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German Grand Prix race report.
Austrian Gerhard Berger won today's Formula One German Grand Prix at the Hockenheimring in Hockenheim, Germany. He missed three races due to a sinus operation and the death of his father.
Berger led the field from the pole position to take Benettons first win of the season and his second German Grand Prix victory. Berger announced
Thursday he would be leaving Benetton after this season.
Berger lost his lead to Fisichella after his second pit stop, but regained it a few laps later. Benetton said they singed Fisichella for the 1998 season, but according to the Jordan team that is not the case.
Berger said, "(Giancarlo) Fisichella made a mistake at the second chicane and I was able to retake the lead. This was a special win with everything coming together and I'm sure we can achieve more podium positions in the next few races."
Double World champion (94/95) Michael Schumacher finished 17 seconds behind Berger in second place. Schumacher extended his lead with six points over Villeneuve in the Drivers Championship standings. The Canadian now trails Shumacher by 10 points.
It was Mika Hakkinen of Finland's first podium finish since last year's Australian Grand Prix. The McLaren driver finished in third position.
He was followed by Italian Jarno Trulli in a Prost, and German Ralf Schumacher in a Jordan.
Fisichella driving a Jordan, suffered a punctured rear tire with six laps remaining. He was running in second place. The Jordan team was seeking its
first-ever Formula One victory.
Villeneuve spun his Williams Renault off the track on lap 33 and Frentzen collided with Eddie Irvine's Ferrari on the first lap of the race. It was a bad day for the Williams-Renault racing team. The team was seeking its fifth victory in seven years at this race.
Villeneuve said, "I locked the wheels on braking when I got close to (Mika) Hakkinen as we neared a back marker. I made a mistake in turn one, ran wide and Trulli got close to me so I stayed on the inside down the straight. When we got to braking on the chicane I was too much on the inside and locked the wheels. Even though Michael (Schumacher) got six points for finishing second, the championship is still on."
The Williams team is now 9 points behind Ferrari.
Berger wins German GP
Location: HOCKENHEIM, Germany
Results of Sunday's German Formula One Grand Prix over 45 laps (307.022km) of the Hockenheim circuit:
1. Gerhard Berger (Aut) Benetton-Renault 1hr 20min 59.046sec (average 227.477kph)
2. Michael Schumacher (Ger) Ferrari) at 17.527
3. Mika Hakkinen (Fin) McLaren-Mercedes 24.770
4. Jarno Trulli (Ita) Prost-Mugen-Honda 27.165
5. Ralf Schumacher (Ger) Jordan-Peugeot 29.995
6. Jean Alesi (Fra) Benetton-Renault 34.717
7. Shinji Nakano (Jpn) Prost-Mugen-Honda) 1:19.722
8. Damon Hill (Gbr) Arrows-Yamaha one lap
9. Norberto Fontana (Arg) Sauber one lap
10. Jos Verstappen (Ned) Tyrrell-Ford one lap
11. Giancarlo Fisichella (Ita) Jordan-Peugeot five laps
Others not classified
Drivers' championship standings
1. Michael Schumacher (Ger) 53 points
2. Jacques Villeneuve (Can) 43 pts
3. Jean Alesi (Fra) 22 pts
4. Gerhard Berger (Aut) 20 pts
5. Heinz-Harald Frentzen (Ger) 19 pts
6. Eddie Irvine (Irl) 18 pts
7. Olivier Panis (Fra) 15 pts
8. Mika Hakkinen (Fin) 14 pts
9. David Coulthard (Gbr) 13 pts
10. Ralf Schumacher (Ger) 9 pts
11. Giancarlo Fisichella (Ita) 8 pts
12. Johnny Herbert (Gbr) 7 pts
13. Rubens Barrichello (Bra) 6 pts
14. Alexander Wurz (Aut) 4 pts
15. Jarrno Trulli (Ita) 3 pts
16. Mika Salo (Fin) 2 pts
17. Nicola Larini (Ita) 1 pt
. Shinji Nakano (Jpn) 1 pt
. Damon Hill (Gbr) 1 pt
Constructors championship standings
1. Ferrari 71 points
2. Williams-Renault 62 pts
3. Benetton-Renault 46 pts
4. McLaren-Mercedes 28 pts
5. Prost-Mugen-Honda 19 pts
6. Jordan-Peugeot 17 pts
7. Sauber-Petronas 8 pts
8. Stewart-Ford 6 pts
9. Tyrrell-Ford 2 pts
10. Arrows-Yamaha 1 pt
Ferrari press release
Location: Hockenheim
Michael Schumacher finished second in the German Grand
Prix. Eddie Irvine, made a great a start but was hit on the left
rear wheel on the first lap. Although he came back to the pits
the rear bodywork was too badly damaged for him to
continue.
