Damon Hill's test for Bridgestone tires at Suzuka

    SUZUKA -RIJ- (Translated and Edited from several reports by NIFTY-Serve Auto Racing Forum members): Damon Hill arrived at Suzuka at 14:25PM Wednesday with Tom Walkinshaw. After Hill met Arai Helmet's staff and checked his helmet, he wore white racing suit and checked seat of Ligier JS41 Mugen-Honda in pit-garage.

    On Thurday morning, Hill drove Ligier JS41 Mugen-Honda first time with Bridgestone tires. After he marked his fastest time 1'40.14 (by stop watch,) he crashed at exit of Hair-Pin Curve. He was OK, but remaining test schedule was canceled because of luck of spare parts (Ligier's right rear end was broken.) Although there was an TWR Arrows Hart, its cockpit was small for Hill. Hill's best time was marked when Ligier was full tank. Bridgeston engineers were delighted Hill's performance.

    Aguri Suzuki waited Hill's test had been completed because Aguri would drove Ligier for further test. But it was canceled, too. At Suzuka Circuit, Japaense veteran Kazuyoshi Hoshino drove Formula Nippon (ex.F3000) Lola Mugen for Bridgestone' tire test, too. In 1997, Japanese Formula Nippon's tire will be Bridgestone's monopoly.

  • RIJ-Mitsuru Sugaya/Tokyo,

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