PR-Le Mans/Downing 4

Subj:  PR-Le Mans/Downing 4		Section: F-1/Internat'l News
  To:  All				Friday, June 14, 1996 10:29:14 AM
From:  Connie Downing, 104670,3321	#819096

           JACKY ICKX ADVISES MAZDASPEED/DOWNING TEAM

     In addition to his 15 entries and six wins at Le Mans,
legendary racing driver Jacky Ickx has been at Le Mans seven times
as an advisor to the Mazdaspeed team.  This year he assesses the
team's chances as excellent for a top-ten finish even though there
is a field of very high quality cars.  He considers a Mazda finish
between tenth and eighth as successful given the restrictions on
the car, but highly possible given the reliability of the rotary
engine and the team's seventh-place finish last year.
     The limitations placed on the engine by the air restrictor
have cut down on its power, but at the same time, should make it
even more reliable.  Perhaps the greatest handicap is the 60-liter
fuel cell which will require a fuel stop approximately every 35
minutes. He calculates that each stop, even without a tire change
or any special problems, will cost at least one minute.  But even
at that, if the car runs without trouble, the finish will be good.
     With warm sunny weather forecast for the race, Ickx suggests
that the cars up front might run really hard and cause problems for
each other. 
     Team strategy is being determined today, but Ickx, who has
competed several times with only one codriver, emphasizes the
importance of having drivers complete multiple stints so that
codrivers can get real sleep.  He also feels strongly that
they will need mineral-replacing drinks throughout the running.
     Asked if he has ever driven one of the rotary-engine Mazda
race cars, Ickx replied (tongue-in-cheek), "I asked Mr. Ohashi
(General Director of Mazdaspeed), but he said I don't have enough
experience and I'm too old."
     Reflecting on his own racing experience, Ickx says, "Over time
I have realized more and more that you never win alone.  You always
need codrivers who are as fast as you are.  You need the right car,
the right engineers and the right pit crew."
     The Kanagawa Clinic Mazda entry is a real team effort in every
respect.  Mix in the additional element of luck and the result will
be known on Sunday afternoon after the 60th running of the 24 Hours
of Le Mans.