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EUROPEAN GRAND PRIX EXCLUSIVE
SHOCK! HILL GRABS POLE
by Nicholas Frankl
TACH European Bureau
Round four, and the number 5 car is dong the business (again). There seems to be no stopping Damon, who's consistent domination is threatening to turn the season into a one make series. Despite the three weeks rest, which have allowed the teams to test and adjust their cars, after two "away" races, the Williams Renault's just seem to be two steps ahead at every point.
" It's the bloody car" whispered Hill in Schumacher's ear at the post Qualifying press conference. " It's just fantastic". The German unable to lift a smile, as he endured more searching questions as to how far the light at the end of the tunnel is, and whether it's a flood light or just a flickering candle. "We have made improvements, but I am disappointed to be 1.2 seconds behind Damon". remarked Schumacher. "We are not in a position to challenge the Williams yet, but things will change by mid-season."
Hill would like nothing more than to rub his arch rivals nose in it, in front of a highly vocal capacity crowd. But he know's that home advantage counts for more than autograph hunters, and can spur a driver on to desperate measures. The Nurburgring is not an easy place to pass and with five different makes in the top ten, all slower than the Williams, the first corner could see some fairly dare devil action.
The only notable qualifying excitement came from Messieurs Alesi and Hakkinen. Mika blew-up his engine on the first lap, spinning and coming to a rest right in front of the new $10 million Mercedes Benz Grand stand. This resulted in a mad dash back to the pits and some anxious moments, as his crew fought to change the set-up of the T-car that had been reserved for Coulthard. Forty minutes later, and with some fairly exhausted mechanics, the car was ready for action, Mika at this stage was outside the 107% rule. But five laps later he was up to 9th, despite complaining that the cars balance was all over the place. Alesi in his Benetton meanwhile, was having fun at the first corner. Pushing a little too hard and spinning into the sand trap - only to re-emerge into the path of Ferrari No1( who avoided the stricken Italian) and Rosset in the Arrows who came rather too close for comfort before swerving left and out of danger.
Tomorrow's race should be a delight, if only because of the warm sunshine that has greeted us each morning. The Grand Prix however, could end up as a Williams procession, unless Schumacher or Alesi dive down the inside at the first turn and split up the dynamic duo. If the World Champion can pull off even half as good a performance as in October than as Villeneuve put it:
