01/08/99
F1: THE GERMAN GP
Eddie Irvine clinched his second win in a row to take over at the top
of the driver standings. His team-mate Mika Salo made it a Ferrari one-two
after McLaren had a nightmare race. Mika Hakkinen crashed out while leading
and David Coulthard was fifth after having to make additional stops. Heinz-Harald
Frentzen was third, Ralf Schumacher fourth and Olivier Panis sixth. Damon
Hill and Johnny Herbert, who was running fifth, had to retire.
Triumphant Eddie Irvine has pledged to give his winner's trophy to Ferrai team-mate Mika Salo. Irvine, who has been used to giving up race positions to injured team-mate Michael Schumacher, had the favour returned to him by Salo. After Mika Hakkinen went out, the Finn allowed Irvine to take the lead. The Irishman said: "I never gave the call for the move. It is his trophy. I would feel bad if that was sitting on my mantelpiece."
Eddie Irvine's Hockenheim victory has given him an eight-point lead over Mika Hakkinen in the championship. Mika Salo's second place means Ferrari have also opened up a 16-point lead over McLaren in the Constructors' list. "Mika was a star," insisted Irvine. "He did a fantastic job ` the boy wonder. He was incredible. I just thought the McLarens would be too quick today. I just went to get a few points and live to fight another day but the race came to us."
Mika Salo's second place was the Finn's first spot on the podium in 72 grand prix starts. He could have secured first place because he was left leading the race after Mika Hakkinen spun out. However, Salo, who is standing in for the injured Michael Schumacher, let Eddie Irvine go ahead. "I did not have any second thoughts when I got the call to move over, " revealed the ex-Tyrrell driver. "It was sort of decided before the race."
Mika Hakkinen's hopes of retaining his world title suffered a severe setback when he crashed out of the race after slamming into a tyre barrier. The race leader had earlier been stuck in the pits for 24 seconds because of a problem with a fuel nozzle. Then on lap 26 the rear of his car locked up and he went off and replays showed a tyre had shredded. The Finn was unhurt but it enabled Eddie Irvine and Mika Salo to take over the top two placings.
Michael Schumacher's stand-in at Ferrari Mika Salo made a superb start, moving from fourth on the grid to second place behind Mika Hakkinen. However, his team-mate Eddie Irvine was sixth after five laps. Jacques Villeneuve's hopes of finishing his first race this year ended on the first lap when he collided with Pedro Diniz and both went off and out. Stewart's Rubens Barrichello, who was up to fourth after five laps, had to retire with hydraulic problems.
David Coulthard had to visit the pits after clipping the back of Mika Salo's car when trying to take second place. Coulthard's front wing was damaged and when he returned to the action was down in 10th place. He quickly made up a couple of places and after 22 laps had moved his McLaren up to seventh. Mika Hakkinen, meanwhile, had established a six-second lead over Ferrari rival Salo after 16 circuits of the 45-lap race.
Heinz-Harald Frentzen consolidated Jordan's third place in the Constructors' Championship after picking up another four points. The German has regained the form that deserted him during his spell at Williams and is now very much the unofficial number one with the team. He and fourth-placed Ralf Schumacher gave the home fans a boost. Frentzen has now moved ahead of compatriot Michael Schumacher in the driver standings and is third overall.
Former world champion Damon Hill's race ended on lap 12 because of a problem with the brakes. The Jordan driver admitted: "I could not use the brakes, which is a bit of a problem around this circuit." Fellow Briton David Coulthard suffered another setback in the race when he was given a 10-second penalty. It came after he went off the circuit to overtake Prost's Olivier Panis and moved him down to sixth place after 29 laps in Germany.
Mika Hakkinen was lucky to escape unhurt after crashing into a tyre barrier on the 26th lap. He was about to enter the Sachs curve when he spun several times and a McLaren official later confirmed the tread had come off a rear tyre. Hakkinen said: "When you are doing 210mph, 340kph, when you spin off like that you know you do get some more grey hair, I tell you." His team-mate David Coulthard was hit by tyre problems in qualifying.
David Coulthard remained philosophical after only managing to finish fifth in Germany after looking on course for a podium place early on. The Scot admitted: "It was not the perfect grand prix." He had to visit the pits when lying third after touching Mika Salo's car and added: "I was sucked into that and had not planned to overtake him. McLaren have picked up two points out of a possible 16 so you would have to say it has been a bad day."
Boss Eddie Jordan will be meeting with Damon Hill to find out why the Briton retired from the race when the team had urged him to go on. Hill insisted he had a brake problem but his crew claimed the car was fit to drive. "The team wanted me to continue but I am in the cockpit and I took the decision that it was not safe for me to carry on," said Hill. "There was a good chance of me not being able to stop the car."
Johnny Herbert looked on course to finish fifth when he was once again hit by bad luck. The Briton had battled through the field after starting down in 17th place and had just five laps left when he was hit by a gearbox problem. "It is very frustrating," he conceded. "We should not be having mechanical problems at this stage of the season. I must have done something bad to someone up there. It gets you down but, rest assured, I will keep on fighting."
Rubens Barrichello managed to complete just six laps before he had to retire with hydraulic failure. "It was great while it lasted," said the Brazilian. "I enjoyed the overtaking and felt like I had enough power to challenge for third place. I have been running in the points in the British, Austrian and now the German Grands Prix and have nothing to show for it. We cannot afford to hand over points with silly things like this."
Ralf Schumacher continued his single-handed quest to give success to Williams by taking fourth spot. His team-mate Alex Zanardi has yet to score a point and Schumacher said: "I am very pleased with the result. I had a good start, gaining four positions. Then I had a clear race from then on, which is pretty good for us. We have got through a lot of work this weekend. It was a great achievement for the whole team. I am aware that the team is getting better in each race."
Benetton's Alexander Wurz finished just out of the points in seventh spot. "I did get a good start and then I had to defend my position against Damon Hill quite hard at the beginning," said the Austrian." His team-mate Giancarlo Fisichella retired after seven laps and admitted: "I was fighting with Alexander and while trying to overtake him went off. I had to stop in the pits to change the nose. Later my front suspension broke, probably because I went off."
Benetton's Alexander Wurz finished just out of the points in seventh spot. "I did get a good start and then I had to defend my position against Damon Hill quite hard at the beginning," said the Austrian." His team-mate Giancarlo Fisichella retired after seven laps and admitted: "I was fighting with Alexander and while trying to overtake him went off. I had to stop in the pits to change the nose. Later my front suspension broke, probably because I went off."
Jacques Villeneuve has still not finished a race in 1999 and he did not complete a single lap in Hockenheim. Marc Gene touched his car from behind on the first turn of the first lap and the Canadian went off and took Sauber's Pedro Diniz with him. "It was quite chaotic at the first turn," said Villeneuve. "I am very disappointed because this morning the car was quick on full tanks and I was quite confident. It was through no fault of our own this time."
Injured Ferrari star Michael Schumacher has said he does not know when he will be fit to return to the sport. The German, who broke a leg in last month's British Grand Prix, said: "At the moment I am not able to predict when things will be right. I only wish that things would go faster than planned but I am only human. You always hope for a miracle." His agent Willi Weber had said on Saturday that Schumacher might be fit for the last two races of 1999.
Mika Hakkinen and David Coulthard have signed new McLaren deals for next year. Hakkinen is believed to have been given a œ10m package, while Coulthard is thought to be on around £3m. Coulthard admitted: "I am ecstatic that I am continuing with the team. I very much appreciate the confidence that they have shown in me." World champion Hakkinen added: "I can hardly imagine life in any other team. I now feel a long established member of the family."
Ron Dennis is delighted to have signed up Mika Hakkinen and David Coulthard for another year, following a 1999 season of much speculation. The McLaren chief said: "Mika's contract now sees him entering his eighth season with the team. It will be the longest period of association between a team and a driver in terms of grands prix contested. David has shown great commitment and loyalty over the last four seasons and we are delighted this is continuing."
Result after 45 laps:
hr min sec
1 E Irvine GB Ferrari
1:21.58.5
2 M Salo Fin Ferrari
1:21.59.6
3 H-H Frentzen Ger Jordan 1:22.03.7
4 R Schumacher Ger Williams 1:22.11.4
5 D Coulthard GB McLaren 1:22.15.4
6 O Panis Fr Prost
1:22.28.4
7 A Wurz Aut Benetton
1:22.31.9
8 J Alesi Fr Sauber
1:23.09.8
9 M Gene Sp
Minardi 44 laps
10 L Badoer It Minardi
44 laps
11 J Herbert GB Stewart
40 laps
NOT CLASSIFIED
12 P de la Rosa Sp Arrows 37
laps
13 M Hakkinen Fin McLaren 25
laps
14 A Zanardi It Williams
21 laps
15 R Zonta Brz BAR
20 laps
16 T Takagi Jpn Arrows
15 laps
17 D Hill GB Jordan
13 laps
18 J Trulli It Prost
10 laps
19 G Fisichella It Benetton 7 laps
20 R Barrichello Brz Stewart 6 laps
21 J Villeneuve Can BAR
0 laps
22 P Diniz Brz Sauber
0 laps
DRIVER STANDINGS
1 E Irvine GB Ferrari
52 pts
2 M Hakkinen Fin McLaren
44
3 H-H Frentzen Ger Jordan 33
4 M Schumacher Ger Ferrari 32
5 D Coulthard GB McLaren
30
6 R Schumacher Ger Williams 22
7 G Fisichella Ita Benetton 13
8 R Barrichello Brz Stewart 10
9 M Salo Fin
Ferrari 6
10 D Hill GB
Jordan 5
11 P Diniz Brz Sauber
3
= A Wurz Aut
Benetton 3
13 J Herbert GB Stewart
2
= O Panis Fr
Prost 2
15 P de la Rosa Sp Arrows
1
= J Alesi Fr
Sauber 1
= J Trulli It Prost
1
CONSTRUCTOR STANDINGS
1 Ferrari 90 pts
2 McLaren 74
3 Jordan 38
4 Williams 22
5 Benetton 16
6 Stewart 12
7 Sauber 4
8 Prost 3
9 Arrows 1
BTCC (Thruxton):- Championship leader Laurent Aiello took the spoils in round 17. He stormed past pole-sitter Rickard Rydell at the start as the Swede suffered from wheelspin on the dirtier inside of the circuit. David Leslie held third place but found himself under pressure from James Thompson, who eventually went past. Vincent Radermecker moved Leslie down another place but the Scot eventually finished fourth behind the Belgian as Thompson slipped down the field.
