01.07.96F1:- Ferrari bosses are facing renewed calls to quit after the dismal showing of their cars at the French Grand Prix. Michael Schumacher had problems from the outset for the second race running and his engine blew on the warm-up lap. Teammate Eddie Irvine started last on the grid after technical infringements and he then had to retire after five laps with gearbox failure. Team manager Jean Todt said it had been his "blackest day" and he added he would resign if Ferrari asked him to.
INDYCAR:- Gil de Ferran of Brazil held off a determined challenge from Alex Zanardi to win the Cleveland Grand Prix. The 28-year-old Brazilian took the lead when Zanardi had to stop for fuel with 11 laps left in the 90-lap event. De Ferran was trying to stretch his last 40 gallons of fuel over the final 35 laps. Zanardi cut a lead of nearly five seconds to a matter of feet three laps from the end but de Ferran held on. Briton Mark Blundell finished 11th.
Result of Sunday's Cleveland GP: Laps 1 G de Ferran Brz Reynard Honda 90 2 A Zanardi It Reynard Honda 90 3 G Moore Can Reynard Merc 90 4 A Unser jr US Penske Merc 90 5 B Herta US Penske Merc 90 6 A Fernandez Mex Lola Honda 90 7 C Fit'paldi Brz Lola Ford 90 8 S Pruett US Lola Ford 89 9 P Tracy Can Penske Merc 89 10 J Vasser US Reynard Honda 89 11 M Blundell GB Reynard Ford 88 02.07.96 - F1Frenchman Jean Christophe Boullion emphasised his potential when he topped the times for Williams in testing for the British Grand Prix on July 14. Boullion, the Williams team's official test and reserve driver, clocked an impressive best time of 1:26:90. McLaren's Mika Hakkinen was second-fastest in 1:27:16, ahead of world championship pacesetter Damon Hill. Hill recorded a best time of 1:27:48 - none of the other drivers managed to record a time under 1:28.
03.07.96 - ARGENTINE RALLYColin McRae will be hoping history does not repeat itself when he makes his second appearance in the event, which gets under way on Thursday. The Scot crashed out on his last visit to South America but needs victory this time to boost his hopes of a second successive world title. He lies 13 points behind championship leader Tommi Makinen, who is making his debut in Argentina. But they will both fear Carlos Sainz, who won the event five years ago.
MAIN ENTRIES
Ford: C Sainz, B Thiry
Mitsubishi: T Makinen, R Burns, U Nittel
Subaru: C McRae, K Eriksson, P Liatti
SCHEDULE
Thursday: Stages 1-13 (198km)
Friday: Stages 14-23 (196.3km)
Saturday: Stages 24-28 (130.8km)
04.07.96F1:- Michael Schumacher has defended his under-fire Ferrari outfit and hit out at suggestions that team chief Jean Todt should go. "Those who write this stuff in the newspapers, who kick up such a storm, know nothing about Formula One. Jean Todt is one of the best people at Ferrari. If you want to destroy Ferrari, then kick out Todt. It's not right I get all the praise when we have a good race and the team get the blame when we lose," said Schumacher.
ARGENTINE RALLY Leaders after 8 of 28 stages: mins secs 1 T Makinen Fin Mitsubishi 1:41.58 2 K Eriksson Swe Subaru 1:42.19 3 P Liatti It Subaru 1:42.48 4 C Sainz Sp Ford 1:43.18 5 R Burns GB Mitsubishi 1:44.22 6 G Pian'zola 1:44.48 7 R Madeira Por Toyota 1:46.51 8 B Thiry Bel Ford 1:46.30 9 A Medeghini 1:47.20 10 P Bern'dini Fr Ford 1:47.58 Colin McRae has rolled and is out of the rallyWorld champion Colin McRae crashed out as Finland's Tommi Makinen consolidated his lead in the title chase. McRae rolled his Subaru during the sixth of the 28 stages - minutes after mechanics had replaced a vital part of the chassis damaged when he hit a rock. Makinen, driving a Mitsubishi, hit the front during the fifth stage when early leader Carlos Sainz broke part of his Ford's transmission. Sainz lost 90 seconds completing two stages with drive to only three wheels.
05.07.96 - ARGENTINE RALLY Leaders after 23 of 28 stages: mins secs 1 T Makinen Fin Mitsubishi 4:26.01 2 K Eriksson Swe Subaru 4:26.57 3 C Sainz Sp Ford 4:27.38 4 R Burns GB Mitsubishi 4:32.10 5 B Thiry Bel Ford 4:33.24 6 G Pian'zola It Toyota 4:36.57 7 R Madeira Por Toyota 4:38.22 8 P Liatti It Subaru 4:40.02 9 P Bern'dini Fr Ford 4:41.06 10 U Nittel Ger Mitsubishi 4:44.39 06.07.96 - ARGENTINE RALLYTommi Makinen strengthened his grip on the world rally championship with an emphatic fifth round victory on a controversial last day. Makinen registered his first victory in South America and steered Mitsubishi to its third win of the season. The final day's racing was marred by controversy when most of the leading drivers took the wrong route early on. All but one of the leading drivers took a 400 metres detour when the correct route was blocked with brushwood.
Leaders after 26 of 28 stages:mins secs 1 T Makinen Fin Mitsubishi 5:21.28 2 C Sainz Sp Ford 5:23.24 3 K Eriksson Swe Subaru 5:28.11 4 R Burns GB Mitsubishi 5:29.20 5 B Thiry Bel Ford 5:30.04 6 G Pian'zola It Toyota 5:35.08 7 R Madeira Por Toyota 5:36.39 8 P Liatti It Subaru 5:36.49 9 P Bern'dini Fr Ford 5:40.24 10 U Nittel Ger Mitsubishi 5:45.08 07.07.96ITC:- Britain's Dario Franchitti finished second behind Bernd Schneider of Germany in rounds 11 and 12 of the International Touring Cars at Diepholz.
ARGENTINE RALLY:- Subaru have decided not to protest after the last-day controversy in the Argentine rally. The provisional results have now been confirmed, so Spanish Ford driver Carlos Sainz keeps second, while Ken Eriksson, in a Subaru, remains third. Finn Tommi Makinen's victory was not in doubt, despite the bizarre detour most drivers took due to a wrong turning. "It's in the interests of the sport," said Subaru team manager John Kennard.
Driver's standings: 1 T Makinen Fin Mitsubishi 75 pts 2 C Sainz Sp Ford 62 3 K Eriksson Swe Subaru 43 4 C McRae GB Subaru 42 5 P Liatti It Subaru 37 6 J Kankkunen Fin Toyota 22 Manufacturers' standings: 1 Subaru 216 pts 2 Mitsubishi 194 3 Ford 175JIM CLARK MEMORIAL RALLY:- Andy Horne and Jim Howie scored their third outright victory of the season when they won Saturday's Jim Clark Memorial Rally in Scotland. Milton Keynes pair Tony Davies and Jim Kitson led by one second at the half point but over the final three stages Horne stepped up the pace. Jimmy Christie completed the MG Metro domination in third place while Steve Petch scored a win in the Group N Class George Gauld still leads the Championship with two rounds to go.
