Australian GP Tyrrell notes

Australian Grand Prix - Race Report November 12, 1995

Mika Salo Claims another Top Five Finish

Mika Salo ended his first full Formula 1 season by scoring points for the third time in the six final races. After a very strong race from 14th position on the grid, Mika brought his Tyrrell Yamaha 023 home fifth in a very difficult race which only saw eight cars finish.

The team was heading for a result with both cars in the points but unfortunately Ukyo Katayama's engine developed low oil pressure half way through the race. The team instructed him to reduce his speed, but it was not sufficient and Ukyo was forced to retire on lap 71 while running 7th.

Mika Salo: "I am delighted to score two more points for the team. Five points and 12 finishes are not too bad for a first season! The last laps were quite difficult because the oil pressure was going down and the water temperature was high and I had to spare the engine, shifting up earlier, to finish the race. The balance was good all the way through the race."

Ukyo Katayama: "After the first pit stop, I had an alarm with the engine. I thought it as the air pressure, but it was the oil, so I had to slow down. My second set of tyres was very bad and the balance of the car deteriorated a lot. Then I had to drive the car to save the engine as much as I could and hope to finish. I was hoping someone in front of me would fall off and I could have scored a point. But luck has not been with me this season and the engine went."

Mike Gascoyne, Deputy Technical Director: "We are extremely pleased to have scored points again here, but disappointed to have lost place in the Constructors' Championship to Arrows. A very good drive by Mika on a very difficult circuit, especially in the last laps when he had temperature problems. Ukyo also drove a good race and it's a shame he had to stop with a few laps to go. Under normal circumstances Ukyo should have finished sixth. It's good to finish the season with points in the last two races after a difficult year. I am glad for everyone because the hard work the team and Yamaha have put in."

Takaaki Kimura, Yamaha F1 Project Leader: "We are pleased to have scored another two points in the last race of the season - well done Mika. Ukyo's engine problem was caused by low oil pressure. I would like to than the whole Nokia Tyrrell Yamaha team for their efforts this year, and I look forward to being more competitive next year."