August 2000 Motorsport News


03.08.2000

F1:- French driver Jean Alesi, who was involved in a high-speed collision in Germany last weekend, could miss next week's Hungarian Grand Prix. Alesi was unhurt in the incident but was sick and later complained of feeling unwell, saying it was one of the worst accidents of his F1 career. "Jean is suffering a bit. It seems to be repercussions from the accident," a Prost team spokesman said. "He needs time to rest and we will wait for his decision."

Finnish driver Mika Salo is deciding whether to stay with Sauber next season or to join newcomers Toyota as a test driver ahead of their F1 debut in 2002. "At the moment it's 50-50 but every morning it makes more sense to go to Toyota," he told Autosport magazine. "I have a contract here for next year but everyone knows in F1, contracts are nothing more than pieces of paper. I'm not a young boy any more and the Toyota offer goes well beyond my racing career," he added.
 

MINTEX RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP:- The championship competitors travel to Wales for the sixth round of the seven round series, the Harry Flatters Rally. Yorkshireman Steve Petch currently leads the series in his Escort WRC, but on this, the first tarmac round of the series, he will face tough opposition. Local tarmac specialists Melvyn Evans and John Morgan will be among those out to test Petch. All the action takes place on the Epynt military ranges above Sennybridge, starting at 8.30am on Sunday.
 
 
 
 

04.08.2000

F1: TESTING (Valencia):-
Friday testing times (day 2 of 3):
                           mins secs
1 D Coulthard   GB  McLaren  1:16.11
2 M Hakkinen    Fin McLaren  1:16.29
3 P de la Rosa  Sp  Arrows   1:16.71
4 P Diniz       Brz Sauber   1:17.09
5 A Wurz        Aut Benetton 1:17.16
6 G Fisichella  It  Benetton 1:17.26
7 L Burti       Brz Jaguar   1:17.35
8 J Button      GB  Williams 1:18.22
9 R Schumacher  Ger Williams 1:19.35
 

RALLYING:- Colin McRae has signed a new two-year deal with the Ford team. McRae is currently third in the World Championship, while Ford lie second in the manufacturers' standings "Now I have signed a contract with Ford for two more years the whole team can be settled in the knowledge that we will be focused no winning," he said. "We have already achieved a huge amount together with the new Focus and I am absolutely convinced that there is much more to come."
 
 

F.RENAULT (Snetterton):- Series leader Kimi Raikkonen topped the times in testing, despite crashing at 120mph when rain suddenly fell on to the Norfolk circuit. Mark McLoughlin and the impressive American Jeff Jones were second and third quickest.

Testing times:              mins secs
1 K Raikkonen  Fin Manor     1:07.118
2 M McLoughlin GB  Motaworld 1:07.253
3 J Jones      US  Manor     1:07.298
4 C Breeze     GB  Aztec     1:07.371
5 D Watts      GB  Manor     1:07.424
6 C Hall       GB  Aztek     1:07.536
 
 
 
 
 

05.08.2000

F1: TESTING (Valencia):-
Saturday testing times (day 3 of 3):
                           mins secs
1 G Fisichella  It  Benetton 1:15.78
2 A Wurz        Aut Benetton 1:15.97
3 J Verstappen  Ned Arrows   1.16.16
4 D Coulthard   GB  McLaren  1:16.59
5 L Burti       Brz Jaguar   1:16.91
6 E Bernoldi    Brz Sauber   1.17.31
7 R Schumacher  Ger Williams 1:17.44
 
 

TYRESAFE SCOTTISH CHAMPIONSHIP (Colin McRae Forest Stages):- Brian Lyall roared home by more than a minute to win the Colin McRae Forest Stages Rally - his fourth straight victory in a row. Reigning Scottish champion Jon Burn snatched second place in the final stage from Phil Walker who tied for third with former champion Andrew Wood. In fifth place was Northern Ireland champion Dennis Biggerstaff. In a crowd-pleasing move, Colin McRae drove the course car ahead of the field, navigated by his wife Alison.

Final result after 6 stages:   mins secs
 1 Lyall/Bennie   Subaru Imp     58:42
 2 Burn/Quirk     MG Metro       59:56
 3 Walker/Martin  Mazda 323      60:09
 4 Wood/Parker    Audi Quattro   60:09
 5 Big'staff/C'le MG Metro 6R4   60:19
 6 Dickson/Bisset Ford Escort    60:54
 7 Adam/Adam      Mitsubishi L   61:09
 8 G'water/Wylie  Mitsubishi L   61:19
 9 Cavenagh/Ewing Mitsubishi L   61:18
10 Hogg/Hanna     Mitsubishi L   61:19
 

ALMS (Toronto):- Scotland's Allan McNish has qualified in provisional second place for the sixth round of the American Le Mans series at Toronto's Mosport Park. The 30-year-old Scot, winner of the previous race at Sears Point in California, came in second to his Audi team-mate Frank Biela of Germany. Biela broke the 15-year-old track record as he posted a time 0.148 seconds quicker than the Scot. The German driver averaged almost 129mph in his practice session.
 
 
 
 

07.08.2000

F1:- French driver Jean Alesi will race in the Hungarian Grand Prix in Budapest on Sunday ` his Prost team have confirmed. Alesi has been suffering from stomach and abdominal problems after crashing out on the 30th lap of the German Grand Prix at Hockenheim last month. But reserve driver Stephane Sarrazin will be on standby for the race in case Alesi has a relapse. "Jean is feeling better and wants to race. There shouldn't be a problem but you never know," said a Prost spokesman.
 

2001 CART SCHEDULE:-
Feb 11 Rio 200          Rio de Janeiro
Mar 11 Monterrey GP     Monterrey
Apr  8 GP of Long Beach California
Apr 29 Texas 600        Fort Worth
May  6 Spark Plug GP    Nazareth
May 19 Firestone F'hawk Motegi, Japan
Jun  3 Miller Lite 225  Wisconsin
Jun 17 GP of Detroit    Michigan
Jun 24 GI Joe's 200     Portland
Jul  1 GP of Cleveland  Ohio
Jul 15 Molson Indy      Toronto
Jul 22 Michigan 500     Brooklyn
Jul 29 Target GP        Illinois
Aug 12 Miller Lite 200  Lexington
Aug 19 Motorola 220     Wisconsin
Sep  2 Molson Indy      Vancouver
Sep 15 German 500       Lausitz, Germany
Sep 22 Rockingham 500   Corby, England
Oct  7 GP of Houston    Texas
Oct 14 GP of Monterey   California
Oct 28 Honda Indy 300   Queensland, Aus
Nov  4 Marlboro 500     California
 

MINTEX RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP:- Melvyn Evans has become the fourth different championship leader in five rounds after taking maximum points in the Harry Flatters Rally. It was the Escort driver's second successive win in the event which takes place on the Epynt Military Training area in Mid Wales. Championship leader Steve Petch took second place ahead of rival Anthony Eaton to consolidate his overall lead. Phil Morgan won the Group N race, and Andy Gwynne the Formula Two litre event.
 
 

BTTC:- Gareth Howell is poised to make his British Touring Car Championship debut at Oulton Park next month after impressing in Ford Fiesta Zetec races. The 19-year-old from Bromley in Kent will drive a Ford Focus in the Class B race on September 10.
 
 
 
 

08.08.2000 - EUROPEAN F.PALMER AUDI

Derek Hayes was the fastest driver in testing before this weekend's round of races at Snetterton. Hayes, the winner of the last round in Germany, was just ahead of championship leader Damien Faulkner.

Testing times (Tue):         mins secs
1 D Hayes                     1:05.126
2 D Faulkner                   @ 0.054
3 R Kerr                       @ 0.110
4 R Lyons                      @ 0.239
5 J Van Der Ende               @ 0.270
6 M Cioci                      @ 0.293
 
 
 
 

09.08.2000 - F1: THE HUNGARIAN GP

Minardi have announced a "friendly parting" with director Cesare Fiorio. Minardi officials said the decision was taken as a result of differing views about the team strategies. Fiorio, a former manager of team Ferrari, joined Minardi in January 1999.

With just six round to go, the world championship moves to Hungary with the race for the title far more exciting than anybody could have imagined. Michael Schumacher seemed to have the title sown up after three wins at the start of the sea on. However, while controversy has raged over his tactics, results have seen the McLaren pair of Mika Hakkinen and David Coulthard close in on him. Rubens Barrichello can also not be ruled out of the final shake-up.

Championship leader Michael Schumacher has said he will be happy just to pick up some points on Saturday. The German has seen his 22-point lead reduced to just two after failing to finish in four of the last five races. "My number one priority will be to get through the first lap without a problem ` and finish the race in the points," Schumacher said. "I am confident that we will have a competitive car in Hungary, I just need some better luck to go with it."

World champion Mika Hakkinen has moved to joint second in the standings, two points adrift of Michael Schumacher, and is targeting victory on Sunday. He led the McLarens to a one-two at the Hungaroring last year, and will be keen for a similar result. "It's probably the closest I get to a home race because there are always a vast number of Finnish fans with flags and banners," he told McLaren's website "I returned from my holiday last week and I feel prepared for this weekend."

David Coulthard believes that he can still win the championship as the season moves towards its finale. "With six races to go there are still a lot of points to go for," he told McLaren's website. "I have never been closer to Schumacher than I am now. This track is very technical and there are not a lot of opportunities for overtaking," he added "The best, and some will say the only, is at the end of the straight, so it's important to qualify well.

Jaguar's Eddie Irvine was plagued by bad luck at the last race in Germany, so he is trying to put it behind him as he prepares to drive in Hungary. "It's one of my favourite tracks as it reminds me of barrelling round a kart track," he said. "Overtaking isn't exactly easy, so you have to keep your concentration. Last year I missed out on pole by a whisker. I'd like to think I can get somewhere near the front this time around," he added.

Jaguar driver Johnny Herbert has fond memories of the Hungaroring. He confirmed: "I have good memories of Hungary, the best being from 1997 when I finished third ahead of the Ferraris of Michael Schumacher and Eddie Irvine. It is a challenging track and is one of those that is very dirty when we start running on Friday but improves as you creep towards qualifying. It is normally very hot there and you have to work hard to get through all the corners."

Jenson Button has been practising hard to build on his fourth place in the German Grand Prix. "Given the tight and twisty nature of the Hungaroring, I tested for two days last week at Valencia, a circuit similar in characteristics," he said. "Unlike the previous race, we must now move towards a high downforce set-up and we worked hard on this last week. I am obviously delighted at fourth place in Hockenheim and I hope to apply this momentum in Budapest."

Williams driver Ralf Schumacher is looking for an improvement after finishing just outside the points in his home race in Germany. "The Hungaroring is a very slow and narrow race track," he said. "Qualifying is very important. Our experience from last year shows we can sometimes encounter problems with low-speed circuits. The team has put a lot of effort into the preparation for this race. I hope we can improve on my last outing."

Jordan's Heinz-Harald Frentzen is looking forward to racing in Hungary at what he sees as an exciting circuit. "I find the last corner the most exciting and enjoyable one of the circuit," he said. "It has a 180 degrees radius and is very bumpy on the entry, which makes the car nervous. But there is a lot of grip on the apex and you can carry more load than the car is usually able to manage, which makes the lap exciting."

Jacques Villeneuve believes that he may be set for a good finish in the BAR in Sunday's race. "As far as the team is concerned, if the weekend goes well, we might have a small shot at the podium," he said. "The layout is interesting as there is quite a bit of elevation change and the corners are built around the contours of the area. It is a very physical race and a place where it is difficult to get a good, clean lap."