Final results: mins secs 1 Horne/Howie Mg Metro 46.08 2 Davies/Kitson MG Metro 46:23 3 Christie/C'bell MG Metro 47:31 4 Petch/Croft Subaru 47:58 5 Boyd/Bell Ford Escort 48:02 6 Gauld/C'bell Ford Escort 48:03 7 Burn/Quirk Ford Sierra 49:25 8 Dickson/Bisset Ford Escort 49:27 9 Carty/Bills MG Metro 49:44 10 Turnbell/Dawson Ford Escort 49:57 11.07.96F1:- Damon Hill is back on home soil with a pledge to win at Silverstone to reward his fanatical British supporters. Victory at Sunday's British Grand Prix will make him overwhelming favourite to land the world title but Hill says his fans already give enough incentive. "They support me all over the world," he said. "I know a lot of them can not travel overseas so I want to do my best and do something special if I can. I have said for weeks that all I want is to win the British Grand Prix."
Damon Hill is determined to bring a smile to the face of British sports fans with victory on Sunday. Hill believes the country is desperate for some British success after the near misses of England's football team and Tim Henman at Wimbledon. "We sat through the football and tennis and we want something to cheer so I'll be trying to make it happen, he said. "The Championship is still very open and there are 70 points to be won. I'm keeping my mind firmly on the race."
David Coulthard is praying for a slice of fortune as he aims to realise an ambition with victory this Sunday. Coulthard, denied British Grand Prix glory by an electrical fault last season, knows fortune must swing the other way this time. "It would be a dream come true to win at Silverstone," said Coulthard. "Marlboro McLaren may not be the firm favourites, but we can be in with a good chance of a win if the front runners have the slightest problems."
Friday's free practice times:mins secs 1 J Villeneuve Can Williams 1:27.541 2 D Hill GB Williams 1:28.241 3 J Alesi Fr Benetton 1:28.364 4 D Coulthard GB McLaren 1:28.417 5 M Schumacher Ger Ferrari 1:28.436 6 M Hakkinen Fin McLaren 1:28.888 7 G Berger Aut Benetton 1:29.013 8 R Barrichello Brz Jordan 1:29.137 9 M Brundle GB Jordan 1:29.146 10 O Panis Fr Ligier 1:29.236 11 H Frentzen Ger Sauber 1:29.312 12 E Irvine GB Ferrari 1:29.458 13 J Verstappen Hol Footwork 1:29.753 14 M Salo Fin Tyrrell 1:30.388 15 J Herbert GB Sauber 1:30.459 16 U Katayama Jpn Tyrrell 1:30.826 17 P Diniz Brz Ligier 1:30.829 18 R Rosset Brz Footwork 1:31.032 19 G Fisichella It Minardi 1:31.450 20 P Lamy Por Minardi 1:31.661* Montermini and Badoer did not run due to possible change of ownership of Forti team
12.07.96 - F1: THE BRITISH GPDamon Hill was upstaged by teammate Jacques Villeneuve as he warmed-up for his tilt at British Grand Prix glory. Hill, roared on by his expectant fans, was fastest in the opening session and had time for a chat with Formula One legend Jackie Stewart in the pits. He went faster in the final hour but it was Villeneuve who threw down the gauntlet with a flying lap of 1:27.541. Michael Schumacher, desperate to put his Ferrari problems behind him, was still smiling despite a low-key start.
Damon Hill sent a confident message to his fans before Sunday's showdown as he roared: "The best is yet to come!" He said: "We will definitely get quicker on Saturday. The car felt pretty good though we are still looking for the perfect chassis set-up. Jacques' times was very impressive. He has put down his marker that he is intent on getting a good result." Hill also felt the track surface was slippery after recent improvement works to the circuit.
Jacques Villeneuve set his sights firmly on teammate Damon Hill as the title race hotted up at Silverstone. Villeneuve, the nearest challenger to Hill and quickest during free practice, said: "There is room to improve. At the end of the session I had to put on new tyres as I punctured the others. On the track the tyres seem to go off pretty quickly and it is not an easy track to overtake on. To qualify well and have a car that doesn't eat up tyres has to be good."
Damon Hill and Jacques Villeneuve led the way before Sunday's battle royale - but their futures are still unclear. Team supremo Frank Williams refused to speculate on next season despite rumours of a Hill pay demand and Villeneuve being linked with Sauber. Williams said: "I can't be held responsible for what the Press write. I've got a pretty wild imagination but it doesn't cover next year's driving. Damon is highly regarded inside and outside the team."
FRIDAY FREE PRACTICE AT-A-GLANCE:
Michael Schumacher concentrated on full tank runs with his Ferrari F310 early on. Traction problems in afternoon. Eddie Irvine had a spin exiting Bridge corner caused by running too low a ride height, which was later rectified. Gerhard Berger complained of a touch too much understeer as he tried the new electronic differential on the Benetton. Jean Alesi pronounced himself happy with the B196's handling. David Coulthard spent the morning wrestling with a handling imbalance with the car yawing from understeer to oversteer - but he improved later on. Both McLarens were fitted with revised headrests used in last week's testing. Mika Hakkinen was delighted with the set-up of his short wheelbase spec McLaren MP4/11. Both Footwork FA17s tried revised front wings in the morning session.
Sunday's British Grand Prix is a complete sell-out - and fans without tickets have been asked to stay away. No tickets are available and anyone arriving at the track without a ticket will be turned away. The maximum of 90,000 tickets was sold out two months ago. Admission tickets are available at the gate for Saturday. Friday's Silverstone attendance was around 33,000, roughly the same as last year.
1996 ROUND 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Hill 0 10 10 3 10 0 0 10 10 63 Villeneuve 6 0 6 10 0 0 4 6 6 38 Schumacher 0 4 0 6 6 0 10 0 0 26 Alesi 0 6 4 0 1 0 6 4 4 25 Coulthard 0 0 0 4 0 6 0 3 1 14 Hakkinen 2 3 0 0 0 1 2 2 2 12 Panis 0 1 0 0 0 10 0 0 0 11 Berger 3 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 3 10 Irvine 4 0 2 0 3 0 0 0 0 9 Bar'chello 0 0 3 2 2 0 0 0 0 7 Frentzen 0 0 0 0 0 3 3 0 0 6 Salo 1 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 5 Herbert 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 4 Brundle 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 2 Verstappen 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 Diniz 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 PREVIOUS BRITISH GP WINNERS: 1995 J Herbert GB Benetton 1994 D Hill GB Williams 1993 A Prost Fr Williams 1992 N Mansell GB Williams 1991 N Mansell GB Williams 1990 A Prost Fr Ferrari 1989 A Prost Fr McLaren 1988 A Senna Brz McLaren 1987 N Mansell GB Williams earlier races alternated between Brands Hatch (even years) and Silverstone) 1986 N Mansell GB Williams 1985 A Prost Fr McLaren 1984 N Lauda Aut McLarenTOURING CARS:- David Leslie pulled off a superb pole double as he led the way for rounds 15 and 16 of the Auto Trader RAC Touring Car Championship at Silverstone. The flying Scot was thrilled with the new engine as he clinched his first poles for Honda and said: I'm over the moon. Everything worked perfectly." Williams-Renault's weekend got off to a troubled start when Alain Menu's Laguna suffered a blown engine.He moaned: "It's very disappointing. I would have had pole with more laps."