Round 17 result (Sun):
mins:secs
1 L Aiello Fr Nissan
20:47.191
2 R Rydell Swe Volvo
20:50.296
3 V Radermecker Bel Volvo 20:58.611
4 D Leslie GB Nissan
20:59.280
5 J Plato GB Williams
21:09.796
6 M Neal GB
Nissan 21:10.388
7 J Thompson GB Honda
21:11.638
8 Y Muller Fr Vauxhall
21:13.098
9 P Kox Hol
Honda 21:14.549
10 W Hoy GB
Renault 21:19.872
David Leslie made sure that Nissan came away from Thruxton with a double triumph after he won round 18. Rickard Rydell made a good start but his hopes of victory ended because of an engine problem. Laurent Aiello then headed the field but incurred a drive-through penalty after cutting across Vincent Radermecker when leaving the garage. He was also caught speeding in the pit-lane, leaving the way open for Leslie to win.
Double British Touring Car champion John Cleland has announced that he will quit the series at the end of the year. The 47-year-old from Galashiels, who took the title in 1989 and 1995, was forced to retire from Round 18 at Thruxton due to an electrical fire. He said: "I want to keep going and look at different things. I'd like to do sportscar racing as I know I can still race with the best of them.
Round 18 result (Sun):
mins secs
1 D Leslie GB Nissan
46:05.796
2 V Radermecker Bel Volvo 46:21.853
3 A Menu Swi Ford
46:25.399
4 J Plato GB Williams
46:25.604
5 L Aiello Fr Nissan
46:31.955
6 Y Muller Fr Vauxhall
46:36.657
7 A Reid GB
Ford 46:44.225
8 W Hoy GB
Renault 46:44.949
9 P Kox Hol
Honda 46:46.798
10 M Blair * GB Vauxhall 46:09.922
* one lap down
DRIVER STANDINGS
1 L Aiello Fr Nissan Prim 169 pts
2 D Leslie GB Nissan
159
3 J Thompson GB Honda Accord 124
4 J Plato GB Renault Lag 109
5 R Rydell Swe Volvo S40 107
6 Y Muller Fr Vauxhall Vec 90
MANUFACTURER STANDINGS
1 Nissan
356 pts
2 Honda
208
3 Volvo
189
INDEPENDENT STANDINGS
1 M Neal GB Nissan Prim 254
pts
2 M Blair GB Vauxhall Vec 120
3 L Brookes GB Honda
78
FORD FIESTA'S (Thruxton):-
Round 9 result:
1 N Padley
19:46.705
2 M Burton
19:46.715
3 G Shedden
19:49.349
4 N Gordon
19:49.616
5 D Buxton
19:52.600
6 G Howell
19:53.087
Round 10 result:
1 P Rivett
8:16.881
2 M Burton
8:18.007
3 D Buxton
8:19.732
4 G Howell
8:20.104
5 D Gibson
8:21.393
6 S Clarke
8:21.812
RENAULT SPIDER CUP (Thruxton):- Andy Priaulx overcame race long pressure from Mark Cole to take victory and break Jsaon Plato's series record of eight straight wins. But Cole ended Priaulx's own 100 per cent points record by claiming the race's fastest lap.
Result (Sun):
1 A Priaulx
13:02.038
2 M Cole
13:02.692
3 T Masini
13:03.066
4 P Bennett
13:08.684
6 A Hildebrand
13:18.379
5 R Meaden
13:18.837
F.RENAULT (Thruxton):- Antonio Pizzonia won in blistering heat to take his seventh victory in nine races and extend his points lead. An opportunist Leighton Walker slipped by Rob Austin on lap one to take second. Walker's teammate Tom Ferrier was the top Star Cup runner in fifth.
Result (Sun):
1 A Pizzonia Brz
17:44.820
3 L Walker GB
17:56.245
2 R Austin GB
17:58.780
4 M Boost GB
18:03.011
5 T Ferrier GB
18:05.808
6 C Breeze GB
18:06.663
F.FORD (Thruxton):-
Round 10 result (Sun):
1 R van der Ende
16:02.490
2 J Courtney
16:09.330
3 J Carlsen
16:12.179
4 N Kiesa
16:12.429
5 T Sisley
16:12.751
6 C Murray
16:26.295
VAUXHALL VECTRA'S (Thruxton):-
Round 9 result (Sun):
1 A Morrison
17:43.777
2 M Ticehurst
17:44.272
3 J Rhodes
17:56.573
4 G Coomes
17:57.979
5 G Pyper
17:58.796
6 P Cate
18:04.517
F.VAUXHALL (Thruxton):- Round 10 result (Sun):
1 S Hodgetts
16:11.664
2 R Dalziel
16:12.045
3 G Paffett
16:15.663
4 R Bell
16:16.005
5 V Apple
16:31.424
6 S Hignett
16:32.057
F.NIPPON (Sugo):- Scotland's Peter Dumbreck was thwarted in his latest bid to win a race in the championship after he was forced out with a broken pushrod in the 18th lap. Dumbreck had been challenging at the time and said: "The car's performance wasn't particularly good. We were thrown by the high temperatures."
Result after 60 laps (Sun): hr mn sec
1 T Coronel Hol Nakajima 1:15:13
2 S Motoyama Jpn Unlimited 1:15:21
3 T Kurosawa Jpn TMS
1:16:00
4 M Krumm Ger 5Zigen
1:16:01
5 J Wakisaka Jpn Arta
1:16:02
6 R Firman GB Shionogi
1:16:11
02.08.99
F1:- It has been confirmed that next year the Australian Grand Prix will again be the first race of the season. The FIA had initially awarded the 2000 opener to Malaysia but that will now be the venue for the final race of the season in October. March 12 is the likely date for the Australian race. Australian Corporation chairman Ron Walker said: "Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone knows that we do things very well here."
McLaren and tyre manufacturer Bridgestone will bid to find out why the
team suffered two big blow-outs during the German Grand Prix weekend. Tyre-shredding
incidents hit David Coulthard in qualifying and Mika Hakkinen in the race
itself, denting the Finn's title hopes. In a statement, Bridgestone said:
"Our engineers, with McLaren, are examining videos and physical evidence.
For now it would be unwise to speculate on the cause."
SPORTSCARS:- Reynard Motorsport is to expand into Sportscars, with a
revolutionary new car set to compete at Le Mans and other major races around
the world. Technical manager Kieron Salter said: "We have drawn on all
our experience to develop a Sportscar that combines the best aerodynamics
with durability."
03.08.99
F1:- Michael Schumacher has played down his chances of returning to the cockpit in a test session at the weekend ` just four weeks after breaking a leg. His manager Willi Weber had suggested that the German would test his Ferrari at Fiorano on Saturday if he had clearance from his doctor. Weber also hinted that a return at the August 15 Hungarian race was possible. Schumacher said: "I do not think it is likely that I will be testing. I think my chances are about five per cent."
Damon Hill will not be dropped by Jordan following his controversial
withdrawal from the German GP because of concerns about his car's brakes.
Jordan's commercial director Ian Phillips said: "Damon has never liked
the feel of the brake system used for safety reasons during the German
race. "It was very disappointing but that's the end to it. He has stated
that he is going to drive through to the end of the season and that's what
he is going to do."
CHAMP CARS:- Christian Fittipaldi has been ruled out of this weekend's
CART race in Detroit after being taken to hospital following a crash in
testing. The nephew of ex-Formula One champion Emerson Fittipaldi was unconscious
for around 10 minutes. He was airlifted to St Louis University Hospital,
where he was admitted to the neurological unit for tests. Fittipaldi, who
won his first CART race last month, was reported to be in a serious but
stable condition.
04.08.99 - CHAMP CARS
Christian Fittipaldi has had his chances of winning the CART drivers'
title ruined after being ruled out of action for at least eight weeks.
The Brazilian is still in hospital after a crash during testing which knocked
him unconscious. Fittipaldi, who gained his first win on the circuit in
July, is fourth in the standings behind leader Juan Montoya. A CART statement
said preliminary tests revealed Fittipaldi suffered a subdural hematoma
- bruised blood in his brain.
05.08.99
F1:- Eddie Irvine and Ford have rubbished reports that the Ferrari star has signed up for Jaguar next year. A source close to Irvine said he denied that he had signed a deal for Ford, who who are renaming their Stewart team after their Jaguar brand in 2000. A Ford spokesperson said the team were looking at all options but added: "No deal has been done yet." It has been reported that Fiat chief Gianni Agnelli, whose parent company control Ferrari wants Irvine to stay.
Bernie Ecclestone has hinted that two-day qualifying could return to
Formula One. The Formula One chief told Autosport that aggregate times
over two sessions could decide grid placings but added: "I do not know
whether it will happen." An official timed period on Fridays was discontinued
in 1995 and now there is only a session on Saturdays. It is thought that
Ecclestone and the Formula One Constructors' Association may discuss the
issue.
BRITISH GT'S (Donington Park):- The seven-litre Newcastle United Lister Storm of Julian Bailey and Jamie Campbell-Walter is likely to be the car to beat on Sunday. The pair have won three races so far this season and have surged clear in the title stakes. The Blue Coral Porsche of Geoff Lister and Magnus Wallinder, who won the recent grand-prix supporting round at Silverstone, will push the pair hard. John Greasley and John Mortimer's Porsche could also be a front-runner.
Richard Dean and Kurt Luby set the best lap in hour-long test sessions before rain curtailed proceedings.
