Easy win for Doohan

Motorcycling

Michael Doohan cruised to a comfortable victory in the 500cc French Grand Prix at Le Mans yesterday. Doohan, who had clocked the fastest time on his Honda in qualifying, left his rivals trailing on the demanding track to secure his 24th grand prix win, his fifth this season.

The Australian world champion covered the 27 laps of the 4,430 metres circuit in 46min 10.991sec, at an average speed of 96.562mph. Italy's Luca Cadalora was second, 21.923sec behind on a Yamaha and Daryl Beattie of Australia third on a Suzuki, 23.607sec behind Doohan.

His third victory in as many races allowed Doohan to extend his lead over Beattie to 10 points in the world championship standings, in which his tally is 145 points.

The defending champion, who won the race last year, had a poor start and was only fourth at the first bend, but after moving ahead on the sixth lap, he was always in front.

Results, Sporting Digest, page 23