#596 1996 Portuguese Grand Prix

On Wednesday, September 11th, 1996, interviewed in Monza, Cesare Fiorio, sports director of Ligier (owned by Flavio Briatore), says:

"Since they have to pay to race, barbarism has taken over the class of drivers in Formula 1. With no rivals, drivers like Michael Schumacher and Alesi can go far. We find ourselves talking about Ralf Schumacher, but who is he to deserve Formula 1? As far as I know, he hasn’t won valid sports titles. He only brings $6.000.000".

Fiorio refers to the fact that the champion's younger brother should, in a matter of days, go to Jordan, well-supported by sponsors. And he digs into the subject, taking the Jordan-Peugeot team as an example, now testing in Monza with the test driver Gianni Morbidelli:

"This is how things are going: the Pesarese, who has been standing still for months, during the Italian Grand Prix raced better than the titular drivers Brunelle and Barrichello. He deserves attention from the teams, but no one offers him a place".

Fiorio's points out a problem now shared by many teams (especially the small ones, which ask their drivers to bring sponsorships to get a car), yet people both agree and disagree on the issue. Apart from Ferrari, which never sticks the nose in the controversy of others (in any case, the Maranello team – over the course of the last twenty years - has always paid for its drivers), Morbidelli himself intervenes, together with Giancarlo Minardi (boss of the Faenza team), and Alex Zanardi, the Bolognese driver who had to immigrate to Formula Indy, where he won three races and was named debutant of the year. Says Gianni Morbidelli, 28, Italian Formula 3 Champion in 1990 and temporarily promoted to Formula 1 by Ferrari to replace Alain Prost, in 1991:

"If I had to bring $6.000.000 in dowry to drive, I would say no. Now, after a long inactivity, I resumed relations with Formula 1. I have good motivations to look for a team for 1997. I don't want to continue being a test driver forever. Either I find a serious team, or I change category".

On the other hand, Giancarlo Minardi replies:

"I don’t agree with Fiorio. Meanwhile, Ralf Schumacher's example is not convincing: we don’t know if the German won’t be strong, he seems good. Then, if he brings some money, he will certainly have advantages too. More or less, everyone started this way, even Senna. If Ayrton never paid to run, someone would have done it for him, maybe the family, at the beginning. Formula 1 costs have become prohibitive, especially for small teams. And if someone helps us, it can also be a positive fact. And then it doesn’t seem to me that lately in Italy we have seen authentic phenomenal growth in the minor categories".

Zanardi, who has just returned to Bologna (next year he will still race in the United States), also expresses his idea:

"The mistake is not so much in the choices of the teams or the pressure that drivers have to endure. It's the system that's wrong. In Europe, there is no longer a category where a driver can prove to be a potential champion. It's an unclear situation. So, it is difficult to distinguish the champion from the incapable. And then it's also a matter of luck. On the same Jordan with which Schumacher stood out with a P7 in Spa qualifying, I was about to finish on the podium in the second race, but something went wrong. Then I switched to Lotus, and it failed. So I was forced to look for a different job opportunity. And now I’m very satisfied. Certainly, the problem of those who make their way with money exists, but I don't think it's related to Formula 1 only".

The situation is indeed not delightful: teams are forced to look for drivers with money because the poor ones, cannot go far. Among other things, Ligier (of Fiorio) hired Pedro Paolo Diniz, snatching him from Forti, because it seems that the Brazilian had a sponsor dowry of 10.000.000 dollars. And had he not had that money, he would have stayed at home. Michael Schumacher is absent, he took a week off, but on Thursday, September 12th, 1996, Eddie Irvine continues testing with Ferrari on the Fiorano track. In the morning, the Irish driver breaks the circuit record set by his German teammate in August with a time of 1'01"91. The new record was set at 1'01"45. Irvine tests some details on an F310 laboratory car, some that will later be mounted on the 1997 single-seater, which will presumably be ready by mid-December. On Friday, September 13th, Eddie Irvine continues testing, and on Saturday he will test the three cars to be sent to Portugal. Meanwhile, on Friday, September 13th, 1996, McLaren-Mercedes announces the renewal of the 1997 contract of its two drivers, Mika Häkkinen and David Coulthard. The choice excludes Damon Hill, left by Williams. The Englishman could land at Jordan, Stewart's new team or, although very difficult, take Alesi's place at Benetton. The English driver, in the next Portuguese Grand Prix, could win the Formula 1 World Championship. The Williams driver will just have to lose no more than 3 points from teammate Villeneuve. In any case, the thirty-six-year-old Williams pilot is becoming a cumbersome object for the engines Circus. Just like Nigel Mansell at his time. As you know, Hill was left by Williams ahead of the 1997 season to make room for Frentzen. Now, Damon's problem is mostly economic: he is a driver who costs too much. On Tuesday, September 17th, 1996, Hong Kong, and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC), one of the world’s largest banking and financial service providers, announced that they will sponsor the Stewart-Ford team for five years for £25.000.000, from 1997 to 2001. However, even with the help of a sponsor of this magnitude, former driver Jackie Stewart, three-time Formula 1 World Champion, will probably not be able to afford to hire Hill. Stewart himself says HSBC’s support represents one-fifth of the necessary funding for the team.

