It Pacific 1:54.518 23 U Katayama Jpn Tyrrell 1:56.625 24 A Suzuki Jpn Ligier 2:04.193 29.07.95 F1: THE GERMAN GP Final Qualifying mins:sec 1 D Hill GB Williams 1:44.385 2 M Schumacher Ger Benetton 1:44.465 3 D Coulthard GB Williams 1:44.540 4 G Berger Aut Ferrari 1:45.553 5 R Barrichello Brz Jordan 1:45.765 6 E Irvine NI Jordan 1:45.846 7 M Hakkinen Fin McLaren 1:45.849 8 M Blundell GB McLaren 1:46.221 9 J Herbert GB Benetton 1:46.315 10 J Alesi Fr Ferrari 1:46.356 11 H Frentzen Ger Sauber 1:46.801 12 O Panis Fr Ligier 1:47.372 13 M Salo Fin Tyrrell 1:47.507 14 J Boullion Fr Sauber 1:47.636 15 M Papis Fr Footwork 1:48.093 16 L Badoer It Minardi 1:49.302 17 U Katayama Jpn Tyrrell 1:49.402 18 A Suzuki Jpn Ligier 1:49.716 19 T Inoue Jpn Footwork 1:49.892 20 P Martini It Minardi 1:49.990 21 P Diniz Brz Forti 1:52.961 22 R Moreno Brz Forti 1:53.405 23 A Montermini It Pacific 1:53.492 24 G Lavaggi It Pacific 1:54.625 30.07.95 F1: THE GERMAN GP Result: Hr:min:sec 1 M Schumacher Ger Benetton 1:22:56.043 2 D Coulthard GB Williams 1:23:02.031 3 G Berger Aut Ferrari 1:24:04.140 4 J Herbert GB Benetton 1:24:19.479 5 J Boullion Fr Sauber @ 1 lap 6 A Suzuki Jpn Ligier @ 1 lap 7 U Katayama Jpn Tyrrell @ 1 lap 8 A Montermini It Pacific @ 3 laps No Other Finishers Constructors Championship: 1 Benetton 71 pts 2 Ferrari 53 pts 3 Williams 52 pts 4 Jordan 13 pts 5 Ligier 11 pts 6 McLaren 10 pts 7 Sauber 7 pts 8 Footwork 1 pt Drivers Championship: 1 Schumacher 56 2 Hill 35 3 Alesi 32 4 Herbert 25 5 Coulthard 23 6 Berger 21 7 Barrichello 7 = Panis 7 9 Irvine 6 10 Hakkinen 5 == Blundell 5 == Frentzen 5 13 Brundle 3Michael Schumacher coasted to an easy win as his main rivals dropped by the wayside. First to go was Damon Hill who span on the first corner of the second lap, who was at a loss to explain why. "I felt very comfortable in the car, and I went down through the 'box, with everything feeling normal, but when I turned into the corner the rear suddenly locked up." Williams mechanics later reported excess wear on the left rear driveshaft, and John Watson reported seeing smoke exiting the back of the car whilst leaving the starting grid at the lights. What was most disappointing for Hill was that on the first lap he had pulled out a two second gap, and was running a one-stop strategy to Schumacher's two.
Gerhard Berger was livid when he was pulled in for a 10 second penalty after a supposed jump start. "I was told that when I put it into first gear, the car moved forward seven centimetres. I'm sure, though, that my car was still behind the line when the green light came on, and I absolutely know it was stationary at the time. It seems to me this electronic control system is too sensitive, because, although I agree that a real jump start should be penalised, I gained no advantage from what happened, and surely that's the whole point, isn't it?" Berger's fightback from 14th was the highlight of an otherwise dull race, Alesi dropping out with engine problems.
SUPERTOURING: at Knockhill Race 1 mins:secs 1 R Rydell Volvo 850 28:53.85 2 T Harvey Volvo 850 29:00.82 3 K Burt Ford Mondeo 29:01.79 4 J Cecotto BMW 318i 29:02.29 5 J Cleland Vauxhall Cavalier 29:03.51 6 J Bailey Toyota Carina E 29:04.36 7 T Sugden Toyota Carina E 29:06.35 8 J Allam Vauxhall Cavalier 29:07.32 9 M Neal Ford Mondeo 29:12.55 10 R Gravett Ford Mondeo 29:28.08 Race 2 1 A Menu Renault Laguna 29:27.65 2 R Rydell Volvo 850 29:30.51 3 T Harvey Volvo 850 29:46.84 4 D Brabham BMW 318i 29:52.20 5 J Kaye Honda Accord 29:53.55 6 J Cleland Vauxhall Cavalier 29:53.62 7 D Leslie Honda Accord 29:55.77 8 G Tarquini Alfa Romeo 155 29:58.45 9 J Bailey Toyota Carina E 30:00.02 10 T Sugden Toyota Carina E 30:06.09 Championship positions: 1 Cleland 246 pts, 2 Rydell 212 pts, 3 Menu 204 pts Total Cup: 1 Neal 264 pts, 2 Kaye 220 pts, 3 Smith 212 pts NEW ZEALAND RALLY Results: hr:min:sec 1 C McRae Subaru 5:33:06 2 D Auriol Toyota 5:33:50 3 J Kankkunen Toyota 5:34:15 4 A Schwarz Toyota 5:34:51 5 K Eriksson Mitsubishi 5:35:38 6 F Delecour Ford 5:37:30 7 P Bourne Subaru 5:42:01 8 N Allport Ford 5:54:47 9 J Recalde Mitsubishi 5:57:45 10 R Madeira Mitsubishi 5:58:16Colin McRae has won the Rally of New Zealand for the third succesive year. His big brake came when he drove the 32km Motu stage 35 seconds faster than anyone else, and rally leader Tommi Makinen fell off. "Kidnapping seems to be the best option", suggested Nicky Grist, Juha Kankkunen's co-driver on McRae's speed.
When asked to explain how McRae drove the Motu stage so much faster than anyway else, he replied "If I told you, I'd have to kill you! The stage is very twisty and there are generally only two grooves. You have to keep the car in the grooves, and that means driving it like a tarmac stage." McRae's win leaves him 10 points adrift of Sainz and Kankkunen in the Championship, and 11 behind Auriol.
ULSTER INTERNATIONAL RALLY 1 B Fisher Subaru Imprezza 2:33.45 2 S Finlay Ford Escort Cos 2:35.24 3 L O'Callaghan Toyota Celica GT4 2:37.51 4 A McRae Nissan Sunny 2:38.02 (F2) 5 G Evans Ford Escort RS2000 2:38.31 (F2) 6 A Nesbitt Toyota Celica GT4 2:38.43 7 A Oreille Renault Clio Will. 2:39.20 (F2) 8 K McKinstry Ford Escort RS2000 2:39.40 (F2) 9 D Llewellin Vauxhall Astra 2:40.02 (F2) 10 D Buckley VW Golf GTi 2:41.43 (F2) British F3 (Donington) Race 1 1 O Gavin Dallara Vauxhall 18:29.83 2 J Dufour Dallara Mugen 18:34.72 3 M Gene Dallara Mugen 18:36.32 Race 2 1 R Firman Dallara Mugen 20:17.91 2 J Davies Dallara Mugen 20:18.94 3 W Hughes Dallara Mitsubishi 20:21.72