length: 4.556 kmtop-speed: 285 km/h
max G-force: 3.4
distance: 68 laps 309.828 km
Formula One returned for the first time in ten years to the Nurburgring (Germany) in 1995. Schumacher made the last year's Grand Prix worth watching: he passed Jean Alesi in a breath taking manoeuvre at the end of the race, making it impossible for him to loose his second World Championship title. Now, in 1996, it is the chance of his rival, Damon Hill, to clinch his fifth win in a row, or the fourth of the season.
Hill feels comfortable in his Williams-Renault and thinks he can win again in Germany. Hill has certainly been the strongest man on the track in the last two races. However, he remains sceptic on his chances: "It is going to be harder for us from now on with exciting races to come... Obviously, I could not have asked for a better start of the season. To have finished first and second shows what a force we are at the moment but we will not be compliant going to the Nurburgring."
Hill's team-mate Jacques Villeneuve is looking at an unknown track again: "Once again a new circuit but I've not done too badly so far and I'm looking forward to the challenge."
Michael Schumacher: "Memories of the 'Ring' are good, I won my F3 title there, in a chaotic race. Last year I was pushed on here by the fans."
Eddie Jordan wants better results: "We have had a pole position and two drivers on the podium, but the most important thing is to start winning." He also added: "Our objective is to finish in the top four in the championship and win races."
The Arrows-Hart team are looking at a bright future. The financial backing, know-how and drivers are there to make it a success.
Details:
length: 4.556 km
top-speed: 285 km/h
max G-force: 3.4
distance: 68 laps 309.828 km
1995 Pole-Position:
1:18.738 (208.306 km/h) Coulthard (Williams)
1995 Fastest Lap:
1:21.180 (202.039 km/h) Schumacher (Benetton)
1995 Podium:
Schumacher (Benetton)
Alesi (Ferrari)
Coulthard (Williams)
Michael Schumacher competed 48 laps today in the spare F310 at Mugello (Italy). He came to a best time of 1:27.163. Schumacher tested some new aerodynamic features and settings for the European Grand Prix.
Schumacher commented: "I am satisfied with the work we have accomplished at this test... day by day, we are making progress with the development of the car."
The spare care is now being shipped to the Nurburgring for the next Grand Prix. Schumacher will simulate a Grand Prix distance tomorrow in the test car fitted with a new version of the V10 engine.
* NOTE: Minardi news provided by: Carlos Lefebre Franco from the Netherlands *