"About the drivers, it would be a dream if Hill could drive for us. Despite him also having other offers, I continue to hope. Sometimes fairy tales come true".

The Stewart-Hill deal is not impossible, but it is very difficult, as the British driver is supposed to make disbursements. Only in a desperate case, if his negotiation with Jordan, or with other teams, failed, Damon could accept the new team's offer. At the moment, Stewart aside, the likely 1996 World Champion only has a couple of chances left. The most concrete concerns precisely Jordan, who has already hired Ralf Schumacher, the younger brother of Michael Schumacher. The other option, according to some media, would be to sign for Benetton, replacing Alesi. A hypothesis that has not found any official confirmation, yet. And that would only be based on the Frenchman's alleged disagreements with Renault and Ecclestone's desire to see Hill in a good team, for television reasons. The FOCA president, after signing millionaire contracts with a British pay-tv broadcaster, does not want to lose his gold driver. But Benetton’s operations, if Alesi accepts any proposals, would cost a fortune. Jean's engagement, already under contract for 1997, would have to be paid, plus the same penalty, plus Hill's salary, which is no small thing. In practice, the same amount required to have Michael Schumacher, but without having a driver who makes a difference like the German. Making negative predictions has brought him luck, like in the Italian Grand Prix. It will take some little help, but the feat is not impossible. The goal is a fantastic three-in-a-row, after Belgium and Italy: three consecutive victories that Ferrari has not achieved since 1990, when Prost, between June and July, won in Mexico, France, and Great Britain. The Estoril circuit has 13 curves, all quite challenging. Since the German driver is said to have earned 0.1 seconds per lap for the extraordinary skill and technique of driving, he would have a theoretical advantage of 1.3 seconds for each passage. The race will be of 40 laps, it's easy to do the maths. We are on the level of theory, but this often goes hand in hand with reality. Much will also depend on the weather conditions (better if it is cold, rain would be welcome, too) and the set-up that technicians and drivers will be able to find for the F310s. The rivals, Williams, Benetton, and McLaren have the advantage of having tested a little more at the Lusitanian racetrack, but Schumacher has shown multiple times that he knows how to make up for unfavourable situations.

In any case, the Ferrari-Schumacher binomial will have a precise role in the Hill-Villeneuve challenge: that of third party or judge. The Maranello team has awakened even the passion of excellent fans. After Monza, President Montezemolo received a flood of telegrams, faxes, and phone calls of congratulations similar to love messages, among these one from King Bernard of Holland. Ferrari has no great traditions in Portugal: two wins, with Berger in 1990 and Mansell the following year. And then several problems. In the season in which the Englishman imposed himself, it was precisely from this track that the controversy that eventually caused the dismissal of Prost started. Last year it was Alesi who made negative statements against the Maranello team because he had been asked, during the race, to leave his Austrian teammate pass. But now it is all forgotten, and the atmosphere is relaxed. Schumacher, after the victory of Monza, did not get the chance to get on a race car, if we do not count the karting performance from the other night.

"I spent a week laying carpeting and painting walls in my new home in Switzerland, really relaxed, with my wife Corinna and our dogs. No one bothered me and I'm fully recharged. But don't expect too much this time, seriously. The circuit is not suitable for the F310, it looks very much like the Hungaroring where we had quite a few difficulties. That doesn’t mean we won’t give our maximum, but let’s not have too many illusions: the chances are minimal".

