02.11.95 - F1Two Formula One drivers who feared they had provided positive dope tests after taking cold medicines have been given the all-clear. Rubens Barrichello and Max Papis were tested at the European Grand Prix in Germany at the end of September. Barrichello had taken a medicine called Afrin, containing the banned substance ephedrine, while Papis said he used a flu medication called Triaminic which contained pheniphedrine. Samples were sent to the IOC but were negative, FIA chiefs confirmed.
03.11.95Gts:- JJ Lehto escaped unhurt after a 175mph crash in his Toyota GT sportscar while practising for an international endurance GT championship race in China this weekend. The Finn, who won the Le Mans 24-hour race in June, suffered brake failure on the Zhuhai street circuit.
RALLYING:- Toyota have been disqualified from the world rally championship by the International Automobile Federation. FIA chiefs have thrown them out for using illegal turbo restrictors on their cars in the Catalunya Rally. The team, highly placed in both drivers' and manufacturers' standings, were also suspended from the championship for one year. FIA president Max Mosley said the illegally modified turbo-chargers were so cleverly designed they almost slipped past technical inspectors.
Malcolm Wilson is set to retire within the next year - or sooner if he wins the Network Q RAC Rally! The 39-year-old, who has been rallying for 22 years, has won a string of titles but his best in the RAC was third two years ago. "My future is in the business side of motor sport and if things materialise then I will probably retire after the RAC," said Wilson. "If I do win then I will announce my retirement straight away. Otherwise I may go on until the end of next year."
05.11.95 - GTs: (Zhuhai) Result of round 12 of international sportscar endurance championship: hr mins secs 1 Wallace/Grouillard GB/Fr 3:01.24.750 McLaren 96 laps 2 Nielsen/Bscher Den/Ger 3:02:09.158 McLaren 96 laps 3 Giroix/Delatraz Fr/Swi McLaren 94 laps 4 Calderari/Bryner Swi Porsche 90 laps Final championship standings: 1 Nielsen/Bscher 252 pts 2 Calderari/Bryner 205 3 Bellm/Sala 201 07.11.95 - F1Adelaide have appealed for the city to remain on the F1 calendar when their 11 year tenancy of the Australian GP comes to an end after this weekend's race. Melbourne takes over as host city next year but Adelaide have offered to run the Pacific GP instead. F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has said the Pacific race must be held in Japan although Adelaide organisers will lobby him again when he arrives in the city. But FIA president Max Mosley said last week: "The Pacific GP is unlikely to occur in Adelaide even if it no longer takes place in Japan."
British Formula Three champion Oliver Gavin will make his Grand Prix debut at Adelaide this weekend for the Pacific Ford team. The 23-year-old replaces Italian Andrea Montermini who is having contractual and financial problems.
08.11.95F1: JOHN WATSON PREVIEWS THE AUSTRALIAN GP
The Australian GP this weekend at Adelaide has always had an atmosphere similar to that of a Shires prep school end of term. Regretably for some this year is in fact the end of an era as Adelaide hosts its last Australian Grand Prix. The city of churches will present its most hospitable face as the reality of this event transfering to Albert Park, Melbourne for the opening round of the 1996 season is realised. What helps make the Adelaide race so popular is the friendly and open nature of the South Australians.
In the 10 years since the first Grand Prix in Adelaide in 1985 we've seen spectacular action on the track. Nigel Mansell in 1986, races run in torrential rain storms, the Mansell and Ayrton Senna clash in 1992, Michael Schumacher and Damon Hill in 1994 and only the soothsayers can predict 1995. The Adelaide organisation provided a unique facility considering the circuit's temporary nature. Looking towards 1996 Melbourne will represent a further step upward but everybody will have fond memories of Adelaide.
What will we see in Adelaide this weekend now the drivers' and constructors' championship have already been settled? For some the main focus will be whether Michael Schumacher can beat Nigel Mansell's nine GP wins in a season, which he set in 1992 and the German equalled two weeks ago. The fact that Schumacher will require 17 races to achieve this feat is inconsequential. His season has been that of a truly worthy world champion.
Other issues to be resolved in Adelaide this weekend focus further down the championship ladder. David Coulthard's aspirations to beat his teammate Damon Hill to second place are now marginal. The battle among the constructors for fourth place in the championship now appears virtually secure for McLaren. Of equal interest are the many drivers 'on the move' to new territory in 1996 and their respective prospects and expectations for next year.
Drivers still looking for a new seat in 1996 need a good showing in Adelaide as do the incumbents. Good results at the end of a season are always worthwhile. Martin Brundle returns to make his final appearance for the Ligier Mugen team confident in the knowledge of a contract with Jordan Peugeot for 1996 in his back pocket. One interesting prospect is British F3 champion Oliver Gavin debuting for the Pacific Ford team. This Grand Prix will be a difficult venue to make a Formula One debut.
Everybody will be hoping for kind weather conditions for the final Adelaide Grand Prix. As a true street circuit torrential rain has played havoc with teams and drivers with visibility a major issue. Let's hope we go out on a happy note. Bon Jovi is the guest band at the post race bash. The concert and spectacular fireworks display guarantees Adelaide will go out with a bang.
09.11.95F1:- Damon Hill has hit back at reports of rising tension between him and the Williams team ahead of this weekend's Australian Grand Prix in Adelaide. Pressure is mounting on him to end the season on a high note with his first win in seven races. "It's annoying, it really is. It's non-stop. There is always someone trying to pull the rug out or undermine you," Hill commented. "It's great that you've got a sport that provokes so much comment...the downside is that you have to perform well or you take a lot of stick."
Bedford race ace Oliver Gavin has been denied the chance of a dream F1 debut in this weekend's Australian Grand Prix due to an administration error. The 23-year-old British Formula Three champion flew out to Adelaide on Monday after being asked by Pacific to stand in for Italian Andrea Montermini. Gavin's hopes were dashed when he found out that FIA chiefs had not received a valid copy of the superlicence he needed to race. He said: "I am deeply disappointed. It is a shame that I had to come all this way before I found out."
RALLYING:- Ford newcomer Alister McRae has joined regular team drivers Francois Delecour and Bruno Thiry in extensive testing in preparation for next week's RAC Rally. McRae, the 1995 British champion, drives a works Escort RS Cosworth in the final world round which starts from Chester on Sunday week. Last year's British champion Malcolm Wilson was also involved in the five-day extensive testing. "This has been one of our toughest and most comprehensive pre-rally test programmes," said spokesman John Taylor.
10.11.95 - F1: THE AUSTRALIAN GPMcLaren driver Mika Hakkinen is in a "serious but stable" condition after crashing into a wall during Friday's opening qualifying session. The 27-year-old Finn's car suffered a puncture at the entry to the Brewery Corner, causing it to leave the ground before hitting the barriers. He was treated at the trackside by emergency medical staff before being taken to the Royal Adelaide Hospital. A hospital statement said he remained unconscious and under sedation and ventilation, the normal treatment for head injuries.
Damon Hill's thoughts were with Mika Hakkinen after taking provisional pole in a qualifying session interrupted by the Finn's accident. The session was halted for 42 minutes after the crash while Hakkinen received treatment and Hill said: "Naturally, we are all concerned for Mika. It is always distressing when you have to sit and watch someone being attended to on the track." Hakkinen suffered head injuries and is in intensive care, but doctors say x-rays and scans revealed no evidence of injuries to other parts of his body.
McLaren boss Ron Dennis believes debris on the street circuit may have caused the flat tyre which resulted in Mika Hakkienen's practice crash. He was reported as saying that after studying computer data and inspecting Hakkinen's car, it appeared a flat rear left-hand tyre had caused the crash. "We know Mika is in good hands and all our thoughts will be with him throughout the next critical few days," Dennis said. Damaged tryes were also found on Pedro Lamy's Minardi and Johnny Herbert's Benetton following the session.
Friday's qualifying times: mins secs 1 D Hill GB Williams 1:15.505 2 D Coulthard GB Williams 1:15.628 3 G Berger Aut Ferrari 1:15.932 4 M Schumacher Ger Benetton 1:16.039 5 R Barichello Brz Jordan 1:16.725 6 H Frentzen Ger Sauber 1:16.837 7 E Irvine GB Jordan 1:17.197 8 J Herbert GB Benetton 1:17.289 9 M Blundell GB McLaren 1:17.348 10 M Brundle GB Ligier 1:17.788 11 O Panis Fr Ligier 1:18.033 12 M Salo Fin Tyrrell 1:18.604 13 G Morbidelli It Footwork 1:18.814 14 U Katayama Jpn Tyrrell 1:18.828 15 P Lamy Por Minardi 1:18.875 16 L Badoer It Minardi 1:19.285 17 K Wendlinger Aus Sauber 1:19.561 18 T Inoue Jpn Footwork 1:19.764 19 R Moreno Brz Forti 1:21.419 20 A Montermini It Pacific 1:21.659 21 P Diniz Brz Forti 1:22.154 22 B Gachot Fr Pacific 1:22.881 23 M Hakkinen Fin McLaren 1:37.998 24 J Alesi Fra Ferrari 32:21.400 11.11.95 - F1: THE AUSTRALIAN GPMcLaren driver Mika Hakkinen continues to make improvements in the Royal Adelaide Hospital after his crash during Friday's qualifying session. A hospital statement on Saturday said: "Mr Hakkinen is now conscious, sitting up and talking." Hakkinen remains under sedation and ventilation, the normal management for head injuries, and will remain in intensive care for the next 48 hours. McLaren managing director Ron Dennis said: "The best news of the day for all of us is Mika's ever-improving condition."
Briton Damon Hill clinched the pole position for Sunday's Grand Prix, without improving his time from Friday. The Williams driver clocked a best time of 1:15.505 to force teammate David Coulthard into second and Michael Schumacher, the only man in the top five to post a better time, into third. Hill's pole is his first since the Hungarian Grand Prix in August and the 11th of his career. In Sunday's 81-lap race he will aim to mark up his first win since Budapest and end Schumacher's hopes of a record 10th win in a single season.