Sunday's race is scheduled to last for 77 laps or 190.195 miles. Briton Nigel Mansell holds the lap record at the Hungaroring with a time of one minute, 18.308 seconds while driving for Williams in 1992. The Hungaroring is built into the hillside in Budapest and overtaking opportunities are rare. The only real chance is underbraking into the first corner so a good qualifying position is vital, as is a good pit-stop strategy.
 
 
 
 
 

11.08.2000

F1: THE HUNGARIAN GP
David Coulthard clocked the fastest time in the second practice session for Sunday's race. He was 0.151 seconds ahead of Mika Hakkinen and championship leader Michael Schumacher was third quickest. Jenson Button was eighth in his Williams, Eddie Irvine was 10th and Johnny Herbert 20th. Schumacher had led the way in the opening session, while Coulthard and Hakkinen preserved their tyre allocation in the garage.

Benetton have announced that they have taken up the option to keep Giancarlo Fisichella for the 2001 campaign. It will be the Italian's fourth straight season for the team and he said: "I am delighted to be staying with Benetton next season. I have always had a good feeling and understanding with the team and it has been my goal to continue here." Managing director Flavio Briatore added: "Giancarlo has worked hard this season and produced some good results."

Friday practice times:       mins secs
 1 D Coulthard   GB  McLaren  1:18.792
 2 M Hakkinen    Fin McLaren  1:18.943
 3 M Schumacher  Ger Ferrari  1:19.138
 4 R Barrichello Brz Ferrari  1:19.896
 5 J Trulli      It  Jordan   1:20.104
 6 G Fisichella  It  Benetton 1:20.304
 7 R Schumacher  Ger Williams 1:20.307
 8 J Button      GB  Williams 1:20.343
 9 H H Frentzen  Ger Jordan   1:20.443
10 E Irvine      GB  Jaguar   1:20.713
11 N Heidfeld    Ger Prost    1:20.803
12 M Salo        Fin Sauber   1:20.872
13 J Alesi       Fr  Prost    1:20.878
14 J Villeneuve  Can BAR      1:21.243
15 P Diniz       Brz Sauber   1:21.323
16 A Wurz        Aut Benetton 1:21.381
17 P de la Rosa  Sp  Arrows   1:21.400
18 J Verstappen  Ned Arrows   1:21.803
19 M Gene        Sp  Minardi  1:21.972
20 J Herbert     GB  Jaguar   1:22.015
21 R Zonta       Brz BAR      1:22.169
22 G Mazzacane   Arg Minardi  1:24.529
 
 

TYNESIDE STAGES RALLY:- John Price will continue his bid to clinch the title by going all out for his fourth win of the season on Sunday. His nearest rival Melvyn Evans will come to the event fresh from a win in the Harry Flatters Rally. Evans will start at number two ahead of another pair of Metros driven by John Brodie and Jon Mercer. Iain Henderson, Nicky Moore and Giles Brooksbank are going for honours in the Group N category and Guy Woodcock and Dave Cooling face a Formula Two fight.
 
 

CART:- Michael Andretti will be looking to extend his lead in the standings in Sunday's Miller Lite 200 and is looking for a third win at the Mid-Ohio track. Andretti has stretched his points advantage to 120-98 over Robert Moreno, whose highest placing at the circuit was 10th in 1986. Moreno admitted: "Mid-Ohio is a circuit where I have not finished well. At this point in the championship it is important to do well at Mid-Ohio if we are going to contend for the title."
 
 
 
 
 

12.08.2000

F1: THE HUNGARIAN GP
Michael Schumacher boosted his hopes of bouncing back to form with a win on Sunday by surging to pole position. The series leader has not scored points in four of his last five races but after dominating the second practice session followed suit in qualifying. Schumacher's title rivals David Coulthard and Mika Hakkinen were second and third fastest. Jenson Button was eighth quickest, Eddie Irvine was 10th but Johnny Herbert finished down in 17th place.

Ferrari driver Michael Schumacher was understandably delighted after aking his fifth pole position of the season. "It gives us a good basis for the race," said the German. "What is important is the race. I really have got to finish it. "If I can then I will have a good opportunity to win it." Schumacher wants to avoid a hat-trick of first-corner collisions and added: "There is always a bit of luck involved in the starts."

Saturday qualifying times:   mins secs
 1 M Schumacher  Ger Ferrari  1:17.514
 2 D Coulthard   GB  McLaren  1:17.886
 3 M Hakkinen    GB  McLaren  1:17.922
 4 R Schumacher  Ger Williams 1:18.321
 5 R Barrichello Brz Ferrari  1:18.330
 6 H-H Frentzen  Ger Jordan   1:18.523
 7 G Fisichella  It  Benetton 1:18.607
 8 J Button      GB  Williams 1:18.699
 9 M Salo        Fin Sauber   1:18.748
10 E Irvine      GB  Jaguar   1:19.008
11 A Wurz        Aut Benetton 1:19.259
12 J Trulli      It  Jordan   1:19.266
13 P Diniz       Brz Sauber   1:19.451
14 J Alesi       Fr  Prost    1:19.626
15 P de la Rosa  Sp  Arrows   1:19.897
16 J Villeneuve  Can BAR      1:19.937
17 J Herbert     GB  Jaguar   1:19.956
18 R Zonta       Brz BAR      1:20.272
19 N Heidfeld    Ger Prost    1:20.481
20 J Verstappen  Ned Arrows   1:20.609
21 M Gene        Sp  Minardi  1:20.654
22 G Mazzacane   Arg Minardi  1:20.905
 

CART (Mid Ohio):- Brazil's Gil de Ferran took provisional pole position for Sunday's race, with compatriot and team-mate Helio Castroneves second. Scottish driver Dario Franchitti recorded the third fastest time. The next two places were taken by Brazilian Christian Fittipaldi and Kenny Brack of Sweden. The final positions for the race will be decided after final qualifying on Saturday. De Ferran is currently third in the CART standings.

Friday's qualifying times:   min secs
 1 G de Ferran  Brz Honda    1:05.347
 2 H Castro-N   Brz Honda    1:05.362
 3 D Franchitti GB  Honda    1:05.971
 4 C Fittipaldi Brz Ford     1:06.131
 5 K Brack      Swe Ford     1:06.317
 6 A Fernandez  Mex Ford     1:06.472
 7 J Montoya    Col Toyota   1:06.534
 8 C Da Matta   Brz Toyota   1:06.549
 9 M Andretti   US  Ford     1:06.627
10 M Gugelmin   Brz Mercedes 1:06.919
18 M Blundell   GB  Mercedes 1:07.877
 
 

F3000 (Hungaroring):-
Saturday Round 9 result     Hrs min sec
1 B Junquiera Brz Petrobas  1:21:30.052
2 F Alonso    Sp  Astromega 1:21:30.647
3 R Mauricio  Brz Red Bull  1:21:38.865
4 N Minissian Fr  Playlife  1:21:41.193
5 J Wilson    GB  Nordic    1:21:42.687
Next round Spa-Francorchamps, August 26
 

F.PALMER AUDI (Snetterton):- Team Brask driver Jesper Carlsen became the eighth man to take pole position in the series this season. He was fractionally ahead of Justin Keen, with Christian Hohenadel third.

Leading qualifying times (Sat):
                       min secs
1 J Carlsen            1:04.513
2 J Keen                @ 0.002
3 C Hohenadel           @ 0.037
4 T Mullen              @ 0.125
5 D Faulkner            @ 0.177
6 J Van Der Ende        @ 0.200

Former French F3 driver Bruno Besson claimed pole position for Sunday's second race. Christian Hohenadel was second with Jesper Carlsen taking third spot.

Leading qualifying times (Sat):
                       min secs
1 B Besson             1:04.266
2 C Hohenadel           @ 0.011
3 J Carlsen             @ 0.031
4 D Faulkner            @ 0.075
5 J Keen                @ 0.089
6 D Hayes               @ 0.211
 

NEWS:- German driver Carola Biehler, 35, has been killed in a crash during the sixth round of the German endurance racing cup at the Nurburgring.
 

RALLYSPRINT:- Roger Duckworth took victory in a close finish to the National Rallysprint Championship at Silverstone. The Subaru driver faced the Escort of Chris Mellors in the best of three legs final which went to the wire. The pair won a race each before Duckworth set a new course record to ensure his triumph in the decider.
 
 
 
 

13.08.2000

F1: THE HUNGARIAN GP
Mika Hakkinen has taken over from Michael Schumacher at the top of the driver standings after surging to victory in Budapest. The reigning world champion moved from third to first at the start of the race and never looked back. Schumacher was unable to keep pace with the Finn and finished second, while David Coulthard was third. Eddie Irvine was eighth, Jenson Button was ninth but Johnny Herbert failed to finish the race.

McLaren star Mika Hakkinen has revealed that he was surprised that he was able to make a superb start for the second race in a row. "I said in Hockenheim that you make a start like I did then once a year but it is not true ` I did it twice," commented Hakkinen. "All the way through the season people talk about who is going to win, who is not, who loses motivation. I have just been keeping my own head and working."

Michael Schumacher and David Coulthard had poor starts, with the first two on the grid being passed by world champion Mika Hakkinen. The Finn had a lead of 1.2 seconds over Schumacher by the fourth lap. Eddie Irvine gained a place by taking ninth spot and then moved up two places on the eighth lap by overtaking Jenson Button and Giancarlo Fisichella. Ralph Schumacher held fourth position and was closely followed by Rubens Barrichello and Heinz-Harald Frentzen.

McLaren chief Ron Dennis was delighted after Mika Hakkinen's victory gave the team the lead in both the drivers' and constructors' championship standings. "An almost perfect race. A tremendous start and drive from Mika with David maintaining the pressure on Michael to claim third place," said Dennis. "We're pleased to leave Hungary leading both championships." Mercedes boss Norbert Haug added: "The team worked perfectly and the race strategy was excellent."

Michael Schumacher believes that his poor start did not cost him the race. He has lost the championship lead to Mika Hakkinen after finishing runner-up to the Finn in Hungary. And he admitted: "The start does not matter because I think Mika would have overtaken me through pit stops anyway. His was the fastest car on the circuit. I also had a tight battle with David Coulthard for second place but thankfully we planned our pit stops at the right moment."

David Coulthard felt that third place was all he deserved after he suffered a poor start and traffic problems. "I was not quick enough in my first stint," said the Scot. "I was just falling away at a rate of knots but after that I was quite competitive. Michael Schumacher caught the traffic well but I was always losing a second at the stops. I was third after the start and finished third and that is all I deserved really."

Ralf Schumacher was happy after finishing in fifth place in the Hungarian Grand Prix. He stated: "I am pleased, even if I lost one position to Rubens Barrichello because I was delayed in my first pit stop because of a problem wheel. Anyway I am not sure I could have kept him behind but I must say that our car was very good on this track. That helped me throughout all of this demanding race, mostly because of the extremely high temperature."

Eddie Irvine was frustrated that one of his best drives was not rewarded with a points finish. After his eighth-place finish he said: "It is probably one of the best races I have ever driven without reward. I had a lot of fun out there. It was very entertaining. A good work-out. We lost time for various reasons throughout the race. If we package up a good qualifying session, good start and good race we can challenge for points."

Britain's Jenson Button was disappointed that he could not make a push for points because of a throttle problem on his car. The Williams driver was just out of the points in seventh place when he was forced to slow down. He confirmed: "I am a bit disappointed because on the 30th lap I had a problem with the throttle. I slowed down in the last half of the race and that is why Eddie Irvine and Jarno Trulli were able to get past."

Jaguar driver Johnny Herbert was once again hit by a non-finish. He revealed: "Yet again I had gearshift problems which developed around lap eight and continued until the end. The spins I had with Jacques Villeneuve and Jos Verstappen happened because when I went for the downshift it would snap the rear end round. It was very difficult to drive at a consistent pace when you are having shifting problems. Unfortunately it is another non-finish."