Schumacher is careful, just as Jean Todt, head of sports management, cautious in predictions:

"If Schumacher claims that for Ferrari, the next race will be a troubled one, I don’t see how I could deny it. We won at Spa and Monza because everything went well. But we are not yet at the level of considering ourselves the favourites. There are always two cars in front of us. It will be better, in theory, in Suzuka, Japan".

The reference to Williams is evident. But there is also the strong comeback of Benetton and McLaren to be feared.

"We know that. Our goal is to get a podium and have the other car in the points zone. Irvine has trained a lot and has also tested material for next year. Here in Estoril, we have nothing new on the technical level, apart from the 7-speed gearbox on both cars, even though we continue to work on reliability".

It is known that Ferrari is already focusing on 1997. And in this regard, Todt shares some information about the English designer Barnard:

"Our base in Shelford is going well. Since last Monday, in my presence, aerodynamic tests on the 1997 model have begun in the Briston wind tunnel, from the 15^th of October we will continue in Maranello with the one on a 1:3 scale. Barnard is pleased: our latest successes are also thanks to him. At the same time, we have ongoing negotiations with our main sponsor, Philip Morris. This year we spent a lot because we had so many new things to do. Having the right amount of funding will be important for the future. As for the colour of the next car, red or red and white, it’s too early to talk about it".

While Ferrari thinks about the future and camouflages itself ahead of a race in which it will certainly play the role of outsider, the challenge for the World Title between Hill and Villeneuve goes on. It is English that attacks with words. Damon Hill declares, visibly tense:

"They asked me if, as my compatriot Brundle claims, I would be able to try to win the title by causing an accident with my teammate. The answer is no: I have never approved who won in such a way (an obvious reference to Senna, Prost and Schumacher, ed). I just need to get behind Villeneuve. But one thing is certain: if I will be in front of him, Jacques will have to prove that he is a true champion to surpass me".

On Friday, September 20th, 1996, Ferrari strikes again.

"We expect others to clean the track".

Michael Schumacher asks his engineers. Then he put on a helmet and gloves, took a quick turn, and stood in front of everyone. “Elementary Watson”, Sherlock Holmes would say, even if it is not that simple. Right after the end of the tests, the German Ferrari’s driver lowers the expectations. Friday timing is not worth much, even if being in the lead always has its value. Not to mention that Irvine, after being the best during the first part of the day, concludes in P4. Michael Schumacher repeats at the end of the tests:

"I was and I stay pessimistic. The track, as in Hungary, is not good for our car. I had the best time with not so worn out tires. I don’t think we can go strong, neither in qualifying nor in the race".

Who knows, maybe the rain, which is a threat for the rest of the weekend, can help him. In any case, half of the race is defined on Saturday afternoon, when the twenty drivers will compete for the starting line-up. Given the characteristics of the track, with almost impossible overtaking, the one who will be on pole will have a nice advantage.

"I can only hope, but it will be very difficult. It should go very well for me and very badly for others".

Schumacher fears Williams, but also Benetton and McLaren, however, he remains quiet. But the biggest surprise of the day is Ukyo Katayama, under the spotlight in third place, on the Tyrrell. But there is a reason: the Japanese, along with teammate Mika Salo, Jacques Villeneuve and the two Minardi drivers (Pedro Lamy and Giovanni Lavaggi) is one of the few drivers to use new tires in the free practice finale. The problem of tire wear on the Portuguese track is one of the most difficult to solve. Michael Schumacher lives his success with intensity, albeit with some coolness. And now he knows that next year he will also have to deal with his little brother. Jordan formalises what everyone already knew: the three-year-old engagement of Ralf Schumacher, who brings a sponsor (German beer) of about 6.000.000 dollars but will have a salary or maybe a percentage. Ralf Schumacher has already won in karting and Formula 3, and he is now leading the Japanese Formula 3000 Championship. It will debut in the tests on October 1st, 1996, right on the Estoril circuit. Michael Schumacher says:

"I’m happy because Ralf starts on the right foot. A good team that is evolving, but without too much pressure. He was criticised for bringing money, but it's normal. I am sure he will prove to be a very good young and fast driver".