Damon Hill admitted to having a scare towards the end of final qualifying before holding on to clinch pole. Hill ran wide at Malthouse Bend, where Mika Hakkinen suffered his horrific crash on Friday, and crossed the same high kerb on the outside of the corner. "Ordinarily, that would be scary, but it was doubly scary because I knew it was the same wall that Mika had hit," said a relieved Hill afterwards. "I was fortunate the car was working, everything was OK and I could get back onto the track. I like this circuit and it seems to suit my style," he added.
Final qualifying times: mins secs 1 D Hill GB Williams 1:15.628 2 D Coulthard GB Williams 1:15.628 3 M Schumacher Ger Benetton 1:15.839 4 G Berger Aut Ferrari 1:15.932 5 J Alesi Fr Ferrari 1:16.305 6 H Frentzen Ger Sauber 1:16.647 7 R Barrichello Brz Jordan 1:16.725 8 J Herbert GB Benetton 1:16.950 9 E Irvine GB Jordan 1:17.116 10 M Blundell GB McLaren 1:17.348 11 M Brundle GB Ligier 1:17.624 12 O Panis Fr Ligier 1:18.033 13 G Morbidelli It Footwork 1:18.391 14 M Salo Fin Tyrrell 1:18.604 15 L Badoer It Minardi 1:18.810 16 U Katayama Jpn Tyrrell 1:18.828 17 P Lamy Por Minardi 1:18.875 18 K Wendlinger Aus Sauber 1:19.561 19 T Inoue Jpn Footwork 1:19.677 20 R Moreno Brz Forti 1:20.657 21 P Diniz Brz Forti 1:20.878 22 A Montermini It Pacific 1:21.659 23 B Gachot Fr Pacific 1:21.998 24 M Hakkinen Fin McLaren 1:37.998 12.11.95F1: THE AUSTRALIAN GP
Damon Hill ended the season with a consolation win as only eight cars finished an extraordinary race. Hill drove superbly and stayed in front after his Williams colleague David Coulthard was forced out of the race after driving into a wall in the pits. World champion Michael Schumacher also had to pull out, leaving Oliver Panis to come second and Gianni Morbidelli to finish in a career-best third. Johnny Herbert, who just needed to finish to claim third place in the drivers' championship, lost out when the back of his car caught fire.
Damon Hill was jubilant after claiming the 13th Grand Prix win of his career on a testing circuit at Adelaide. "I had wondered about the number 13 but everything went my way here and I had an easy time of it. I am absolutely delighted," he said. "It's wonderful for myself and the team who have had a lot of disappointments this year though it would have been nice to have had a Williams one-two. "We all want to celebrate, especially my engineer David Brown before he leaves to join another team."
Olivier Panis was understandably delighted with a rare podium finish after coming second in Australia. Panis managed to complete the race despite developing engine problems in the final few laps and he said: "I am very happy for the team and myself. This season has been very difficult." Gianni Morbidelli brought Arrows their first top three placing for seven years and was stunned afterwards. "It's difficult to find the words to say how I feel," he said. "I give this result to the whole team and it is incredible for me."
Michael Schumacher and David Coulthard finished their final races for their respective teams in disappointment. The world champion failed in his bid to beat Nigel Mansell's record of nine wins in a season when his Benetton mechanics were unable to repair damage caused in a collision with Jean Alesi. Coulthard's stint at Williams ended in bizarre fashion when he shunted his car into the wall of the pits as he came in for a routine stop when in the lead. However the Scot ended the season in third place in the drivers championship after Johnny Herbert failed to finish.
Mika Hakkinen made "further significant improvement" on Saturday night in the Royal Adelaide Hospital after his horrific crash in practice on Friday. The Finnish driver suffered serious head injuries in the incident and is likely to be released from the intensive care unit on Monday. However he is expected to remain in the hospital for more treatment for at least another fortnight. Hakkinen's injuries were the worst to occur during the 17 races this season.
Result after 81 laps: hr:min:sec 1 D Hill GB Williams 1:49.15 2 O Panis Fr Ligier @ 2 laps 3 G Morbidelli It Footwork @ 2 laps 4 M Blundell GB McLaren @ 2 laps 5 M Salo Fin Tyrrell @ 3 laps 6 P Lamy Por Minardi @ 3 laps 7 P Diniz Brz Forti @ 4 laps 8 B Gachot Fr Pacific @ 5 laps Full list of retirements: A Montermini It (lap 2) K Wendlinger Aut (lap 8) T Inoue Jpn (lap 15) D Coulthard GB (lap 19) R Barrichello Brz (lap 20) R Moreno Brz (lap 21) J Alesi Fr (lap 23) M Schumacher Ger (lap 25) M Brundle GB (lap 29) G Berger Aut (lap 34) H Frentzen Ger (lap 39) E Irvine GB (lap 62) J Herbert GB (lap 69) U Katayama Jpn (lap 70) CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS Final 1995 standings 1 M Schumacher Ger Benetton 102 pts 2 D Hill GB Williams 69 3 D Coulthard GB Williams 49 4 J Herbert GB Benetton 45 5 J Alesi Fr Ferrari 42 6 G Berger Aut Ferrari 31 7 M Hakkinen Fin McLaren 17 8 O Panis Fr Ligier 16 9 H Frentzen Ger Sauber 15 10 M Blundell GB McLaren 13 11 R Barrichello Brz Jordan 11 12 E Irvine GB Jordan 10 13 M Brundle GB Ligier 7 14 G Morbidelli It Footwork 5 == M Salo Fin Tyrrell 5 CONSTRUCTORS' CHAMPIONSHIP: Final 1995 standings 1 Benetton 137 points 2 Williams 112 3 Ferrari 73 4 McLaren 30 5 Ligier 24 6 Jordan 21 = Sauber 18 8 Footwork 5 9 Tyrrell 5 10 Minardi 1 13.11.95F1:- Mika Hakkinen has been moved out of intensive care at the Royal Adelaide Hospital following his crash during qualifying for the Australian GP. There were fears for the Finn's life after he suffered serious head injuries in a smash in his McLaren-Mercedes. He recovered consciousness on Saturday and a hospital spokesman said he was now being treated in a high dependency unit and was making "steady progress". The 27-year-old is expected to remain in hospital for at least another week.
RALLYING:- Swede Kenneth Eriksson has been signed by the 555 Subaru world rally team. The 1995 Asia-Pacific champion and his co-driver Staffan Parmander have sealed a contract with the team until the end of 1997 and will contest both the world and Asia-Pacific championships. Colin McRae and co-driver Derek Ringer, who battle it out against Carlos Sainz for the world title at the RAC Rally next week, have already been confirmed for the team until 1997.
14.11.95F1:- Four-time world champion Alain Prost may be considered as a replacement driver for injured Mika Hakkinen with McLaren-Mercedes. Prost has already signed a deal to undertake testing and development work for McLaren next season. Hakkinen may not recover in time for the opening races of the 1996 Formula One season after suffering head injuries in a crash during qualifying. The 27-year-old is expected to remain in hospital for at least another week.
RALLYING:- The Toyota team have decided not to appeal against the one-year ban imposed by the sport's governing body, the FIA. The team were punished after their cars were disqualified from the Catalunya Rally due to illegal modifications to the turbochargers. A team statement said that they felt the severity of the punishment was "unwarranted", but it was not in the sport's best interests for them to pursue the matter further. They will decide on their future plans at the end of the year.
15.11.95 - THE RAC RALLYScotland's Colin McRae heads for Chester a wanted man. He is wanted by thousands of fans who will be heading for the 28 special stages around Britain and willing him onwards in his bid to become Britain's first ever World Rally Champion. "Their support will help me win the Championship," declared the Subaru star whose teammate Carlos Sainz is his only challenger for this year's crown. McRae and Sainz go into the final round equal on points. "I do not care where I finish on the rally - as long as it is ahead of Carlos," said the Scot.
Colin McRae won last year's RAC Rally, the first British driver to do so since Roger Clark in 1976. It was a popular and well-deserved victory for McRae and co-driver Derek Ringer with the young Scot showing great maturity behind the wheel and extreme coolness under pressure. This year he faces perhaps an even bigger test with the ultimate prize of the world title within his grasp. "I usually enjoy this rally - there is a good variety of stages - but this year I am only looking forward to the end of it!" admitted the 27-year-old.
Super Scot Colin McRae insists he is "feeling fine" despite the overwhelming interest in his bid for the world title in this year's Network Q RAC Rally. "I am sure I will feel extra pressure when the time comes but it does not feel any different right now," said the 555 Subaru driver, as he completed testing for this year's event. "The car is fine, everything has been going to plan. We have not had a lot to do because we know the specification for this rally. "The car is well balanced and the Pirelli tyres work well," he explained.
Colin McRae has little interest in winning this year's RAC Rally, only in claiming the world title. His only rival is teammate Carlos Sainz with Toyota's disqualification ending the outside hopes of Juha Kankkunen and Didier Auriol. "I'm not worried about anyone else, just Carlos. My plan will be to start as fast as possible and see which of us is quickest," said McRae. "Even if he is ahead I will not go crazy to try to catch him straightaway but, if we are close on the final day, I will just go for it - all or nothing."
Team orders prevented Colin McRae from winning the penultimate round, handing victory in the Catalunya Rally to his teammate and fierce rival Carlos Sainz. McRae, extremely angry at the time, has put the controversial decision behind him and now insists: "We'll never know if I could have beaten him. It's good to go into the last round neck and neck. We have the same car, the same tyres, we both know the stages pretty well so it is almost all down to the drivers - and a little bit of luck. "It will be a great way to win the World Championship."