Friday's provisional qualifying Race 1 1 D Leslie Honda Accord 1:55.902 2 R Ravaglia BMW 320i 1:56.423 3 R Rydell Volvo 850 1:56.475 4 K Burt Volvo 850 1:56.530 5 A Menu Renault Laguna 1:56.724 6 J Winkelhock BMW 320i 1:56.737 7 F Biela Audi A4 1:56.901 8 J Thompson Vaux Vectra 1:57.190 9 J Cleland Vaux Vectra 1:57.244 10 W Hoy Renault Laguna 1:57.481 Friday's provisional qualifying Race 2 1 D Leslie Honda Accord 1:55.977 2 F Biela Audi A4 1:56.298 3 R Rydell Volvo 850 1:56.338 4 R Ravaglia BMW 320i 1:56.433 5 A Menu Renault Laguna 1:56.517 6 J Winkelhock BMW 320i 1:56.585 7 K Burt Volvo 850 1:56.629 8 W Hoy Renault Laguna 1:56.711 9 J Thompson Vaux Vectra 1:56.918 10 J Cleland Vaux Vectra 1:57.036 DUNLOP ROVER TURBO CUP Friday's provisional qualifying (top 5) 1 E O'Brien Rover Turbo 2:11.483 2 S Day Rover Turbo 2:11.861 3 R Dean Rover Turbo 2:12.444 4 A Lyall Rover Turbo 2:12.685 5 J Cotterill Rover Turbo 2:12.842 FORMULA RENAULT SPORT EUROCUP Friday's provisional qualifying: 1 E Bernoldi Tatuus RC96 1:54.304 2 N Haberfeld Van Diemen RF96 1:55.040 3 HP Sundberg Tatuus RC96 1:55.248 4 H Orsi Van Diemen RF96 1:55.282 5 D Turner Van Diemen RF96 1:55.417 13.07.96 - F1: THE BRITISH GP Saturday qualifying times: mins secs 1 D Hill GB Williams 1:26.875 2 J Villeneuve Can Williams 1:27.070 3 M Schumacher Ger Ferrari 1:27.707 4 M Hakkinen Fin McLaren 1:27.856 5 J Alesi Fr Benetton 1:28.307 6 R Barrichello Brz Jordan 1:28.409 7 G Berger Aut Benetton 1:28.653 8 M Brundle GB Jordan 1:28.946 9 D Coulthard GB McLaren 1:28.966 10 E Irvine GB Ferrari 1:29.186 11 H Frentzen Ger Sauber 1:29.591 12 U Katayama Jpn Tyrrell 1:29.913 13 J Herbert GB Sauber 1:29.947 14 M Salo Fin Tyrrell 1:29.949 15 J Verstappen Hol Footwork 1:30.102 16 O Panis Fr Ligier 1:30.167 17 P Diniz Brz Ligier 1:31.076 18 G Fisichella It Minardi 1:31.365 19 P Lamy Por Minardi 1:31.454 20 A Montermini It Forti 1:35.206 21 L Badoer It Forti 1:35.304 * R Rosset (Footwork) will start at back of grid after time disqualified for failing to stop at scrutineeringDamon Hill sent his Silverstone fans wild by grabbing pole for Sunday's British Grand Prix. Hill denied Williams teammate and Championship rival Jacques Villeneuve, who had to settle for second spot. Villeneuve gave it everything and led the way before Hill scorched to the top in a time of 1:26.875. Michael Schumacher had more problems in the Ferrari, slipping from pole position early in the session when he damaged his car after hitting a kerb.
Damon Hill was thrilled after claiming pole and told his fans: 'I drove my heart out for you'. The race favourite was given plenty to think about by hard-charging Jacques Villeneuve and said: "It's fantastic. I could hear the fans cheering me on. The serious business starts on Sunday. Pole is a bit of fun really. Jacques was determined to get ahead and there's a lot of hard work to do. Michael has also showed that he's not that far away."
Pole star Damon Hill will be swept along on a wave of national fervour when he goes into battle on Sunday. Hill was cheered on during qualifying and said: "It gives me a spur to get more out of myself. You can see the fans waving flags as you drive round. I can expect quite a challenge on Sunday but I've been round the circuit enough times to know what to expect. There's a great atmosphere in the team and we are all looking forward to a great race."
Michael Schumacher is under no illusions about Sunday's race - knowing he would need something of a miracle to eclipse his Williams rivals. The German star was content with third place on the grid after the Ferrari team twice tinkered with the set-up. He said: "We tried a few things but they didn't work and then we ran out of time in the session. We have done some promising things in testing and we are improving. The car will get better."
Jordan were hit by a #6,500 fine on the eve of the British Grand Prix after breaching safety regulations. Team bosses were rapped for not having a fire extinguisher standing by when refuelling during qualifying. Silverstone stewards said the team had been given a verbal warning by a marshal at the first fill-up but the infringement was repeated later on. Jordan duo Rubens Barrichello and Martin Brundle finished sixth and eighth respectively in the session.
Michael Schumacher ran wide at Copse and damaged the wooden composite plank on the underside of his car. Eddie Irvine was 10th fastest, losing 15 minutes of the session when FIA engineers came to download the engine management computer. David Coulthard was very disappointed to end up ninth, unhappy with the loose rear end on his MP4/11. Both McLarens ran with the revised Mercedes V10 engine but will not be raced on Sunday.
Martin Brundle complained about the effect of the wind on the Jordan's performance as he finished eighth. Rubens Barrichello tried to eliminate understeer by changing the shock absorber bump rubbers. Johnny Herbert reported his Sauber felt quite good in fast corners although it lacked grip in the slower turns. Jean Alesi reverted to Friday's chassis set-up but felt rear end was too loose.
Mika Hakkinen was delighted with the performance of his McLaren, winding up fourth fastest only 0.1 sec away from Schumacher's Ferrari. Gerhard Berger was seventh fastest, reporting that his engine was not pulling properly and handling was poor. Footwork struggled with the pneumatic valve Hart V8 engine, unable to string together a decent chassis set-up for the faster parts of the circuit.
Damon Hill has been reportedly told by Ferrari that he will have no chance of joining them if he decides to leave Williams next year. Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo is quoted in the Daily Mirror as saying: "I would sooner have Michael Schumacher than any other drivers. Having Schumacher in the team there is no possibility of even thinking of having Damon." Hill's future at Williams next season is still as yet unclear.
Damon Hill and Michael Schumacher were both shocked to hear reports of an ugly clash between rival fans. The motor home of Schumacher's fan club parked at a nearby campsite - is said to have been showered with stones and cans in the incident. Fan club official Fred Hipar said: "We were lucky there were some other English fans to calm them down or I am sure one of us would have been hurt." Schumacher said: "I usually have a good reception from British fans."
Fierce rivals Damon Hill and Michael Schumacher united in condemning reports of fans' violence before the British GP. Around 30 British supporters are said to have attacked the motor home of the Schumacher fan club. Hill said: "I am appalled if that is what happened. I want nothing to do with misplaced nationalism and jingoism. We want a good atmosphere." Schumacher added: "We have a very good sport where people behave. You always see rival fans standing together."