Top GT1 testing times (Thu): mins:secs
1 Dean/Luby Sintura
1:03.967
2 Bailey/C'l-W Lister
1:04.462
3 Sugden/O'R'ke McLaren 1:04.509
4 Wall'r/Lister Porsche 1:05.384
Top GT2 testing times (Thu): mins:secs
1 Warn'k/Schirle Lister 1:09.224
2 C'ham/Konig Chrysler
1:10.550
3 Fuller/F'gill Porsche 1:11.550
4 Phillips/Lucas Porsche 1:14.415
MGF CUP (Donington Park):- The Championship moves on to round 10 this
weekend, with Warren Hughes keen to stretch his advantage in the series.
He started the last race in last place but showed his class by battling
through to fourth spot by the end of the 20-lap event. Hughes' main rivals
are likely to be Nick Carr and Jamie Hunter. Carr won at Knockhill a fortnight
ago, despite finishing third, when Matt Kelly had a 10-second penalty and
David Mason was omitted on technical grounds.
NATIONAL SALOON CUP (Donington Park):- Mark Lemmer set the pace in pre-race testing for the ninth and 10th rounds of the Silverstone Insurance Services National Saloon Cup this weekend. His Honda Integra R set the best lap in the two hour-long test sessions before ending his day by spinning into gravel.
Leading times (Thu): mins:secs
1 M Lemmer Honda
1:19.951
2 T Ruokonen Peugeot 1:19.983
3 D Eaves Peugeot
1:20.149
4 S Harrison Honda 1:20.282
5 R Moen Honda
1:20.820
6 B Ward Honda
1:22.673
SCOTTISH RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP:- Brian Lyall heads a group of champions who are appearing in the McRae Forest Stages Rally on Saturday ` the seventh round of this year's Championship. The 1997 winner Brian Lyall has confirmed his appearance in a Mellors Motorsport prepared Ford Escort. Former Scottish champions Murray Grierson and Andrew Wood are also taking part. Neale Dougan makes a welcome return to his home event while Jim Carty, Neil Buckley and Jon Burn are also involved.
Colin McRae will be the star attraction at the McRae Forest Stages Rally
this Saturday but he will not be competing in the event. McRae will take
on Course car duties in his Ford Focus World Rally car and he and the team
are taking it seriously. The event provides 60 miles of testing stages
over some of the fastest forest roads in Scotland. Clerk of the Course
Jim Brown said: "Colin has always supported our event just like the whole
McRae family."
BTCC:- Former champion Gabriele Tarquini will drive a third Honda Accord
for Team Honda Sport in rounds 19 and 20 of the championship at Knockhill
this month. The Italian is currently racing in the STW German Championship
but with no clashing fixture on August 14-15 he joins James Thompson and
Peter Kox. "We are delighted to give Gabriele this opportunity," said a
Honda spokesman. "I can't wait. Knockhill is a great circuit and I love
BTCC racing where the competition is high," said Tarquini.
06.08.99 - F1
Michael Schumacher will be out for the next few weeks after doctors decided he needed surgery on his broken leg. The two-times world champion was hoping to make a rapid comeback from the injury he sustained at Silverstone and had hoped to test-drive this weekend. But those hopes were dashed after he underwent a medical in Switzerland. He is now targeting a comeback at Monza on September 12 and a Ferrari statement said: "The clinical evaluation is very good but it's too early to return now."
Eddie Irvine has refused to rule out reports that he has signed to drive
for the Jaguar Formula One team next year. He has been increasingly been
linked with a move away from Ferrari and he is keeping his cards close
to his chest. "I've told my manager what I want to do and it's up to him
to do it but he's on holiday for a month," said Irvine. "So I guess it's
not going to happen in the next month. I'm just concentrating on the next
race. The championship is my number one priority."
07.08.99
F1:- Eddie Irvine has refused to rule out reports that he has signed
to drive for the Jaguar Formula One team next year. He has been increasingly
been linked with a move away from Ferrari and he is keeping his cards close
to his chest. "I've told my manager what I want to do and it's up to him
to do it but he's on holiday for a month," said Irvine. "So I guess it's
not going to happen in the next month. I'm just concentrating on the next
race. The championship is my number one priority."
BRITISH GT'S (Donington Park):- Jamie Campbell-Walter and Julian Bailey claimed their fourth win of the season in the Newcastle United Lister-Storm in a thrilling sixth round race. The result was in doubt until the final lap as the Blue Coral Slick 50 Racing Porsche 911 GT1 of Magnus Wallinder and Geoff Lister kept on their tails. Wallinder's bid to try and catch Campbell-Walter on the final lap ended when he clipped a car and had a spin. Rob Schirle and David Warnock drove a storming race to win the GT2 category.
GT1 category:
mins:secs
1 Bailey/C'l-W Lister
50:48.656
2 Wall'r/Lister Porsche 50:54.532
3 Dean/Luby Sintura
50:57.344
4 Sugden/O'R'ke McLaren 51:35.016
GT2 category:
laps
1 Warnock/S'rle Lister
42
2 Astley/Youles Lotus
41
3 B'brook/St'ton Porsche
41
4 Fuller/F'gill Porsche
41
MGF CUP (Donington Park):- Alastair Lyall put in a series of storming laps to take pole position in wet conditions for Sunday's round 10. He said: "The car was running well and I am confident that I can hold the lead into the first corner. Once I am at the front there will be no way past." Jamie Hunter, favourite for this year's title, delivered a stunning drive claiming second place. Hunter's main championship rivals Matt Kelly, Warren Hughes and Nick Carr followed the front two respectively.
Qualifying times (Sat): mins:secs
1 A Lyall
1:21.057
2 J Hunter
1:21.196
3 M Kelly
1:21.204
4 W Hughes
1:21.240
5 N Carr
1:21.318
6 M Nordon
1:21.590
7 M Hazell
1:21.625
8 D Loudoun
1:21.641
9 B Benham
1:21.679
10 M Humphrey
1:21.916
NATIONAL SALOON CUP (Donington Park):- Championship leader Simon Harrison left it late before claiming pole position for the ninth round of the series. Harrison's fine drive on a wet and slippery track also earned him the Mintex Qualifying award.
Leading times (Sat): mins:secs
1 S Harrison Honda 1:25.896
2 T Ruokonen Peugeot 1:25.903
3 D Eaves Peugeot
1:26.132
4 D Shaw Nissan
1:26.343
5 M Lemmer Honda
1:26.400
6 R Moen Honda
1:27.701
SCOTTISH RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP:- Neale Dougan and Doug Redpath won the McRae Forest Stages Rally, beating former British champion Brian Lyall into second by just over 30 seconds. Murray Grierson led after the first stage but broke his gearbox on the second and Dougan took control after he was fastest on the next four stages. But Dougan and Redpath powered through to claim victory. Colin McRae drove the Course car at the head of the field and tens of thousands of fans turned up to see him.
McRae Forest Stages Rally: mins:secs
1 Dougan/Repath Escort Cos 57:09
2 Lyall/Cook Escort Cos
57:41
3 Wood/Waterfall Subaru Imp 58:43
4 Littler/M'bank Escort Cos 58:46
5 J McRae/Pat'sn Porsche 911 59:06
6 Burn/Quirk MG Metro
59:12
7 Wood/Parker Vauxhall A 60:36
8 Rogers/Clark Ford Escort 60:50
9 McQueen/Greenx Mitsubishi 60:54
10 Hogg/Hanna Mitsubishi 60:55
08.08.99
F1:- Michael Schumacher's comeback moved closer after a second operation
on his broken leg went smoothly this weekend. The double world champion
will start his rehabilitation programme on Monday and is now back at his
Swiss home. He had hoped to be test driving now but doctors told him he
needed his latest operation to improve bone healing. Ferrari said the German
might be fit to race at the Italian Grand prix in September, two months
after breaking his leg at Silverstone.
BRITISH GT'S (Donington Park):- Jamie Campbell-Walter and Julian Bailey secured a Donington double in the seventh round of the series by winning their second race in two days. The pair mastered the slippery conditions in the 50-minute race and Bailey admitted: "Jamie did a fantastic job. It was very tricky out there." Magnus Wallinder and Geoff Lister finished second and Tim Sugden and Steve O'Rourke were third. Rob Schirle and David Warnock again won the GT2 category.
GT1 category:
mins secs
1 Bailey/Campbell-W Lister 50:03.434
2 Wallinder/Lister Porsche 50:13.631
3 Sugden/O'Rourke McLaren 50:59.991
GT2 category:
laps
1 Warnock/Schirle Lister
37
2 Astley/Youles Lotus
37
3 Erdos/Purvis Marcos
37
4 Cox/Baker Porsche
36
MGF CUP (Donington Park):- Jamie Hunter won the race at Donington after gaining the lead in the first lap which he never surrendered. Second on the grid Hunter was too fast out of the blocks for Alastair Lyall on pole position, who finished third. There was plenty of spills with championship leader Warren Hughes losing control before recovering to seriously push for the lead. But Hunter held out for his second win of the season.
Sunday race result:
mins:secs
1 J Hunter
16:33.694
2 W Hughes
16:36.768
3 A Lyall
16:36.824
4 D Mason
16:41.749
5 M Humphrey
16:48.290
6 P Johnson
16:48.803
7 S King
16:53.905
8 M Hazell
16:54.038
9 R Armes
16:55.088
10 J Barker
16:55.795
NATIONAL SALOON CUP (Donington Park):- David Shaw mastered the wet conditions to claim victory in the ninth round. Shaw abttled ahead of Toni Ruokonen's Peugeot for his first win since April. Dan Eaves clinched an impressive third starting from the back of the grid.