Colin McRae's victory in last year's Network Q RAC Rally left many convinced that here was a future world champion. He started the 1995 season with high hopes, only to crash out in Monaco and retire with engine failure in Sweden. He recovered with a win in New Zealand, two runner-up spots and a third place, to lie level with Carlos Sainz who has had three victories this season. Two-times world champion Sainz, winner of the RAC Rally in 1990 and '92, says there is extra pressure when the world title is in reach. "My experience of handling it will prove vital," he says.
World Championship rivals Colin McRae and Carlos Sainz are expecting to be closely matched as the rally heads back towards the finish on Wednesday. "I am sure we will be close," admits McRae. "I'll be giving 100% but not taking chances until the final day." Rumours of rocks appearing on stages in front of his rivals in last year's RAC did not impress eventual victor McRae. "That is absolutely ludicrous! No-one should try to influence the result," he said. "If I was handed the Championship it would be a hollow victory. I am looking for a good, clean fight."
The McRae family can expect to make a big impression, with Colin heading the field in his Subaru and younger brother Alister among the serious challengers. Alister has switched to a Ford Escort Cosworth after his victory in the 1995 British Rally Championship in a 2-litre front-wheel drive Nissan. Their father Jimmy, a former multiple British champion, will be among the favourites in the Historic RAC Rally. Roger Clark, RAC winner in 1972 and '76, is joined by 25-year-old son Matthew in a two-car team of Group N Subaru Imprezas.
Simmonite sisters Stephanie and Rachel tackle their second Network Q RAC Rally in a Honda Civic, determined to improve on their 51st place finish last year. Brothers Robert and Michael Plant squeezed into a Mini Cooper S last year and finished 97th overall. This year they are entered in separate cars. Yorkshireman David Thompson, a former national and historic event winner in Porsches, will be at the wheel of Ford Escort Cosworth number 50. Among his supporters will be son James, one of the stars of the British Touring Car Championship this season.
Classic cars will be in action at the weekend in the Millers Oils RAC International Historic Rally. Almost 100 drivers, many in cars in mint condition, will be in action over 18 stages in the Yorkshire forests on Saturday and over a number of spectator stages used in the main event on Sunday. Oldest entries are a 1957 Austin A35 and Triumph TR3, while also running are Porsches, Mini Coopers, Lotus Cortinas and Austin Healey 3000s. Swede Ake Andersson, current European champion who snatched victory from Jimmy McRae last year, competes again.
Visitors to Chester Racecourse will have a chance to meet some of the drivers with all the leading teams taking part in a new-style Rally Show from 12 noon on Saturday. First away from the start ramp in Chester on Sunday morning will be last year's winner Colin McRae carrying number 4 on his Subaru Impreza 555. Three other British drivers join McRae on the Top 20 roll of honour with Richard Burns ninth away in his Subaru, two places in front of Malcolm Wilson in a Ford Escort Cosworth and Welshman Gwyndaf Evans 18th in his F2 Escort.
Competitors face a route of 1445 miles over the four days, including 28 timed stages over a total of 317.45 miles. The finish on Wednesday afternoon is once again at Chester Racecourse where thousands of spectators are expected to watch the winning crews return. Sunday's stages are particularly set up with spectators in mind, with plenty of car parks, easy access and good viewing. They include the opening stage at Tatton Park, near Knutsford, two at Donington Park race circuit and others at Chatsworth, Clumber Park, Rother Valley and Temple Newsam Park in Leeds.
The Trabant makes a popular return this year, driven by driving instructor Michael Kahlfuss. Entry number 200, from former East Germany, has a glass fibre body and two-cylinder two-stroke 600cc engine developing 30hp. Biggest car this year is entry number 102, a Vauxhall Carlton 3.0 GSi which used to be a taxi and will retain many of its hackney carriage features. Frenchman Marc Braisson takes part in his first RAC Rally and, aged 57, is the most senior driver competing. Youngest entrant is Janie Eaton, now 18, who completed 21 stages in her debut last year.
Drivers standings (after 7 of 8 rounds) 1 C McRae GB Subaru 70 pts = C Sainz Sp Subaru 70 J Kankkunen Fin Toyota 62 * D Auriol Fr Toyota 51 * 3 K Eriksson Swe Mitsubishi 48 4 F Delecour Fr Ford 46 5 T Makinen Fin Mitsubishi 38 A Schwarz Ger Toyota 30 * 6 B Thiry Bel Ford 26 = A Aghini It Mitsubishi 26 8 P Liatti It Subaru 21 T Radstrom Swe Toyota 12 * *Toyota Castrol team drivers disqualified; table reflects revised positions. Manufacturers' standings: (after 7 of 8 rounds) 1 Mitsubishi 288 points 2 Subaru 286 Toyota 260 * 4 Ford 205 * disqualified Two-litre class: 1 Peugeot 257 2 Renault France 227 3 Skoda 174 4 Volkswagen 32 16.11.95 - F1New Ferrari star Michael Schumacher has pleaded for patience in his bid to put the Italian giants back on top of Formula One. Ferrari have paid big money to lure world champion Schumacher from Benetton and Eddie Irvine from Jordan in an attempt to bring back the glory days. But Schumacher, winner of the world title for the last two years, was careful to make no promises after his first appearance as a Ferrari driver. "I'm sure the potential is there for Ferrari to be world champions but it will take a while," he said.
19.11.95 RAC RALLY:-Mitsubishi duo Tommi Makinen and Kenneth Eriksson shone over the early stages to take control on the first day of the four-day Network Q RAC Rally. They overhauled Colin McRae and Carlos Sainz as the Subaru drivers overcame a number of early problems to keep alive their world title battle. McRae's troubles were relatively minor, a slight collision with a rock on SS1 and a poor choice of tyres on stages drier than anticipated but, at the end of day one, he was third ahead of Sainz. Sainz had trouble with the watersplash on SS2, losing valuable seconds.
Flying Finn Tommi Makinen stole the show over Sunday's seven spectator stages, setting fastest times on five of them as he took the lead on day one. His Mitsubishi teammate Swede Kenneth Eriksson won one and was second fastest on three others as he kept in touch, trailing by 11 seconds as the rally headed for the overnight halt in Leeds. It was the perfect start for the team who are two points clear of Subaru in the manufacturers' championship - but the battle is by no means won. Colin McRae and Carlos Sainz are just 12 and 26 seconds off the pace.
Scot Colin McRae was quite content with his third place as the RAC Rally headed for Leeds at the end of the first day. McRae, 12 seconds behind leader Tommi Makkinen but just a second behind Kenneth Eriksson, lost his chance to challenge for the lead due to a wrong tyre choice on the Donington stages. "Our tyres were too soft for the conditions, the car was sliding all over the place," he said. "It's not a big problem, there is a long way to go." McRae spun through 360 degrees at the finish of SS6. "I was trying hard," he told the scattered officials.
LEADERBOARD AFTER SPECIAL STAGE 7 Driver Car H M S 1 Makinen Fin Mitsubishi 30:18 2 Eriksson Swe Mitsubishi 30:29 3 C McRae GB Subaru 30:30 4 Sainz Sp Subaru 30:44 5 Thiry Bel Ford 31:05 6 Wilson GB Ford 31:11 7 A McRae GB Ford 31:19 8 De Mevius Bel Ford 31:42 9 Burns GB Subaru 32:13 10 Navarra It Toyota 32:43 11 Abrahamsson Swe Ford 32:55 12 Hill GB Mitsubishi 33:05 13 Milner GB Ford 33:08 14 Kamioka Jap Subaru 33:11Rising star Richard Burns suffered an early scare following a small mishap on the opening stage of the event. The 555 Subaru driver went wide and hit a straw bale on SS1 Tatton Park and was unlucky enough to hit a concealed log behind hit which damaged his steering. "It was obvious the steering was not right but the real problem came on the road section when the column started to pull out of the steering rack," he said. "We managed to fix it temporarily and we took it really steady through Chatsworth to make it to service... I thought it was the end of our rally."
Frenchman Francois Delecour was the first major casualty of the Network Q RAC Rally, retiring before the start of SS4 Donington on the opening day. The Ford works driver, in car no 7, limped out of SS3 Clumber with a broken propshaft. He had been forced to run the second half of the stage with only two-wheel-drive. "I am a very unhappy man - I think it may be over for me," he declared as he emerged from the stage. He arrived at SS4 with no drive in any gear after losing all his oil during the 80km road section, and retired.
Scarborough driver Johnny Milner gained a slight edge after a day long battle for Group N honours. Milner, in his showroom-standard Ford Escort Cosworth, held a three-second lead over Japan's Masao Kamioka. Third was Dominic Buckley in the Mitsubishi, just one second further adrift. Milner won the Group N title in last year's RAC Rally with Kamioka having led after the first day. Rui Madeira in another Mitsubishi is also well in contention, 10 seconds behind Milner, and another fiercely-fought battle is expected on Monday.
Popular Cumbrian driver Malcolm Wilson shrugged off a number of problems on the final stages to lie sixth overall at the end of the first of four days. Wilson, Ford Motorsport's chief test driver, suffered a big spin on SS6 Rother Valley and admitted: "It gave us a fright and I backed off after that." Wilson blamed himself for the incident but was unlucky earlier on SS4 when his engine cut out twice under heavy braking, costing him about 10 seconds. Teammate Bruno Thiry edged past him on SS6 and the Belgian, fifth overnight, said: "I'm ready for the rally proper."
Jimmy McRae set the perfect example to sons Colin and Alister as he held on to win the two-day Millers Oils RAC International Historic Rally on Sunday. McRae, in a 911 Porsche co-driven by Beatty Crawford, was 18 seconds clear of Monte Karlan and Ake Gustavvson in another 911. Eight out of the first 10 cars were 911 Porsches. Last year's winner Ake Andersson went out on the first corner of the first stage when the rally got underway on Saturday morning.