For statistics lovers, so far three pairs of brothers had run simultaneously in Formula 1: Jody and Jan Scheckter, Emerson, and Wilson Fittipaldi, and Teo and Corrado Fabi. But the second ones were never as good as the first ones. Schumacher's favourable comment on his brother is the only positive of the day from him. When asked who he would like to see win the World Championship, between Hill and Villeneuve, Kerpen's twenty-seven-year-old gets cold:

"Would like? It's not the right expression, on the contrary, it's the wrong one".

No prediction, therefore, on the challenge for the title. Meanwhile, the sparks continue between the two contenders. At the end of the tests, Jacques Villeneuve accuses Damon Hill of hindering him in the final (when he had mounted new tires on his Williams), preventing him from getting the best time. Furious with everyone, the Canadian does not miss an opportunity to send a resentful message even to Luca Montezemolo, who after Monza had teased him.

"He should thank his name, it gave him the chance to drive".

Jacques Villeneuve replies, with a bad mood and tense nerves:

"There are too many people in Formula 1 who don’t understand anything about racing".

The battle is wide-ranging, nothing is overlooked, let alone the psychological side. They both say they love the Estoril circuit, and that they have no problems. We will see. The Formula 1 Circus continues to question the future of the English. At this point, there are not too many possibilities for Hill. The driver does not speak. Jordan is considered with increasing insistence as an alternative to the new Stewart. But these days an incredible idea was also born: Hill could go for a year to Ligier and then land at Benetton in 1998. But will he run until he is forty? The son of the legend, against the heir of the World Champion. The Formula 1 crown is up for grabs. The challenge between Hill and Villeneuve has reached the final stage. A difficult track awaits them, that of the Grand Prix of Portugal, narrow and winding and where no mistakes can be made. The Englishman will just not give his teammate more than 3 points (he has 13 points of advantage); the Canadian can postpone the verdict to the last race, in Japan, if he earns at least 4. Everything could be decided already at the start: the two Williams are on the front row. On Saturday, September 21at, 1996, Damon Hill conquers the pole with a record time: 1'20"330, averaging 195.394 km/h. Jacques Villeneuve loses first place for a breath, 0.009 seconds, 75 centimetres as opposed to the 4360 metres of the circuit. Scenes has already been seen here in Portugal. In 1984 the final battle was between Prost and Lauda. The Frenchman won, but the Austrian driver, ranking second, won the title by 0.5 points. Alain got his victory in 1993 against Ayrton Senna, behind Schumacher. This time the stakes are even bigger. For Hill, who is the big favourite, it may be the last chance to win the title, and this would be a record: no son of an heir champion (his father Graham won in 1964 and 1968) ever managed to repeat the feat. The prospects of Villeneuve: debutant and back from the conquest of the Formula Indy crown, and with a father who, although never reaching the top in his unfortunately short career, was generally recognised among the fastest ever appeared in Formula 1. Damon Hill explains, at the end of qualifying:

"There are only a few hours left to know how it will turn out, but it seems to me that the road is still very long. In the sense that I don't feel huge pressure. I'm confident: I got my pole position number 20, the 9th of the season. And that makes me start on the right side of the track. The real job must be done by my rival, and even if he wins, there will still be Japan where I will still start in the lead. If instead Alesi or Schumacher were to go to the lead, it would not be a problem for me: at most I would feel sorry for the team that treated me very well. Despite having announced Frentzen's engagement in 1997, Williams still gave me great support and the best material. I think I will sleep between two pillows in the night".

All-true serenity or a weapon in the psychological battle with Villeneuve? The Canadian does not care too much about being tactful:

"It’s hard to accept being beaten for 0.009 seconds, a few centimetres: it would have been enough to take a few more risks at the last corner. Unfortunately, this will cost me problems at the start: my car will be placed where the asphalt is dirty and there we don’t know if the wheels will slip. However, I’m optimistic: Hill is usually not good at the start, and I fear Alesi more. But I’m confident, I just have to focus and do my best".

What about the possibility of dangerous accidents?

"I can’t worry about what Hill thinks he’s doing, but I rule out that he may be unfair, trying to throw me out. Other drivers would do it, but it would be a thing from minor formulas, childish. I would be very disappointed if Damon misbehaved".