Round 9 result: (Sun) mins secs
1 D Shaw Nissan 17:28.282
2 T Ruokonen Peugeot 17:28.712
3 D Eaves Peugeot 17:36.617
4 R Moen Honda
17:47.848
5 M Lemmer Honda 17:48.186
TVR TUSCAN'S (Donington Park)
Round 9 results (Sun):
Race one:
mins secs
1 M Jordan
14:30.053
2 M Caine
14:32.330
3 S Guglielmi
14:39.547
4 I McKellar Junior 14:43.286
5 M Short
14:43.511
Race two:
1 M Jordan
14:34.862
2 S Guglielmi
14:35.242
3 M Caine
14:39.469
4 I McKellar Junior 14:39.469
5 P Hindley
14:42.495
STANDINGS
1 I McKellar Jnr 794 pts
2 M Caine
777
3 P Hindley 711
NATIONAL TARMAC CHAMPIONSHIP (Otterburn):- Chris Wood won the Tyneside Stages Rally in his Metro 6R4 and is now set to make the championship one of the closest fought for years. Defending champion John Price finished second and Chris Griffiths was third in the Northumberland event.
hr min sec
1 C Wood MG Metro 6R4
1:10.38
2 J Price MG Metro 6R4
1:11.02
3 C Griffiths Subaru Impreza 1:12.33
4 J Mercer MG Metro 6R4 1:14.52
5 C Guy Vauxhall Astra
1:16.52
6 J Baird Mitsubishi L
1:17.21
CART (DETROIT)
Qualifying times (Sat): min secs
1 J Montoya Col Honda
1:13.585
2 P Tracy Can Honda
1:13.611
3 G de Ferran Brz Honda 1:13.789
4 D Franchitti GB Honda 1:13.792
5 R Moreno Brz Ford
1:13.865
6 T Kanaan Brz Honda
1:13.958
7 G Moore Can Mercedes 1:14.020
8 M Andretti US Ford
1:14.039
9 P Carpentier Can Mercedes 1:14.090
10 M Papis It Ford
1:14.215
15 M Blundell GB Mercedes 1:14.877
MALRBORO MASTERS OF F3 (Zandvoort):- Marc Hynes beat the best of Europe with a superb display of driving in the continent's most prestigious Formula Three race in Holland. Hynes - the top Briton in the British Formula Three Championship - added the Masters crown to his win in the British Grand Prix support race back in July. The 21-year-old enthused: "This was the biggest race we could win this year and it is a fantastic feeling." Hynes qualified third but took the lead on the first corner of the 20-lap race.
Race result after 20 laps (Sun):mins secs
1 M Hynes GB
Honda 32:11.879
2 T Mutsch Ger Opel
32:13.788
3 E Van de Linde SA Opel 32:14.419
4 C Albers Hol Opel
32:15.298
5 J Button GB Renault
32:16.160
6 W Van Lent Hol Opel
32:28.329
7 K Kolby Den Honda
32:28.368
8 M Spoldi It Honda
32:30.342
9 T Scheckter SA Honda
32:30.711
10 S Bourdais Fr Opel
32:32.779
09.08.99
F1:- Ferrari chairman Luca di Montezemolo has confirmed that Michael
Schumacher will be at the service of the team if he resumes driving this
season. "The day Schumacher gets back it will be to help Ferrari," he said.
"What we care about is Ferrari's victory." If Schumacher recovers from
his broken leg it means he will have to bend to the needs of team-mate
Eddie Irvine. "Schumacher has said it and will do it," added di Montezemolo.
"He will be at Ferrari's service."
LOTUS ELISE'S:- Lotus Motorsport's new one-make series will make its
track debut next year as support to the Auto Trader British Touring Car
Championship. The Lotus Sport Elise series fills the vacancy created by
Vauxhall Motorsport's withdrawal from the support package. It joins the
Formula Ford, Ford Fiesta, a revised Renault Sport series and the new Renault
Clio Cup as support events. Other series will have a chance to guest at
certain rounds of the BTCC.
CART:- Dario Franchitti cruised to victory in the Grand Prix of Detroit to take over at the top of the driver standings. The Scot's second win of the season lifts him five points clear of Juan Montoya, who lost the lead because of a late pit stop. Franchitti's team-mate Paul Tracy was second and Greg Moore was third. Numerous crashes caused 23 laps of the scheduled 75-lap race to be run under the caution flag and so it was reduced to two hours, with 71 laps completed.
Mark Blundell was satisfied despite finishing tenth on Sunday's race. It was Blundell's return to the championship after being sidelined for twelve weeks with a neck injury. He said: "Overall, for the fact we've just come back, the weekend wasn't bad. We just caught a bit of bad luck in the race. Physically it was reasonably tough for me because I've just got back into it. But it's done me a world of good."
Grand Prix of Detroit result (Sun):
Laps
1 D Franchitti GB Honda
71
2 P Tracy Can Honda
71
3 G Moore Can Mercedes
71
4 M Andretti US Ford
71
5 J Vasser US Honda
71
6 T Kanaan Brz Honda
71
7 H Castro-N Brz Mercedes 71
8 S Pruett US Toyota
71
9 B Herta US Ford
71
10 M Blundell GB Mercedes 71
Driver standings
Points
1 D Franchitti GB Honda
136
2 J Montoya Col Honda
131
3 M Andretti US Ford
119
4 P Tracy Can Honda
106
5 C Fittipaldi Brz Ford
101
CHAMPION SPARK PLUG WORLD RANKING
Driver ratings (August 9)
Points
1 J Gordon US NASCAR
959
2 M Hakkinen Fin Formula One
953
3 D Jarrett US NASCAR
866
4 E Irvine GB Formula
One 834
5 M Schumacher Ger Formula One 808
6 J Burton US NASCAR
777
7 N Heidfeld Ger F3000
749
8 D Coulthard GB Formula One
736
9 M Martin US NASCAR
727
10 JP Montoya Col Champ Cars
711
RALLYING:- Skoda Motorsport had an encouraging peformance in the Mantta
Rally in Finland in preparation for the forthcoming Rally of Finland. Armin
Schwarz drove his Octavia WRC into fourth place. Stephen Stokoe claimed
his second win of the season in the Proton Coupe Cup. He finished ahead
of Robert Ross and Nick Wall in what was the closest race so far in the
series.
10.08.99
F1: THE HUNGARIAN GP
Eddie Irvine is chasing his third straight win in Sunday's race after
triumphing in Austria and Germany. Since being promoted to Ferrari's top
driver in the absence of the injured Michael Schumacher, the Irishman has
risen to the challenge. He is eight points clear in the driver standings
and this next showdown with McLaren is likely to depend more than ever
on pit-stop strategies. On a slow track having the potentially- fastest
car is unlikely to be an issue.
Ferrari star Eddie Irvine insists he will be riding above the rumours about his future with the team and will just be concentrating on the race. Irvine has been linked with a 2000 switch to Jaguar, the team currently racing as Stewart-Ford. "Honestly, I am just concentrating on the race," he confirmed. "The championship is my number one priority. This is my best chance of the championship for one or two years, that is for sure."
With six races left, world champion Mika Hakkinen will be keen to claim a victory or, at worst, a points finish on Sunday. The Finn has not won a race since the Canadian Grand Prix in early June and has failed to finish in four of the 10 races so far. That has left him trailing Eddie Irvine in the title race and the Ferrari star has retired just once - in San Marino. He has also finished in the top six in every other race in 1999.
McLaren's decision to reveal that David Coulthard will be staying on with Mika Hakkinen for 2000 could reap dividends in the constructors championship. The constant press speculation about Coulthard's future could not have helped the Scot. Now he can get on with the bid to help the Woking-based team retain the constructors' prize. He is fifth, 14 points behind Hakkinen, and is just three points behind third- placed Heinz-Harald Frentzen.
Hungary is a circuit where former world champion Damon Hill could again make a mark and prove a point to his critics. Hill chalked up his first grand prix victory in Budapest in 1993 and secured another win at the Hungaroring in 1995. He was also second at the circuit in 1994, 1996 and 1997, when he was denied a triumph for Arrows because of a car problem late in the race. Last year he qualified in fourth place, his second best display of the season, and was also fourth in the race.
Damon Hill has admitted that he has not always been enjoying his driving this year but he is relishing the chance to drive in Hungary on Sunday. "I really like Hungary," he commented. "All the corners are really good. Turn one is particularly tricky because there is a big drop from the straight in the braking area. You are braking downhill and turning into a corner which drops away from you, making the car lighter. In some ways the circuit is similar to Monaco."
In-form Jordan driver Heinz-Harald Frentzen believes the Hungarian Grand Prix will present him with a tough challenge on Sunday. "It will be difficult as the circuit is very similar to Austria where we struggled to keep up with McLaren and Ferrari," he revealed. "However, the car has improved since then so I am optimistic. I had the fastest Hungary lap in 1997 and came fifth last year despite having a high fever caused by food poisoning."
Williams star Ralf Schumacher is targeting his first place on the Budapest podium on Sunday. Schumacher was fifth in 1997 and he was ninth last year after his Jordan was hit by gearbox problems. "The Hungaroring is one of the slowest tracks in our calendar, with regards to the average speed," said the German. "Just like Monaco, the engineers must try to get as much aerodynamical downforce as possible, although mechanical grip is also important."
Alex Zanardi's bid for points could be helped by the fact that the Hungaroring is one of the slowest circuits in Formula One. The Williams driver has competed at the track three times and admitted: "It is a very mixed circuit and also demanding because overtaking is difficult. Everyone looks forward to qualifying because that is where the battle is but I cannot say the same for the race. The track is tiny and short, making it difficult to have a real race on."
Stewart driver Johnny Herbert will be hoping for a change of luck on a circuit where he has had some good results in the past. Herbert has been hit by poor fortune all year but said: "I was third in Hungary in 1997 and fourth in 1995 so I have had some good results here. I feel comfortable on circuits that have a lot of low speed corners. I am more comfortable with the car than I was at the start of the season. I just need some luck in the race."
Rubens Barrichello knows that a good performance in qualifying could make all the difference in the race itself. "Qualifying is everything in Hungary because there are very few overtaking opportunities. The only chance you have is on the pit straight," he confirmed. "Strategy, particularly tyre choice, will be a big factor - a choice between consistency and performance. At the Silverstone test we improved the car's mechanical grip, which should put us in good shape."