Jacques Villeneuve finished 12th but admitted that he had not had high hopes for this race. The ex-world champion confirmed: "We knew when we arrived at the beginning of the weekend that we were probably not going to be competitive here. For once, I had a pretty bad start in the race with too much wheelspin. I was on the outside of Pedro de la Rosa at the chicane and he braked very late. I did as well but hit the back of his car and needed a new nose cone."

Arrows had a tough race but Jos Verstappen believes that the fact that he and Pedro de la Rosa finished is a positive sign. Verstappen was 13th and Pedro de la Rosa 16th and the Dutchman said: "I think it is good for the team that we made it home with two cars. It was a very hard race for us because our car is not the best one for this circuit but we always knew that. I am happy that I finished and am looking forward to the next race."

Result after 77 laps:        hr min sec
 1 M Hakkinen    Fin McLaren  1:45.33.6
 2 M Schumacher  Ger Ferrari  1:45.33.8
 3 D Coulthard   GB  McLaren  1:45.42.7
 4 R Barrichello Brz Ferrari  1:46.18.0
 5 R Schumacher  Ger Williams 1:46.24.0
 6 H-H Frentzen  Ger Jordan   1:46.41.9
 7 J Trulli      It  Jordan     one lap
 8 E Irvine      GB  Jaguar     one lap
 9 J Button      GB  Williams   one lap
10 M Salo        Fin Sauber     one lap
11 A Wurz        Aut Benetton   one lap
12 J Villeneuve  Can BAR       two laps
13 J Verstappen  Ned Arrows    two laps
14 R Zonta       Brz BAR       two laps
15 M Gene        Sp  Minardi three laps
16 P de la Rosa  Sp  Arrows   four laps
DID NOT FINISH (not classified) Laps completed
17 G Mazzacane   Arg Minardi     68
18 J Herbert     GB  Jaguar      67
19 P Diniz       Brz Sauber      62
20 G Fisichella  It  Benetton    31
21 N Heidfeld    Ger Prost       22
22 J Alesi       Fr  Prost       11
Fastest Lap: M Hakkinen 1:20.028

DRIVER STANDINGS
 1 M Hakkinen    Fin  McLaren   64 pts
 2 M Schumacher  Ger  Ferrari   62
 3 D Coulthard   GB   McLaren   58
 4 R Barrichello Brz  Ferrari   49
 5 G Fisichella  It   Benetton  18
 6 R Schumacher  Ger  Williams  16
 7 J Villeneuve  Can  BAR       11
 8 J Button      GB   Williams   8
 9 M Salo        Fin  Sauber     6
 = J Trulli      It   Jordan     6
 = H-H Frentzen  Ger  Jordan     6
12 E Irvine      GB   Jaguar     3
13 J Verstappen  Hol  Arrows     2
 = P de la Rosa  Sp   Arrows     2
15 R Zonta       Brz  BAR        1
 

CONSTRUCTORS' CHAMPIONSHIP
1 McLaren      112 pts
2 Ferrari      111
3 Williams      24
4 Benetton      18
5 BAR           12
= Jordan        12
7 Sauber         6
8 Arrows         4
9 Jaguar         3
 

TYNESIDE STAGES RALLY:- John Price clinched the Safety Devices National Rally Championship for the ninth time after triumphing on the Otterburn Ranges in his MG Metro 6R4. Price finished nearly a minute in front of second-placed Jon Mercer, while third place went to Dave Turnbull. Iain Henderson edged out Giles Brooksbank in the Group N category. Dave Bateson won the VW Polo Challenge, of which the Tyneside event was a qualifying round, but Neil Buckley claimed the title by finishing second.

Result after 10 stages:      hr min sec
 1 J Price     MG Metro 6R4    1:14.16
 2 J Mercer    MG Metro 6R4    1:15.10
 3 D Turnbull  Escort Cosworth 1:17.35
 4 L Barton    MG Metro 6R4    1:19.06
 5 D Hall      Escort RS       1:19.32
 6 J Indri     MG Metro 6R4    1:20.07
 7 G Grieve    Escort Cosworth 1:20.07
 8 C Moore     Vauxhall Nova   1:22.26
 9 B Cowe      Ford Escort     1:23.02
10 J Cope      Escort Cosworth 1:23.23
 

CART (Mid Ohio):- Helio Castroneves led car owner Roger Penske to his first one-two since 1994 by winning the 83-lap Miller 200 ahead of team-mate Gil de Ferran. Brazilian Christian Fittipaldi was third, followed by Italian Max Papis and Kenny Brack of Sweden. Reigning CART champion Juan Montoya finished 24th and Scotland's Dario Franchitti was hindered by a number of incidents and was 22nd. Michael Andretti kept his lead in the championship after taking eighth place.

Saturday's qualifying times: min secs
 1 G de Ferran  Brz Honda    1:05.347
 2 H Castro-N   Brz Honda    1:05.362
 3 D Franchitti GB  Honda    1:05.665
 4 K Brack      Swe Ford     1:05.806
 5 C Fittipaldi Brz Ford     1:05.962
 6 M Papis      It  Ford     1:06.047
 7 C Da Matta   Brz Toyota   1:06.251
 8 M Andretti   US  Ford     1:06.338
 9 P Carpentier Can Ford     1:06.391
10 J Montoya    Col Toyota   1:06.406
18 M Blundell   GB  Mercedes 1:07.069
 

F.PALMER AUDI (Snetterton):- Justin Keen got the perfect start to move ahead of Jesper Carlsen and take his second win of the season. Keen's championship rival Damien Faulkner finished third, keeping him in touch in the battle for the title.

Round 13 result (Sun): min secs
1 J Keen              21:44.653
2 J Carlsen             @ 0.470
3 D Faulkner            @ 0.954
4 C Hohenadel           @ 9.640
5 J Van Der Ende        @ 9.920
6 R Kerr                @16.516

Damien Faulkner won the third race of the season to retake the championship lead he lost in the morning race. Bruno Beeson notched his first podium finish of the season as he took second place ahead of Justin Keen.

Round 14 result (Sun)  min secs
1 D Faulkner          24:49.818
2 B Besson              @ 0.636
3 J Keen                @ 2.633
4 B Jouanny             @ 4.148
5 R Tarling             @ 5.607
6 J van der Ende        @ 6.117
 

KARTS:- Yorkshire's James Bean won round four of the National Super One Kart Championship in Larkhall ahead of Cumbria's Oliver Turvey.
 
 
 
 

14.08.2000

F1:- David Coulthard is convinced he can still be crowned world champion as the title race enters its final stages. Coulthard's third place in Hungary leaves him six points behind with five races left as team-mate Mika Hakkinen took the lead in the drivers standings. "It is disappointing to fall further behind the leader of the championship, but I know that I can still win it," said Coulthard. "There are still 50 points to play for so anything can happen."
 

CART (Mid Ohio):-
Sunday's Miller Lite 200 result:
                               Laps
 1 H Castro-N   Brz Honda       83
 2 G de Ferran  Brz Honda       83
 3 C Fittipaldi Brz Ford        83
 4 M Papis      It  Ford        83
 5 K Brack      Swe Ford        83
 6 A Fernandez  Mex Ford        83
 7 P Carpentier Can Ford        83
 8 M Andretti   US  Ford        83
 9 A Tagliani   Can Ford        83
10 O Servia     Sp  Toyota      82
14 M Blundell   GB  Mercedes    82
22 D Franchitti GB  Honda       52

Michael Andretti and Jimmy Vasser have announced they are not returning to their current CART teams next season. The pair are the only American racers with full-time CART rides this year and with Juan Montoya likely to join Formula One, the event could suffer. The trio's departure could leave CART without any American racer or any driver who has ever won the title. CART has a record 22-race sched le next year including its English debut at Rockingham in Corby in September.
 
 
 
 
 

16.08.2000

F1:- Williams will announce a two-year contract release for Jenson Button on Thursday, according to team sources. The move paves the way for Button to move to a rival outfit next season, though Williams will retain the right to recall him in 2003. The 20-year-old has been linked with a switch to Benetton. No announcement on Williams' new driver will be made until next month's US Grand Prix, with reports suggesting a drive for Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya.

Asia Motor Technologies have announced Arrows will test their new engine for the 2001 campaign at Barcelona on October 10-12. Although the new A21-AMT engine will have trial runs before the end of 2000 it will not make its debut until 2001. AMT's entry into the sport follows the decision by Peugeot-Sport that they are to sell their Formula One division at the end of the year. Peugeot currently supply the engines for the Prost team.

Wednesday's testing times: (Silverstone)
1 O Panis       Fr  McLaren  1:24.329
2 M Hakkinen    Fin McLaren  1:24.560
3 J Button      GB  Williams 1:26.090
4 J Trulli      It  Jordan   1:26.403
5 J Verstappen  Ned Arrows   1:26.502
6 H-H Frentzen  Ger Jordan   1:26.598
7 E Irvine      GB  Jaguar   1:27.863
8 J Herbert     GB  Jaguar   1:28.461
 

RALLY FINLAND:- Round nine of the World Championship runs from Friday to Sunday and this year's Rally Finland has the most compact route in its 50-year history. The stages to the east of Jyvaskyla have been scrapped and three new tests have been added to the opening day. The opening two legs end with a spectator-orientated stage around an oval trotting track. Drivers will compete in 23 stages overall and cover 410.18km in a total route of 1680.14.

Championship leader Richard Burns will be hoping for a return of his early-season form when the rally begins. The Subaru driver failed to finish the last two events in New Zealand and Greece and has seen his lead at the top cut to four points. However, he was second in Finland last year and will be confident of a good result this time round. Team-mate Juha Kankkunen held off Burns' challenge last year and can be expected to do well this year.

Finnish drivers have won the event every year since 1993, and Marcus Gronholm will be eager to record another home success. Gronholm is second to Richard Burns in the overall standings and finished fourth in Finland last year. The Peugeot driver has momentum after victory in New Zealand last month. Tomi Makinen won in Finland for five years in a row before last year and needs a win if he is to have any chance of retaining his world crown.

Colin McRae has admitted that he does not have high hopes of victory in the Finnish event. The Ford driver has taken part in the event five times but has been hit by four retirements. "Among the top drivers, I think it is fair to say that for me and most other non-Finns it is the hardest rally of all," stated the Scot. "Many things combine to make it so ` the speed, the jumps and blind apexes on the bends."

Carlos Sainz is one of two non-Nordic drivers to have won Rally Finland. The 38-year-old Spaniard triumphed in 1990 and said: "Finland is always special. It is a pure drivers' rally and one of my favourites. The roads are so wide and fast that car position is crucial. There is little chance of beating the Finns. If you enter a bend a few centimetres off line at 200kph it can make a huge difference to your position for the next bend."

SEAT and Rally Finland are celebrating their 50th anniversaries this year so it is apt that the latest evolution of the Cordoba WRC E3 will make its debut. The E3 looks almost identical to the E2 but has a new front bumper, more efficient air ducts and also a redesigned dashboard. Didier Auriol won the event in 1992 but revealed: "It is one of the more difficult rallies for me. But every year I go to Finland expecting to finish in the points."

The Hyundai Castrol team enjoyed a good rally in New Zealand and will hope to build on their success. Alistair McRae secured a stage win before retiring, while Kenneth Eriksson finished in fifth place overall. "In New Zealand, the car was the most competitive it's ever been," McRae said. "I'm optimistic for Finland, particulalry if we get a clean run. Another stage win will be difficult since the top runners will all be trying very hard."
 

F.RENAULT 2000 (Brands Hatch):- Championship leader Kimi Raikkonen produced the fastest time in testing after a string of fast laps. Mark McLoughlin recovered from a morning crash to be second quickest, followed by American Vincent Apple.

