Motor Racing: Brabham goes for check-up after crash

SIR JACK Brabham, legend of Formula One, was lucky to escape injury here yesterday at a meeting in front of thousands of spectators. The three- times world champion, whose career lasted from 1955-70 and included 14 victories, was driving a 1967 McLaren when involved in a collision with a car driven by Jackie Oliver.

Brabham, 73, was taking part in the Goodwood revival meeting held every September at the track near Chichester, West Sussex. A spokesman for Goodwood said Sir Jack was unhurt in the crash on the 16th lap of the 20-lap race. "He was unhurt but has been taken to the St Richard's Hospital in Chichester for a check-up.

"He was in fourth position when they crashed and the race was stopped, which is normal procedure. Medical staff were quickly at the scene and he's gone for a check-up. At the moment it appears that he is not injured and Jackie Oliver is fine."

At Silverstone, the Swede Rickard Rydell gave Volvo a sparkling end to its British Touring Car Championship involvement when he won both the final two rounds in tricky and sometimes treacherous conditions.

Laurent Aiello, in a Nissan Primero, was one who tripped up on the wet track, but the little Frenchman, nevertheless, did enough to win the drivers' title. "It was very, very difficult, but I'm very, very happy," Aiello said, "and pleased for the team, which gave me everything I needed to do a proper job."

Appalling track conditions in the sprint race brought it to an early end. "Any of us could have gone off at any time," Rydell said. "There were five or 10 moments on every lap when you had no control over the car."