What if the title gets away?

"My budget is good. I'm here fighting for the title, and I'm not surprised: I predicted it, running for the best team. So far, I have only one regret: having made a mistake in Monza would have changed everything. But I live peacefully".

The English man has just turned 36, the Canadian is over 25. Two generations in comparison. But the third, the one who has already retired, does not give up: Prost is the test driver and the consultant for McLaren. And a resounding comeback is ready: Williams called Riccardo Patrese, 42, for a test at Silverstone, on October 8th and 9th, 1996. The purpose of the test was to hire him as a spare driver for 1897, to fine-tune the car. Yet, the two contenders will also have to deal with the pursuers. It is not excluded that the needle of the scale will be on the side of Alesi or Schumacher, respectively, in P3 and P4 on the starting grid. The Frenchman promises battle, while the German is more cautious but will not back down if the occasion arises. Michael Schumacher says, jokingly:

"Pray for the rain, because it could shuffle the cards. I admit that I wouldn't mind a wet track. Otherwise, we have no chance. Unfortunately, this track penalises us. The chicane, the hairpin bend, and the medium and slow curves put the F310 in trouble, as it has been since the start of the season. However, I couldn't have done better than the third place. The three wins in a row are a dream. We are a second slower per lap compared to the Williams. And you will also have to suffer with Benetton and McLaren. I don't like to win just for the misfortunes of others. Among other things, we consume tires like our rivals, but we see a faster drop in performance".

So, no hope?

"You can get the podium. But it could also happen that the race becomes more difficult than qualifying. It will already be nice to keep the position at the start or earn a place. But beware of Alesi, he is really fast at the starts. By the way: congratulations to Irvine, he was excellent and strong. I was satisfied with the car set-up after the first timed attempt and adopted what Eddie had studied for his: I was fine".

Schumacher's speeches, always very honest (a driver rarely admits that he was helped by his teammate, even if only in the tuning of the single-seater), are one hundred per cent shared by Jean Todt.

"Given how things are going, Ferrari’s goal is to bring one car to the podium and the other to the points. This year, so far, we have only succeeded once in Imola, when Schumacher was second and Irvine fourth. Finding full reliability in the season finale would be a nice injection of confidence ahead of winter work".

The statements in the Maranello team are more or less the same as on the eve of Spa and Monza. But, indeed, these were circuits more favourable to the characteristics of the F310. In any case, the cabal and statistics can also come into play. The first recite: good things come in threes. It remains to be seen whether it can refer to the total number of victories (already achieved) or consecutive ones. For the statistics, Schumacher won at Spa and Monza, always starting from the second row. But it would perhaps be too demanding. Schumacher concludes:

"I am fine with my conscience because at this point, we have nothing to lose. The important thing is to show that our team is working well. The fact of having another confirmation that Williams is still superior and that the others are approaching must be considered positive. A further push to continue to do our best".

On Sunday, September 22nd, 1996, Damon Hill starts well, while his teammate Jacques Villeneuve does not and is overtaken by Jean Alesi and Michael Schumacher. The Frenchman also tries to trap Hill at the braking of the first corner but is closed by the Englishman with a decisive manoeuvre, having to settle for second place. Hill immediately begins to gain a decent margin on the pursuers, while his teammate worries Schumacher, but without being able to pass him. On lap 16 (after that moment the only overtaking was that of Heinz-Harald Frentzen on Jos Verstappen on lap 12) the German driver finds himself slowed down by the Minardi of the dubbed Giovanni Lavaggi in the fast corner before the main straight; Villeneuve attacks him on the outside and overtakes him, with an extremely spectacular manoeuvre. Shortly after, the first series of refuelling begins, during which the Canadian prevails over Alesi; the Frenchman, who started with a pit-stop strategy (against the three expected by the opponents), loses a position also against Schumacher, ending up in fourth position. In fact, during lap 34, in the game of refuelling and changing tires, Villeneuve passes in the lead for two laps. Immediately after Hill becomes the leader again, but instead of having Alesi behind him, who is also overtaken by Schumacher, he sees the Williams of his teammate-rival in the mirrors. At this point Villeneuve begins to recover ground against Hill, slowed down by some dubbing and a clutch problem; at the end of the second pit-stop series the Canadian is now very close to his rival. The third series of refuelling turns out to be decisive, with Hill being overtaken by his teammate on lap 49 and thus having to settle for second place, ahead of Schumacher, Alesi, Irvine, and Berger. The fourth season win allows Villeneuve to keep the fight for the World Championship open. Everything is postponed to Sunday, October 13th, 1996, in Japan. But the English driver remains the big favourite in the title fight.