Testing times (Wed):           secs
1 K Raikkonen                 44.971
2 M McLoughlin                44.237
3 V Apple                     44.273
4 D Watts                     45.295
5 C Breeze                    45.354
6 R Dalziel                   45.360
 

RENAULT CLIO CUP:- Newcomer Richard Dean, driving for Team Firstair, headed testing at Brands Hatch on Wednesday. He was ahead of Henry Taylor and Daniel Buxton, while series leader Jim Edwards jnr was only fifth quickest.

Testing times (Wed):           secs
1 R Dean                      52.971
2 H Taylor                    53.093
3 D Buxton                    53.138
4 P Sowerby                   53.218
5 J Edwards jnr               53.236
6 D Gibson                    53.339
 
 
 
 
 

17.08.2000

F1:- Williams have confirmed that driver Jenson Button will be loaned out to Benetton for two years. It means that Williams will retain the right to recall him in 2003. Colombian CART star Juan Pablo Montoya is expected to be named as the team's new driver for 2001-2002 at next month's US Grand Prix. Twenty-year-old Button joined Ralf Schumacher at Williams at the start of this season and currently has eight points in the championship.

Jenson Button has insisted that he will continue to give his all for Williams, despite the announcement that he will be loaned to Benetton for two years. In a statement, he said: "I will always be eternally grateful to Frank Williams and Patrick Head at Williams for giving me my great opportunity in Formula One. I have some unfinished business at Williams and I am looking forward to the remaining races this season. I feel on a constant learning curve. This year has been really exciting."

Britain's Jenson Button is expected to earn ś3m over two years when he joins Benetton next year. Team boss Flavio Briatore has snapped up Button to replace Alexander Wurz but Italian Giancarlo Fisichella is staying with Benetton. Button revealed: "Both Renault and Flavio have shown that they know how to win and I am expecting their package to be excellent. Giancarlo is rated as a great driver. All in all my future looks bright."

Benetton boss Flavio Briatore says he expects the deal that has brought Jenson Button to his team to benefit both parties. "Jenson has done an incredible job for his first year in Formula One. I think his partnership with Benetton and Renault will be very beneficial to both sides." Technical director Pat Symonds added: "I am very excited at the news. Jenson is the ideal driver to partner Giancarlo Fisichella."

British American Racing have confirmed that Olivier Panis will partner Jacques Villeneuve next season. BAR managing director Craig Pollock said: Olivier Panis is an experienced Grand Prix driver, a highly rated test driver and a proven race winner. "We believe his knowledge and ability will assist the team greatly." Panis will replace Ricardo Zonta, of whom Pollock added: "He is undoubtedly a talented young man and will always have a special place within the team."
 

TESTING TIMES (Silverstone)
Wednesday's testing times:
1 O Panis       Fr  McLaren  1:24.329
2 M Hakkinen    Fin McLaren  1:24.560
3 J Button      GB  Williams 1:26.090
4 J Trulli      It  Jordan   1:26.403
5 J Verstappen  Ned Arrows   1:26.502
6 H-H Frentzen  Ger Jordan   1:26.598
7 E Irvine      GB  Jaguar   1:27.863
8 J Herbert     GB  Jaguar   1:28.461
 
 
 

BRITISH GT'S (Silverstone):- Defending champion David Warnock will be aiming to extend his lead in the series by securing a win this weekend. However, Calum Lockie, in the Marcos LM600 Mantara, is only nine points behind Warnock. Tim Harvey and Neil Cunningham have swapped places, with Harvey moving to a Chrysler Viper and Cunningham going the other way to a Porsche. In the GTO category, Mark Sumpter and Mike Jordan could secure the title in their Porsche this weekend.
 

F3 (Silverstone):- Antonio Pizzonia will be bidding to get his title bid back on track this weekend after a disastrous race last time out. Pizzonia is still 30 points clear of Tomas Scheckter. Japanese driver Takuma Sato won the previous race at Silverstone and otherrace winners this season include Nicolas Kiesa and Ben Collins.In the scholarship class for year-old cars, Gary Paffett has taken the title and is chasing an 11th straight win.
 
 

BTCC PROVISIONAL 2001 CALENDAR
DATE          ROUNDS   VENUE
Apr 15-16      1/2     Brands Hatch
May 6-7        3/4     Thruxton
May 19-20      5/6     Oulton Park
Jun 2-3        7/8     Donington Park
Jun 16-17      9/10    Knockhill
Jun 30-Jul 1   11/12   Silverstone
Jul 14-15      13/14   Mondello Park *
Jul 28-29      15/16   Croft
Aug 11         17/18   Snetterton
Aug 26-27      19/20   Oulton Park
Sep 8-9        21/22   Silverstone
Sep 15-16      23/24   Donington Park
Oct 6-7        25/26   Brands Hatch
* subject to satisfactory completion of Track/Paddock facilities.

A new format has been announced for the 2001 Touring Car series. Next year's cars will be two-litre-powered saloons pushing out about 270bhp with manufacturers able to use four, five or six-cylinder powerplants. In addition, cars will have less grip than currently and will need longer braking distances, while more evenly-matched family saloons will be allowed. The changes have been brought in after consultation with experts to increase the entertainment of the series.
 
 
 
 

18.08.2000

RALLY FINLAND:- Title rivals Richard Burns and Marcus Gronholm were locked in a thrilling battle for the lead on the first day. Gronholm was quickest on each of the first five stages before Championship leader Burns claimed four himself but the Finn ended the day in the lead. Another home favourite Harri Rovanpera was third while Colin McRae stayed in touch in fourth place. Carlos Sainz suffered engine trouble which cost him over five minutes while Petter Solberg is out after a crash.

Richard Burns was confident he could become only the third non-Nordic winner in the event's 50-year history after ending the first day in second place. "It wasn't too bad running first on the road and apart from a little trip into a ditch there has been no problem. I'm putting a lot of trust in my pace notes and have more speed available and day two should be interesting," he said Fourth-placed Colin McRae said: "We lost time on every stage and need to be faster to compete with the leaders."

Positions after 10 stages:
(at end of day one)           hr:mn:sec
 1 M Gronholm  Fin Peugeot    1:03:22.4
 2 R Burns     GB  Subaru     1:03:27.3
 3 H Rovanpera Fin Toyota     1:03:47.9
 4 C McRae     GB  Ford       1:03:55.7
 5 J Kankkunen Fin Subaru     1:04:05.2
 6 T Makinen   Fin Mitsubishi 1:04:07.6
 7 S Lindholm  Fin Peugeot    1:04:09.7
 8 F Delecour  Fr  Peugeot    1:04:16.3
 9 M Martin    Est Toyota     1:04:22.4
10 T Gard'ster Fin SEAT       1:04:37.4
 
 

NATIONAL SALOONS (Silverstone):- Championship rivals Toni Ruokonen and Matt Kelly set the pace in Friday's testing before round nine this weekend. Roger Moen headed the first session in steady rain but Ruokonen and Kelly took charge in the afternoon.

Friday's leading testing times:
                           mins:secs
1 T Ruokonen    Peugeot     1:44.377
2 M Kelly       Nissan      1:44.653
3 D Eaves       Peugeot     1:44.746
4 T Masini      Honda       1:44.839
5 S Harrison    Ford        1:44.921
6 T Ferrier     Alfa Romeo  1:45.484
 
 
 
 
 

19.08.2000

CART:- Gil de Ferran pipped Michael Andretti to provisional pole for Sunday's Motorola 220 race. De Ferran can cut Andretti's lead in the championship to 18 points if he hangs on to the single point for winning pole position. Scotland's Dario Franchitti, who has qualified in the top five in seven of his last nine starts, was third. Defending champion Juan Montoya was 10th after being one of several drivers to encounter problems on the circuit.

Friday's qualifying times:     secs
 1 G de Ferran  Brz Honda    100.392
 2 M Andretti   US  Ford     100.401
 3 D Franchitti GB  Honda    100.477
 4 A Tagliani   Can Ford     100.482
 5 A Fernandez  Mex Ford     100.581
 6 C Fittipaldi Brz Ford     101.016
 7 M Gugelmin   Brz Mercedes 101.044
 8 H Cast'neves Brz Honda    101.072
 9 K Brack      Swe Ford     101.358
10 J Montoya    Col Toyota   101.431
20 M Blundell   GB  Mercedes 102.657
 

RALLY FINLAND:- Marcus Gronholm looks set to win his home Rally on Sunday and take over from Richard Burns on top of the standings after a dramatic second day. Burns crashed out of the event just after the day's first stage, the third time this year he has failed to finish. Burns was taken to hospital for a precautionary scan and was given the all-clear by doctors. Gronholm finished the day 56.2 seconds ahead of Finnish compatriot Harri Rovanpera with Colin McRae in third.

Richard Burns was philosophical after crashing out of the Rally after the second day's opening stage. "As far as the championship is concerned, this was a bad time to have an incident like this, but there's never really a good time," he said. "The worst thing that could happen now is that Marcus Gronholm wins and I end up six points behind him." Gronholm said: "I'm sorry Richard is no longer there because we would have had a great battle."

Positions after 18 stages:
(end of day two)              hr:mn:sec
 1 M Gronholm  Fin Peugeot    2:24:33.0
 2 H Rovanpera Fin Toyota     2:25:29.2
 3 C McRae     GB  Ford       2:25:46.1
 4 T Makinen   Fin Mitsubishi 2:25:58.8
 5 S Lindholm  Fin Peugeot    2:26:09.3
 6 F Delecour  Fr  Peugeot    2:27:22.3
 7 D Auriol    Fr  SEAT       2:28:19.8
 8 P Hagstrom  Fin Toyota     2:28:34.3
 9 A McRae     GB  Hyundai    2:29:12.1
10 J Kankkunen Fin Subaru     2:30:15.0
 

F3:- Japanese driver Takuma Sato heads the field as he took pole for Sunday's battle at Silverstone. Sato is at the top of a tight field, with the top 14 drivers separated by less than a second. Championship contenders Antonio Pizzonia and Tomas Schekter were second and sixth respectively.

Qualifying times (Sat):     mins secs
1 T Sato     Jpn  Dallara    1:15.827
2 A Pizzonia It   Dallara    1:16.023
3 N Karth'n  Ind  Dallara    1:16.043
4 G Bruni    It   Dallara    1:16.049
5 N Kiesa    Ger  Dallara    1:16.102
6 T Sch'ter  Ger  Dallara    1:16.200
 
 

MGF CUP (Silverstone):-
Round 9 qualifying times (Sat):
                          mins secs
1 J Hunter                 1:35.424
2 A Lyall                  1:36.022
3 V Martin                 1:36.235
4 S Warburton              1:36.346
5 B Benham                 1:36.348
6 M Ticehurst              1:36.352
 

BRITISH GT'S (Silverstone):- The Lister Storm of Jamie Campbell- Walter and David arnock set the pace in the first round of qualifying. Leading the chase was the Marcos LM600 Mantara of Cor Euser/Calum Lockie and Ian Astley/Chris Ellis' Lotus Esprit.

Saturday's leading GT qualifying times:
1 C-Water/Warnock  Lister    1:19.486
2 Euser/Lockie     Marcos    1:20.826
3 Ellis/Astley     Lotus     1:20.910

GTO:
1 Rymer/Lister     Porsche   1:24.367
2 Short/Barff      TVR       1:24.524
3 Hayles/Konig     Chrysler  1:25.194
 
 

NATIONAL SALOONS (Silverstone):- The Peugeots dominated qualifying, with Dan Eaves and then Toni Ruokonen heading the field in their 306GTi6s. Leading the chase is championship leader Matt Kelly. Roger Moen's car was the third Peugeot in the top four.