Colin McRae finished SS1 with damage to the front, off side wheel of his Subaru after colliding with a rock. British teammate Richard Burns was also in early trouble, colliding with logs and slightly damaging his steering. He was then delayed by a small fire at the end of the stage which was extinguished by marshals. Alister McRae collided with straw bales on SS1, causing panel damage to the front and rear of his Escort Cosworth. Ford Motorsport's chief test driver Malcolm Wilson has reported a bad smell of fuel in his car, no 9.
Swede Stig Blomqvist, making only his second competitive outing in the works Skoda Felicia Kit Car, said he was hoping for snow on the RAC. "I like it and so does the car, I'm told," he said Gwyndaf Evans, winner of the F2 title in last year's Network Q RAC Rally, said his tactics in this year's event would be "to go for it". "I'm looking forward to my own Welsh stages on Tuesday," he added. Frenchman Francois Delecour has made a more cautious start in his works Ford. "We're driving slowly because these stages are difficult. You can't win the rally today but you can lose it."
Vauxhall driver Roger Davies suffered a setback after hitting the watersplash hard on SS2. "We think we've got some damage but we don't yet know what." The "rallying taxi" driven by Martin Stockdale suffered a broken offside front shock absorber on SS2. "And œ13 more on the meter!" said Stockdale. Steve Bowers was finding it hot work in his Vauxhall Astra. "We can't turn the heater off," he complained after SS2. Belgian Bruno Thiry hit a large rock after a watersplash on SS2, damaging the front suspension on his Ford and puncturing a tyre but continued.
Dick Archer made a dramatic start to the event, rolling his Vauxhall Astra on the first hairpin of SS1, finishing at the bottom of a bank. He restarted but after more trouble on SS2 he was forced to retire. Simmonite sisters Stephanie and Rachael were left shouting at one another when the intercom failed on SS1, prompting some wry comments from marshals. Eventual leader Tommi Makkinen damaged the spoiler on his Mitsubishi on SS2 on a big jump but was still second fastest on the stage, just four seconds behind Colin McRae.
Janie Eaton, at 18 the youngest entrant this year, was slowed in SS3 Clumber by a broken wheel. Chris Blake, in a Lancia car no 96, was amazed at the number of spectators at the stages. "It's just a sea of faces in there," he commented. Alister McRae was relieved to finish SS7 without much damage after hitting a "very big jump" which was not on the pacenotes. "We landed quite hard on our nose but it seems okay now," he said. A disappointing exit for Ian Jones whose Vauxhall Nova failed to complete SS1 allegedly after running out of fuel.
Pete Littler struggled through to service after breaking the driveshaft on his Astra on the first of the two Donington stages. Innes Marlow's problem was of a more personal nature - he broke a tooth on the yump on SS5 Donington 2. Swede Stig Blomqvist suffered valve tappet trouble and picked up 40s in road penalties after his team made a temporary adjustment to get him through to Leeds where they will try to fix it. Portugal's Rui Madeira was pleased to get to the end of SS7. "It's been a long day," said the Group N challenger.
F3:- Ralf Schumacher, younger brother of Formula One world champion Michael, stormed to victory in the 30-lap Macao Formula Three Grand Prix. Schumacher won in a time of 35 minutes, 5.832 seconds. England's Jamie Davies was ninth in 35:36.457 while Warren Hughes finished 11th in 35:41.312.
JAPANESE F3000:- British Lola driver Andrew Scott came sixth in the final leg of the nine race all-Japan F-3000 championship over 35 laps of the Suzuka circuit in one hour, nine minutes, 50.110 seconds, 20 seconds behind winner Toshio Suzuki.
20.11.95RAC RALLY
Scot Colin McRae kept alive his world title hopes with an amazing recovery from two major setbacks on the second day of the Network Q RAC Rally. McRae reached the halfway point just 39 seconds adrift of his 555 Subaru teammate Carlos Sainz, the driver he must beat if he is to claim the crown. The 27-year-old from Lanark showed all his determination and skill as he battled back from a puncture on SS9 and the loss of a wheel seven miles from the end of SS12, both caused by rocks. Mitsubishi's Kenneth Eriksson was lying third, almost two minutes off the pace.
Subaru duo Carlos Sainz and Colin McRae finished the second day of four with little to choose between them after an incident-filled seven special stages. McRae had taken the lead with the best time on Monday's first stage but both he and second-placed Kenneth Eriksson suffered punctures on SS9 handing the lead to the Spaniard. McRae, in second place, closed the gap with fastest times on the next two stages and, after a mishap on SS12, set best times on the final two of the day. He returned to the overnight halt at Chester just 39 seconds off the pace.
Colin McRae battled back from his setback on SS9 only to face an even bigger test of his driving skills on SS12 Kershope, fifth stage of the day. McRae hit a rock seven miles from the end of the 22-mile stage and, although he emerged with no real loss of time, he drove the 45 miles to service hoping there was no real damage to his Subaru. He had completed the stage on three wheels but was still second fastest, three seconds behind Kenneth Eriksson. He and co-driver Derek Ringer replaced the damaged wheel before continuing to the service area at Penrith.
Twice world champion Carlos Sainz went into the lead as a puncture robbed Colin McRae of his hard-earned place at the head of the field. McRae had swept to the top of the leaderboard after a brilliant first stage of the day but 12 miles into SS9, the 36.61-mile longest stage of the event, he hit a small rock. His damaged tyre stayed inflated for a few more miles before McRae stopped to change the wheel, losing two minutes. Sainz, who struggled with overheating problems on the stage, emerged with a 1 min 14 sec lead over McRae.
Subaru star Colin McRae produced an incredible time on the opening stage to take the lead as he resumed his battle with Carlos Sainz for the world crown. McRae was 28 seconds quicker than second fastest Kenneth Eriksson, with the Mitsubishi driver remaining second overall as teammate Tommi Makinen, the overnight leader, ran into trouble. Eriksson was 27s adrift overall, with third-placed Sainz declaring: "We went as fast as we could. I just cannot believe Colin's time." McRae finished the day as he started to win five of the day's seven stages.
LEADERBOARD AFTER SPECIAL STAGE 14 Driver Car H M S 1 Sainz Sp Subaru 2:23:37 2 C McRae GB Subaru 2:24:16 3 Eriksson Swe Mitsubishi 2:25:36 4 Burns GB Subaru 2:26:44 5 Thiry Bel Ford 2:26:49 6 A McRae GB Ford 2:28:05 7 De Mevius Bel Ford 2:34:16 8 Navarra It Toyota 2:35:05 9 Madeira Por Mitsubishi 2:37:07 10 Evans GB Ford 2:37:24 11 Abrahamsson Swe Ford 2:37:52 12 Kytolehto Fin Nissan 2:38:24 13 Laukkanen Fin Volkswagen 2:39:54 14 Kamioka Jap Subaru 2:40:02Malcolm Wilson slid into a ditch on SS9 Pundershaw, ending his hopes of glory on the Network Q RAC Rally. He and co-driver Bryan Thomas attempted to get their RAS Ford Escort Cosworth back on the stage but without success. Wilson, Ford Motorsport's chief test driver, was third in the RAC Rally in 1993, and had been lying fifth just behind teammate Bruno Thiry. He was one of nine drivers to fall by the wayside during or just after the 36.61-mile stage, the longest in the World Championship and tough for the drivers with its fast, curving track.
The long Pundershaw stage caused problems for almost all the leading drivers in the Network Q RAC Rally. Colin McRae hit a rock and was forced to change a wheel, handing the lead to Carlos Sainz who was fastest on the 36-mile stage despite problems with overheating on his Subaru. Kenneth Eriksson slipped to third place after hitting the same rock as McRae, damaging the front offside of his works Mitsubishi and losing two minutes Malcolm Wilson slid out, Alister McRae rolled but continued while Bruno Thiry slipped to fifth due to brake trouble.
Overnight leader Tommi Makinen went out of the rally after problems on the opening stage, SS8 County Durham, in the forests near Hamsterley. Makinen headed a Mitsubishi 1-2 at the start of day two in the four-day event, but hit a rock, badly damaging his front suspension and driveshaft. He pushed on to the Hexham service halt but, in so doing, caused damage to his gearbox which forced him to retire. His exit was a serious blow to Mitsubishi who are in a close battle for the world manufacturers' title with Subaru.
Richard Burns showed why he is tipped as a future world champion as he moved steadily up the leaderboard on day two. Burns, overshadowed by his Subaru teammates Colin McRae and Carlos Sainz who are fighting for the world title, was lying fourth at the halfway stage despite a nasty spin on SS13. "We're going as fast as we can without taking risks," said the Reading driver. "What we must do is keep Bruno (Thiry) behind us... The last thing I want to do is try to catch those three ahead of me. Kenneth (Eriksson) tells me he is on the ragged edge and can't keep up!"
A rally spectator collapsed and died near the end of SS8, the first stage of the second day. It is believed he suffered a heart attack just before the cars were due to run. The start of the stage was delayed and the rally is running 11 minutes late. Portugal's Rui Madeira, one of the leading contenders in Group N for showroom-standard cars, emerged from SS8 County Durham with damage to the front of his Mitsubishi. Johnny Milner lost his Group N lead after driving through most of SS8 with a puncture on his Ford Escort Cosworth.
Double trouble for the service crew of car no 71 driven by Dave Humphries who had their bags stolen from their hotel room while at dinner on Sunday. Then came a message for crew member Paul Humphries to return home urgently - his wife had just given birth to a baby boy! A Victorian stage coach caused interest to passers-by and frustration to the service crew of Trevor Godwin (no 189) who were stuck behind it on their way to the Chatsworth service point. Italian Angelo Medeghini left SS8 amid clouds of smoke from a blown turbo.