Korea is poised to host its first ever Formula One Grand Prix in 1998. The Formula One Constructors' Association said that a "commercial conditional agreement" had been agreed to build a circuit. It will be built in Chollabuk-do on the south west coastal area of the Korean peninsula, with the help of Tyrrell's engineering chief Harvey Postlethwaite. If successful it will follow Japan as the second Far East circuit to become a regular venue on the F1 circuit.
TOURING CARS Saturday's race 1 result (round 15): 1 R Ravaglia BMW 320i 30:01.86 2 R Rydell Volvo 850 30:02.05 3 F Biela Audi A4 30:03.37 4 D Leslie Honda Accord 30:04.17 5 J Winkelhock BMW 320i 30:04.85 6 A Menu Renault Laguna 30:05.90 7 K Burt Volvo 850 30:12.19 8 J Thompson Vaux Vectra 30:15.73 9 W Hoy Renault Laguna 30:17.27 10 J Cleland Vaux Vectra 30:21.70 F3:- Friday's provisional qualifying: 1 D Manning Dallara Honda 1:47.223 2 J Kane Dallara Honda 1:47.345 3 R Firman Dallara Honda 1:47.636 4 K Mollekens Dallara Honda 1:47.770 5 B Cunningham Dallara Honda 1:48.006 6 JP Montoya Dallara Mitsub 1:48.017 7 J Matthews Dallara Renault 1:48.228 8 G Smith Dallara Mitsub 1:48.292 9 N Minassian Dallara Renault 1:48.292 10 B Smith TOM'S Toyota 1:48.484 RENAULT SPORT SPIDER ELF TROPHY Friday's provisional qualifying no 1 1 J Westwood Renault Sport S 2:08.304 2 J Plato Renault Sport S 2:08.351 3 J-C Boullion Renault Sport S 2:08.374 4 S Lakin Renault Sport S 2:08.677 5 J Nilsson Renault Sport S 2:09.224 PORSCHE PIRELLI SUPERCUP Second qualifying: 1 E Collard JMB Competition 2:00.232 2 O Mathai Manthey Racing 2:01.568 3 J Malcher Larbre Comp' 2:01.605 4 P Huisman Oberbayern M/S 2:01.886 5 J V Gartzen Oberbayern M/S 2:01.946 14.07.96 - F1: THE BRITISH GP Sunday warm-up times: mins secs 1 M Hakkinen Fin McLaren 1:28.993 2 J Villeneuve Can Williams 1:29.093 3 D Hill GB Williams 1:29.696 4 M Schumacher Ger Ferrari 1:29.889 5 J Alesi Fr Benetton 1:29.893 7 O Panis Fr Ligier 1:30.206 8 E Irvine GB Ferrari 1:30.268 9 J Verstappen Hol Footwork 1:30.308 10 J Herbert GB Sauber 1:30.400 11 R Barrichello Brz Jordan 1:30.598 12 G Berger Aut Benetton 1:30.604 13 U Katayama Jpn Tyrrell 1:31.114 14 H Frentzen Ger Sauber 1:31.222 15 U Katayama Jpn Tyrrell 1:31.522 16 D Coulthard GB McLaren 1:31.610 17 M Salo Fin Tyrrell 1:32.292 18 P Lamy Por Minardi 1:33.103 19 G Fisichella It Minardi 1:33.204 20 R Rosset Brz Footwork 1:33.355Jacques Villeneuve won the British Grand Prix - but faced an agonising wait after Benetton lodged a protest against his Williams car. Stewards were asked to investigate the car's front wing end plates - devices which improve air flow. The plates should be symmetrical but Benetton claimed that one was a different size to the other. An FIA spokesman said the protest had been rejected although Benetton may appeal within the next hour.
Damon Hill had a British Grand Prix nightmare as he crashed out - and Michael Schumacher also suffered as Jacques Villeneuve grabbed the glory. Hill made a terrible start from pole position and was back in fifth after the first lap as his teammate roared to the head of the pack. The end came as Hill slid into a gravel pit on lap 27 after a front wheel bearing problem. Schumacher lasted just two laps when his Ferrari stuck in sixth gear.
Pre-race favourite Damon Hill could not conceal his frustration after spinning out due to mechanical trouble. "It's a real shame. I felt there was something wrong with the car four or five laps beforehand," said Hill. "I really, really wanted to win here but it wasn't to be and that's the hard truth about motor racing. Nothing is 100% reliable, you can't predict what's going to happen. I'm just going to press on and have my eyes on the next GP in Germany," he added.
Damon Hill felt as much for the fans as for himself after his British Grand Prix turned into a nightmare. Hill said: "On the way back to the pits people were saying 'well done' and 'hard luck'. They are still very supportive and I'm very grateful for that. I still thought I was in with a shout even after making a bad start. It's going to be a very tough battle and I'll just have to get my head down for the next Grand Prix in Germany."
Michael Schumacher blamed his early exit on a "five-penny part" after he was forced out on the third lap. "Something silly happened," the world champion said. "An oil-ring came loose and I lost all my hydraulic power. I couldn't use my throttle or change gear so I was forced to come round back to the pits in sixth. It's a very small thing but those can stop you and it's very similar to the incident that ended my race when I was leading in Monte Carlo in 1993."
Cool Canadian Jacques Villeneuve threw down the gauntlet in audacious style - by beating teammate Damon Hill in his own back yard. Villeneuve blew the title race open and said: "I really wanted to put one over on Damon after being second most of the time this season. I'm really very happy. I had a very good start and I could see Damon was in trouble at the start."
Jacques Villeneuve put the pressure on teammate Damon Hill as he grabbed only the second Grand Prix win of his career on his British Grand Prix debut.The hard-charging Canadian had already left Hill standing at the start and looked to have an unassailable lead even before Hill's untimely exit. Villeneuve, now just 15 points behind in the title race, was never in trouble as he cruised to a famous win. Gerhard Berger and Mika Hakkinen kept out of trouble to follow him home.
Furious Frenchman Jean Alesi was left kicking himself - and a few tyres - after seeing his hopes of second place on the podium disappear. Alesi was pushing hard in the Benetton but a puff of smoke on lap 44 spelt the end and he kicked a pile of tyres over before storming into the team motorhome. Teammate Gerhard Berger took up the challenge to finally claim second place for his best so far this season. Two quick pit stops helped make it a happy day for Mika Hakkinen and McLaren.
David Coulthard and Martin Brundle were left flying the British flag after Damon Hill's sad demise left the fans feeling rather flat at Silverstone. Coulthard was fifth in the McLaren and said: "It's great to pick up a couple of points in what was a difficult race. It's something to build on." Brundle was sixth in the Jordan despite suffering a puncture, while last year's winner Johnny Herbert finished ninth. Eddie Irvine failed to finish for the fourth race running in the Ferrari.
