Motor Racing: Mansell closes inexorably on title

Nigel Mansell is one more win away from being crowned as Formula One world champion. The formalities were hastened with the Englishman's victory and Riccardo Patrese's final lap demise in the German Grand Prix here yesterday.

Mansell will have his title if he registers a record ninth success of the season in Hungary on 16 August, no matter what Patrese, his Williams-Renault team-mate, or Michael Schumacher, the only other mathematical contender, achieve.

Patrese all but slid out of the contest in his vain attempt to take second place from Ayrton Senna as they entered the stadium for the last time. He lost grip and control as he lunged deep into the right-hander and careered helplessly across the grass.

His exit, barely 500 yards from the line, handed third place to the 23-year-old Schumacher, making his home debut. Fourth was his partner at Benetton-Ford, Britain's Martin Brundle, who was restricted by a back pain which eventually affected his right leg.

For Mansell this was nothing like the extravagant, emotional occasion of Silverstone. It was not even a routine race or a smooth weekend. Against the backdrop of continued uncertainty about his future he had to contend with another faulty start, an early pit stop, a scramble through a chicane pursuing Senna, and ultimately vibration caused by blistered tyres.

That he came through it all ahead of the rest is testimony to his and his team's superiority this season. Ten more points in Budapest would leave him at least 50 points ahead of Patrese with five races remaining and, by virtue of his number of victories already, out of reach.

Mansell, still refusing to accept the championship is decided, said: 'I have been the bridesmaid three times and if you had been in that position you would understand why I won't tempt fate. We've got a shorter way to go, but it's still a way. I'll go to Hungary and approach it as any other race. I'll be focused on trying to win it.

'This was a difficult race for us in many ways. We had various problems and Ayrton showed how difficult he is to pass. I'm very happy and relieved to come out of it with a win.'

Once Mansell had built up his momentum - his gearbox had inexplicably bumped him from first to third - and taken Patrese down towards the first chicane, he had doubtless contemplated a straightforward if uncomfortably hot afternoon. Instead, he had to bring forward his tyre stop when his warning light indicated a probable puncture. That turned out not to be the case, but he was stuck with his second set for 31 of the 45 laps.

He also found himself having to scrap his way back into the lead because, although Patrese made a scheduled stop Senna decided his only chance of a place on the podium lay in keeping his McLaren- Honda out on the track.

Mansell closed on Senna, but the Brazilian resisted and the Williams was forced so wide at a chicane that it went straight on. The inevitable pass was not long delayed, however, and Mansell left the battleground for others to tread.

Schumacher also chose to go the distance on one set of tyres and opted for a harder compound. He proved a handful for Patrese as the Italian resumed the attack, defending splendidly until at last the Williams swept by. Senna was still more stubborn as Patrese sought to give his team their customary maximum score.

Twice he hauled himself alongside the McLaren but each time Senna, with the better line, was able to defy him. Patrese's last opportunity beckoned in the braking area before the stadium. 'I tried to go through a hole but he closed the door and I braked on the dirt,' Patrese said. 'I went off and did a 360-degree turn, but it was impossible to get back on the track. Senna was not unfair.'

A misfire denied Gerhard Berger, in the other McLaren, the opportunity to join the fight and Jean Alesi, in a Ferrari, was a distant, lonely fifth ahead of Erik Comas in a Ligier-Renault. Johnny Herbert was forced to retire early in the day when the engine of his Lotus-Ford cut out.

Mansell has again been linked with Ferrari here while his negotiations with Williams for a new contract appear to have stalled. He reiterated his desire to stay with the Didcot-based team and his preference for Patrese as partner next year, but French sources suggest Alain Prost's place is guaranteed.

Mansell said: 'At the moment I'm not being spoken to by the team about next year, and I'm being asked to say nothing. Hopefully, the situation will be clearer soon. I admit I feel very deflated at times. This is the finest hour of my life and career, but we again have this great air of uncertainty. I can't be comfortable, can I? But I am trying to concentrate on my job. My main concern is the championship this year. Next year will take care of itself.'