Saturday's leading qualifying times:
                           mins:secs
1 D Eaves       Peugeot     1:32.557
2 T Ruokonen    Peugeot     1:33.175
3 M Kelly       Nissan      1:33.677
4 R Moen        Peugeot     1:33.895
5 S Harrison    Ford        1:33.898
6 T Masini      Honda       1:34.268
 
 
 
 
 

20.08.2000

CART (Wisconsin):- Dario Franchitti set a track record to claim his first pole of the season for Sunday's race. The Scot, winner on this circuit in 1998, completed the four-mile road course in 99.866 seconds at 145.924mph. His speed beat Michael Andretti's 1998 record lap of 145.745mph and Gil de Ferran's 145.504mph lap on Saturday. De Ferran was second, ahead of rookie Alexandre Tagliani with championship leader Michael Andretti, a three-times winner here, back in sixth.

Saturday's qualifying times:mins:secs
 1 D Franchitti GB  Honda    1:39.866
 2 G de Ferran  Brz Honda    1:40.154
 3 A Tagliani   Can Ford     1:40.260
 4 M Andretti   US  Ford     1:40.401
 5 A Fernandez  Mex Ford     1:40.581
 6 H Cast'neves Brz Honda    1:40.610
 7 P Tracy      Can Honda    1:40.682
 8 C Fittipaldi Brz Ford     1:40.902
 9 K Brack      Swe Ford     1:40.977
10 M Gugelmin   Brz Mercedes 1:41.044
20 M Blundell   GB  Mercedes 1:42.336
 

RALLY FINLAND:- Finland's Marcus Gronholm went to the top of the world standings after claiming victory in his home rally. The Peugeot driver finished one minute 6.2 seconds ahead of British driver Colin McRae to leapfrog Richard Burns at the head of the standings. McRae was finally able to move ahead of Harri Rovanpera into second place after the Finn incurred a 10-second penalty for a time-card infringement. Gronholm's victory kept up the run of wins by Finnish drivers.

Finland's Marcus Gronholm was delighted to go to the top of the standings after victory in his home race. "It feels wonderful," he said. "I'm satisfied that I could drive fast enough without any pressure." Colin McRae was pleased with his second place, achieved despite losing power steering towards the end. "I'm pleased to get to the finish," he said. "After we lost the power steering,I wasn't so sure it would last, but it did, and I'm very happy."
 

Final positions after 23 stages:
                              hr:mn:sec
 1 M Gronholm  Fin Peugeot    3:22:37.1
 2 C McRae     GB  Ford       3:23:43.3
 3 H Rovanpera Fin Toyota     3:23:46.7
 4 T Makinen   Fin Mitsubishi 3:24:15.8
 5 S Lindholm  Fin Peugeot    3:24:43.1
 6 F Delecour  Fr  Peugeot    3:27:42.1
 7 P Hagstrom  Fin Toyota     3:27:53.6
 8 J Kankkunen Fin Subaru     3:28:30.0
 9 A McRae     GB  Hyundai    3:28:46.2
10 M Martin    Est Toyota     3:29:27.7

DRIVER STANDINGS
1 M Gronholm   Fin  Peugeot     44 pts
2 R Burns      GB   Subaru      38
3 C McRae      GB   Ford        36
4 C Sainz      Sp   Ford        27
5 T Makinen    Fin  Mitsubishi  26
6 J Kankkunen  Fin  Subaru      18

MANUFACTURER STANDINGS
1 Ford           63 pts
2 Subaru         60
3 Peugeot        54
4 Mitsubishi     33
5 Skoda           8
6 SEAT            7
 
 

F3 (Silverstone):- Takuma Sato turned on the style to beat Green Flag Championship leader Antonio Pizzonia in a frantic 11th round race. Sato led from start to finish around the Northamptonshire track's 2.249-mile international circuit. Pizzonia pushed hard to catch Sato but could not stop the Japanese racer claiming victory by 1.654 seconds. Pizzonia's runner-up spot gave him 15 championship points, extending his lead over Tomas Scheckter to 35 points with only three races left.

Result (Sun):               mins secs
1 T Sato     Jpn  Dallara   30:59.030
2 A Pizzonia It   Dallara   31:00.684
3 G Bruni    It   Dallara   31:14.070
4 T Sch'ter  Ger  Dallara   31:14.755
5 N Karth'n  Ind  Dallara   31:21.165
6 B Collins       Dallara   31:22.137
 

BRITISH GT'S (Silverstone):- David Warnock moved closer to the title after sharing victory with Jamie Campbell-Walter in round nine. Their Lister Storm romped to victory with the Lotus Espirit of Chris Ellis and Ian Astley taking second spot.

Sunday's GT result:         mins secs
1 Warnock/C'bell-W Lister   60:37.479
2 Ellis/Astley     Lotus    61:26.771
3 Clark/Wilds      Chrysler 61:39.936

Sunday's GTO result:
1 Lister/Rymer     Porsche   42 laps
2 Jordan/Sumpter   Porsche   41 laps
3 Watson/Simmoms   Porsche   41 laps
 
 

NATIONAL SALOONS (Silverstone):- Toni Ruokonen took advantage as his Peugeot team-mate Dane Eaves slowed in sigh of the flag to sweep past and claim victory.  Matt Kelly took third place ahead of Roger Moen in another Peugeot.

Sunday's result:           mins:secs
1 T Ruokonen    Peugeot    30:07.559
2 D Eaves       Peugeot    30:08.417
3 M Kelly       Nissan     30:15.124
4 R Moen        Peugeot    30:21.752
5 S Harrison    Ford       30:21.812
6 T Masini      Honda      30:37.334
 
 

F.FORD (Silverstone):- Ryan Sharp converted pole position into his first race victory as second place was enough to give Matthew Gilmore the inaugural Junior Championship crown. Lee Piercey took third place with Gordon Coleman finishing fourth.

Sunday's result:    mins:secs
1 R Sharp           20:32.645
2 M Gilmore         20:33.056
3 L Piercey         20:35.698
4 G Coleman         20:39.808
5 A Thompson        20:43.472
6 S Kane            20:44.259
 

Caterham Superlight Challenge:
Round 11 result       mins secs
1 R Jenkinson         31:11.681
2 M Bettley             @ 0.753
3 G Taylor              @ 0.948
4 P Stevens             @ 1.285
5 B Hayden              @ 2.341
6 R Durant              @ 5.353
 

Caterham Roadsport Challenge:
Round 10 result
1 J Gladman           31:00.728
2 P Haynes              @ 0.043
3 C Richards            @ 0.705
4 S Pullan              @ 3.719
5 J Sutherland          @ 7.066
6 N Jacobs              @ 7.346
 
 
 
 

21.08.2000

CART (Wisconsin):- Paul Tracy recovered from dropping from seventh to 23rd on the first lap to hit back and win the Motorola 220. Tracy moved steadily through the field, taking the lead for the first time on the 26th lap. Robert Moreno took over top spot when Tracy made his final fuel stop but when Moreno had to stop, Tracy went back in front and won by 7.450 seconds. Adrian Fernandez was second and Kenny Brack third in a race where only 11 of the 25 entrants finished.

Sunday's result:             mins:secs
 1 P Tracy      Can Honda    1:37.53
 2 A Fernandez  Mex Ford        @.07
 3 K Brack      Swe Ford     same lap
 4 R Moreno     Brz Ford     same lap
 5 J Vasser     US  Toyota   same lap
 6 M Gidley     US  Toyota   same lap
 7 M Papis      It  Ford     same lap
 8 T Kanaan     Brz Mercedes 1 lap down
 9 H Cast'neves Brz Honda    same lap
10 O Servia     Sp  Toyota   same lap
11 M Blundell   GB  Mercedes 7 laps
12 D Franchitti GB  Honda    12 laps
 

TOYOTA ATLANTIC (Wisconsin):- Britain's Dan Wheldon hept up his title challenge with a second place finish in the ninth round of the championship at Elkart Lake. Having started the 17-lap race in fifth place, the 22-year-old moved up to take the lead by the tenth lap. But Buddy Rice slipped past him on lap 15, just seconds before the yellow flags came out which stayed in use until the end of the race. Wheldon is 22 points behind Rice in the standings with three races remaining.
 

RALLY FINLAND:- Marcus Gronholm was still wary of his world championship title chances after moving to the top of the standings after victory in the Rally of Finland. The Finn believes a lack of experience on asphalt could prove his downfall in the final rounds of the championship. "It is much too early to start talking about the championship as there are still five rallies to go," he said. "The next rally in Cyprus is new for all of us but I have never been to Corsica either."

Scotland's Colin McRae is confident he can still win the world championship. The Ford driver is lying third behind Richard Burns in second and points leader Marcus Gronholm but is ready to make his experience on asphalt count. "Marcus has little experience on the next three rallies so I have set my sights on moving to the top of the championship," said McRae. "Finland was my hardest rally and I came second so now I have a lot of confidence for the rest of the season."
 
 
 
 

22.08.2000

F1:- The format for the Green Flag British Formula Three Championship will be changed from next year. Instead of one 30-minute race at each meeting, drivers will compete in two 20-minute races. "The teams have been asking for more track time and we have responded to that with our new proposals," said PowerTour Series Director Roger Etcell. "The increased track time will help to teach the young drivers and help equip them for F1."
 

BRITISH RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP:- Vauxhall have won the British Rally Championship manufacturers' title after Hyundai pulled out of the final round. Hyundai, who are Vauxhall's closest challengers, declined to enter the Manx Rally after the controversy over their appearance at the MSA Rally in July. A fine was imposed on Hyundai after their Rallycorp team did not hold a valid entrant's licence. With 12 points on offer in the Isle of Man, Proton, in third place 13 points behind Vauxhall, cannot close the gap.
 
 
 
 

23.08.2000

F1: THE BELGIAN GP
Finnish driver Mika Salo will leave the Sauber team at the end of the current season to join the new Toyota F1 team, the Swiss team have confirmed. The 33-year-old finished fifth in both Germany and Monaco this season. He was sixth in San Marino and Austria and is ninth in the drivers' standings. He was also sixth across the line in Australia but was later disqualified for his car being 20mm too wide. Salo has also had spells with Lotus, Tyrrell, Arrows, BAR and Ferrari.

With just five rounds of this year's championship to go, the race for the title could not be more exciting. World champion Mika Hakkinen has taken the lead from long-time leader Michael Schumacher and may now take his third title in a row. However, Schumacher is determined to give Ferrari the drivers' crown for which they have long been striving. Sunday's race in Belgium is sure to be crucial in deciding the destiny of this year's ultimate prize.

World champion Mika Hakkinen will not allow his lead in the world standings to put him off on Sunday. "It's nice to be leading the Championship but I'm focusing on this weekend's Grand Prix," he said. "I spent two days last week testing at Silverstone, where we had hoped it would rain, so we could get some wet weather running in before Spa. Unfortunately it stayed sunny! But we are in good shape and the Belgian Grand Prix always provides value for money."

Third-placed David Coulthard is still in the hunt for the world championship and is buoyed by his victory at Spa last year. "I'm feeling confident and after my victory in last year's race I'm aiming to make it two in a row," he said. "I like this track ` just like most other drivers. It's a challenge and you really have to work hard all the time. When you are comfortable with the car and manage to get a lap just right it's a fantastic feeling."

Michael Schumacher will be aiming to land his fifth Spa victory in nine starts on Sunday to reclaim the lead in the drivers' championship. The Ferrari star was overtaken in the standings by Mika Hakkinen after the last round in Hungary. "Spa is a challenging and satisfying circuit and demands a good job between the driver and engineer to get the car working well," conceded Schumacher. "It is also the closest track to where I grew up so it is almost a home race."