Chassis: Schumacher 177, Irvine 173
Temperatures: ambient 24->26 C; track 30->38 C.
From the start, Schumacher went into third place and Irvine
was fighting for fifth until his incident with Frentzen put him
out of the race. Once back in the pits, Eddie said: "I made my
best ever start in a Formula One race, from tenth on the grid I
was trying for fifth place. At the first corner, I felt a knock on
my left rear wheel. Then the tyre was punctured and it
damaged the rear bodywork beyond repair. I am unhappy
that I could not bring home a few points for the team,
especially because the car, as usual, felt really good in race
trim."
The order stayed the same until Berger's first pit-stop.
Schumacher, in second place, came in for his pit-stop on lap
22 and exited the pits in fifth place, moving up to third after
Alesi and Trulli pitted. He inherited second place on lap 39
when Fisichella retired. On lap 40 Schumacher was called
into the pits for a "splash and dash" and he kept his position
ahead of Hakkinen to the chequered flag.
After the race Jean Todt said: "It was a shame for Irvine who
was hit on the opening lap after a good start. Both cars were
on a one stop strategy, but during Michael's stop, some of the
fuel went back into the refuelling pipe, which is why we
picked the right moment, and made an extra stop. The team
did a great job in a calm and determined fashion. It was a
good race for the Championship."
Once off the podium, Michael Schumacher said: "I am very
happy, especially after the way things went in practice. I
could not have hoped for better. I had to make an extra stop
because of the refuelling problem,. From about half distance I
had gearbox trouble and could not get fifth gear. It was not
an easy race. I damaged my tyres when i was behind Alesi,
which is why I could not pull away from Hakkinen at the end.
At the end, I found out Villeneuve had retired, which is good
for us, but I would rather fight for the Championship on the
track. I must congratulate Gerhard on a great race. It has also
been good for our Championship hopes."
Sauber press release
Johnny Herbert:
I made a good start and was able to pass Damon Hill and Rubens Barichello off the grid, and then
Ralf Schumacher on the exit to the first corner after the confusion with Frentzen and Irvine. Rubens
came back by me down to the first chicane, and Ralf a bit later on, and after that it was a matter of
trying all I could to stay ahead of Damon.
I have no idea why, but my car was very slow down the straights, and eventually Damon was able
to get a run at me and pass as we came round to the stadium on the eighth lap. On the next lap
Pedro Diniz just ran straight into the back of me at the first chicaine, as he outbraked himself.
Afterwards he said he'd just made a mistake, but by then it was a bit too late.
Norberto Fontana:
The car was at its best today with a higher fuel load; as the fuel went down I was starting to have a
few problems with traction. I also had a spin at the firtst chicane because I had adjusted the brake
balance a little too far forward, and the rear wheels locked when I braked hard.
Otherwise it was a troublefree run. When Fisichella had his spin in the final corner it looked quite
dramatic for me because we were close together, but really I just saw him out of the corner of my
eye. The bigger problem was when Coulthard went off into the dirt entering the stadium on the first
lap; I had to brake really hard then to avoid him as he came back on the track.
Peter Sauber:
I think that the one-stop strategy was the correct choice in our circumstances. After his usual good
start Johnny was definitely handicapped by his heavier fuel load, and then his race finished
prematurely when Diniz made his mistake. Noberto was very keen to do well here, and without his
spin onthe 13th lap he could have achieved a better result..