Damon has a 9-point lead in the standings. To beat him, Jacques will have to win the last race in Suzuka and hope that the rival will not even take a point. Pushing hard will not be enough for him, he will also have to count on a lot of luck. Incredibly, therefore, Villeneuve's stunning victory, at the end of his most beautiful race since he was in Formula 1, gives an additional advantage to Hill. The young Canadian pays Williams' competitiveness, which, although he gave him wings, it still allowed his teammate to defend himself well, limiting the damage with a reassuring second place. It was a race of great tensions, but in the end, the result respected the most logical predictions. Villeneuve had to attack and did so in the most spectacular way. Hill attempted the shot with a quick start, but when he found the opponent in front, he rightly slowed down, so as not to take unnecessary risks. Prediction is also respected at Ferrari, with Schumacher's third position and Irvine's fifth. The declared goal consisted of a podium and a car in the points: centred. For the Maranello team, the result is worth double because it marks a return to full reliability, after four months. And now, in the Constructors’ World Championship standings, Ferrari has almost reached Benetton (only one point separates the two), in second place. This match between Italian teams will also end in Japan. If Hill takes home the Formula 1 crown twenty-two years after the second title won by his father Graham, the hero of this season will remain Jacques Villeneuve. A truly special beginner who does not want to be compared to the legendary dad Gilles. But what Jacques claims is not so true. On lap 16, the Canadian made an amazing overtake right on the reigning champion that left everyone speechless. Maybe also Schumacher. Says Jacques Villeneuve, who has no reverential fears:

"It was fun to pass in a spot where Michael didn’t expect it. After all, my car was faster, and I had already lost enough time. If I hadn't tried, I probably wouldn't have been able to win. I took advantage of the last corner, what is called parabolic, to overtake the Ferrari. The experience earned on the oval circuits in the United States helped me".

And then he says:

"I had warned the box that I would pass there, and by radio they had begged me not to do it, otherwise they would have had to pick me up on the guardrail with the teaspoon. But I didn’t listen to them, and I was right".

A perfect race, the one of Jacques.

"Yes, except for the departure. But I took courage because I knew I wouldn't have any other opportunities. The car was great, and the team worked perfectly. The battle with Schumacher was good. The World Championship? Nine points are many, too many. But anything can happen in a race. Damon can make a mistake, the car may break, or get involved in an accident. I will fight until the last lap. That’s for sure".

What about Damon Hill? What does he say?

"A great start. I was fine at the head of the race. I was a little unlucky with pit stops and overtaking. A McLaren slowed me down, that’s for sure. But when Villeneuve came out of the pits in front of me, it was a shock. I thought I'd attack him, but I had a friction problem. I was afraid of breaking everything, and at that point I was satisfied. I still feel relaxed. Anyway, Jacques did a very good job".

The name of the Englishman goes spreads like the crazy ball of a pinball machine in the market drivers.

"I haven’t had time these days to go on with the negotiations. If I want to stay in F1? I hope so. Thoughts about retirement? Not even close. See you in Japan".

Then everyone eats the cake. Williams, almost already certain of the title, had prepared a gigantic one to celebrate Hill. Of course, they eat it anyway. The Ferrari's mission was accomplished. After the practice of the past few days, it was not possible to dream. Nor hope for miracles. Schumacher's third place and Irvine's fifth are the ultimate results that the Maranello team could aspire to. The merits were more of the team than the drivers. If we must make a ranking between the German and the Irish, Michael was less good than Eddie. Especially if we consider the difference in the values expressed to date. Schumacher, who suffered one of the most difficult overtakes of his career, drove with the usual attention on a circuit he does not like, with a car that did not go along with him. Just think of the gaps inflicted by Williams: 53 seconds, over 0.7 seconds per lap. Irvine, on the other hand, resisted Berger’s attacks; when the Austrian overtook him in the end, he immediately responded by returning to fifth position. Then, right on the last lap, the moment the Benetton driver rammed him, he managed to stay on track and preceded him to the finish line. Schumacher had to make three stops for the tire change, the last one on lap 52. When he found himself behind Alesi, who was stopping - in turn (lap 44) - for the second and last stop, engineer Giorgio Ascanelli immediately made him stop. After a perfect pit-stop, Schumacher started again ahead of the Frenchman: the game is done. Michael Schumacher says, at the end of the race:

“We got the most we could aspire to. I am happy with the result and the excellent work of the team. The strategy and pit stops were perfect. Unfortunately, I couldn't push more than that because the car lacked grip, especially in the areas of the track with the old asphalt and in the slow and medium curves. The only real surprise of the race was Villeneuve, surpassing me on the outside".

And he describes the overtake move.

"At first, I rear-ended Alesi. There was traffic, he stopped early. Luckily, I just cut the nose of my car. Then I had trouble keeping up with a certain pace. Jacques had been very close for several laps now. I was preparing to overtake the Minardi of Lavaggi, and I was afraid of having to slow down too much. I saw the Williams in the mirrors and a moment later he had the front wheels in front of those of my Ferrari. I reacted, I could have outdistanced him more, but I thought it would have been useless; I would have also risked ruining everything. It’s better this way, I will strike back at the first opportunity, when we are more competitive".

Irvine also overtook Berger in the pit-stop.

"Then there was the rear-ending".

Tells Eddie, wearing a dazzling smile, more than usual.

"It was since May, in Imola, that I didn't see the finish line. Although in the final I had doubts because my single-seater, due to tire wear, was hard to drive. Finally, I feel charged now, I want to get on the podium at all costs: in the next race, in Suzuka. There, our car should be fine, and we have the potential to succeed. Finishing the season well is the best medicine to start the next one greatly. I had a hard time, now it's over".

Poor Eddie: despite all Ferrari's official assurances and confirmations for 1996, radio box continues to question him. First, there was a rumour that Häkkinen was among the options that would replace him. In the last few hours, even on the Internet, another indiscretion has appeared, which sees him return to Jordan to make room for Damon Hill. And to say that he, along with Schumacher, already went to England (in Shalford, where the DDF, the Ferrari technology headquarters directed by Barnard) to have the custom-made seat designed and mounted on next year's car. Someone really wants to see him suffer. Meanwhile, Maranello's staff continues the great manoeuvres for next season. Along with all the other teams (except for Ligier), the team will stop from Tuesday, September 24th to Friday, September 27th, 1996, in Estoril, for a series of tests with Goodyear tires. This is a good opportunity to try them ahead of the last commitment in

Suzuka, but above all to continue testing the material for next year.

"He tricked me, but I could have made him pay dearly".

Says Jean Alesi, referring to Damon Hill.

"He closed my trajectory without thinking twice about it. If I had been incorrect, maybe I wouldn't have reached the finish line, but he too would have a few points less. And maybe, now he would be less quiet, in the duel with Villeneuve for the title. I'm sorry because if I had gone into the lead at that moment, the race would probably have ended differently. It bothers me to have skipped the podium appointment. If I hadn't been so far away in the last laps, I could have been tempted to reach Schumacher. Unfortunately, I paid for the excessive time spent behind slower cars. But the season is not over yet. I will be in Japan too, everyone has to be careful".

The Frenchman is furious with Hill, but even Briatore does not look as cheerful as usual. The World Championship is about to end without Benetton having got the results they hoped for: at least one win in sixteen races. And given Williams’ superiority, there is little to hope for. Still open, however, is the battle with Ferrari for the second place in the Constructors' World Championship and with Schumacher for the third position in the Drivers’ Championship.

"Two goals that we care about very much, and we will not give up".

Berger also did not come out satisfied of the Portuguese circuit, in the country he considers his second homeland, given the nationality of his wife Anna.

"The car didn’t work as in qualifying, then our technicians analysing the telemetry found out that there was an accelerator problem. It didn't allow me to dose the gas as I would have liked. I was forced to make do with what I had. Despite everything, I was able to reach Irvine. I also passed him, but I came out of the turn wide, and he passed me again. Then, in the last lap, I was an inch away from him. I braked by locking the wheels and touched his Ferrari. It was only my fault".