Result after 61 laps: 1 J Villeneuve Can Williams 1hr 33mins 2 G Berger Aut Benetton @ 19.02s 3 M Hakkinen Fin McLaren @ 50.83 4 R Barrichello Brz Jordan @ 1:06 5 D Coulthard GB McLaren @ 1:22 6 M Brundle GB Jordan @ 1 lap 7 M Salo Fin Tyrrell @ 1 lap 8 H Frentzen Ger Sauber @ 1 lap 9 J Herbert GB Sauber @ 1 lap 10 J Verstappen Hol Footwork @ 1 lap 11 G Fisichella It Minardi @ 2 laps NOT CLASSIFIED J Alesi Fr Benetton 44 laps O Panis Fr Ligier 40 laps P Diniz Brz Ligier 38 laps D Hill GB Williams 26 laps P Lamy Por Minardi 21 laps R Rosset Brz Footwork 13 laps U Katayama Jpn Tyrrell 12 laps E Irvine GB Ferrari 5 laps M Schumacher Ger Ferrari 3 laps Drivers Championship: 1 D Hill GB Williams 63 pts 2 J Villeneuve Can Williams 48 3 M Schumacher Ger Ferrari 26 4 J Alesi Fr Benetton 25 5 D Coulthard GB McLaren 16 6 G Berger Aut Benetton 16 7 M Hakkinen Fin McLaren 16 8 O Panis Fr Ligier 11 9 R Barrichello Brz Jordan 10 10 E Irvine GB Ferrari 9 11 H Frentzen Ger Sauber 6 12 M Salo Fin Tyrrell 5 13 J Herbert GB Sauber 4 14 M Brundle GB Jordan 3 15 J Verstappen Hol Footwork 1 = P Diniz Brz Ligier 1 Constructors Championship: 1 Williams-Renault 111 points 2 Benetton-Renault 41 3 Ferrari 35 4 McLaren-Mercedes 32 5 Jordan-Peugeot 13 6 Ligier-Mugen Honda 12 7 Sauber 10 8 Tyrrell-Yamaha 5 9 Footwork-Hart 1TOURING CARS:- David Leslie and the Honda team made up for Saturday's disappointment by taking victory in round 16 of the Auto Trader RAC Touring Car Championship. It was Honda's first BTCC victory, made all the sweeter after Leslie was nudged out of contention in the last round. Leslie started from pole in the Accord and held off a determined challenge by Championship leader Frank Biela. Leslie said: "It's an absolutely fantastic result. I was under a lot of pressure but didn't make any mistakes."
Sunday's race 2 result (round 16): 1 D Leslie Honda Accord 29:56.27 2 F Biela Audi A4 29:57.15 3 R Ravaglia BMW 320i 29:57.63 4 R Rydell Volvo 850 29:58.08 5 A Menu Renault Laguna 30:00.94 6 W Hoy Renault Laguna 30:18.95 7 J Thompson Vaux Vectra 30:19.43 8 K Burt Volvo 850 30:20.11 9 P Radisich Ford Mondeo 30:20.96 10 J Bintcliffe Audi A4 30:21.62 F3:- Saturday's result (round 9): 1 D Manning Dallara Honda 27:24.08 2 R Firman Dallara Honda 27:24.81 3 J Kane Dallara Honda 27:25.10 4 K Mollekens Dallara Honda 27:25.71 5 B Cunningham Dallara Honda 27:31.82 6 G Smith Dallara Mitsub 27:38.28 7 JP Montoya Dallara Mitsub 27:39.14 8 B Smith TOM'S Toyota 27:39.97 9 N Minassian Dallara Renault 27:40.89 10 J Matthews Dallara Renault 27:41.76 DUNLOP ROVER TURBO CUP Saturday's result (top 5): 1 A Lyall Rover Turbo 27:04.761 2 J Cotterill Rover Turbo 27:11.615 3 E O'Brien Rover Turbo 27:15.067 4 R Dean Rover Turbo 27:16.205 5 S Day Rover Turbo 27:19.838 FORMULA RENAULT SPORT EUROCUP Saturday's result: 1 N Haberfeld V Diemen RF96 29:22.22 2 D Saelens Mygale FR96 29:36.38 3 D Henderson Ermoli FR96 29:38.82 4 JD Castelli Mygale FR96 29:42.66 5 E V D Linde Martini Mk72 29:43.30 RENAULT SPORT SPIDER ELF TROPHY Sunday result: 1 J Plato Renault Sport S 32:19.05 2 F Lagorce Renault Sport S 32:23.63 3 J Westwood Renault Sport S 32:23.83 4 S Lakin Renault Sport S 32:26.97 5 M Wallinder Renault Sport S 32:27.93 PORSCHE PIRELLI SUPERCUP Sunday result: 1 E Collard JMB Comp'tion 30:35.463 2 P Huisman Oberbayern M/S 30:40.636 3 J V Gartzen Oberbayern M/S 30:46.988 4 P Simon Zentrum K 30:51.127 5 O Mathai Manthey Racing 30:51.452INDYCAR:- Mexico's Adrian Fernandez won his first Indy race in a race cut short by a crash that left rookie Jeff Krosnoff and a marshal dead. Fernandez and Alex Zanardi were battling on lap 92 of the planned 95-lap race when the accident took place. Krosnoff made wheel-to-wheel contact with Stefan Johansson, and his Reynard-Toyota spun out of control. Pieces of debris were sent flying into the crowd after Krosnoff's car cartwheeled into a fence.
GTs:- Result of round five of International GT series at Anderstorp after 151 laps: hr mins secs 1 Olofsson/Della N Swe/It Ferrari 4:00:27.66 2 O-Jones/Raphanel GB/Fr McLaren 4:00:58.77 3 Bellm/Weaver GB McLaren 149 laps 4 Wallace/Grouillard GB/Fr McLaren 149 laps Championship standings: 1 Bellm/Weaver 125 2 Eichmann/Ruch 96 16.07.96 - INDYCARIndyCar officials have defended the use of temporary courses after American driver Jeff Krosnoff and an official were killed in Toronto on Sunday. "We have an outstanding safety record when it comes to street circuits," said spokesman Adam Saal. "We've run 75 temporary circuit races on things like city streets, airports and fairgrounds and these have been run very safely." Another track worker was killed on a temporary course in Vancouver in 1990.
17.07.96 - F1Giovanni Lavaggi has signed a contract to race for Minardi for the rest of the Formula One season. Lavaggi, who had four races with the Lotus-Pacific team last season, will have his first race at the German Grand Prix at Hockenheim on July 28.The 38-year-old is the third relatively unknown driver to be put in the spotlight by boss Gian Carlo Minardi. Minardi said that Giancarlo Fisichella and Tarso Marques will remain under contract with the team.
20.07.96 - MORGANNWG FOREST NATIONAL RALLY Positions after 8 stages: 1 Mellors/Goff Ford 1:11:52 2 Perrott/Mansell Ford 1:14:43 3 Hill/Boyles Mitsub' 1:14:45 4 Smith/Bennie Lancia 1:14:47 5 Davies/Cook MG Metro 1:15:08 6 Jordan/Boyere Renault 1:15:13 7 Smith/James Ford 1:15:32 8 Easson/Kitson Ford 1:16:24 9 Petch/Croft Subaru 1:16:35 10 Mills/Sankey Ford 1:17:37 23.07.96F1:- Frenchman Jean Alesi eclipsed battling Brit Damon Hill when he clocked the fastest time in testing at Le Castellet. Alesi recorded a best lap of 1:08.62 after Hill, lapped in 1:08.99. Hill's Williams teammate and nearest championship rival Jacques Villeneuve could not improve on a time of 1:11.66 and was the slowest of the six cars. Gerhard Berger ended up third fastest, Rubens Barrichello was fourth and Alain Prost, who was testing for McLaren, finished in fifth spot.