Michael Schumacher has insisted that he is relishing the chance to race at Spa ` come rain or shine. Rain is always a big possibility at the circuit and Schumacher said: "The frequent showers in the area always add another unknown factor to the race. Making the right decision at the right time can win or lose the race. I am looking forward to it.” In awful conditions in 1998, leader Schumacher collided with David Coulthard and retired from the race.

Ferrari have been trying out a new development engine and also doing some wet-weather testing ahead of round 11. The sessions have left Rubens Barrichello in confident mood and he said: "Like everybody I enjoy driving in Spa. It is the circuit where I scored my first pole position in 1994. It is a real racer's track, which can be fantastic if you have a good car and a nightmare if the car is not handling well. We should be very competitive."

Jordan are hoping to maintain their recent credible record in Belgium and move up the constructors' championship. Heinz-Harald Frentzen was third last year and Damon Hill sixth, and in 1998 Hill gave the team their first win there and Ralf Schumacher was second. Team boss Eddie Jordan said: "In 1991 we nearly won our first race with De Cesaris but a blown engine robbed us. However, we contributed significantly to F1 in that race by giving Michael Schumacher his debut."

Eddie Irvine has admitted that Spa is not one of his favourite circuits. He confirmed: "While I appreciate the great setting and its place in the history books, I am not a big fan. I do not see the thrill of driving fast round fast corners. You have enough downforce to keep your foot planted on the throttle and you do not get to play with the car very much. Having said that, we do all have a lot of respect for Eau Rouge."

Johnny Herbert was forced to retire on lap 27 of last year's race and the way this season has gone so far he will probably just be grateful for a finish. The Jaguar star's best display in Belgium was when he finished fourth in the 1997 campaign. "I always enjoy racing at Spa," he said. "It is the best and most demanding circuit on the calendar. Eau Rouge has to be the best corner in F1. It is a real test of a driver's expertise. I am hoping for some luck."

Jenson Button is looking forward to Sunday's race as he has experience of racing at Spa. "My last outing at Spa was in F3 last year and like all racing drivers, I have very fond memories of Eau Rouge," he said. "It's obviously going to be a different sensation in an F1 car, but it's an opportunity I am relishing. The team did a very good job in Budapest on set-up. I am hoping we can carry that momentum onto Spa."

Ralf Schumacher enjoyed a solid fifth place last time out in Hungary. "The FW22 was very competitive in the last race and I succeeded in remaining amongst the top six from the beginning," he said. "We still have a fair deal of work ahead of us," he added. "Spa is not an easy track. From Les Combes to Stavelot, most of the corners are mid-speed and it's in this section that I expect a good performance from the FW22.

Benetton technical director Pat Symonds said that the variety of the Spa circuit dictated preparation. "There is a wide variety of different types of corner, many of which present a unique challenge," he said. "It is therefore a cicruit where balance through a variety of cornering conditions is all important. The team is approaching this race with renewed determination to snatch back third place in the constructors' championship," he added.

Ricardo Zonta has insisted that he is looking forward to Sunday's race - despite his 1999 qualifying accident at the Belgian circuit. He and his British American Racing team-mate Jacques Villeneuve had accidents at Eau Rouge last year. Zonta admitted: "It is maybe not the thing you want to be remembered for. Since last year, however, there has been a big improvement in the car on fast tracks and fast corners. We also had a good test at Mugello."

Arrows driver Pedro de la Rosa believes that Spa could suit the A21. The Spaniard stated: "Spa is a good circuit for us and I hope for a better result than in Hungary. "The car has been running well and I think that we have a very good chance." His team-mate Jos Verstappen added: "Things look good for Spa. Also it is the closest race to Holland so there will be a lot of Dutch fans there, which is nice."
 

BTCC (Brands Hatch):- Touring car action returns after a month's break with the race for the championship moving into its exciting final phase. Ford hold the lead in both the drivers' and manufacturers' championships but the chasing pack are determined to erode their advantage. Yvan Muller and Jason Plato are both close enough to be involved in the final shake-up. Rounds 19 and 20 take place on Bank Holiday Monday, August 28.

Anthony Reid moved to the head of the standings after his win at Donington Park and is not worried about carrying ballast this time as a result. "Of all the circuits to carry ballast the Brands Hatch Indy track is probably the best," he said. "The places where you must accelerate hard after tight corners, where the weight hurts you most, are downhill. But lap times are always very close on this circuit and anything that hinders your progress is not ideal."

Vauxhall drivers Yvan Muller and Jason Plato are still in touch with the leading Fords and believe they can still win the championship. "It is still possible to win the championship and I will be doing everything I possibly can to win it," Muller said. "It will be difficult, for sure, but we have to try to do our best and not make any mistakes." Plato will be confident after victory at Brands Hatch earlier in the season.

Honda's James Thompson is not in contention for the championship, but could still play a major role in deciding its outcome. "The Accord is running competitively and I want to try to get some good results for Honda," he said. "I'll be trying to win as many races as possible, whether that will have a big knock-on effect on the outcome of the championship I don't know." Injury in April ended Thompson's hopes of winning the title.

DRIVER STANDINGS
1 A Reid     GB  Ford        156 pts
2 A Menu     Swi Ford        149
3 R Rydell   Swe Ford        139
4 Y Muller   Fr  Vauxhall    131
5 J Plato    GB  Vauxhall    123
6 G T'quini  It  Honda       112

MICHELIN CUP FOR INDEPENDENTS
1 M Neal     GB  Nissan      267 pts
2 C Blair    GB  Nissan      132

MANUFACTURER STANDINGS
1 Ford                151 pts
2 Vauxhall            142
3 Honda               121
 
 

F.PALMER AUDI (Oulton Park):- Championship leader Damien Faulkner set himself up for the weekend races by posting the fastest time in testing. Championship rival Justin Keen could only post the ninth quickest time.

Leading test times (Wed):min secs
1 D Faulkner           1:33.348
2 A Simonsen            @ 0.188
3 C Hohenadel           @ 0.408
4 D Hayes               @ 0.437
5 P Edwards             @ 0.439
6 B Besson              @ 0.467
 

F3000: The Championship finishes at Spa this weekend, on the longest track on the F3000 circuit. A good finish for the Nordic Racing duo of Kevin McGarrity and Justin Wilson could see their team finish the season in third place overall. "This is the last race of the year and we must set our sights high," said team principal Derek Mower. "We need Kevin and Justin to qualify as near the front as possible. We can finish third and that's our aim."
 
 
 
 
 
 

24.08.2000

BTCC (Brands Hatch):- Touring car action returns after a month's break with the race for the championship moving into its exciting final phase. Ford hold the lead in both the drivers' and manufacturers' championships but the chasing pack are determined to erode their advantage. Yvan Muller and Jason Plato are both close enough to be involved in the final shake-up. Rounds 19 and 20 take place on Bank Holiday Monday, August 28.

Anthony Reid moved to the head of the standings after his win at Donington Park and is not worried about carrying ballast this time as a result. "Of all the circuits to carry ballast the Brands Hatch Indy track is probably the best," he said. "The places where you must accelerate hard after tight corners, where the weight hurts you most, are downhill. But lap times are always very close on this circuit and anything that hinders your progress is not ideal."

Vauxhall drivers Yvan Muller and Jason Plato are still in touch with the leading Fords and believe they can still win the championship. "It is still possible to win the championship and I will be doing everything I possibly can to win it," Muller said. "It will be difficult, for sure, but we have to try to do our best and not make any mistakes." Plato will be confident after victory at Brands Hatch earlier in the season.

Honda's James Thompson is not in contention for the championship, but could still play a major role in deciding its outcome. "The Accord is running competitively and I want to try to get some good results for Honda," he said. "I'll be trying to win as many races as possible, whether that will have a big knock-on effect on the outcome of the championship I don't know." Injury in April ended Thompson's hopes of winning the title.
 

RALLYING:- 180 cars will start the Listers Subaru Woodpecker Rally on September 2.
 

F.PALMER AUDI (Oulton Park):- Championship leader Damien Faulkner set himself up for the weekend races by posting the fastest time in testing. Championship rival Justin Keen could only post the ninth quickest time.

Leading test times (Wed):min secs
1 D Faulkner             1:33.348
2 A Simonsen              @ 0.188
3 C Hohenadel             @ 0.408
4 D Hayes                 @ 0.437
5 P Edwards               @ 0.439
6 B Besson                @ 0.467
 

F3000:- The Championship finishes at Spa this weekend, on the longest track on the F3000 circuit. A good finish for the Nordic Racing duo of Kevin McGarrity and Justin Wilson could see their team finish the season in third place overall. "This is the last race of the year and we must set our sights high," said team principal Derek Mower. "We need Kevin and Justin to qualify as near the front as possible. We can finish third and that's our aim." Andreas Scheld has been ruled out of the F3000 race at Spa this weekend as he recovers from a serious illness.
 
 
 
 

25.08.2000 - F1: THE BELGIAN GP

David Coulthard staked his title claim with a superb display in first practice as he finished the day 0.5 seconds up on Championship leader Mika Hakkinen. Coulthard's time was never beaten after he set his time near the end of the first session. Michael Schumacher dropped down to fifth after being overhauled by Johnny Herbert and Jacques Villeneuve. Alexander Wurz was sixth while Jenson Button was 13th in his debut on the track and Eddie Irvine 16th.

Friday practice times:
 1 D Coulthard   GB  McLaren  1:53.398
 2 M Hakkinen    Fin McLaren  1:53.919
 3 J Herbert     GB  Jaguar   1:53.945
 4 J Villeneuve  Can BAR      1:54.136
 5 M Schumacher  Ger Ferrari  1:54.226
 6 A Wurz        Ger Benetton 1:54.266
 7 J Verstappen  Ned Arrows   1:54.338
 8 G Fisichella  It  Benetton 1:54.350
 9 R Barrichello Brz Ferrari  1:54.502
10 J Trulli      It  Jordan   1:54.666
11 M Gene        Sp  Minardi  1:54.832
12 R Schumacher  Ger Williams 1:55.209
13 J Button      GB  Williams 1:55.270
14 P Diniz       Brz Sauber   1:55.312
15 R Zonta       Brz BAR      1:55.546
16 E Irvine      GB  Jaguar   1:55.645
17 H-H Frentzen  Ger Jordan   1:55.750
18 M Salo        Fin Sauber   1:55.847
19 G Mazzacane   Arg Minardi  1:56.122
20 P de la Rosa  Sp  Arrows   1:56.252
21 J Alesi       Fr  Prost    1:56.508
22 N Heidfeld    Ger Prost    1:56.857

Allan McNish is hoping to follow former World Champion Damon Hill by breaking into Formula One in his 30s. The Scot will be given a belated opportunity to reach motor sport's big-time when he tests for Toyota next year. McNish said: "I have spoken to Damon about this and he said coming into Formula One at such an age made him better equipped to cope with it. This is the best opportunity I have ever had. I just needed that little extra nudge to get into Formula One."
 
 
 
 

26.08.2000

F1: THE BELGIAN GP
Mika Hakkinen snatched pole position for Sunday's race ahead of Jarno Trulli with Britain's Jenson Button third. Hakkinen's hopes of a championship hat- trick were given a boost as rivals Michael Schumacher and David Coulthard finished fourth and fifth respectively. Button almost grabbed a place on the front row of the grid as he missed out by just 0.02 of a second behind Trulli. Trulli might have claimed his first career pole, but was forced to slow as Jean Alesi spun to a stop on the track.