Alister McRae survived a roll on the long Pundershaw stage, continuing despite some damage to his Ford Escort. Richard Burns was the only 555 Subaru driver to stay out of trouble on SS9, clocking the second fastest time behind teammate Carlos Sainz. "We had a steady but clear run which seems to have been the right thing to do given everyone else's problems," said the 24-year-old. Sainz struggled with overheating problems. "The temperature went up 20 miles into the stage and fluctuated. It made the engine lose power," he said.
Finn Sebastian Lindholm finished SS9 thanks to the help of spectators who pushed his Ford Escort back on to the stage when he went off half a mile from the end. He lost about 10 minutes. Robbie Head also had reason to be grateful to spectators. His Renault was left hanging over a drop when he went off nine miles from the finish but enthusiastic fans rocked the car back on to the road and the crew continued. Isolde Holderied and her co-driver Tina Thorner are going well in their Mitsubishi. "We have had a good day with no problems but we have seen many others in trouble," she commented.
Robbie Head, pushed back on to the road by spectators on SS9, was in trouble again two stages later. "It was on a very fast right-hander. The rear wheels slid into the ditch and caught a tree stump which smacked the back end and spun us around in mid-air. There is body damage," he explained. Japan's Hideaki Miyoshi, eighth in Group N in his first attempt at the RAC Rally, retired after SS10 when the turbo-charger on his Subaru failed. A nasty moment for Steve Bowers and Ian Bevan who finished SS11 with a fire behind the dashboard, soon extinguished.
Finn Jarmo Kytolehto lost the lead in the hard-fought two-litre category with a spin in Kershope which let Welshman Gwyndaf Evans through. Evans in his Escort Cosworth was exactly one minute ahead of the Nissan driver at the end of the second day despite having no brakes through much of the Grizedale stages. Kytolehto, co-driven by Arto Kapanen, said he disliked relying on pacenotes. "It's very difficult," he complained. Sebastian Lindholm, fourth in class overnight, retired after SS10 with a broken compression strut.
Mitsubishi's Rui Madeira has a clear lead in Group N for showroom-standard cars but Japan's Masao Kamioka continues his steady challenge in the Subaru and is lying second. Alister McRae finished the day in sixth place despite losing time on SS13 after driving the final 10 miles of the stage with a puncture on his Escort Cosworth. Seventh-placed Gregoire De Mevius struggled through the Grizedale stages, last two of the day, with an engine misfire on his Escort Cosworth.
F1:- Mika Hakkinen could be released from the Royal Adelaide Hospital this weekend after making steady improvement following his crash during qualifying for last week's Australian Grand Prix. The Finnish driver suffered severe concussion in the incident and was in intensive care until last Tuesday.
TOURING CARS:- Kelvin Burt has won the big saloon car battle at the Macau GP, after finishing second and then first in the two 12-lap races in his Toyota Exiv.
21.11.95 - RAC RALLYColin McRae battled back to the top of the Network Q RAC Rally leaderboard with a relentless attack on the day's seven stages in the Welsh forests. His intentions were never in doubt as he swept around the slippery tracks winning six stages on day three to overhaul Spaniard Carlos Sainz, the man he must beat to win the world crown. He heads for the overnight halt at Chester with a 17-second lead after a brilliant final effort on SS21 Sweet Lamb Hafren which he won by 22 seconds. Richard Burns completed a Subaru 1-2-3 with another confident drive.
Super Scot Colin McRae kept up the pressure on his world title rival Carlos Sainz to reclaim the lead on the final stage of the day. Sainz, clearly feeling the strain, emerged from SS18 Trawscoed saying: "I could not match Colin on that one - I simply cannot go any quicker." The same was true on the closing three stages despite McRae having problems with the centre diff on his Subaru. "It won't break or anything but it does upset the handling," he explained. McRae led first thing on Monday before problems on SS9 and SS12.
Colin McRae charged through the first two Welsh forest stages to close the gap on leader Carlos Sainz and then insisted he was taking it quite easy. McRae, who closed steadily on his rival for the world title, emerged from SS16 Hafren and said: "The stage was bad, slippery where they have been logging. "I did not push as hard as yesterday - in fact I'm easing off in the mud. The car is handling perfectly after yesterday's dramas." Sainz struggled with visibility trouble with his heater not working properly. "It's been a difficult morning" he said.
Colin McRae set fastest times on all but one of the day's seven stages after surviving some testing conditions. "I did not like the fog on stage 17 at all so I took it pretty easy," he said. "On stage 18 I had a puncture but the EMI worked perfectly and I hardly felt a thing. We had another puncture on stage 19 which I fixed myself before the start of stage 20." Carlos Sainz saw his lead evaporate but, after SS20, he insisted: "I intend to keep my pace as it is. I am going as fast as I feel comfortable. Maybe Colin will make a mistake."
LEADERBOARD AFTER SPECIAL STAGE 21 Driver Car H M S 1 C McRae GB Subaru 4:09:40 2 Sainz Sp Subaru 4:09:57 3 Burns GB Subaru 4:14:45 4 Thiry Bel Ford 4:15:46 5 A McRae GB Ford 4:18:39 6 Navarra It Toyota 4:34:38 7 Evans GB Ford 4:35:54 8 Madeira Por Mitsubishi 4:36:39 9 Kytolehto Fin Nissan 4:38:01 10 Kamioka Jap Subaru 4:41:47 11 Singh Mal Proton 4:41:58 12 Oreille Fr Renault 4:42:54 13 Laukkanen Fin Volkswagen 4:43:05 14 Kataoka Jap Mitsubishi 4:44:21Mitsubishi's Kenneth Eriksson crashed out of the RAC Rally to all but hand the manufacturers' crown to Subaru. He and teammate Tommi Makinen had shone on the opening day but struggled to keep up with charging Subaru duo Carlos Sainz and Colin McRae as the rally moved on to the forest stages. Makinen's exit while leading at the start of day two handed the advantage to the Subaru team and this has been strengthened further with Eriksson going out midway through day three. Sainz heads a Subaru 1-2-3, with McRae 11s behind and Richard Burns now third.
Sweden's Kenneth Eriksson made a disappointing exit after struggling to keep pace with the battling Subarus. The Mitsubishi works driver ran wide on a right-hand hairpin on SS18 Trawscoed and tipped into a deep gully from which there was no easy escape. Both crew were unhurt but their rally was over. Eriksson, runner-up in the RAC Rally in 1993 and twice a winner in World Championship events this season, had been a distant third when he went off. The new Asia Pacific Rally champion had not crashed out of an event in about three years.
Alister McRae struggled at times with tyre choice but finished day three an impressive fifth in his Ford Escort. McRae, the new British rally champion and younger brother of Colin, looks set to provide a double family celebration if he can maintain his position over the final seven stages on Wednesday. He lost a bit of time on SS17 Brechfa and explained: "We took the wrong tyres in there, they were too wide." He later added: "We do not have the same tyres as Bruno Thiry. Ours are good in the muddy stuff but slide badly when the surface is harder."
Two incidents involving spectators forced SS13, penultimate stage of day two, to be stopped after about 100 cars had gone through, with the final 50 or so completing it as a liaison section. One fan collapsed and died near the stage finish while another suffered a broken leg after apparently falling from a wall. Rally rescue services including the helicopter were called in to help. Heavy rain greeted competitors on SS15 and conditions were expected to be extremely muddy and slippery on the day's seven stages in the Welsh forests.
Cold, wet conditions failed to deter thousands of spectators from turning up at the opening stages to support the heroic efforts of Colin McRae. McRae's co-driver Derek Ringer was astonished at the numbers. "They must be mad," he declared. The tough second day took its toll with only 131 of the original 176 entries still running at the start of day three. Among the most relieved survivors was Colin Barber in car no 140 who appeared to have ended his rally on SS13 when he rolled 30 metres down a bank, only to be rescued by an army of spectators.
Gavin Cox arrived at the end of SS15 unaware that he had been driving with a puncture. Welshman Gwyndaf Evans, overnight leader of the two-litre class in his Ford Escort Cosworth, decided to take things a bit easy over his home stages after a nasty moment early on. "Hafren was a bit slippery where the logging is. We are not pushing too hard - we had a half spin which we took as a warning," said Evans. Jarmo Kytolehto, second to Evans in the class, has recovered from straining his arm on Monday holding the car in gear.
Finn Tapio Laukkanen was delayed at the start of SS16 when a fire extinguisher went off in his Volkswagen. The crew lost about a minute in the stage. Gregoire De Mevius completed SS16 still in seventh place but frustrated by a problem with fuel pressure which was causing his Ford engine to cut out. He eventually retired on the next stage. Japan's Masao Kamioka in the Impreza IPF Fujitsubo Subaru was revelling in the difficult conditions on the early stages as he continued to chase Group N leader Rui Madeira of Portugal. "He prefers the stages wet and difficult," commented a team spokesman.
Geoff Smith suffered serious visibility problems in the watersplash at SS16 Hafren. "We had a white-out when we went through it and lost time while the windscreen fogging cleared," he said. Swede Stig Blomqvist is now a lot happier with his Skoda Felicia Kit Car with the service crew having sorted out engine problems which had dogged him since Monday afternoon. David Taylor (car no 133) stopped in a deep ford in his Sierra Cosworth. He eventually continued but was struggling with electrical problems.
Richard Bevan struggled on despite steering problems on his Vauxhall Astra. "I have to turn the steering wheel through 180 degrees before I get any steering effect - it's what you might call slack," he explained. Janie Eaton, at 18 the youngest driver in the event, said her Escort Cosworth was "veering all over the road". The car suffered a broken driveshaft on Monday and still has a bent rear beam. David Butler emerged from SS16 with only two gears left on his Opel Kadett and his engine sounding awful.