Fisichella and Jordan shine in Germany
'We did a good job' says disappointed Eddie
Jordan
Eddie Jordan watched his team race at the front of the field for the first time
today, Giancarlo Fisichella proving that both he and the Jordan-Peugeot 197
are genuinely competitive and looking set to finish second before a puncture
ended their dreams.
"Giancarlo did such a professional job leading a Formula One race for the first
time," said Eddie Jordan. "It was marginal whether or not he could win the
race, but to be up there fighting for victory is very satisfying and has given
the team a tremendous feeling. It ended in huge disappointment, but that is
motor racing."
"Nevertheless this is our best performance ever and we earned more points
with Ralf's good driver into fifth plce. We will be back in Hungary fighting for
that victory."
Giancarlo Fisichella
Recent news and speculation -
Jordan Grand Prix Ltd has no comment to make at this time regarding any
announcements by other teams regarding Jordan driver Giancarlo Fisichella.
Fisichella leads German Grand Prix
Italian stars but suffers tyre problem while in 2nd place
Giancarlo Fisichella drove the race of his life today, giving Jordan Grand Prix
its best ever race performance and looking set to achieve a certain 2nd
place before one his tyres appeared to explode only a few laps before the
end of the race. Starting from second place on the grid, Fisichella held off a
determined challenge from Michael Schumcher to hold second place, and
then lead the event when race leader Gerhard Berger make the first of two
pit stops. Both Jordan and Ferrari were operating one-stop strategies, and so
Giancarlo was able to lead until he made his only stop. He later regained the
lead when Berger made his second stop, but the Austrian soon regained first
place in his Benetton.
Giancarlo settled back into second position, only a few seconds behind
Berger and six seconds clear of M Schumacher. Then, without warning, his
left rear tyre exploded on the long straight leading into the Stadium section.
He spun twice as he tried to return to the pits, but although the team
managed to replace the tyres damage had been caused and he retired from
the race within a lap of rejoining.
"Second place was mine today!" said Giancarlo. "Victory was just out of
reach for us as I knew that a fight with Gerhard would be difficult to win.
Second place would have been fantastic. I was so at ease with the car, but
then I had that puncture and had to stop again. The puncture caused a lot
of debris an this damaged a radiator, which is why I had to retire from the
race. I wish it had happened in another race when I was not doing well. I am
disappointed because my dream was ended, but we showed that the car is
very competitive. The result was no one's fault, and both myself and the
team will have to get over the disappointment."
Team mate Ralf Schumacher scored two World Championship points with a
fifth place finish, fighting off Jean Alesi's Benetton but unable to overtake
Jarno Trulli's Prost with which he had a race-long battle. Ralf had made a
poor start but quickly recovered and overtook several mid-field cars to regain
eighth position behind Trulli and Jacques Villeneuve. Villeneuve later spun off,
and the retirement of Fisichella plus Alesi's two-stop strategy enabling Ralf to
finish a solid fifth. "I am happy to have finished but I was capable of a better
result. We have generally had a good weekend in the team, and now we
must make sure that we capitalise on this."
Fisichella was given a lift back to the pits at the end of the race by Michael
Schumacher and commented: "Michael is a gentleman and I have a lot of
respect for him. It was a nice gesture and a nice touch."
Williams-Renault press release
The German Grand Prix ended disappointingly for the Rothmans Williams Renault team. Heinz-Harald
Frentzen came together with Eddie Irvine on lap one, damaging his right front tyre, forcing him to
retire. Jacques Villeneuve spun after 33 laps - he too had to retire.
Jacques Villeneuve: "I locked the wheels on braking when I got closer to Hakkinen, as we neared a
back marker. I made a mistake in turn one, ran wide, Trulli got close to me, so I stayed on the inside
down the straight but then he got me on the outside and pushed me too close to the grass. I was about
to run out of road so had to lift and got behind him. Then he was following me in his mirrors, left, right,
left, right and when we got into the braking I was too much on the inside and locked the wheels."
