Ruin a good party - me?:
by Gerhard Berger.
F1 Racing, November 1996 issue.

I must start by congratulating the new world champion, Damon Hill. I'm really delighted for him. In my mind he definitely
deserved the title, and I am especially glad he sealed it in such fine style at Suzuka. After all, this season may well prove his last chance to be champion. I also think that - in part, at least - Damon has me to thank for his victory in Japan. There was a moment in the race when I thought I was going to be the one to spoil his party!

Running second after a good start, I had no trouble staying with Damon in the opening laps. My car felt great, and I really thought this was my chance to end the season in the best possible way - with a win that lasts six months. But, being one a three-stop strategy, I was very keen to get ahead of Damon, who I expected (correctly) to stop only twice. I'd already shown him my nose a couple of times going into the chicane. Then, on lap four, he was over to the left as we came into the braking area and I thought he was letting me through. I was committed to the corner, but suddenly he pulled across in front of me. There seemed no way to avoid ramming him and knocking him out of the race - so I pulled right and headed for the raised 'island' on the inside of the corner. I only just managed to miss him, but my Benetton kicked up off this bump, damaging the front wing.

I am sure Damon didn't see me. He wouldn't have tried this move if he had -especially with so much at stake. But it meant I had to stop for a fresh nose, which dropped me out of contention. After that, I attacked all the way and was fighting for fourth with Eddie Irvine when we tangled at the chicane - one of the few places you can attempt a pass on this track. He slid wide and I went down the inside, but instead of staying there, he turned back in and ran over my wheel. He flew up in the air and I went across the sand trap and managed to keep going. The car was fine. It was a racing incident....

Talking of interesting moves, Hill's surprise switch to TWR-Arrows is, on reflection, a very good one. Tom Walkinshaw has a reputation for getting things done and there won't be the same pressure on Damon to win that there would had he gone to Jordan. Bridgestone tyres could also provide a few surprises if things go their way at some races, and a first ever win for TWR-Arrows and Yamaha would bring him almost as much glory as a world title with Williams. But if things don't go well next year, people are hardly going to blame him. Yes, Tom Walkinshaw and Damon Hill could certainly do a lot for each other.

For my part, I am not happy to end the year without a win. You know, I have never had such an unlucky season. I had high hopes of a good result in Portugal, but on the Sunday morning the car wasn't handling too well and it got worse in the race. The car just wouldn't turn into the corners properly. We thought the problem was coming from the new differential, but when we checked the car over in testing later that week, the mechanics found the front suspension was virtually seized solid, and one of the shock absorbers was not working properly. I'd been in the 1minute 26seconds during the race but, in the 35 degree heat of testing, I ran a race distance lapping three seconds a lap faster! Another missed chance.

From Suzuka, I had planned to head back to Europe as soon as the race was over. However, with the stewards' inquiry afterwards (over the incident with Irvine), I missed my helicopter and had to get a flight on Monday. Still, at least I got to go to the team party at the Log Cabin after the race. Mild Seven were picking up the drinks bill - I hate to think what it cost them, as we were all in a mood to get drunk!

But I don't think I'm on holiday just because the season's over. We've got several major tests until December, and we are actually hoping to run the new car just before Christmas. I'm really looking forward to testing it - as much as possible before the start of next season. Everyone is working flat out to get it ready in time, so hopefully we will have a double reason to celebrate at the Benetton Christmas Party this year.

What spare time I do get, I plan to spend in Austria. I'll be doing a lot of cross country skiing, and I'm also hoping to play more ice hockey this year. It's a great way to keep sharp and competitive. Last year, my winter was ruined by pneumonia just after Christmas, and it took a long time for me to feel 100 per cent again. Christmas is the most important time of the year for me. I'll be at home in Austria for a big family gathering and traditional celebration. This one will be extra special, as it's the first for my baby daughter Sarah, while my older daughter Christina will be with us as well. Then my wife Ana is expecting our second child next spring. Hopefully, it won't be the only bit of good news next season!

--End of Article--

_______________________________________________________________________________________________