Dutchman Nils Petter Gill rolled his Subaru on SS17 Brechfa but with little damage. "I went into a corner too quickly," he admitted. Group N leader RuiMadeira lost more than three minutes on SS18, struggling in thick fog. "It was foggy and slippy and we did not know where we were going because it is our first time in Wales." His problems continued on SS19 where he lost pressure in his brakes. Swede Tomas Abrahamsson went off on SS18 in his Escort Cosworth but the car was recovered by spectators with minimal damage.
Ireland's Richie Holfeld rolled early in SS20 Cefn but recovered with the loss of over five minutes. Bob Green (no 60) struggled through the stage in his Sierra with engine trouble while Jon Joannides (no 64) had turbo failure on his Escort Cosworth. Malloch Nicoll (no 80) was suffering from electrical problems so his crew were borrowing batteries to keep him going. David Wood (no 78) just needed water and plenty of spectators obliged. Gear trouble struck Christopher Bown at the start of SS20. His gearlever broke and he was left in third gear.
Richard Burns, third behind his Subaru teammates, survived a spin on a slow corner on SS20. Welshman Gwyndaf Evans heads the battle of the two-litre cars in his Ford Escort Cosworth, helped on his way through Wales by hundreds of eager school-children waving flags. Fourth-placed Bruno Thiry was not happy with his final stage at Sweet Lamb Hafren. "I think the tyres were wrong," he said. "It's been very slippery and I am not happy with my own time." He said he was confident of gaining third as he did on his RAC debut in '94.
22.11.95NETWORK Q RAC RALLY:-
Colin McRae has clinched the world rally crown with a superb victory on the Network Q RAC Rally. He and co-driver Derek Ringer extended their lead over Subaru teammate Carlos Sainz, winning six of the final seven stages to win by 36 seconds. They then had only to complete the two-hour journey from the final stage at Clocaenog back to Chester. Sainz, twice world champion, finished second while Richard Burns completed a Subaru 1-2-3. Alister McRae ensured a double family celebration by claiming fourth place in his Ford Escort.
Colin McRae returned to Chester to a hero's welcome after capturing the world crown with victory on the RAC Rally, final round of the world series. Thousands of fans flocked to the finish at the Racecourse and, with officials forced to open the gates early due to the size of the crowd, the Grandstand was full with hours to go. McRae gave a fearless performance after starting the final day with a narrow lead, taking his total of wins to 19 over the 28 stages. Richard Burns made it a clean sweep for Subaru, finishing behind Carlos Sainz.
Colin McRae became Britain's first ever world rally champion, winning the RAC Rally with a courageous performance worthy of the ultimate prize. He overcame a huge setback on day two to regain the lead by the end of day three and his determination never failed him as he set fastest time after fastest time on his way to victory. The relentless display broke the spirit of his Subaru teammate Carlos Sainz, the only other driver challenging for this year's world title. Sainz was forced to settle for the runner-up spot, 36 seconds behind.
An earth-shattering roar from a huge crowd greeted Colin McRae and Derek Ringer as the new world champions drove on to the victory ramp in Chester. It was an emotional return for the Scot and his co-driver to the place from where they had launched their world title bid four days earlier. "I'm not sure yet how I feel, except wet," said McRae after being soaked in champagne by Ringer as the celebrations got underway. "I'd like to thank the crowd for their support along the way." Ringer said they could have gone no quicker "unless I had been driving!"
Colin McRae was still in a daze as he faced the international Press as the 1995 world rally champion. "When Derek (Ringer) and I started together, this was our goal," he said, adding that he had rarely doubted they could win the rally and the world crown. "We had a small problem at Kielder and dropped two minutes and it was looking doubtful but then I found I could put up better times than Carlos. I was motivated enough even with the puncture - but two minutes in a World Championship event is a lifetime," admitted the Scot.
Spaniard Carlos Sainz put on a brave face after finishing runner-up to Colin McRae in the World Rally Championship. "My big off with my bicycle was the biggest problem I had," said Sainz who injured his shoulder in a mountain bike accident and missed a round. "I am happy for Colin. I know what he is feeling and he deserves it. I tried hard from the beginning and I never stopped pushing throughout the four days, not once," he said. Co-driver Luis Moya added: "The only problem we had on the whole rally was Colin McRae!"
Richard Burns completed a Subaru 1-2-3, for the second successive world round, and admitted luck had been on his side. "I thought our rally was finished when we were stopped between stages one and two. Everything from then on was a bonus," said the Reading driver. Burns damaged his steering in a slight collision with logs on SS1 Tatton Park and was looking at a third consecutive retirement in the RAC Rally. "I have gone out at Pundershaw in the last two but this year the stage was my saviour because I went from eighth place to fourth," he commented.
Driver Car H M S 1 C McRae GB Subaru 5:09:19 2 Sainz Sp Subaru 5:09:55 3 Burns GB Subaru 5:15:58 4 A McRae GB Ford 5:20:34 5 Thiry Bel Ford 5:21:11 6 Evans GB Ford 5:42:07 7 Madeira Por Mitsubishi 5:44:04 8 Kytolehto Fin Nissan 5:45:19 9 Kamioka Jap Subaru 5:50:21 10 Oreille Fr Renault 5:50:40 11 Kataoka Jap Mitsubishi 5:51:10 12 Laukkanen Fin Volkswagen 5:52:28 13 Curran GB Ford 5:57:11 14 Holderied Ger Mitsubishi 5:57:26Belgian Bruno Thiry almost ended his rally after hitting a rock and damaging his works Ford on SS24 Gartheiniog. Thiry emerged from the nine-mile stage with damage to the sump and exhaust and then incurred time penalties when he was forced to stop on a road section for a temporary repair to the fuel pump. The problems cost him a place as he slipped to fifth behind Alister McRae. McRae, in his Malcolm Wilson-prepared Ford Escort Cosworth, suffered two punctures on SS23 Dyfi and, after changing both rear wheels, tackled the next stage without a spare.
Portugal's Rui Madeira gained some consolation for the Mitsubishi team when he won the Group N class in the Network Q RAC Rally. Madeira, who had already made certain of the FIA World Cup for drivers of production cars in the previous round, was a clear winner in his debut in the British round of the World Championship. Japan's Masao Kamioka with British co-driver Kevin Gormley was second in the Team Impreza IPF Fujitsubo Subaru. Mitsubishi's hopes of the manufacturers crown disappeared with the retirement of Tommi Makinen and Kenneth Eriksson.
Gwyndaf Evans won the two-litre trophy in the Network Q RAC Rally for the second year running and finished a career best sixth overall. Evans, in a Ford Motorsport Escort Cosworth, finished more than three minutes clear of second-placed Finn Jarmo Kytolehto in a Nissan. "My worst moments were in the fog on Tuesday night," admitted the Welshman who enjoyed two days of huge support over his home stages. "Visibility was no more than 30 yards and we drove on pacenotes but still averaged 60mph. It was dreadful."
A total of 106 drivers out of the 176 entries left Chester this morning on the final day of the RAC Rally. Heavy overnight rain left the early stages very wet but conditions are expected to improve through the day. Among the survivors was Innes Marlow who emerged from SS21 Hafren, Tuesday's final stage, with no gears and a broken front strut on his Sierra Cosworth (no 135). "I don't think the car wants to continue," he commented. Also still running is car no 200, the Trabant, driven by Michael Kahlfuss.
Richard Illiffe, who runs ahead of the rally on each stage, suffered an embarrassing moment when he rolled his car on SS22 Pantperthog. Robbie Head has been hampered by brake trouble on his Renault as he continues his challenge in the 2-litre category. Finn Tapio Laukkanen left SS23 Dyfi with damage to the front nearside wing of his VW Golf (car no 22). Charles Payne has restyled his Escort (no 86), arriving at the end of SS23 with the front and rear bumpers missing.
David Humphreys (no 71) found SS23 a bit tough after losing third gear on his Ford Escort Cosworth. Penny Mallory and Sue Mee made a disappointing exit from the rally when the transmission went on their Sierra on SS24. They had been in 46th place. Swiss couple Philippe and Joelle Girardin (no 122) are running with a 'Just Married' sign on their Honda Civic to the bemusement of spectators! Brake problems have resulted in some fast times for Richard Stoodley (no 66) "We can't stop so for once we're going quickly," explained the driver.
RAC Rally officials were forced to open the gates to the finish at Chester Race course earlier than planned due to the large crowd gathering all hoping to see Colin McRae crowned world champion. Italian Andrea Navarra went cautiously through the testing SS25 Penmachno South and explained: "I very steady in there, there are some very big drops - and some very nice views!" Bob 'Fritz' Green, who made the news when his car was stolen just before the start of a previous RAC Rally, led the Kirkby Lonsdale Motor Club to the club team award in this year's event.
Richard Stoodley (car no 66) needed help from marshals when they arrived at the end of SS26 Penmachno North with extensive body damage and two wheels missing from their Peugeot. The jack snapped as they tried to change the wheels and, asked what they had hit, the driver said: "Everything." Robbie Head said there was little doubt about Colin McRae returning to Chester as world champion. "If he went off, the spectators would carry them all the way back to Chester," he said. Peter Goodwin (no 163) retired in SS22 with a broken driveshaft on his Skoda.
Many drivers and their cars were feeling the strain as they prepared to tackle the final few stages of the tough four-day event. Kevin Owen had no sumpguard on his Peugeot; Germany's Uwe Nittel had damaged the rear suspension of his Toyota while Bob Green was complaining of loss of engine power at low revs on his Ford Sierra Cosworth 4x4. Paul Griffiths' 4x4 was suffering from a bad misfire as was Ian Joel's Escort. Stephen Green's Vauxhall Corsa was low on oil while Terry Wilson's Astra was losing gearbox oil. Christopher Bown had lost fifth gear on his Astra.
