EXCLUSIVE TACH COVERAGE
Here Come the Williams'!
European Bureau Chief
05/24/97
By early Saturday morning Schumacher's predictions came true. During the timed but unofficial sessions the two Williams -Renault cars were on top, exactly as predicted. The long straight was kind to McLaren's David Coulthard and with the aid of his very powerful Mercedes engine he ended up third fastest.Jean Alesi finally pulled himself together and managed fourth. Michael Schumacher could do no better than sixth more or less as he expected . This of course was all during the two morning sessions before qualifying started in earnest. On this track pole position is less crucial than elsewhere as there are several places for overtaking but it is of course vital from the point of view of first corner pile-ups. There have been several this year and obviously the man at the front - provided he does not fluff his start- has the best chance of leaving the mayhem behind him!
Because there were a few drops of rain everybody rushed out as soon after 1p.m. as possible to try and get in a quick time. In the end there was no rain but Williams in particular were taking no chances. Their two star drivers were trading fastest times until Jacques finally nailed pole position with a stunning 1 minute 16.525!
Frentzen tried all he could, but had to settle for second place. The two McLarens did remarkably well, Coulthard ended up third whilst Hakkinen was not far behind in fifth place. Jean Alesi, possibly trying to save his position within the ailing Benetton team did all he could to secure fourth place on the second row.
It was not a day for former champions. Damon Hill finished a lowly 15th between Salo and Nakano whilst Schumacher could do no better than 7th. This he confirmed was not a Ferrari circuit . The Brazilian Barrichello was 17th so it looks unlikely that he will repeat his Monaco success.
If there is no rain and no crashes at the first corner then only mechanical errors can stop total Williams domination at this fast and demanding track.