Jacques Villeneuve has savoured victory twice at the Hungaroring but would just relish a finish in Sunday's race after enduring a somewhat trying year so far. "It has been a really good track for me as I won there twice, in 1996 and 1997, and finished third last year," said the BAR driver. "The Hungaroring is a fun track to drive on and it also has a good layout and rhythm. Maybe the chicanes should not be there but it is an interesting circuit."
Arrows had a successful test session with all three cars and driver Tora Takagi before the team departed for the Budapest race. Technical director Mike Coughlan said: "After the challenging Hockenheim circuit I believe the Hungaroring should allow us to be more competitive. Work on the design of the year 2000 challenger is progressing well back at our Leafield facility. The team is looking forward to its first test with the Supertec engine."
Arrows had a successful test session with all three cars and driver Tora Takagi before the team departed for the Budapest race. Technical director Mike Coughlan said: "After the challenging Hockenheim circuit I believe the Hungaroring should allow us to be more competitive. "Work on the design of the year 2000 challenger is progressing well back at our Leafield facility. The team is looking forward to its first test with the Supertec engine."
Sunday's race is scheduled to last for 77 laps or 305.844km. Michael
Schumacher set the fastest lap time last year, clocking one minute, 19.286
seconds on lap 60. The Hungarian Grand Prix was the first race to be staged
behind the Iron Curtain back in 1986. The Hungaroring has a low grip surface
and is notoriously dirty. There are no fast corners and few overtaking
opportunities.
BTCC (Knockhill):- The Championship makes its annual trip north of the border this weekend for legs 19 and 20 of the 26-round event. Atop the Clelsh Hills, the Scottish meeting regularly provides close-fought racing with its tight, twisty circuit. Despite the unique beauty of the location, the weather can be extremely fickle and this will be a major factor. Home fans are likely to be encouraged by three Scots in the event, and current leader Laurent Aiello will find a strong challenge in his points quest.
The Nissan Primera has been the car of the season and looks good to retain the manufacturer and team titles. Scotsman David Leslie has eight years' experience of racing at Knockhill, but dismissed talk of any vital advantage. "At this level, the drivers are so confident and competent that they can learn a new circuit quickly," he said. "Although it has lots of little quirks, it is quite a short track, so I can't see Laurent having too many problems. We'd like to think it's between us."
Galashiels driver John Cleland will hope for a memorable performance in front of his home followers for what has become his final season. His 11-year Vauxhall career, featuring 17 wins and two drivers' titles is to come to an end after a recent decision. "It was difficult," he said. "I have had a great time with Vauxhall but this has been my worst year for a long time. I have a special relationship with Knockhill. It gives me a chance to say bye to the fantastic Scottish fans."
Honda's championship challenge will be bolstered by the return of 1994 champion Gabriele Tarquini. He has a free weekend from his STW German touring cars commitments and will join regulars James Thompson and Peter Knox in a third Accord. "I can't wait to rejoin the BTCC," said the Italian, who left two years ago. "I love racing in Britain. Knockhill is a great little circuit, and hopefully I can score some valuable extra points for the Honda team," he added.
Scotland's third representative in the series is last year's Knockhill winner, Anthony Reid, now with Ford. Despite a difficult season with the Mondeo, Alain Menu's podium finish last time out suggests that better fortune is on the way for the team. Renault's Jason Plato still has an outside chance of taking the title in the team's final championship year. Plato is currently 60 points behind Laurent Aiello and will be keen to impress potential new employers.
Reigning champion Rickard Rydell has refused to dismiss his title chances,
despite being 62 points off the pace. The Volvo S40 has demonstrated its
undoubted pace in recent months and the Swede captured a series of pole
positions at Thruxton last time. "I suppose it's not out of the question
that I could win the title," he said. "But my priority is to score as many
points as I can and finish well. The car is fantastic but a poor start
has hurt our defence of the title."
F.RENAULT SPORT (Knockhill):- Points leader Antonio Pizzonia and team-mate
Rob Austin continue their title fight this weekend. Both set times close
to the lap record in recent testing and a test drive in a Williams F1 car
awaits the champion. Tests with Renault's F3 team will also go to the top
three overall and the winner of the Star Cup division. Carl Breeze is currently
in third place but close behind is Leighton Walker whose team-mate Tom
Ferrier is fifth as the highest-placed Star Cup runner.
RENAULT SPIDER CUP (Knockhill):- Andy Priaulx can clinch the title on
Sunday if he manages to pull off a 10th straight win. Priaulx, who broke
Jason Plato's series record of eight wins in a row, currently leads team-mate
Tobia Masini by 113 points. An 108-point lead after Knockhill would assure
him of the drivers' crown. Phil Bennett lies third, six points behind Masini,
but the man currently on form is fourth-placed Mark Cole, second in three
of the last four rounds.
11.08.99
F1:- Eddie Irvine has reportedly said that he will leave Ferrari rather than st y as number two to Michael Schumacher in the 2000 season. Irvine told Famiglia Cristiana magazine: "If Schumacher does not come back in the same role, then maybe I will stay. However, if he is the number one driver I am leaving." The Irishman has been linked with a switch to Jaguar, who currently race as Stewart-Ford.
Michael Schumacher has resumed gym work four days after a second operation
on his broken leg in Switzerland. The two-times world champion broke his
right leg in two places at Silverstone last month. His manager Wili Weber
said the German was going to "work very hard" for three or four hours a
day in his bid to resume training later this month. Schumacher is hoping
to make his comeback at the Italian Grand Prix at Monza on September 12.
F3000 (Hungaroring):- Kid Jensen Racing go into Saturday's race confident
of success. Driver Nicolas Minassian confirmed: "I am confident that we
have a good set-up for this circuit. Last year I achieved my best result
of the season in Hungary. I believe that we are ready for another great
result and I am aiming for a podium finish. The emphasis is to qualify
well. There is a high level of grip and you can destroy your tyres quickly
if you are chasing for position from the back."
MINTEX NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP - THE CENTURION RALLY:- Kenny McKinstry has the championship in his sights as the series moves into the penultimate round. Marcus Dodd had seemed to be storming to the title after winning three of the first four rounds and with only five of the seven possible scores counting. However, McKinstry has yet to finish outside the top three, while Dodd crashed out of last month's Enterprise Printing Rally, which McKinstry won. He can virtually take the crown if he wins and Dodd is lower than fourth.
Top 10 seeds:
1 M Dodd/J Bennie Ford
Escort
2 K McKinstry/N Orr Subaru Impreza
3 S Petch/P Croft Ford
Escort
4 I Gwynne/S O'Gorman Subaru Impreza
5 R D'ckwrth/M Br'mfld Subaru Impreza
6 W Philliskirk/E Evans MG Metro
7 E Boland/D Morrissey Ford Escort
8 V Wetton/J Haigh Mitsubishi
L
9 B Ceen/A Douglas Ford Escort
10 R Holfeld/I Grindrod Mitsubishi L
F.PALMER AUDI (Silverstone):-
Testing times: mins secs
1 D Hill
1:19.994
2 D Faulkner 1:20.062
3 D Hayes 1:20.116
4 T Serjala 1:20.185
5 S Hancock 1:20.205
6 J Bleekemolen 1:20.213
7 R Kerr
1:20.217
8 R Lyons 1:20.276
9 D Watts 1:20.363
10 J Pickford 1:20.372
PROTON COUPE CUP:- James Whitham, the 500cc Grand Prix motorcycle rider,
will be joining the ranks of the Proton Coupe Cup at Cadwell Park on Sunday.
Whitham will drive the Proton Motorspor guest car but first raced a saloon
car last year at Knockhill.
CATERHAMS:- Gerry Taylor leads the Caterham Roadsport Challenge after
seven rounds, although Rob Barff is now just two points behind after a
win on Sunday. Bart Hayden has a 33-point lead in the PTP Caterham Superlight
Challenge.
12.08.99
F1:- Tyre-makers Bridgestone insist a faulty construction of the compound
was not to blame for Mike Hakkinen's spinning out of the German Grand Prix
on August 1. Bridgestone and McLaren are continuing an investigation into
the cause of the tyre failure which caused the crash. But they said other
possibilities remain to explain why the Finn's car hurtled out of the race.
They include high temperatures in the tyre, air pressures problems, a cut
or a blister.
BTCC:- The Nissan Primera has been the car of the season and looks good to retain the manufacturer and team titles. Scotsman David Leslie has eight years' experience of racing at Knockhill, but dismissed talk of any vital advantage. "At this level, the drivers are so confident and competent that they can learn a new circuit quickly," he said. "Although it has lots of little quirks, it is quite a short track, so I can't see Laurent having too many problems. We'd like to think it's between us."
Galashiels driver John Cleland will hope for a memorable performance
in front of his home followers for what has become his final season. His
11-year Vauxhall career, featuring 17 wins and two drivers' titles is to
come to an end after a recent decision. "It was difficult," he said. "I
have had a great time with Vauxhall but this has been my worst year for
a long time. "I have a special relationship with Knockhill. It gives me
a chance to say bye to the fantastic Scottish fans."
13.08.99
F1: THE HUNGARIAN GP
Eddie Irvine boosted his hopes of a third successive win by recording
the quickest time in Friday's practice. Irvine clocked a fastest lap of
one minute, 19.476 seconds on the twisty circuit to beat Mika Hakkinen
by three- tenths of a second. Hakkinen spun twice in the first session
and sat out the second one but Irvine only pipped him at the end. David
Coulthard was just half a second adrift in third while Damon Hill was back
in 16th spot.
Damon Hill's track return ended in a crash during first practice for Sunday's race. The former world champion, in action for the first time since conroversially quitting in Germany a fortnight ago, slid into a tyre barrier. Hill, who will retire at the end of the season, was unhurt in the crash. The 39-year-old was 2.7 seconds off the pace set by Ferrari's championship leader Eddie Irvine who is looking for his third win on the trot.