Sisters Stephanie and Rachael Simmonite nursed their Honda Civic home in 39th place overall, finishing second in class, despite a broken engine bracket. Roger Simpson also had a few late worries with his Peugeot. "The car is falling apart," he admitted before coming home 53rd and second in class. PR boss Tony Jardine, co-driven by Sun journalist Steve McKenlay, won the Fleet Street Award for the highest-placed media crew. They finished 40th overall in their Ford Escort Cosworth. Newcomers award went to Brian Lyall and John Bennie, 19th overall in an Escort.
Colin McRae has become Britain's first ever world champion, capturing the title in style with a hard-earned victory in the Network Q RAC Rally. It was McRae's second victory in this year's FIA World Rally Championship and his second in succession on the British round which started and finished in the historic city of Chester. His only rival for the title, Subaru teammate Carlos Sainz, had no reply to the Scot who won all Wednesday's stages. "That's as fast as I can go. I have nothing left," the Spaniard had said after SS24, with four stages remaining.
Colin McRae became the first Briton to win a World Rally Championship event when he captured the New Zealand Rally title in 1993, driving for Subaru. He wrote himself into the record books once again when he won last year's RAC Rally, the first British winner of the event since Roger Clark in 1976. His latest entry, as world champion, is the one he most wanted but it is by no means the end of the McRae story. "I have no thoughts of retirement. My future plans are to win the world title again and again," said the 27-year-old from Lanark.
Scot Colin McRae reached the halfway point in the season with little hope of winning this year's world title. He had crashed out of the first round of the World Championship in Monte Carlo and then retired in Sweden. Third in Portugal and fifth in Corsica was hardly enough to boost his confidence. McRae then won the New Zealand Rally, a second successive victory in the event, and was runner-up in Australia. Team orders left him a frustrated second in Catalunya but it was enough to put him in joint lead with Carlos Sainz going into the final round.
New world champion Colin McRae had won the RAC Rally in his usual fearless and determined style, entertaining the thousands who turned up to support him. His progress over the four days had been guaranteed to produce maximum interest and maximum stress for his family and the 555 Subaru team who were monitoring his every move. McRae was third at the end of day one behind Mitsubishi duo Tommi Makinen and Kenneth Eriksson and second behind Carlos Sainz after setbacks on day two. The cool-headed Scot led by the end of day three and never looked back.
Colin McRae was born into motor sport and has always enjoyed total support from his family for his rallying career. His father Jimmy won a record five British Rally Championship titles and Colin won it twice. Younger brother Alister, fourth in this year's RAC Rally, is this year's British champion. His co-driver for the past nine years has been the quiet and unassuming Derek Ringer who is the first to admit that his role is noticed when something goes wrong but rarely when things go right. But he too has always been certain that one day the world title would be theirs.
OVERALL POSITIONS AFTER SPECIAL STAGE 28 1 C McRae/Ringer Subaru Car 4 Grp A: 1 Class 8: 1 5:09:19 2 Sainz/Moya Subaru Car 5 Grp A: 2 Class 8: 2 5:09:55 3 Burns/Reid Subaru Car 6 Grp A: 3 Class 8: 3 5:15:58 4 A McRae/Wood Ford Car 44 Grp A: 4 Class 8: 4 5:20:34 5 Thiry/Prevot Ford Car 8 Grp A: 5 Class 8: 5 5:21:11 6 Evans/Davies Ford Car 18 Grp A: 6 Class 7: 1 5:42:07 7 Madeira/Silva MitsubishiCar 12 Grp N: 1 Class 4: 1 5:44:04 8 Kytolehto/Kapanen Nissan Car 17 Grp A: 7 Class 7: 2 5:45:19 9 Kamioka/Gormley Subaru Car 36 Grp N: 2 Class 4: 2 5:50:21 10 Oreille/Boyere Renault Car 19 Grp A: 8 Class 7: 3 5:50:40 11 Kataoka/Hayashi MitsubishiCar 84 Grp N: 3 Class 4: 3 5:51:10 12 Laukkanen/Mannisenma VolkswagenCar 22 Grp A: 9 Class 7: 4 5:52:28 13 Curran/Warner Ford Car 61 Grp A:10 Class 8: 6 5:57:11 14 Holderied/Thorner MitsubishiCar 26 Grp N: 4 Class 4: 4 5:57:26 15 Head/Harryman Renault Car 25 Grp A:11 Class 7: 5 5:59:23 16 Nittel/Schneppenheim Toyota Car 51 Grp N: 5 Class 4: 5 6:01:58 17 Singh/Teoh Proton Car 42 Grp N: 6 Class 4: 6 6:02:48 18 Easson/Kitson Ford Car 54 Grp N: 7 Class 4: 7 6:04:28 19 Lyall/Bennie Ford Car 38 Grp A:12 Class 8: 7 6:05:01 20 Payne/Edwards Ford Car 86 Grp A:13 Class 8: 8 6:07:37 21 Blomqvist/Melander Skoda Car 20 Grp A:14 Class 6: 1 6:08:03 22 Cox/Griffiths Vauxhall Car 83 Grp N: 8 Class 4: 8 6:08:50 23 Humphreys/Morris Ford Car 71 Grp N: 9 Class 4: 9 6:09:29 24 Green/Capstick Ford Car 60 Grp N:10 Class 4:10 6:11:57 25 Buckley/Ewing MitsubishiCar 32 Grp N:11 Class 4:11 6:12:12 26 Jones/Morgan MitsubishiCar 52 Grp A:15 Class 8: 9 6:14:54 27 Higgins/Lloyd Jones Honda Car 62 Grp N:12 Class 2: 1 6:16:57 28 Gauld/Campbell Ford Car 73 Grp N:13 Class 4:12 6:20:54 29 Clark/Dyson Subaru Car 82 Grp N:14 Class 4:13 6:21:50 30 Joel/Wood Ford Car 89 Grp N:15 Class 4:14 6:23:15 31 Ceen/Bull Ford Car 97 Grp N:16 Class 4:15 6:24:44 32 Gill/Staff Subaru Car 57 Grp A:16 Class 8:10 6:25:48 33 Cathers/Noble Subaru Car 63 Grp N:17 Class 4:16 6:29:19 34 Willoughby/Broomfiel Ford Car 101 Grp A:17 Class 8:11 6:29:25 35 Aulenbacher/Kolbach Subaru Car 43 Grp N:18 Class 4:17 6:29:28 36 Clark/Harvey Subaru Car 72 Grp N:19 Class 4:18 6:30:29 37 Griffiths/Jones Ford Car 87 Grp A:18 Class 8:12 6:34:09 38 Joannides/Dashfield Ford Car 64 Grp N:20 Class 4:19 6:36:21 39 Simmonite/Simmonite Honda Car 123 Grp N:21 Class 2: 2 6:36:55 40 Jardine/McKenlay Ford Car 93 Grp N:22 Class 4:20 6:40:09 41 Stohl/Bertl Audi Car 31 Grp A:19 Class 8:13 6:40:57 42 Williams/Sheppard Vauxhall Car 124 Grp N:23 Class 3: 1 6:43:22 42 Presswell/Cottam Vauxhall Car 141 Grp A:20 Class 7: 6 6:43:22 44 Marlow/Marlow Ford Car 135 Grp A:21 Class 8:14 6:48:56 45 Freeman/Roughead Peugeot Car 110 Grp A:22 Class 7: 7 6:49:04 46 Tilly/Moore Peugeot Car 130 Grp A:23 Class 7: 8 6:50:51 47 Wilson/Harrison Vauxhall Car 106 Grp A:24 Class 7: 9 6:51:12 48 Green/Thomas Vauxhall Car 67 Grp A:25 Class 6: 2 6:51:18 49 Wadman/Garrett Peugeot Car 149 Grp A:26 Class 7:10 6:51:25 50 Kitching/Tatham Vauxhall Car 142 Grp A:27 Class 6: 3 6:54:27 51 Whitehurst/Atherton Toyota Car 120 Grp A:28 Class 6: 4 6:55:14 52 Barbara/Desseaux Ford Car 115 Grp N:24 Class 4:21 6:56:17 53 Simpson/Booth Peugeot Car 139 Grp N:25 Class 3: 2 6:56:19 54 Bown/Bown Vauxhall Car 121 Grp A:29 Class 7:11 6:58:10 55 Russel/Burkill Ford Car 117 Grp N:26 Class 4:22 6:59:27 56 Owen/Chinn Peugeot Car 172 Grp A:30 Class 7:12 7:01:22 57 Skar/Floene Vauxhall Car 104 Grp A:31 Class 7:13 7:01:41 58 Ferris/Gardner Peugeot Car 174 Grp N:27 Class 1: 1 7:02:10 59 Girardin/Girardin Vauxhall Car 122 Grp A:32 Class 6: 5 7:03:51 60 Sisson/Savage Ford Car 95 Grp N:28 Class 4:23 7:04:10 61 Davies/Gardner Peugeot Car 179 Grp N:29 Class 3: 3 7:05:13 62 Stoodley/Collins Peugeot Car 66 Grp A:33 Class 7:14 7:05:32 63 Menestrier/Hennebaul Peugeot Car 146 Grp A:34 Class 6: 6 7:05:34 64 Yamada/Washio MitsubishiCar 85 Grp N:30 Class 4:24 7:05:46 65 Exton/Emiliani Honda Car 150 Grp N:31 Class 2: 3 7:07:54 66 Evans/Spiers Vauxhall