Heinz-Harald Frentzen: "I was on the outside, Eddie Irvine came on the inside. We drove together
around the corner. When I accelerated I found I had no place to go. The only place to have gone in
order to avoid an accident was over the grass. I couldn't go on the dirt at that stage to leave Eddie
alone on the track, so we collided."
Benetton-Renault press release
Chassis Numbers:
Car No.7 - Jean Alesi - Mild Seven Benetton Renault B197 02
Car No.8 - Gerhard Berger - Mild Seven Benetton Renault B197 04
JEAN ALESI : 6th
"I am very happy for Gerhard and the team. The first part of my race was going very well, but, after
the pit-stop, I got caught in traffic and there was no way to overtake. Too bad, but at least, I'm still
third in the Championship."
GERHARD BERGER : 1st
"A fantastic win, for me, for the team and everyone. I really felt I had some very special powers here
this weekend because although I'm not at peak fitness I felt I could concentrate all through the race.
The team did an excellent job and our strategy was perfect. I had a problem towards the end, when I
think I lost four or five seconds, when someone's engine broke in front of me. I almost stopped
completely and I really felt I had lost the race. It was a surprise for me to continue in the lead! Now,
too, I feel we have proved we have an excellent package and we can be competitive again in the rest
of the season. This whole weekend has been very emotional for me and the last lap today was one I
will always remember."
FLAVIO BRIATORE :
"A great day for the Mild Seven Benetton Renault Team. Gerhard's first place has been a fantastic
reward for him and also for the team, whose strategy was perfect. Jean did an excellent job and
contributed to the success of the day."
JEAN-FRANCOIS ROBIN Production Director - Renault-Sport :
"Today, Gerhard proved he was a great Champion. He did the race without any mistakes. The
strategy could have seem special, but his driving maestria made it the right one! Benetton Renault's
-expected- comeback since few races delighted us."
LOUIS SCHWEITZER - Renault's President :
"I am very pleased. For his comeback, Gerhard has achieved a great victory, following his pole
position. He had a good race strategy and perfect car and engine. He also drove with gusto, which
made it a perfect win."
Benetton-Renault - Qualifying Session
Chassis Numbers:
Car No.7 - Jean Alesi - Mild Seven Benetton Renault B197 03
Car No.8 - Gerhard Berger - Mild Seven Benetton Renault B197 04
Second Timed Session:
3rd - 1:43.257 - Jean Alesi
5th - 1:43.428 - Gerhard Berger
GERHARD BERGER : 1st - 1'41.873
"I am very happy for myself and it is very good for the team. After being away from racing, this really brings my
confidence back. The car was completly right today and, in the last two runs, I could have gone even quicker but I
was pushing too hard and lost some time. I am confident for the race."
JEAN ALESI : 6th - 1'42.493
"I am happy for Gerhard who has made an excellent comeback from a very difficult moment in his life. On my part,
I am quite satisfied with the performance today and I will be working closely with Gerhard to make sure we are in
good shape for the race."
PAT SYMONDS : Technical Director Mild Seven Benetton Renault
"It's a great result today! It was fantastic to see Gerhard come back in this manner and I am very pleased to secure
our first pole position since 1995. Jean did a very competent job as well, but unfortunately he did not quite get his laps
together. However, we are happy with the job we did and are well prepared and confident for tomorrow."
JEAN FRANCOIS ROBIN : Production Director Renault
"We welcome Gerhard Berger and his great comeback and the Benetton Renault's progress. In spite of yesterday's
rain, the team worked well and managed to find the right set-up for the cars on this circuit."
Minardi - Qualifying Session
The Minardi Team's two drivers completed the allocated 12 laps to qualify for tomorrow's German Grand Prix.
Japanese driver Ukyo Katayama qualified 22nd with a best time of 1 min 46.499 sec, while Tarso Marques, at his
first German GP, qualified 21st with a best time of 1 min 45.942 sec.