Former world champion Jacques Villeneuve will drive for the BAR team next season. The team's Scottish boss Craig Pollock said Friday: "Jacques Villeneuve is confirmed for next season." Villeneuve is yet to finish a race for his new team but Pollock's announcement confirms he will stay with the struggling outfit. The fate of the French Canadian's Brazilian team-mate Ricardo Zonta will be decided "this week", said Pollock.
Friday's practice times:
1 E Irvine GB Ferrari
1:19.476
2 M Hakkinen Fin McLaren 1:19.722
3 D Coulthard GB McLaren 1:20.117
4 R Barrichello Bra Stewart 1:20.547
5 M Salo Fin Ferrari
1:20.989
6 H-H Frentzen Ger Jordan 1:21.185
7 A Zanardi It Williams 1:21.251
8 A Wurz Aut Benetton
1:21.456
9 R Schumacher Ger Williams 1:21.481
10 J Herbert GB Stewart 1:21.486
11 J Villeneuve Can BAR 1:21.504
12 O Panis Fr Prost
1:21.525
13 L Badoer It Minardi
1:21.635
14 G Fisichella It Benetton 1:21.673
15 J Alesi Fr Sauber
1:22.009
16 D Hill GB Jordan
1:22.182
17 R Zonta Bra BAR
1:22.290
18 J Trulli It Prost
1:22.360
19 M Gene Sp Minardi
1:22.380
20 P Diniz Bra Sauber
1:23.096
21 T Takagi Jpn Arrows
1:23.216
20 P de la Rosa Sp Arrows 1:24.064
F3000 (Hungaroring):- Britain's Jamie Davies scraped into Saturday's race by taking the 26th and last qualifying place. His time of one minute, 31.242 seconds just edged out compatriot and team-mate Oliver Gavin. "I'm so relieved to be racing," said Davies. "The back of the grid is far from ideal but points have been scored from such positions before." Gavin said: "I found it incredibly hard to find a clear track that would enable me to set a decent time."
Qualifying positions (Sat): mins:secs
1 F Walfisch Fr
1:29.261
2 S Sarrazan Fr
1:30.017
3 N Heidfeld Ger
1:29.569
4 G Rodriguez Uru
1:30.138
5 A Couto Por
1:29.689
6 M Goosens Bel
1:30.391
7 F Montagny Fr
1:29.750
8 S Ayari Fr
1:30.391
9 J Wilson GB
1:29.847
10 J V Hooydonk Bel
1:30.403
14.08.99
F1: THE HUNGARIAN GP
Mika Hakkinen secured pole position for Sunday's race but will be joined
on the front row by championship leader Eddie Irvine, who has won the last
two races. David Coulthard was third quickest and Giancarlo Fisichella
was fourth. Heinz-Harald Frentzen finished fifth fastest, just ahead of
Damon Hill, who is on a favoured circuit. Johnny Herbert was 10th after
losing the front wing of his Stewart in a late incident but Ferrari new
boy Mika Salo struggled home in 18th.
Mika Hakkinen was delighted with his ninth pole position in 11 races. He edged out Eddie Irvine by one 10th of a second and said: "There are some negative memories from the last race but I am confident for tomorrow. I think they have put on something like 23 extra flights from Finland to Hungary this weekend and it is great to see so many of my fans." Irvine added: "If there was one track where we could get pole I thought it would be here."
Jean Alesi escaped with a minor ankle injury after a crash in the penultimate practice session. The Frenchman was just coming out of the first curve when he seemed to touch the rear of an Arrows and then swerved into a barrier. Alesi limped away from the wreck but was later flown to hospital. He returned before the end of the final practice session with his ankle heavily strapped and was declared fit to take part in the qualifying session.
Michael Schumacher is set to return to the cockpit in the Italian Grand Prix on September 12. Ferrari owner Gianni Agnelli admitted: "The doctors have told us that he will be well and will be able to race again at Monza." Schumacher broke a leg at the British Grand Prix in July, leaving team-mate Eddie Irvine to shoulder the Italian team's title hopes. Irvine has risen to the challenge, winning the last two races.
Saturday's qualifying times: mins secs
1 M Hakkinen Fin McLaren 1:18.156
2 E Irvine GB Ferrari
1:18.263
3 D Coulthard GB McLaren 1:18.384
4 G Fisichella It Benetton 1:18.515
5 H-H Frentzen Ger Jordan 1:18.664
6 D Hill GB
Jordan 1:18.667
7 A Wurz Aut Benetton
1:18.733
8 R Barrichello Brz Stewart 1:19.095
9 J Villeneuve Can BAR
1:19.127
10 J Herbert GB Stewart 1:19.389
11 J Alesi Fr Sauber
1:19.390
12 P Diniz Brz Sauber
1:19.782
13 J Trulli It Prost
1:19.788
14 O Panis Fr Prost
1:19.841
15 A Zanardi It Williams 1:19.924
16 R Schumacher Ger Williams 1:19.945
17 R Zonta Brz BAR
1:20.060
18 M Salo Fin Ferrari
1:20.369
19 L Badoer It Minardi
1:20.961
20 P de la Rosa Sp Arrows 1:21.328
21 T Takagi Jpn Arrows
1:21.675
22 M Gene Sp Minardi
1:21.867
BTCC (Knockhill):- Frenchman Laurent Aiello is well placed to consolidate his championship standing as he took pole position in a thrilling first qualifying session. With his nearest rivals David Leslie and James Thompson well adrift in the midfield, Aiello will be keen to make his advantage on the grid really count. A resurgent Ford Team Mondeo celebrated with Anthony Reid also on the front row And Alain Menu took centre stage in the afternoon session and will start on pole for the longer Feature race.
Round 19 qualifying times: secs
1 L Aiello Fr Nissan
53.039
2 A Reid GB
Ford 53.103
3 G Tarquini It Honda
53.186
4 R Rydell Sp Volvo
53.190
5 P Kox Hol
Honda 53.192
6 A Menu Swi Ford
53.200
7 D Leslie GB Nissan
53.202
8 J Thompson GB Honda
53.293
9 JC Boullion Fr Renault 53.370
10 J Plato GB Renault
53.397
Round 20 qualifying times: secs
1 A Menu Swi Mondeo
57.774
2 J Plato GB Laguna
57.851
3 L Aiello Fr Nissan
57.866
4 JC Boullion Fr Laguna 58.007
5 A Reid Fr
Mondeo 58.065
6 D Leslie GB Nissan
58.154
7 M Neal GB
Nissan 58.197
8 G Tarquini It Honda
58.260
9 J Thompson GB Honda
58.283
10 R Rydell Swe Volvo
58.316
F3000 (Hungaroring):- Nick Heidfeld took the title after finishing second behind Stephane Sarrazin in the 52-lap race. The German now has an unbeatable 28-point lead in the series with two races still to go. Heidfeld, who has tested extensively for McLaren and who has also been linked to Jordan, is being tipped to make the move into Formula One. Meanwhile, Kid Jensen Racing secured a point with Nicolas Minassian finishing in sixth spot.
Round 8 result (Sat):
mins:secs
1 S Sarrazin Fr
1:30.017
2 N Heidfeld Ger
@ 0.792
3 M Goosens Bel
@12.447
4 F Montagny Fr
@12.813
5 S Ayari Fr
@14.318
6 S Minassian Fr
@15.666
7 J Watt Den
@17.373
8 J Wilson GB
@17.810
9 E Bernoldi Brz
@43.570
10 R Mauricio Brz
@56.101
MINTEX NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP:- Kenny McKinstry was crowned champion with one round left after close rival Marcus Dodd was left parked in a ditch on stage four of the Centurion Rally. McKinstry failed to finish because of engine failure lees than halfway through the event but he has an unassailable lead. Roger Duckworth, who won the Mintex National title in 1998, emerged victorious in the rally. Andrea Hall clinched the Mintex Formula Two title.
CENTURION RALLY RESULT
(after six stages):
Pens
1 R D'ckwrth/M Br'mfld Subaru 0:59.25
2 I Gwynne/S O'Gorman Subaru 1:00.23
3 B Ceen/A Douglas Ford
1:00.44
4 K Stevens/S Foley M'bshi 1:03.07
5 R Davies/R Skinner Ford 1:03.18
6 R Holfeld/I Grindrod M'bshi 1:03.20
7 N Foster/B Coate-B M'bshi 1:03.35
8 M Winkles/S Winkles M'bshi 1:04.09
9 M I'Anson/G Walker M'bshi 1:04.38
10 E McAleenan/C Bruton Subaru 1:05.26
FORD FIESTA'S (Knockhill):- Simon Clarke became the seventh driver of
the season to claim pole position by setting a blistering pace on the opening
day of the Scottish skirmish.
F.FORD:- A well-timed change on to dry weather tyres helped Gary Catt take his first ever Slick 50 pole position. Mark Taylor claimed a season-best third place after a slightly hesistant start.
Qualifing times:
min secs
1 G Catt
1:06.434
2 N Kiesa
1:06.811
3 M Taylor
1:06.934
4 J Courtney
1:06.969
5 T Sisley
1:06.999
6 R van der Ende
1:07.011
F.RENAULT SPORT (Knockhill):- Points leader Antonio Pizzonia shrugged off car problems and a spin to claim his ninth pole position in 10 rounds. Rob Austin's late hopes of grabbing top spot ended when he spun off the track.
Qualifying times:
secs
1 A Pizzonia
52.380
2 R Austin
52.695
3 L Walker
53.067
4 C Clark
53.187
5 C Breeze
53.283
6 P Nilsson
53.453
RENAULT SPIDER CUP (Knockhill):- Andy Priaulx took his 10th straight pole position and victory on Sunday would see him crowned as champion.