NEW ZEALAND RALLY:- Kenneth Eriksson is eager to extend his championship lead over teammate Piero Liatti when the Rally of New Zealand gets underway on Saturday. An impressive show in the previous round in Malaysia saw the super Swede take charge after just four stages. "I'm really looking forward to New Zealand. And this year I stand a chance of winning because Colin McRae isn't there," he joked. "I have an eight point advantage in the championship - but things are close."
24.07.96 - F1: THE GERMAN GPMichael Schumacher faces one of the biggest challenges of his illustrious career when he faces his home fans this weekend at Hockenheim. The world champion would love to repeat his victory of last year - but just to finish the race will be his primary aim after a hat-trick of track disasters. Schumacher and his Ferrari have had a nightmare run, failing to cross the line in the last three races. Silverstone was the last straw - for Schumacher, his team and his fans.
Struggling Michael Schumacher struck a positive note as he prepared to wheel out his forlorn Ferrari at Hockenheim. The car has been struck by all manner of mechanical gremlins - and Hockenheim is one of the most demanding circuits for engines. Schumacher said: "It is often the case that little things can cause the biggest dramas. It is frustrating more for the team than me but together we must overcome this difficult time. We will succeed."
Williams will undoubtedly be the team to beat again in Germany - and Damon Hill is looking for revenge. He was spectacularly upstaged by teammate Jacques Villeneuve at Silverstone as the French-Canadian closed the gap in the title race. Hill is still the man to beat and if the car is right, he has the confidence and ability to come home first. One thing is for sure - Hill will be away from the lights in a flash after last week's awful Silverstone start.
McLaren could be in the final shake-up - and they have extra incentive in front of Mercedes' home market. Mika Hakkinen had little trouble keeping Damon Hill behind him after a superb start at Silverstone and ended up with his first podium of the year. David Coulthard underlined the improved reliability and speed of the car with the team's third straight double finish Coulthard said: "I think we should be in good shape at a track like Hockenheim on Mercedes home ground."
25.07.96F1:- Damon Hill is set to be replaced at Williams next season by German driver Heinz-Harald Frentzen, claims a report in a top British motor sport magazine. A source close to the team has told Autosport that Frank Williams has already struck a deal with Frentzen, one of the rising stars of Formula One. Hill is currently preparing for the German GP this Sunday where he hopes to extend his 15-point Championship lead. Williams says no negotiations have taken place regarding his drivers.
Heinz-Harald Frentzen laughed as he read a magazine article linking him with Damon Hill's drive at Williams. But Sauber star Frentzen would not confirm or deny the story in Autosport as he refused to make any comment. "I really cannot do anything else," he said. "It is crazy to say anything about my future but everyone else is." Hill was also tight-lipped over the report. He said: "I really have nothing to say except that I am looking forward to another race I think I can win."
TOURING CARS:- Sweden's Rickard Rydell was fastest in the official testing session for Sunday's two rounds of the Auto Trader RAC Touring Car Championship. His Volvo 850 outpaced the speedy four-wheel-drive Audis of series leader Frank Biela and John Bintcliffe, who were second and third fastest. Rydell clocked a top time of 52.948 secs at an average speed of 88.38mph. Two qualifying sessions for Sunday's races will be held on Saturday.
Official testing times: 1 R Rydell Swe Volvo 850 52.948 2 F Biela Ger Audi A4 52.971 3 J Bintcliffe GB Audi A4 53.167 4 J Winkelhock Ger BMW 320i 53.204 5 K Burt GB Volvo 850 53.229 6 J Kaye GB Honda Acc 53.309 7 D Leslie GB Honda Acc 53.377 8 J Thompson GB Vauxhall V 53.452 9 R Ravaglia It BMW 320i 53.496 10 J Cleland GB Vauxhall V 53.586 11 A Menu Swi Renault L 53.772 12 W Hoy GB Renault L 53.787 26.07.96 - F1: THE GERMAN GPDamon Hill and Jacques Villeneuve were upstaged in free practice by Benetton star Gerhard Berger. The Williams duo could only manage best positions of eighth and 11th fastest respectively at Hockenheim. Mika Hakkinen, third in the British GP, set the morning pace in his McLaren before Austrian Berger took over. The Finn was just under two tenths of a second ahead of Berger, who raced to the top of the standings in the second hour-long session.
Damon Hill was happy with what he called an "interesting afternoon" of practice at Hockenheim. Hill was eighth fastest and said: "We are reasonably happy with that. We made some changes and some progress. We didn't use new tyres and there is quite a lot of time in new tyres and a lot of guys in front of us used them." Teammate Jacques Villeneuve added: "It is a simple track to learn first of all, then you run with low downforce."
Friday's free practice times: mins secs 1 G Berger Aut Benetton 1:46.145 2 D Coulthard GB McLaren 1:46.184 3 E Irvine GB Ferrari 1:46.198 4 J Alesi Fr Benetton 1:46.294 5 M Hakkinen Fin McLaren 1:46.384 6 M Brundle GB Jordan 1:46.487 7 M Schumacher Ger Ferrari 1:46.959 8 D Hill GB Williams 1:46.998 9 R Barrichello Brz Jordan 1:47.110 10 P Diniz Brz Ligier 1:47.534 11 J Villeneuve Can Williams 1:47.586 12 O Panis Fr Ligier 1:47.668 13 H Frentzen Ger Sauber 1:48.157 14 J Herbert GB Sauber 1:49.220 15 M Salo Fin Tyrrell 1:49.243 16 J Verstappen Hol Footwork 1:49.629 17 U Katayama Jpn Tyrrell 1:49.843 18 P Lamy Por Minardi 1:50.815 19 R Rosset Bra Footwork 1:50.872 20 G Lavaggi It Minardi 1:54.685RALLYING:- World rally champion Colin McRae will appear before the FIA following an incident during the Rally of Argentina. The Scot is alleged to have taken the wrong route to the time control in a rally service area, as a result of which five fans were slightly injured. The Suburu driver is also charged with exceeding the newly-introduced 50kph speed limit applied to service areas. Subaru spokesman David Richards said: "I hope the FIA retain a sense of proportion when dealing with this."
27.07.96F1: THE GERMAN GP
Damon Hill described grabbing pole for Sunday's German Grand Prix as one of the highlights of his career. "I am absolutely delighted," he said. "It was very last-minute and I had to overcome a few difficulties earlier on. The team did a fantastic job to change things on the car in a hurry. This pole position has given me one of the most fantastic moments of my career." A Minardi protest that Hill had failed to stop at a red light for a weighbridge was rejected by stewards.