Saturday's qualifying times:
 1 M Hakkinen    Fin McLaren  1:50.646
 2 J Trulli      It  Jordan   1:51.419
 3 J Button      GB  Williams 1:51.444
 4 M Schumacher  Ger Ferrari  1:51.552
 5 D Coulthard   GB  McLaren  1:51.587
 6 R Schumacher  Ger Williams 1:51.743
 7 J Villeneuve  Can BAR      1:51.799
 8 H-H Frentzen  Ger Jordan   1:51.926
 9 J Herbert     GB  Jaguar   1:52.242
10 R Barrichello Brz Ferrari  1:52.444
11 G Fisichella  It  Benetton 1:52.756
 
 

ELF CLIO CUP (Brands Hatch):- The top three drivers fighting fo the title headed final testing for Monday's crucial 10th round. Points leader Jim Edwards jnr was fastest - withe the top 17 all withing a second of his time.

Testing times:      secs
1 J Edwards        53.101
2 H Taylor         53.161
3 D Buxton         53.168
4 R Pearson        53.252
5 J Templeman      53.271
 
 

F.RENAULT (Brands Hatch):- Kimi Raikkonene topped testing for Monday's 10th round in which a top six finish will guarantee him the title. His closest challenger Ryan Dalziel was second quickest while the top 17 were covered by under a second.

Testing times:                   secs
1 K Raikkonen   Fin             44.786
2 R Dalziel     GB              44.920
3 J Jones       USA             45.135
4 T Sisley      GB              45.211
5 C Hall        GB              45.227
6 L Walker      GB              45.287
 

MEWLA RALLY
Top 10 after 6 stages:
(end of day one)               mins:secs
 1 J Mercer       MG Metro       18:37
 2 J Price        MG Metro       18:42
 3 P Lloyd        MG Metro       18:57
 4 S Hendy        Escort Cos     19:02
 5 J Morgan       Escort Cos     19:11
 6 E Pritchard    Subaru Imp     19:15
 7 M Worley       Escort Cos     19:17
 8 G Smith        Escort WRC     19:17
 9 D Turnbull     Escort Cos     19:21
10 M Welch        Escort Cos     19:34
 

BTCC (Brands Hatch):- Italian ace Gabriele Tarquini was quickest in testing ahead of Monday's rounds 19 and 20 on the championship. The Honda driver just pipped Vauxhall's Jason Plato to the top time by 13 hundredths of second. Championship leader Anthony Reid could only manage sixth fastest, but was ahead of his two Ford team-mates Alain Menu and Rickard Rydell. Matt Neal was the quickest independent runner in fourth place in his Team Dynamics Nissan Primera.

Saturday testing times:         sec
 1 G Tarquini    It  Honda     46.724
 2 J Plato       GB  Vauxhall  46.737
 3 T Kristensen  Den Honda     46.748
 4 M Neal        GB  Nissan    46.777
 5 Y Muller      Fr  Vauxhall  46.900
 6 A Reid        GB  Ford      46.926
 7 R Rydell      Swe Ford      46.984
 8 A Menu        Swi Ford      47.146
 9 V Radermecker Bel Vauxhall  47.242
10 J Thompson    GB  Honda     47.376
 
 
 
 
 
 

27.08.2000

F1: THE BELGIAN GP
Mika Hakkinen overtook Michael Schumacher with less than four laps left to win the race and increase his advantage in the drivers' championship. Pole-sitter Hakkinen had lost the lead to the German after a half spin on the 13th lap but found a way past the German on lap 41. Ralf Schumacher finished in third place and David Coulthard was fourth. Jenson Button was fifth, Johnny Herbert was eighth and his Jaguar team-mate Eddie Irvine was 10th.

Mika Hakkinen boosted his hopes of securing a third successive world title by picking up his third victory in four grands prix. The Finn exclaimed: "It was an incredible race. It was very difficult and my spin was not planned. I was lucky to stay on the track." He also relished his overtaking manoeuvre on Michael Schumacher. "It was a great manoeuvre," added Hakkinen. "I loved it, although I am sure that Michael did not."

Michael Schumacher was realistic after seeing victory snatched from his grasp by Mika Hakkinen late on in the race. "Mika was flying. He was so much faster that there was nothing I could do," said Schumacher. "Being in the slipstream of the backmarker I thought he would not be able to catch me. But Mika did a really outstanding manoeuvre because I did not expect it. I kept my championship hopes alive. It has got harder but I will keep going."

The renowned wet weather at Spa ensured that the race started behind the safety car and Mika Hakkinen had established a 2.1-second lead after three laps. Michael Schumacher moved into second place on the fifth lap after Jenson Button touched Jarno Trulli's Jordan. Trulli spun out of the race and then Hakkinen went into a half spin at Stavelot on lap 13 and it allowed Schumacher to take the lead. It came after the German had had five successive fastest laps.

David Coulthard has insisted that he has not given up on the title, despite losing ground to Mika Hakkinen and Michael Schumacher by finishing fourth. The Scot confirmed: "I will not give up on my title dream until the points do not add up. I had made it difficult for myself with a poor qualifying session." Coulthard also said that he does not think McLaren boss Ron Dennis will enforce team orders for the rest of the season to help Hakkinen's title bid.

Ralf Schumacher consolidated Williams' third place in the constructor standings by claim ng four points. After finishing behind Mika Hakkinen and brother Michael Schumacher, the German stated: "We are definitely very much the third team now. Realistically the only way we could have got a victory here would have been if it had been a wet race and obviously that did not happen. Mika was just so much quicker compared to anyone else."

Britain's Jenson Button was was disappointed not to finish higher than fifth after he had qualified for the race in third place. The Williams driver claimed: "I could have achieved more. Of course I am disappointed. Anyway it is good to have scored some more points. At the beginning it took me too much time time to overtake Jarno Trulli. After the contact with Trulli's Jordan the steering wheel was quite heavy and the car was not as good in the dry."

Johnny Herbert will go to the next race in Monza in better heart after finishing in eighth place at Spa. "It was an enjoyable race but unfortunately I was on my own most of the time so was not actually racing with anybody," said the Briton. "The only disappointment was qualifying outside the top six. As things turned out I could have been challenging for points. I still want to bring points to the team before the year is out."

Eddie Irvine feels that his Jaguar team are at last beginning to make inroads into the question of reliability. After finishing 10th he admitted: "The balance of the car was good in the warm-up and I felt that if it stayed wet were were in good shape. However, once the track began to dry after the start and we changed from wet to grooved tyres some of that balance went away. I felt be gelled better as a team this weekend than we have all year."

The Belgian round of the season will be one that Giancarlo Fisichella will want to put down to experience. The Benetton driver was lucky to escape unhurt from a crash in the warm-up session and had to race in the T-car. He lasted for only eight laps and said: "I got some sort of electrical problem and lost power in the Bus Stop chicane. After qualifying in one run on Saturday and my big crash in warm-up this really has been a disastrous weekend for me."

Jacques Villeneuve was disappointed after he finished just outside the points in seventh place. "It was a very boring race from my perspective," admitted the Canadian. "The car had terrible understeer and I do not know why. We had oversteer all weekend, mostly on old tyres, and yet in the race the car was only good after 25 laps. I am disappointed because it was a wasted day. We raced hard the whole time but were just out of the points."

Arrows team principal Tom Walkinshaw was philosophical after seeing Jos Verstappen and Pedro de la Rosa finish 15th and 16th. Walkinshaw said: "The most you can say about the weekend is that it was character building. I have never seen a race where so many things went on as far as the team were concerned - accidents, punctures, stop-go penalties. The only thing we did not do with the cars at pit stops was wash them."

Result after 44 laps:        hr min sec
 1 M Hakkinen    Fin McLaren  1:28.14.4
 2 M Schumacher  Ger Ferrari  1:28.15.5
 3 R Schumacher  Ger Williams 1:28.25.5
 4 D Coulthard   GB  McLaren  1:28.57.7
 5 J Button      GB  Williams 1:29.04.4
 6 H-H Frentzen  Ger Jordan   1:29.10.4
 7 J Villeneuve  Can BAR      1:29.26.8
 8 J Herbert     GB  Jaguar   1:29.42.3
 9 M Salo        Fin Sauber   1:29.43.1
10 E Irvine      GB  Jaguar   1:29.46.8
11 P Diniz       Brz Sauber   1:29.48.6
12 R Zonta       Brz BAR        one lap
13 A Wurz        Aut Benetton   one lap
14 M Gene        Sp  Minardi    one lap
15 J Verstappen  Ned Arrows     one lap
16 P de la Rosa  Sp  Arrows    two laps
17 G Mazzacane   Arg Minardi   two laps
NOT CLASSIFIED               laps completed
   R Barrichello Brz Ferrari     32
   J Alesi       Fr  Prost       32
   N Heidfeld    Ger Prost       12
   G Fisichella  It  Benetton     8
   J Trulli      It  Jordan       4
Fastest lap: R Barrichello 1:53.803

DRIVER STANDINGS
 1 M Hakkinen    Fin  McLaren   74 pts
 2 M Schumacher  Ger  Ferrari   68
 3 D Coulthard   GB   McLaren   61
 4 R Barrichello Brz  Ferrari   49
 5 R Schumacher  Ger  Williams  20
 6 G Fisichella  It   Benetton  18
 7 J Villeneuve  Can  BAR       11
 8 J Button      GB   Williams  10
 9 H-H Frentzen  Ger  Jordan     7
10 M Salo        Fin  Sauber     6
 = J Trulli      It   Jordan     6
12 E Irvine      GB   Jaguar     3
13 J Verstappen  Hol  Arrows     2
 = P de la Rosa  Sp   Arrows     2
15 R Zonta       Brz  BAR        1

CONSTRUCTORS' CHAMPIONSHIP
1 McLaren      125 pts
2 Ferrari      117
3 Williams      30
4 Benetton      18
5 Jordan        13
6 BAR           12
7 Sauber         6
8 Arrows         4
9 Jaguar         3
 
 

BTCC (Brands Hatch):- Rickard Rydell blamed Gabriele Tarquini for costing him the chance of two pole positions in Monday's races. Rydell is on pole for the sprint race after a time of 46.723 seconds but will be third in the feature race behind Tom Kristensen and James Thompson. Rydell accused Tarquini of blocking him on more than one lap. "Gabriele got in my way twice, in the same place both times," he said. "I should have been on pole twice. The car was good and I didn't have the luck."

Sunday qualifying times (Round 19):
                                secs
 1 R Rydell      Swe Ford      46.723
 2 A Reid        GB  Ford      46.959
 3 M Neal        GB  Nissan    46.986
 4 T Kristensen  Den Honda     47.039
 5 Y Muller      Fr  Vauxhall  47.098
 6 J Plato       GB  Vauxhall  47.137
 7 A Menu        Swi Ford      47.143
 8 J Thompson    GB  Honda     47.171
 9 G Tarquini    It  Honda     47.211
10 V Radermecker Bel Vauxhall  47.439

Sunday qualifying times (Round 20):
                                secs
 1 T Kristensen  Den Honda     46.781
 2 J Thompson    GB  Honda     46.812
 3 R Rydell      Swe Ford      46.833
 4 Y Muller      Fr  Vauxhall  46.913
 5 J Plato       GB  Vauxhall  46.916
 6 A Menu        Swi Ford      46.932
 7 A Reid        GB  Ford      46.995
 8 M Neal        GB  Nissan    47.008
 9 V Radermecker Bel Vauxhall  47.068
10 G Tarquini    It  Honda     47.098
 
 

F3000 (Spa-Francorchamps):-
Race result (Sat):
 1 F Alonso      Sp  Astromega 2:07.184
 2 M Goosens     Bel Astromega 2:07.271
 3 B Junqueira   Brz Petrobas  2:07.310
 4 R Mauricio    Brz Red Bull  2:07.391
 5 D Saelens     Bel Playlife  2:07.401
 6 J Wilson      GB  Nordic    2:07.789
 7 M Webber      Aus Arrows    2:07.885
 8 N Minassian   Fr  Playlife  2:07.949
 9 F Montagny    Fr  Dams      2:08.023
10 E Bernoldi    Brz Red Bull  2:08.031
 

MEWLA RALLY:- John Price and his wife and co-driver Caroline have a perfect score in the Safety Devices National Championship after winning the Mewla Rally. Price had already won the title before this event but he now has five maximums to his credit - and a driver's five best scores go towards their total. Fellow Metro 6R4 driver Peter Lloyd was second and John Morgan was third. Overnight leader Jon Mercer retired on the second stage of the final day and Bob Fowden also failed to finish.

