Motor Racing: Traffic problems at Donington as a German holds sway on a day at the races

Ray Bellm takes his BMW 318is out of the fourth round of the Auto Trader RAC British Touring Car Championship at Donington Park yesterday as the Renaults of Tim Harvey and Alain Menu observe the correct route. The race was won by Joachim Winkelhock, who cruised to an easy victory. The German driver took control of the race at the outset, his BMW 318i leading from pole position and never looking remotely in danger throughout.

Winkelhock posted a new lap record on his way to his debut win in the series.

Jeff Allam, in his Vauxhall Cavalier, chased Winkelhock hard throughout, but in the later stages the Briton had to defend his second place from the hard-charging BMW team leader, Steve Soper.

Soper, Allam's compatriot, finished third less than half a second adrift of Allam to retain his championship lead. Soper, with 72 points, leads Winkelhock by 22.

Patrick Watts brought the Mazda Xedos 6 home in fourth spot to record the team's best finish yet. BMW dominate the manufacturers' standings.

(Photograph omitted)