European GP Tyrrell notes

October 1, 1995 European Grand Prix Race Report Top 10 Finish for Salo Despite Puncture

Mika Salo claimed a top ten finish in today's European Grand Prix despite being hit in the back by Boullion on lap 45 while running 10th. Mika suffered a puncture to the rear right tyre which caused him to spin. He kept the car going, got it back to the pits, and finished the race 10th. Gabriele Tarquini drove well in his first Grand Prix for three years, finishing 15th after a spin on lap 19. Because he touched the Armco, he made a pit stop, then completed the race to give the Nokia Tyrrell Yamaha team a two car finish.

Mika Salo: "When the track was wet it was fine but when it dried out I could not keep up with the cars in front. The Boullion hit me from behind and I had a puncture. I had to make a third pit stop. After Boullion hit me I spun because with the puncture I had one wheel in the air. I had slowed down but the brakes don't work when you have one wheel up! My thanks to the mechanics who did excellent pit stops as usual."

Gabriele Tarquini: "It was difficult for me in the wet because I don't feel the car as well as in the dry. I couldn't get a good rhythm. Everything went fine until I changed to slicks and I spun at the exit of first chicane. I touched the Armco and was fortunate to get the car back into the pits. Then the race was fine and I wanted to get the car to the chequered flag. It was good experience."

Mike Gascoyne, Deputy Technical Director: "Mika drove a very strong race and was delayed after being hit by Boullion. Gabriele had a spin and we had to change the left front track rod which was bet, but he drove consistently to the finish. It was fine effort for his first Grand Prix after being away for so long. I am very pleased to get two cars to the finish in such a difficult race."

Takaaki Kimura, Yamaha F1 Project Leader: "Both engines ran very consistently in the race and we had no problems with them throughout the weekend. We are encouraged by this weekend's engine reliability and we will be working hard in preparation for our home races. Ukyo will be back in the car for testing at Silverstone on October 10 and 11."