Result after 21 stages:     hr min sec
 1 J Price        MG Metro    1:41.04
 2 P Lloyd        MG Metro    1:42.51
 3 J Morgan       Escort Cos  1:43.12
 4 S Hendy        Escort Cos  1:44.35
 5 S Fleck        Subaru Imp  1:44.41
 6 M Worley       Escort Cos  1:46.22
 7 G Griffiths    Escort Cos  1:47.45
 8 D Kynaston     Audi A3     1:48.13
 9 D Cole         Darrian T90 1:48.55
10 T Davies       Mitsubishi  1:49.23
 

ELF CLIO CUP (Brand's Hatch):- Points leader Jim Edwards jr was pipped for pole position by Rick Pearson ahead of the Bank Holiday showdown. Title challengers Henry Taylor and Daniel Buxton were fifth and ninth, with the top 18 separated by a second.

Qualifying times:   secs
1 R Pearson        52.857
2 J Edwards jr     52.949
3 M Jackson        53.013
4 J Templeman      53.028
5 H Taylor         53.064
6 P Sowerby        53.156
 

FORD FIESTA’S (Brands Hatch):- Eighteen-year-old independent driver Matt Pinny claimed his second-ever win in the competition. The teenager qualified on pole and held off fierce challenges in the 25-lap race from Gordon Shedden, Colin Turkington and Nick Padmore.

Round 11 result (Sun):   mins:secs
1 M Pinny Eng            24:44.417
2 G Shedden Sco          24:44.561
3 C Turkington NI        24:46.973
4 N Padmore Eng          24:47.166
5 C Stancombe Eng        24:53.315
6 N Beaumont Eng         24:53.556
 

F.FORD (Brands Hatch):- 20-year-old Robert Dahlgren will be looking for his second win of the season on Monday after clinching pole position in practice on Sunday. The van Diemen driver said he was confident of a win after beating rivals James Courtney and Anthony Davidson.

Round 12 qualification (Sun)
1 R Dahlgren Swe            47.537 secs
2 J Courtney Aus            47.557 secs
3 A Davidson Eng            47.655 secs
4 P Gray Sco                47.688 secs
5 A van der Merwe SA        47.763 secs
6 M Taylor Eng              47.788 secs
 

EUROPEAN F.PALMER AUDI:- Championship leader Damien Faulkner took his fifth pole position of the year in qualifying for round 16. Jesper Carlsen narrowly missed doing the double to start alongside the Irishman for the rolling start.

Saturday qualifying times:     Times
1 D Faulkner     www.f1gp     1:33.175
2 J Carlsen      Team Brask    + 0.055
3 C Hohenadel    IAXIS         + 0.189
4 R Kerr         TS Blinds     + 0.271
5 B Besson       BBC Europe    + 0.282
6 A Simonsen     Team Brask    + 0.430
 
 
 
 

28.08.2000

F1:- Nick Heidfeld has signed a three-year deal to join Sauber from next season. The 23-year-old German, who is currently with Prost, said: "I am happy with the signing and to be able to drive for this team. "I reckon that they have the potential to progress and I will do my best to contribute to that." Team boss Peter Sauber added: "Now we have got the chance to build for the long term with a young pilot. We were already keen to sign him up last year."

The Prost F1 team is expected to be relaunched this week following an encouraging display at Spa on Sunday. Following the defection of Nick Heidfeld to Sauber from 2001, Pedro Diniz is expected to drive with veteran Frenchman Jean Alesi next year. Prost may sell a large stake in the team with Diniz's father a likely buyer as he is one of Brazil's richest men. The deal with engine suppliers Peugeot expires at the end of the current season with no obvious replacement.

McLaren boss Ron Dennis has warned Mika Hakkinen not to write off team-mate David Coulthard as the Finn bids for his third straight world crown. The Scot is 13 points behind Hakkinen in the drivers' championship after only finishing fourth in the Belgian Grand Prix, won by the Finn. "It would be ridiculous for anybody to presume or suggest it was over for David," said Dennis. "There are still four races left so anything can still happen."
 

BTCC (Brands Hatch):-Matt Neal, driving an independently entered Nissan, gained a dramatic and highly popular victory in the sprint. The 33-year-old, hailed as the people's champion, took victory in the series for only the second time. Neal, whose previous victory at Donington last year earned him a £250,000 bonus, held off Honda's Tom Kristensen and Ford's Rickard Rydell. Alain Menu triumphed in the second race after finishing comfortably ahead of Rickard Rydell.

Monday's round 19 result:     mins secs
 1 M Neal        GB  Nissan   20:13.853
 2 T Kristensen  Den Honda    20:14.448
 3 R Rydell      Swe Ford     20:14.870
 4 A Menu        Swi Ford     20:17.442
 5 Y Muller      Fr  Vauxhall 20:18.231
 6 J Thompson    GB  Honda    20:18.496
 7 J Plato       GB  Vauxhall 20:19.445
 8 A Reid        GB  Ford     20:20.610
 9 G Tarquini    It  Honda    20:21.212
10 V Radermecker Bel Vauxhall 20:39.288

Monday's round 20 result:      time
 1 A Menu        Swi Ford    44:13.353
 2 R Rydell      Swe Ford    44:16.721
 3 J Plato       GB  Vaux'll 44:16.819
 4 A Reid        GB  Ford    44:30.394
 5 J Thompson    GB  Honda   44:31.466
 6 Y Muller      Fr  Vaux'll 44:31.826
 7 V Radermecker Bel Vaux'll 44:35.305
 8 T Kristensen  Den Honda   44:40.872
 9 M Neal        GB  Nissan  44:42.640
10 G Tarquini    It  Honda   44:44.643

DRIVER STANDINGS
1 A Menu     Swi Ford        173 pts
2 A Reid     GB  Ford        167
3 R Rydell   Swe Ford        162
4 Y Muller   Fr  Vauxhall    142
5 J Plato    GB  Vauxhall    138
6 G Tarquini It  Honda       115

MANUFACTURER STANDINGS
1 Ford                496 pts
2 Vauxhall            358
3 Honda               347
 

F.RENAULT:- Kimi Raikkonen took victory and the title in a rain-curtailed race at Brand's Hatch.  Leighton Walker was lucky to escape after a 140mph crash that forced the safety car onto the track.

Result:                      mins secs
1 K Raikkonen   Fin          25:00.451
2 D Watts       GB           25:01.587
3 M McLoughlin  GB           25:02.997
4 R Dalziel     GB           25:04.270
5 J Jones       US           25:05.305
6 T Sisley      GB           25:07.105
 

ELF CLIO CUP (Brands Hatch):- Rick Pearson hung on to beat Henry Taylor in what was arguably the best race of the campaign. Series leader Jim Edwards Jnr finished fourth, which means 10th place in the next round will make him the champion.

Monday's round 10 result:
                   mins secs
1 R Pearson        21:50.915
2 H Taylor         21:51.081
3 D Gibson         21:56.823
4 J Edwards Jnr    21:56.974
5 M Jackson        21:58.520
6 D Davies         21:59.872
 

F.FORD:- Australian James Courtney clinched the championship after finishing third in round 12 at Brands Hatch. But it was Swedish ace Robert Dahlgren who took the win, his second this year, leading from start to finish.

Round 12 results (Mon):   mins secs
1 R Dahlgren Swe          24:11.409
2 A Davidson Eng          24:12.007
3 J Courtney Aus          24:12.791
4 P Gray     Sco          24:19.549
5 A Carroll  NI           24:21.346
6 J Fourie   SA           24:33.438
 

FORD FIESTA'S:- Gordon Shedden notched up anotehr win in Round 12 of the Ford Credit Fiesta Championship at Brands Hatch. Gareth Howell was leading going into the final lap but Shedden timed it right to beat the local driver.

Round 12 results (Mon):   mins secs
1 G Shedden  Sco          30:29.040
2 G Howell   Eng          30:29.346
3 N Padley   Eng          30:29.392
4 N Padmore  Eng          30:30.173
5 T Clark    Eng          30:31.034
6 M Pinny    Eng          30:36.452
 

F.PALMER AUDI (Oulton Park):- Championship leader Damien Faulkner took another victory in the wet conditions after starting in fifth. Reigning champion Richard Tarling drove from seventh to finish second, with Bruno Besson just behind in 13th.

Monday's round 15 result:     mins secs
1 D Faulkner     www.f1gp     31:24.726
2 R Tarling      JSP             @1.406
3 B Besson       BBC Europe      @2.507
4 M Cioci        Informedical    @4.680
5 C Hohenadel    IAXIS           @6.312
6 J Keen         Pendant Alumin  @8.200
 

Damien Faulkener became the first driver this year to take two victories at one meeting. He was under pressure from Robbie Kerr until the Englishman spun his car off the track.

Monday's round 16 result:     mins secs
1 D Faulkner     www.f1gp     23:27.494
2 J Carlsen      Brask           @0.803
3 B Besson       BBC Europe      @6.438
4 A Simonsen     Brask           @7.161
5 J Keen         Pendant Alumin  @7.463
6 R Tarling      JSP            @17.351
 

CATERHAM SUPERLIGHT CHALLENGE (Oulton Park):- Rob Jenkinson finished fourth at Oulton Park on Monday afternoon to clinch the Caterham Superlight Challenge title. The result puts the 24-year-old beyond team mate Matt Bettley, who won the Oulton Park race.

Monday results (round 12):    mins secs
1 M Bettley GB                28:24.394
2 G Taylor GB    JSP             +0.15
3 S Worley GB    BBC Europe      +0.66
4 R Jenkinson GB Informedical    +7.90
5 D Garrett GB   IAXIS           +9.39
6 J Stack GB     Pendant Alumin +11.58
 
 
 
 
 

29.08.2000

F1:- The future of Formula One's Grand Prix weekends will be discussed at a meeting of team chiefs and the sport's leading powerbrokers on Wednesday. One of the issues due to be discussed is the possible shortening of the three-day Grand Prix weekend to just Saturday and Sunday. Proposals for a ban on testing at Grand Prix circuits, and a total testing ban during August, will also be discussed. A ban on testing at circuits could make Friday sessions relevant again.

MONZA TESTING
Tuesday's testing times:     mins:secs
 1 J Verstappen     Arrows    1:25.454
 2 P Diniz          Sauber    1:26.204
 3 L Badoer         Ferrari   1:26.330
 4 D Manning        BAR       1:26.681
 5 D Coulthard      McLaren   1:26.721
 6 G Fisichella     Benetton  1:26.948
 7 HH Frentzen      Jordan    1:27.092
 8 O Panis          McLaren   1:27.189
 9 M Salo           Sauber    1:27.930
10 P Lemarie        BAR       1:27.007
11 J Herbert        Jaguar    1:28.036
12 B Junqueira      Williams  1:28.710
13 N Heidfeld       Prost     1:28.801
14 M Gene           Minardi   1:29.457
 
 

BRITISH GTs:- Martin Parsons will not complete the rest of the season in the Privilege Insurance British GT Championship with the Hennessy Racing Corse Stratos. He may partner Andrew Delahunty in a number of long-distance Porsche events before the end of the season.