Dominant Doohan leads Honda sweep

Michael Doohan enhanced his chances of retaining the 500cc world championship by scoring a third consecutive victory and his fourth this season when winning the French Grand Prix in Le Castellet yesterday.

The Australian led home two other Honda riders, the Spaniards Alex Criville and Alberto Puig. "It's a great victory for the team, but I only felt comfortable once I knew Alex was 10 seconds behind me," Doohan said.

However, Doohan added there was still a long way to go before claiming another world title. "It is far too early. We've only raced one third of the championship and a lot of things can happen," he said.

Criville, who started in pole position, battled wheel to wheel with Doohan in the first half of the race but could not match his pace. Doohan's previous three victories this season came in Malaysia, Spain and Italy.

In the 250cc race, the world champion, Max Biaggi, had another comfortable victory, winning the fifth out of six races.

Results, Digest, page 23