Saturday's qualifying times: mins secs 1 D Hill GB Williams 1:43.912 2 G Berger Aut Benetton 1:44.299 3 M Schumacher Ger Ferrari 1:44.477 4 M Hakkinen Fin McLaren 1:44.644 5 J Alesi Fr Benetton 1:44.670 6 J Villeneuve Can Williams 1:44.842 7 D Coulthard GB McLaren 1:44.951 8 E Irvine GB Ferrari 1:45.389 9 R Barrichello Brz Jordan 1:45.452 10 M Brundle GB Jordan 1:45.876 11 P Diniz Brz Ligier 1:46.575 12 O Panis Fr Ligier 1:46.746 13 H Frentzen Ger Sauber 1:46.899 14 J Herbert GB Sauber 1:47.711 15 M Salo Fin Tyrrell 1:48.139 16 U Katayama Jpn Tyrrell 1:48.381 17 J Verstappen Hol Footwork 1:48.512 18 P Lamy Por Minardi 1:49.461 19 R Rosset Bra Footwork 1:49.551 Did not qualify: 20 G Lavaggi It Minardi 1:51.357 RALLY NEW ZEALAND Positions after stage 1: hrs mins 1 T Makinen Fin Mitsubishi 1:30 2 K Eriksson Swe Subaru 1:31 3 P Liatti It Subaru 1:32 4 P Bourne NZ Subaru 1:33 5 R Burns GB Mitsubishi 1:34 6 M Guest Aus Mitsubishi 1:35 7 A Hawkswood NZ Mitsubishi 1:37 8 G Taylor NZ Mazda 1:37 9 N Takahashi Jpn Mitsubishi 1:37 10 Y Kataoka Jpn Mitsubishi 1:38TOURING CARS (Knockhill):- Rickard Rydell took his second pole of the season for Volvo much to the surprise of the Audi team who had expected to dominate. Rydell's bonus point for pole moves him to equal second in the Championship, joining Alain Menu on 116 points. Rydell said: "We knew we were quick from testing but you never know what's going to happen when it counts." Series leader Frank Biela, second fastest, said: "It's really bad. I'm not happy."
Amended qualifying times - rnd 18 secs 1 R Rydell Swe Volvo 850 52.787 2 F Biela Ger Audi A4 52.913 3 R Ravaglia It BMW 320i 52.981 4 J Bintcliffe GB Audi A4 53.113 5 D Leslie GB Honda Acc 53.155 6 J Winkelhock Ger BMW 320i 53.345 7 J Kaye GB Honda Acc 53.349 8 J Thompson GB Vauxhall V 53.403 9 J Cleland GB Vauxhall V 53.444 10 K Burt GB Volvo 850 53.509 11 W Hoy GB Renault L 53.604 12 P Radisich NZ Ford Mondeo 53.744Matt Neal upstaged Richard Kaye in the RAC Touring Car Championship Total Cup Flyer competition at Knockhill to claim pole for Sunday's 17th round.
F.VAUX.JNR:- Andrew Kirkaldy won round nine of the Formula Vauxhall Junior Championship at his home circuit of Knockhill. It put him fifth in the Championship, 16 points behind leader Luciano Burti.
F.VAUXHALL:- Peter Dumbreck maintained his lead in the Formula Vauxhall Championship when he won the ninth round at Knockhill at a canter from Ireland's Peter Duke.
28.07.96 F1: THE GERMAN GP Sunday's top warm-up times: mins secs 1 M Hakkinen Fin McLaren 1:45.904 2 D Coulthard GB McLaren 1:46.031 3 D Hill GB Williams 1:46.720 4 J Alesi Fr Benetton 1:46.919 5 G Berger Aut Benetton 1:47.246 6 M Schumacher Ger Ferrari 1:47.412 7 M Brundle GB Jordan 1:47.431 8 E Irvine GB Ferrari 1:47.499 9 J Villeneuve Can Williams 1:47.514 10 R Barrichello Brz Jordan 1:47.728 RESULT after 45 laps: hr min secs 1 D Hill GB Williams 1:21.43 2 J Alesi Fr Benetton @ 11.45s 3 J Villeneuve Can Williams @ 33.92 4 M Schumacher Ger Ferrari @ 41.51 5 D Coulthard GB McLaren @ 42.19 6 R Barrichello Brz Jordan @ 43.91 7 O Panis Fr Ligier 1 lap 8 H-H Frentzen Ger Sauber 1 lap 9 M Salo Fin Tyrrell 1 lap 10 M Brundle GB Jordan 1 lap 11 R Rosset Brz Footwork 1 lap 12 P Lamy Por Minardi 2 laps 13 G Berger Aut Benetton 2 laps Drivers Championship 1 D Hill GB Williams 73 pts 2 J Villeneuve Can Williams 52 3 J Alesi Fr Benetton 31 4 M Schumacher Ger Ferrari 29 5 D Coulthard GB McLaren 18 6 G Berger Aut Benetton 16 = M Hakkinen Fin McLaren 16 8 O Panis Fr Ligier 11 = R Barrichello Brz Jordan 11 10 E Irvine GB Ferrari 9 11 H Frentzen Ger Sauber 6 12 M Salo Fin Tyrrell 5 13 J Herbert GB Sauber 4 14 M Brundle GB Jordan 3 15 J Verstappen Hol Footwork 1 = P Diniz Brz Ligier 1 Constructors Championship 1 Williams-Renault 125 points 2 Benetton-Renault 47 3 Ferrari 38 4 McLaren-Mercedes 34 5 Jordan-Peugeot 14 6 Ligier-Mugen Honda 12 7 Sauber 10 8 Tyrrell-Yamaha 5 9 Footwork-Hart 1Damon Hill gave his title hopes a massive boost after grabbing a dramatic first German GP win at Hockenheim. The Williams star looked like having to settle for second spot with three laps to go as Berger and his Benetton refused to budge. Hill was pushing hard on lap 42 when Berger's hopes literally went up in smoke as the car's engine blew. Hill roared on to the 20th GP win of his career, with Jean Alesi and Jacques Villeneuve trailing in his wake.
Damon Hill's Hockenheim triumph came after he overcame another poor start despite holding pole. Gerhard Berger and Jean Alesi surged past him off the grid and kept him in third place. Hill pitted before halfway, dropped back to fifth, but his quick stop saw him surge past his rivals when they took their turn in the pits to refuel. Berger regained the lead when Hill pitted for a second time 11 laps from home - only to have his engine blow.
Damon Hill stretched his Championship lead to 21 points as his rivals fell by the wayside in a thrilling race. Teammate Jacques Villeneuve, buoyant after his Silverstone triumph, had to settle for third, holding off defending champion Michael Schumacher. The German star, roared on by his home fans, was happy to come home fourth after three successive Ferrari flops. David Coulthard (5th) and Martin Brundle (10th) finished but Eddie Irvine and Johnny Herbert retired.
Damon Hill was thrilled after clinching his first Grand Prix win in Germany as Gerhard Berger suffered a late blow-up at the Hockenheimring. Hill said: "I was pushing him and hoping he would make a mistake. I knew it would be difficult because we both had the same engines and the same speed on the straight. I wanted to win and I think this is a good result. I have had my fair share of bad luck in Germany in the past."
NEW ZEALAND RALLY:- Tommi Makinen threw away a lead of more than one minute when he crashed out of the Rally of New Zealand. The world championship leader was in such devastating form that after only 10 stages he had powered his Mitsubishi Lancer into a lead of 1 min 14 secs. Makinen crashed two stages after Possum Bourne, who was second in his privateer Subaru, left a fast section of road and ripped a wheel off his car. Piero Liatti and Englishman Richard Burns moved into the leading positions.