Qualifying times:
min secs
1 A Priaulx
0:58.442
2 T Masini
0:58.829
3 A Hildebrand
0:59.787
4 N Greensall
0:59.889
5 J Dance
0:59.946
6 M Nippers
1:00.036
VECTRA SRI V6 CHALLENGE (Knockhill)
Round 10 qualifying times: min secs
1 A Pizzonia
0:59.733
2 R Austin
1:00.063
3 L Walker
1:00.146
4 C Clark
1:00.162
5 C Breeze
1:00.223
6 P Nilsson
1:00.275
7 A Pizzonia
1:00.279
8 R Austin
1:00.314
9 L Walker
1:00.449
10 C Clark
1:00.554
F.VAUXHALL (Knockhill)
Round 11 qualifying times: min secs
1 S Hodgetts
0:54.368
2 I Brown
0:54.484
3 G Paffett
0:54.506
4 R Dalziel
0:54.525
5 R Bell
0:54.591
6 G Turkington
0:54.644
7 H Mutoh
0:54.880
8 M Pavlovic
0:54.964
9 D Scandian
0:55.017
10 S Marsh
0:55.092
CHAMP CARS (Lexington):- Dario Franchitti boosted his title hopes by clocking the fastest time in provisional qualifying for Sunday's race in Ohio. The Scot heads the driver standings ahead of round 14. Fellow Briton Mark Blundell qualified in third position but his Motorola Mercedes-Benz did not pass the post- qualifying technical inspection. The car did not have the required two- inch clearance but Blundell said: "We will give it another go tomorrow."
Starting grid & qualifying for Sunday:
min secs
1 D Franchitti GB Honda 1:05.347
2 B Herta US Ford
1:05.824
3 P Tracy Can Honda
1:05.908
4 T Kanaan Brz Honda
1:05.986
5 J Vasser US Honda
1:06.091
6 G de Ferran Brz Honda 1:06.133
7 H Castro-N Brz Mercedes 1:06.137
8 J Montoya Col Honda
1:06.174
9 M Papis It Ford
1:06.316
10 R Gordon US Toyota
1:06.352
26 M Blundell GB Mercedes No time
15.08.99
F1: THE HUNGARIAN GP
Hungaroring Mika Hakkinen coasted to victory by a commanding 10 seconds,
denying Eddie Irvine a hat-trick of wins and reducing the championship
gap to a mere two. Hakkinen led from start to finish after a smooth start
from pole, which allowed him to stay ahead after both pit-stops. Irvine
held second spot for the majority of the race, but was pursued constantly
by David Coulthard. With 14 laps remaining, he slid off at a corner to
hand the Scotsman an extra two points and seal a McLaren one-two.
Finland's Mika Hakkinen was delighted with his polished display. "It's a great feeling to be back on the winners podium once again," he said. "This race is a tough one, it takes a lot out of the car and the driver! By the time we had only ten laps left, I thought if anything is going to go wrong it is going to be now, so I was almost holding my breath. But it was fine. Over the weekend the team found a great package for David and I. To win is a fantastic finish."
David Coulthard recovered from a poor start to complete a McLaren one-two. Coulthard dropped two places at the start having begun third on the grid. "I was a bit surprised that I was passed into turn one and two," he said. "I thought my reaction to the lights had been quite good, but clearly I didn't pick up speed quickly enough. I had to wait for the first stop to pass the two slower cars in front of me. I put pressure on Eddie and was glad to take advantage of his mistake."
McLaren supremo Ron Dennis paid tribute to his entire team after their comprehensive victory in Hungary. "The results speak for themselves but behind them lies a particularly satisfying weekend that saw the team perform perfectly," he enthused. "Mika's race was faultless, whilst David's was satisfying as the team gave him a good strategy. His memorable drive forced Irvine into a mistake. There is still a long way to go in the championship but we will enjoy this."
Jean Alesi has said he will be leaving Sauber at the end of the season. The Frenchman was challenging in fourth in Hungary before problems at a pit-stop destroyed his hopes of a points finish. Alesi, finally classified 16th, did not say who he would drive for next season but he has been linked with Prost. He said: "Next year I will drive in another country in another team. I don't know yet, I am not certain but my life with Sauber is finished."
Result after 77 laps: hr mins secs
1 M Hakkinen Fin McLaren 1:46.23
2 D Coulthard GB McLaren
@ .09
3 E Irvine GB Ferrari
.27
4 H-H Frentzen Ger Jordan
.31
5 R Barrichello Brz Benetton .43
6 D Hill GB
Jordan .55
7 A Wurz Aut Benetton
.61
8 J Trulli It Prost
1 lap
9 R Schumacher Ger Williams 1 lap
10 O Panis Fr Prost
1 lap
11 J Herbert GB Stewart
1 lap
12 M Salo Fin Ferrari
2 laps
13 R Zonta Brz BAR
2 laps
14 L Badder It Minardi
2 laps
15 P De La Rosa Sp Arrows 2
laps
16 J Alesi Fr Jordan
DNF
17 M Gene Sp Minardi
3 laps
Retirements: Zanardi, Diniz, Takagi, Fisichella, Villeneuve, Alesi
DRIVER STANDINGS
1 E Irvine GB Ferrari
56 pts
2 M Hakkinen Fin McLaren
54
3 H-H Frentzen Ger Jordan 36
= D Coulthard GB McLaren
36
5 M Schumacher Ger Ferrari 32
6 R Schumacher Ger Williams 22
7 G Fisichella Ita Benetton 13
8 R Barrichello Brz Stewart 12
9 M Salo Fin
Ferrari 6
= D Hill GB
Jordan 6
11 P Diniz Brz Sauber
3
= A Wurz Aut
Benetton 3
13 J Herbert GB Stewart
2
= O Panis Fr
Prost 2
15 P de la Rosa Sp Arrows
1
= J Alesi Fr
Sauber 1
= J Trulli It Prost
1
CONSTRUCTOR STANDINGS
1 Ferrari 94 pts
2 McLaren 90
3 Jordan 42
4 Williams 22
5 Benetton 16
6 Stewart 14
7 Sauber 4
8 Prost 3
9 Arrows 1
BTCC (Knockhill):- Alain Menu claimed his first win of the series in the feature race, while Laurent Aiello's victory in the opener extends his lead at the top to 19. Aiello's triumph was never in doubt after he made a perfect start from pole and he took the flag six seconds ahead. Menu was also on pole for round 20, and held on despite a strong early challenge from Jason Plato. He was more than 20 seconds in front at the finish, the main battle being for second, won eventually by Peter Kox.
Round 19 result:
mins secs
1 L Aiello Fr Nissan
17:51.336
2 G Tarquini It Honda
17:57.697
3 A Menu Swi Ford
18:00.780
4 A Reid GB
Ford 18:04.052
5 JC Boullion Fr Renault 18:09.686
6 R Rydell Sp Volvo
18:16.457
7 M Neal GB
Nissan 18:17.701
8 J Cleland GB Vauxhall 18:18.458
9 D Leslie GB Nissan
18:22.700
10 Y Muller Fr Vauxhall 18:27.181
Round 20 result:
mins secs
1 A Menu Swi Ford
39:00.056
2 P Knox Hol Honda
39:22.499
3 D Leslie GB Nissan
39:24.867
4 JC Boullion Fr Renault 39:27.989
5 R Rydell Sp Volvo
39:28.131
6 L Aiello Fr Nissan
39:30.296
7 G Tarquini It Honda
39:33.467
8 Y Muller Fr Vauxhall
39:42.182
9 V Radermecker Bel Volvo 39:42.906
10 J Cleland GB Vauxhall 39:43.876
Drivers standings after 20 of 26 rounds
1 L Aiello Fr 190
points
2 D leslie GB 171
3 J Thompson GB 124
4 R Rydell Swe 118
5 J Plato GB
109
6 Y Muller Fr
94
7 P Kox Hol
92
8 M Neal GB
91
9 V Radermecker Bel 91
10 A Menu Swi
82
Manufacturers:
1 Nissan
390
2 Honda
236
3 Volvo
203
F3 (Pembrey)
Round 11 result (Sun)
mins secs
1 K Kolby
17:19.874
2 J Button
17:27.524
3 L Burti
17:29.083
4 M Bentwood
17:34.091
5 M Davies
17:34.835
6 M Hynes
17:35.894
7 T Sriachavanon
17:39.066
8 A Kirkaldy
17:41.702
9 M O'Connell
17:42.827
10 T Scheckter
17:43.245
Round 12 result (Sun)
mins secs
1 J Button
19:52.321
2 M Davies
19:54.534
3 K Kolby
19:54.976
4 M Hynes
19:58.753
5 M Bentwood
20:01.121
6 T Spouge
20:01.368
7 N Karthikeyan
20:02.628
8 L Burtildy
20:04.931
9 T Sriachavanon
20:08.443
10 M O'Connell
20:09.785
SEAT LURGAN PARK RALLY:- Gwyndaf Evans came home over 11 seconds last year's winner Patrick Snijers to win the rally this time round. Evans and co-driver Howard Davies set the fastest times on the opening six stages and were always in control.
Result
mins:secs
1 G Evans/H Davies Seat 13:62.20
2 P Snijers/W McKee Escort 14:03.80
3 D Biggers/R McC'less Metro 14:09.60
4 D McG'ity/V C'thers Subaru 14:14.10
5 B Fisher/R Kennedy Subaru 14:18.80
6 F Meagher/M Maher Escort 14:28.40
F.RENAULT SPORT (Knockhill):-
Sunday result:
1 A Pizzonia
20.12.155
2 C Clark
20.44.070
3 P Nilsson
20.54.223
4 C Breeze
20.54.784
5 M Boost
20.54.784
6 D Barrett
21.06.354
RENAULT SPIDER CUP (Knockhill):-
Sunday's round 10 result: min secs
1 A Priaulx
16:41.751
2 T Masini
16:59.356
3 N Greensall
17:01.888
4 A Hildebrand
17:02.164
5 J Dance
17:03.723
6 O Mildenhall
17:06.235
VECTRA SRI V6 CHALLENGE (Knockhill):- Two weeks after walking away from a massive accident, Rob Collard returned to the winners podium for the first time since the opening round. Collard scored an impressive lights-to- flag victory in a brand new car after his previous won was destroyed against the crash barriers at Thruxton.