Ukyo Katayama
Free practices - 1m46.569s (21st)
Qualifying practices - 1m46.499s (22nd)
"I'm fairly happy with the work did on the set-up of my car during this morning's practice session. The car improved
and is much more stable under braking. I completed my best lap on my third set of tyres."
Tarso Marques
Free practices - 1m46.800s (22nd)
Qualifying practices - 1m45.942s (21st)
"During this morning's practice session I hit the curb and spun at the entrance of the Stadium. Then we lost a lot of
valuable time setting up my car. I am happy with the brakes - they seem to get better and better, and I am pleased
with our tyres' choice for tomorrow's race. Sadly, there was traffic on the track by the end of the session which
made unable to improve my time."
Gian Carlo Minardi
"We used today to work on our strategy for tomorrow's race. Our main objective was tyre selection."
Brian Hart
"We chose Hockenheim to test a new development engine on Ukyo's car. The initial feedback looks good, although
we haven't had time to study the data yet."
Williams-Renault Qualifying
Heinz-Harald Frentzen claimed fifth position during the qualifying session for the German Grand Prix
with a time of 1:42.421. Jacques Villeneuve was ninth, with a time of 1:42.967.
Heinz-Harald Frentzen: "I'm not very happy with the result today - it could have been better. We are
disappointed and we will be looking at how we lost time. At the moment I am not able to make a
judgment, we have to look at the data in order to draw our conclusions. Our reliability is good, so that
shouldn't be a problem tomorrow. I have a good relationship with the team, unlike the things people
have been saying - we are very optimistic and will fight very hard in the race."
Jacques Villeneuve: "It was very difficult to get a good lap - I didn't have the straight line speed.
Despite having the same downforce level as Heinz, I was quite a little bit slower down the straight in
my racecar so I took the spare car, which was his. We changed it for me but not completely - it was
better on the straight but not the corners. If we can do some good work tonight then we should be
ready for tomorrow."
RENAULT-SPORT INFORMATION: Bernard Dudot - Technical Director: "Compared to
Heinz-Harald Frentzen's car, Jacques Villeneuve suffered from a top speed deficit of around 3KM. It
was the same yesterday and this is why to secure the problem we changed the engine in his race car
last night. Today the gap was still the same between Jacques' and Heinz-Harald's cars - it's difficult to
explain. That's why Jacques decided to take Heinz-Harald's spare car during the qualifying session.
This meant that in two days he used three different engines - even so the gap remained the same,
therefore we do not believe the problem is with the engine."
Ferrari Qualifying
The Ferrari F 310 B will start tomorrow's race form the
second and fifth rows. Michael Schumacher was fourth (1m
42.181s) and Eddie Irvine was tenth (1m 43.209s). Michael
did his best time on his second run while Eddie improved on
his final run. Both cars used the 046/2 engine.
Chassis:
Schumacher, 177; Irvine, 173
T-car: 175
Temperatures:
free practice: ambient 18->19 C; track: 19->24 C
qualifying: ambient 22->23 C; track 26->30 C
Jean Todt
"Our cars are on the second and fifth rows. We had no
mechanical problems today. This grid is different to usual.
Looking at the starting positions of the cars, I think that
tomorrow it will be very important for us to get our cars to
the finish."
Michael Schumacher
"I must congratulate Berger on his pole position which was a
good way to make a comeback. I am reasonably happy with
fourth place, which is what I had expected. We went better in
qualifying than we did in the morning session. My closest
rival, Villeneuve is only ninth and that is very important. As
for any prediction about tomorrow, this time I would rather
not make any."
Eddie Irvine
"My car would not ride over the kerbs as well as the others
and you have to do that to get a good qualifying lap. I still
have some understeer on the exit of the corners. I did not test
much at Monza and it took me a while to get the balance right
on this high speed track. I was also losing out under braking
when compared with my team-mate. However, as usual, I
think we will go better in the race than in qualifying."
More details and stories tomorrow at 21:00 GMT. Do not miss it
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