Positions after stage 13 of 27:hrs mins secs 1 P Liatti It Subaru 1:52.16 2 R Burns GB Mitsubishi 1:52.22 3 K Eriksson Swe Subaru 1:52.58 4 J McAndrew NZ Subaru 1:58.16 5 G Argyle NZ Nissan 1:58.44 6 B Herbert NZ Subaru 1:59.04 7 M Guest Aus Mitsubishi 1:59.12 8 R Jones NZ Mitsubishi 1:59.23 9 M Roest'brg NZ Mitsubishi 2:00.00 10 G Graham NZ Subaru 2:00.05INDYCAR:- Jimmy Vasser is on pole for the Michigan 500 IndyCar race with a record lap of 234.665mph in the Reynard-Honda. Alex Zanardi and Greg Moore are next on the grid.
Emerson Fittipaldi was left with a fractured vertebra and a partially collapsed lung after crashing early on in the race. Fittipaldi had completed only one lap, and that under a caution flag, before going out of the race after the crash at the exit to the second turn. Fittipaldi was tryingto pass Canadian rookie Greg Moore when his left rear clipped Moore's right front tyre. X-rays showed Fittipaldi had a fracture of the seventh cervical vertebra and partially collapsed left lung.
TOURING CARS:- Frank Biela edged closer to the Auto Trader RAC Touring Car Championship drivers' title with a win and a second place for Audi at Knockhill. Volvo's Rickard Rydell won his second BTCC race of the season to re-establish his claim to the overall runner-up spot. Biela's victory came in round 17 on the tight and twisty Fife circuit. With eight rounds remaining, German ace Biela enjoys a 58-point advantage over Rydell in the fight for the drivers' championship.
ROUND 17 result mins secs 1 F Biela Ger Audi A4 31:52.62 2 J Bintcliffe GB Audi A4 @ 2.46 3 R Ravaglia It BMW 320i @ 5.76 4 R Rydell Swe Volvo 850 @ 6.58 5 J Winkelhock Ger BMW 320i @ 8.06 6 D Leslie GB Honda Acc @ 13.99 7 P Radisich NZ Ford Mond @ 34.53 8 J Kaye GB Honda Acc @ 40.87 9 A Menu Swi Renault L @ 43.57 10 W Hoy GB Renault L @ 44.40 29.07.96NEW ZEALAND RALLY:- Britain's Richard Burns looks set for the highpoint of his career as the Rally of New Zealand reaches it conclusion on Tuesday. Burns, the sole survivor of the Mitsubishi works team, will start the final leg 47 seconds ahead of Sweden's Kenneth Eriksson. The 1993 British champion won four of the six special stages and spent much of the day duelling with Italy's Piero Liatti of the Subaru team. Liatti dropped back on the final stage.
Positions after stage 21 of 27: (At end of day three) hrs mins secs 1 R Burns GB Mitsubishi 3:17.54 2 K Eriksson Swe Subaru 3:18.41 3 P Liatti It Subaru 3:18.46 4 J McAndrew NZ Subaru 3:29.02 5 M Guest Aus Mitsubishi 3:29.50 6 G Graham NZ Subaru 3:31.09 7 M Roest'brg NZ Mitsubishi 3:31.53 8 B Herbert NZ Subaru 3:32.25 9 J Puras Sp Seat Ibiza 3:32.56 10 E Triner Fr Skoda 3:35.10INDYCAR:- Emerson Fittipaldi was in a serious but stable condition after crashing in Sunday's race in Michigan. The former Formula One champion fractured a vertebrae and suffered a partially collapsed left lung when he crashed after the first lap. A hospital spokesman said: "He is in good spirits. The long-term prognosis for recovery is good." The accident occurred when Fittipaldi was passing Greg Moore and two tyres touched. Andre Ribeiro won the race.
Result of Sunday's race: Laps 1 A Ribeiro Brz Lola Honda 250 2 B Herta US Reynard Merc 250 3 M Gugelmin Brz Reynard Ford 250 4 A Unser jr US Penske Merc 249 5 S Johansson Swe Reynard Merc 248 6 M Blundell GB Reynard Ford 248 7 R Boesel Brz Reynard Ford 247 8 R Gordon US Reynard Ford 246 9 J Vasser US Reynard Honda 245 10 C Fittip'di Brz Lola Ford 245Emerson Fittipaldi has been transferred to a Florida hospital for surgery to repair a neck fracture after his crash in the Michigan 500. The 49-year-old Brazilian had completed only one lap in Sunday's race before clipping the car of rookie Greg Moore while trying to pass. He walked away from the crash but was hospitalised later. X-rays showed a fracture of the vertebra and a partially collapsed lung. He also fractured a shoulder.
30.07.96NEW ZEALAND RALLY:- Britain's Richard Burns claimed his first win in a major international race in the Rally of New Zealand. The sole Mistubishi driver, after Tommi Makinen crashed out on Sunday, started the final leg 47 seconds ahead of Swede Kenneth Eriksson. And the 1993 British champion held on over the final six stages to leave Eriksson in second and Piero Liatti of Italy third. The result allowed Eriksson to increase his Championship lead over Liatti.
Richard Burns was understandably ecstatic after roaring to victory in the Rally of New Zealand. "Everybody is absolutely over the moon," he said. "This is by far the biggest win of my career and I'm beside myself with joy. It's perfect timing for Mitsubishi in the championship and for myself within the team. After a patchy start to the season I really feel I've made great progress since switching from Subaru last year."
Positions after 27th and final stage: (Day four) hrs mins secs 1 R Burns GB Mitsubishi 4:34.25 2 K Eriksson Swe Subaru 4:34.58 3 P Liatti It Subaru 4:35.05 4 J McAndrew NZ Subaru 4:49.37 5 M Guest Aus Mitsubishi 4:50.49 6 G Graham NZ Subaru 4:51.46 7 M Roest'brg NZ Mitsubishi 4:52.01 8 B Herbert NZ Subaru 4:55.39 9 E Triner Fr Skoda 4:57.20 10 D Black Subaru 4:57.42 Driver's standings: 1 K Eriksson Swe Subaru 50 pts 2 P Liatti It Subaru 39 3 R Burns GB Mitsubishi 35 4 C McRae GB Subaru 20 5 C Sainz Sp Ford 20 Manufacturers' standings: 1 Subaru 128 pts 2 Mitsubishi 103 3 Ford 35INDYCAR:- Emerson Fittipaldi will be able to race again after five hours surgery on a back injury he sustained in the Michigan 500 race on Sunday. The 49-year-old Brazilian had completed only one lap in Sunday's race before clipping the car of rookie Greg Moore while trying to pass. He walked away from the crash but was hospitalised later. Fittipaldi fractured a vertebra and also suffered a partially collapsed lung and broken shoulder blade.
31.07.96 - ULSTER RALLYReigning champion Alister McRae makes his return to the Championship on Friday, contesting the Ulster Rally at the wheel of a Volkswagen Golf GTI. Lanark-based McRae, brother of world rally champion Colin, will bid to take the two-litre victory on the Ulster for the second year in succession. The fourth round of the Mobil 1/Top Gear Championship will be McRae's first drive in a two-wheel-drive championship contender since winning the 1995 series. The 170-mile rally starts from Belfast.