Round 10 result:
mins secs
1 R Collard
18:14.197
2 D Pinkney
18:16.670
3 G Pyper
18:22.897
4 P Cate
18:31.033
5 A Morrison
18:31.858
6 G Coomes
18:33.030
F.VAUXHALL (Knockhill):- Gary Paffett stormed to his third win of the season and therefore put himself within striking distance of the championship leader Ryan Dalziel. The 18-year-old took advantage of a spectacular incident on the first lap where Dalziel removed compatriot Iain Brown. Neither driver made the restart.
Round 11 result:
mins secs
1 G Paffett
17:27.541
2 R Bell
17:27.977
3 G Turkington
17:28.095
4 M Pavlovic
17:28.267
5 D Scandian
17:28.404
6 J Dalziel
17:30.715
FORD FIESTA'S (Knockhill):- Neal Gordon claimed his third win of the season as he and Paul Rivett, who came second, closed to within five points of series leader Dave Gibson. Early leader Simon Clarke was delayed following a clash with pursuer Gordon Shedden. Gibson limped home fifteenth due to a collision on the final lap.
Round 11 result:
mins secs
1 N Gordon
19:04.522
2 P Rivett
19:04.919
3 H Taylor
19:10.376
4 M Cullen
19:10.848
5 N Padleyon
19:11.202
6 C Stancombe
19:13.332
F.FORD (Knockhill):- Nicolas Kiesa moved closer to the title with his sixth win of the campaign. The Dane overtook pole man Gary Catt on lap two and was never threatened for the rest of the race, despite a defiant charge from Mark Taylor.
Result after 22 laps: mins secs
1 N Kiesa Den
20:11.763
2 M Taylor Eng
20:12.851
3 T Sisley Eng
20:15.950
4 R Dahigron Swe 20:20.258
5 M Ambrose Aus
20:20.344
6 R van der Ende Hol 20:22.159
16.08.99
F1:- Eddie Irvine insists he is still on course to become Ferrari's
first drivers' champion in 20 years. He leads by just two points after
finishing third in Hungary. He said: "I can still win the title. I was
pushing like hell because I didn't want David in my gearbox for the remaining
laps. It's a disappointing result. There were a couple of things we did
not do particularly well this weekend and we will have to talk about that."
CHAMP CARS (Mid-Ohio):- Juan Montoya rediscovered the winning habit by beating Canadian Paul Tracy for his fifth victory of the season. The Colombian rookie took the lead from Tracy on the 57th lap and pulled away to win by over ten seconds. Montoya had recently relinquished his lead in the drivers standings to Scotland's Dario Franchitti. And Franchitti finished the race third behind Montoya and Tracy with America's Jimmy Vasser and Max Papis of Italy fourth and fifth respectively.
Sunday's result:
hr min secs
1 J Montoya Col Honda 1:42:03.808
2 P Tracy Can Honda
@ 10.927
3 D Franchitti GB Honda
@ 12.313
4 J Vasser US Honda
@ 14.728
5 M Papis It Ford
@ 19.899
6 G de Ferran Brz Honda
@ 23.662
7 H Castro-N Brz Mercedes @ 25.097
8 M Andretti US Ford
@ 31.299
9 C da Matta Brz Toyota
@ 32.822
10 R Gordon US Toyota
@ 33.262
13 M Blundell GB Mercedes @ 35.317
Driver standings
Points
1 D Franchitti GB Honda
152
2 J Montoya Col Honda
151
3 M Andretti US Ford
124
4 P Tracy Can Honda
122
5 C Fittipaldi Brz Ford
101
CHAMPION SPARK PLUG WORLD RANKING
Driver ratings (August 16)
Points
1 M Hakkinen Fin Formula One
981
2 J Gordon US NASCAR
973
3 D Jarrett US NASCAR
873
4 E Irvine GB Formula
One 853
5 N Heidfeld Ger F3000
766
6 D Coulthard GB Formula One
763
7 J Burton US NASCAR
760
8 M Schumacher Ger Formula One 744
9 JP Montoya Col Champ Cars
711
10 D Franchitti GB Champ Cars 704
18.08.99
F1:- Ferrari driver Michael Schumacher will have a fitness test on Thursday
to see how his broken leg is healing. In a statement, the Italian team
said: "Schumacher will undergo another medical examination to check on
the course of his condition." The German injured his leg in a crash at
the British Grand Prix and needed a second operation earlier this month.
It is hoped that Schumacher might be fit take part in next month's Italian
Grand Prix.
RALLY FINLAND:- Tommi Makinen is on the verge of making history in his home rally, which runs from Friday to Sunday. The Finn is aiming to become the first driver to win a round of the World Championship six years running. He is hot favourite to do just that and revealed: "Of course I always drive to win but this is a very special rally for me. It is always nice to be driving at home and I hope that I will make it six years in a row."
Colin McRae has something to prove in Finland after failing to pick up a point in the last three rounds. He had always stated that this was a bedding in season for the Ford Focus but early results suggested the car was already a serious title contender. The Scot secured victories in Kenya and Portugal but recent showings have been somewhat disappointing. Certainly, with a little more luck and reliability, McRae would have been closer to leader Tommi Makinen.
Carlos Sainz and Luis Moya were the first non-Scandinavian crew to win the Rally Finland, previously known as the 1000 Lakes Rally, back in 1990. The Spanish duo finished second last year and were third in 1989 and 1994. "Taking victory here in 1990 ranks as one of the most important wins in my career," admitted Toyota star Sainz. "It is a tough event to learn, especially because of the high speeds. If you make any mistakes they are usually big ones."
Carlos Sainz and Didier Auriol are the only non-Scandinavian drivers to have won Rally Finland. Auriol has contested the event nine times and tasted victory in 1992. The Frenchman, who is second in the driver standings, was also second twice and third twice so his experience could reap rewards this weekend. "I have good pace notes and because there is little change in the route that will help. There is no substitute for experience in this event," he said.
Freddy Loix and Sven Smeets have less experience of the Finnish stages than most top drivers but believe reliability will work in their favour. The Belgian crew think the Carisma GT will be suited to the event. Loix said: "This is a really difficult rally because of all the jumps and the high speeds but it is a fantastic rally for a driver. You must have confidence to achieve the times and we believe that the Mitsubishi will work well."
Mark Higgins will be hoping to repeat Volkswagen's two-litre World Cup success of last year, when Alister McRae drove to victory. "This will be my third time on the Rally Finland," said Higgins. "I have led my class on both my previous visits so I am hopeful of a good result. However, Alister was the first-ever Briton to win F2 in Finland. It is a rally that really suits the locals so I would expect them to be making the pace."
Adam Kent has the backing of Peugeot Sport to run the Esso Ultron test and development car in the event. The 1998 BTRDA champion is a former class winner in Finland, having won Class N1 and A5 in his 1300 Peugeot 106 in 1994 and 1996. Kent was also a front-runner in A7 in 1997 but he failed to finish because of an accident. If he can win class A6, Kent and the Peugeot 106 will have won three different categories in the rally.
Rising British star Neil Wearden steps up to the world stage in his
first race since winning the British Championship at the Ulster Rally last
month. The 27-year-old Lancastrian teams up with Irishman Trevor Agnew
in the chase for Formula 2 two-litre honours. Vauxhall teammate Jarmo Kytolehto
has twice finished third overall on hishome event and is again expected
to do well. "I'm expecting him to be along way ahead with his experience,"
Wearden said. "I'm just going to enjoy it."
19.08.99
F1:- Ferrari driver Michael Schumacher has been told he is fit enough
to resume driving after his broken leg. Team officials however could not
confirm if the two-time world champion would start the next Grand Prix
in Belgium on August 29. Schumacher will begin fitness tests on Friday
at the wheel of his red Ferrari at the private circuit of Mugello. His
right leg was fractured in two places when his car crashed into a tyre
wall at the British GP on July 11.
BRITISH GT'S (Silverstone):- The championship continues this weekend
with round eight of the series. The 50-minute two-driver race on Sunday
will herald next stage in thebattle for the GT1 category between Julian
Bailey and Jamie Campbell-Walter. In the GT2 category, the leading Lister
Storm will be raced by David Warnock and Rob Schirle. Other GT2 cars include
Porsches and six litre Marcos. Adding further flavour is Dutchman Cor Euser,
who will share his Marcos Mantara with Calum Lockie.
20.08.99
F1:- Michael Schumacher has driven a Formula One car for the first time
since breaking his leg in the British Grand Prix in July. "It was like
coming home after a too long holiday," the 30-year-old two-time world champion
said after finishing 65 laps, far exceeding expectations. Spinning his
red F399 round the 5.250km Mugello circuit, Schumacher averaged 1:28.379
and edged out Eddie Irvine. "It was great to have the whole group together,"
team manager Jean Todt said.
RALLY FINLAND:- Marcus Gronholm made the most of his local knowledge to power his Peugeot into the lead after the first day. The Finn moved to the front of the field with a string of fast times to stay ahead of the chasing Subaru of fellow countryman Juha Kankkunen. Earlier in the day, Richard Burns had become the first Briton in the event's history to actually lead the rally. He eventually settled for third place ahead of Swede Thomas Radstrom and Carlos Sainz of Spain.
Leading positions after 7 stages:mins:secs
1 M Gronholm Fin Peugeot 42:01.5
2 J K'kkunen Fin Subaru
42:05.3
3 R Burns GB Subaru
42:07.5
4 T Radstrom Swe Ford
42:11.1
5 C Sainz Sp Toyota
42:15.1
6 T Makinen Fin Mitsubishi 42:19.8
7 D Auriol Fr Toyota
42:24.9
8 H R'pera Fin SEAT
42:25.0
9 C McRae GB Ford
42:34.6
10 M Martin GB Toyota
43:03.5
BRITISH GT'S (Silverstone):-
GT1 testing times (Fri): min secs
1 O'Rourke/S'gdn McLaren 1:16.389