Car 159 Grp N:32 Class 2: 4 7:09:56 67 Jonquieres/Phelippea Peugeot Car 156 Grp N:33 Class 2: 5 7:10:36 68 Worts/Wynn Opel Car 186 Grp A:35 Class 5: 1 7:12:19 69 Vacheron/Nobs Mazda Car 127 Grp N:34 Class 4:25 7:13:30 70 Brodel/Bennetts Peugeot Car 176 Grp A:36 Class 7:15 7:17:02 71 Stockdale/Sendall Vauxhall Car 102 Grp A:37 Class 8:15 7:18:38 72 Duterte/Vielle Peugeot Car 161 Grp N:35 Class 1: 2 7:22:37 73 Johnson/Flynn Rover Car 184 Grp N:36 Class 1: 3 7:26:40 74 Raybould/Coles MG Car 198 Grp A:38 Class 7:16 7:27:00 75 Godwin/Wyer Rover Car 189 Grp A:39 Class 5: 2 7:27:46 76 Butler/Howe Vauxhall Car 192 Grp N:37 Class 2: 6 7:31:07 77 Shields/Allen Ford Car 155 Grp A:40 Class 8:16 7:32:24 78 Gobert/Sorensen Suzuki Car 197 Grp N:38 Class 1: 4 7:32:36 79 Pilkington/Entwistle Peugeot Car 151 Grp A:41 Class 7:17 7:33:12 80 Littler/Coffield Vauxhall Car 107 Grp A:42 Class 7:18 7:33:51 81 Gravestock/Graham Vauxhall Car 175 Grp A:43 Class 5: 3 7:34:40 82 McNeile/Johns Peugeot Car 180 Grp N:39 Class 1: 5 7:36:09 83 Catteau/Goudaliez Ford Car 81 Grp N:40 Class 4:26 7:37:08 84 Winstanley/Winstanle Nissan Car 191 Grp A:44 Class 7:19 7:40:12 85 Green/Turnbull Skoda Car 166 Grp N:41 Class 1: 6 7:40:36 86 Barry/Gooch Suzuki Car 185 Grp N:42 Class 1: 7 7:45:34 87 Richardson/Hardie Ford Car 181 Grp N:43 Class 3: 4 7:48:42 88 Wakeman/Saunders Peugeot Car 182 Grp A:45 Class 6: 7 7:51:09 89 Eaton/Jordan Ford Car 178 Grp N:44 Class 4:27 7:59:27 90 Taylor/Booth Ford Car 133 Grp A:46 Class 8:17 7:59:39 91 Douglas/Bailey Volvo Car 136 Grp A:47 Class 8:18 8:00:07 92 Kahlfuss/Bauer Trabant Car 200 Grp A:48 Class 5: 4 8:02:41 93 Plant/Francks Rover Car 193 Grp N:45 Class 1: 8 8:21:41 94 Gretton/Chidwick Lada Car 195 Grp A:49 Class 5: 5 8:32:49 95 Boddy/Beilby Skoda Car 164 Grp N:46 Class 1: 9 8:56:35 LIST OF RETIREMENTS 194 Jones/Jenkins Vauxhall A/6 RS01 OTL 103 Leckie/Lewis Ford A/8 RS02 Gearbox 108 Archer/Thompson Vauxhall N/3 RS02 Retired accident SS2 49 Bennett-Evans/Farrel Ford A/8 SS03 Driveshaft 7 Delecour/Francois Ford A/8 RS03 Centre differential 68 Stromberg/Ohlsson Saab A/7 RS03 Off in stage 118 Cooper/Mallalieu Audi A/8 RS03 Head gasket 169 Braisson/Leroy Renault N/4 RS05 Off in stage 29 Gundersen/Spjuth Ford A/8 RS07 Exc. Art.16.5.1/2 96 Blake/Bates Lancia N/4 RS07 TDC sensor 154 Heath/Ashfield Ford N/4 RS07 Exc. breach Art.13.4 92 Reynolds/Spooner Honda N/2 SS08 Transmission 160 Hands/Dawson Opel A/5 SS08 Off in stage 177 Taunt/Ikin Ford N/4 SS08 Fuel pump 157 Fois/Wiseman Ford N/3 RS08 Accident damage 37 Medeghini/Quarantani Toyota A/8 RS08 Turbo 147 Harper/Reger Rover A/5 RS08 Gearbox 11 Makinen/Harjanne Mitsubishi A/8 RS08 Transmission 76 Stephenson/Whittaker Ford A/8 RS08 Rear differential 9 Wilson/Thomas Ford A/8 SS09 Off in stage 45 Stohl/Kaufmann Audi A/8 SS09 Off in stage 50 Thompson/Davenport Ford A/8 SS09 Off in ditch 69 Dyas/Derry Ford A/7 SS09 Driveshaft 88 Boxoen/Milleville Ford N/4 SS09 Off in stage 116 Henry/Wise Ford N/4 SS09 Head gasket 168 Fowle/Watson Peugeot A/7 SS09 Off in stage 170 Wynne/Williams Suzuki N/1 SS09 Off in stage 114 Bristow/Mitchell Mazda N/4 RS09 OTL 165 Cawthra/Green Skoda N/1 RS09 OTL 77 Harjojudanto/Febrimo Ford A/8 RS09 Transmission 119 Healer/White Ford A/8 RS09 Engine 99 Knight/Fletcher Peugeot A/7 SS10 Off in stage 24 Lindholm/Riipinen Ford A/7 RS10 Suspension 28 Blenkhorn/McRea Peugeot A/7 RS10 Gearbox 41 Miyoshi/Kidd Subaru N/4 RS10 Turbo 134 Bennett/Langley Lancia A/8 SS12 Rear suspension 138 Nutt/Greenhill Vauxhall A/7 SS12 Stub axle 143 Bowers/Bevan Vauxhall N/3 SS12 Split fuel tank 148 Bird/Graham Rover A/5 SS12 Driveshaft 129 Clinton/Lewis Peugeot A/7 RS12 Head gasket 188 Phillips/Gosling Skoda N/1 RS12 Engine 39 Hill/Boyles Mitsubishi A/8 SS13 Driveshaft 125 Vickers/Pemberton Vauxhall A/7 SS13 Driveshaft 140 Barber/Barber Vauxhall N/3 RS13 OTL 40 Baird/Forrest Ford A/8 RS14 Hit log pile 109 Robson/Bowman Vauxhall A/6 RS14 Engine 90 Davies/Hobbs Vauxhall N/3 SS15 Driveshaft 74 Wetton/Rabbett Mitsubishi A/8 RS15 Cambelt 113 Stevens/Rodgers Skoda N/1 SS16 Fuel starvation 55 Petch/Croft Subaru N/4 RS16 Throttle 15 De Mevius/Fortin Ford A/8 SS17 Engine 162 Shaw/Prout Lada A/5 SS17 Off in stage 173 Conibear/Jones Audi A/8 SS17 Turbo 58 Jones/Cook Mitsubishi N/4 RS17 Bent rear crossmember 10 Eriksson/Parmander Mitsubishi A/8 SS18 Off in stage 27 Sibera/Gross Skoda A/6 SS18 Engine 34 Stacey/Van den Brand Mitsubishi N/4 SS18 Differential 70 Vassine/Chtchoukine Vauxhall A/7 SS18 Driveshaft 98 Dalgarno/Taylor Ford A/8 SS18 Gearbox 105 French/Orford Volkswagen A/7 SS18 Differential 190 Senior/Stubbs Vauxhall N/3 SS18 Off in stage 30 Abrahamsson/Berglund Ford A/8 SS19 Gearbox 167 Dioleff/Vetter Lada A/6 SS20 Fuel pump 48 Holfeld/Grindrod Ford N/4 SS21 Off in stage 56 Smith/Jones Ford N/4 SS21 Off in stage 112 Pritchard/Marshall Skoda A/5 SS21 Driveshaft 152 Bevan/Armstrong Vauxhall N/3 SS21 Off in stage 80 Nicoll/Lumgair Ford N/4 RS21 OTL 79 Smith/Carstairs Ford A/8 RS21 Cambelt 145 Dobberkau/Dorl Volkswagen N/3 RS21 Gearbox 163 Goodwin/Dowgill Skoda N/1 SS22 Driveshaft 153 Hopcraft/Pomfret Peugeot A/6 RS22 Head gasket 158 Gaillard/Epalle Renault N/3 RS22 Transmission 199 Plant/Austin Rover A/5 RS22 Holed sump 126 Allfrey/Pain Peugeot N/2 SS23 Driveshaft 128 Youde/Neale Vauxhall N/3 SS23 Off in stage 78 Wood/Wood Saab A/8 RS23 Head gasket 137 Mallory/Mee Ford A/8 SS24 Transmission 187 Butler/Phillips Opel N/3 RS25 Gearbox 23 Milner/Turvey Ford N/4 RS26 Clutch 33 Navarra/Casazza Toyota A/8 RS26 ElectricalF1:- Double Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher has said that he doubts he will win the championship again next year. He said: "I believe there is a lot of work in front of us...I personally don't think that we are going to be world champion next year. "I think we will hopefully win some races. We will develop and we will hopefully be ready to win in 1997. We're going through a tough year with the new engine which needs development and which will sometimes maybe not finish the race."
Williams new boy Jacques Villeneuve upstaged world champion Michael Schumacher by posting the fastest time during testing at the Estoril circuit. The Canadian clocked a quickest lap of one minute 22.80 seconds for the 2.7 mile circuit, bettering the fastest time the German recorded in his Ferrari by 0.44secs. "I think it went fairly well. The times got quicker and I think this is a great track," said Indycar star Villeneuve. Schumacher, who has joined Ferrari from Benetton, had problems adjusting to the cockpit of his new car.
24.11.95 - F1Michael Schumacher has launched another scathing attack on Damon Hill, claiming a more dynamic driver would have made better use of the Williams-Renault. Schumacher said one of a group of young drivers would have been a more formidable opponent in a Williams, regarded as the best car in the sport. "I'm sure if someone else would sit in it - like Heinz-Harald Frentzen, Mika Hakkinen or Mika Salo - then it would be different," said Schumacher. "I would have more challenges, no doubt." The German told BBC Grand Prix 95 magazine he bore Hill no ill feelings.
28.11.95 - NEWSMinardi have signed Argentine teenager Esteban Tuero for next season. The 17 year-old will race in the Italian Formula Three championship and will test Formula One cars.