All of the information in this section was obtained from a bloke down the pub, which means that while we believe all the following information to be true, we couldn't swear that it is.
What we will say however, is that usually, "there is no smoke without fire".....
Hakkinen Released From Intensive Care
Schumacher Starts Testing
Minardi still no engine
Judd engines blocked
Portuguese First
Mansell to race in Indy 500
Wendlinger out
Herbert without a seat
Mika Hakkinen has been released from intensive care. Hakkinen was 'extrordinarily lucky' according to Syd Watkins, to have survived the 125 m.p.h. shunt which was considered to be a 'Fatal Crash'. FIA Expert Advisory Group research shows that G forces on the head can peak at 150 in crashes such as Hakkinens; this is more than the body can tolerate and usually proves fatal.Hakkinen suffered a fracture to the base of his skull when his head hit the steering wheel. The response of the medical crewes probably saved Hakkinen's life. The first member was on site within seconds and supported his neck, Syd Watkins was there within the first minute by which time a trackside doctor had already performed a tracheotomy to allow Mika to breathe. His airways were blocked with blood. He was stabalised at the trackside for 15 minutes and then flown to intensive care.Syd Watkins has said he sees no reason why Mika should not make a full recovery.
Michael Schumacher had his first test behind 'closed doors' last week at Fiorino. It is unclear which engine he was using (V10 or V12) as Nicola Larini has also been testing both. He was certainly not using a chassis designed for the V10. It is expected that Ferrari will complete their V10 programme in time for Schumacher to test the new engine under strenuous conditions. The tests this week were 'for seat and pedal adjustments'
The Italian based Minardi team are set to use the same engines from 95 in their 96 campaign. The chassis will only be modified to incorporate new safety features. The main problem is money (as usual).
The proposed deal for Judd to rebadge old Yamaha V10 engines has been blocked by the Japanese manufacturer. This means that the Pacific team will have to use Cosworth ED engines again.
Congratulations are due to Pedro Lamy. He became the first Portuguese driver to score a World Championship point when he finished 6th in the final race of the season.
Mansell could be set to compete in this years Indy 500 at the wheel of a Lola Ford entered by Pat Patrick. This is expected to be a one off outing which will give Nigel the chance to win the Indy, which eluded him during his two years in the states.
It is almost certain that Karl Wendlinger will leave the Sauber team. The two drivers that are being linked with the vacant seat are Mark Blundell who was replaced at McLaren by David Coulthard, and the ever present Johnny Herbert, who is still without a definate drive for 1996.
Johnny Herbert is without a seat at the moment, but it is understood that he has been linked with many teams. Herbert is understood to have an offer from Tyrrell, a test session with Ligier and offers supposidly from the Pac West and Ganassi Indy car teams.
