Sporting Digest: Motor Racing

NIGEL MANSELL, the Formula One world champion, said yesterday that he was unlikely to return to Formula One adding that he was in the final stages of completing a long-term contract to remain in IndyCar racing with the Newman-Haas team.

PHILIPPE ALLIOT headed the field after the first two hours of qualifying for this weekend's Le Mans 24-hour race. The Frenchman completed the 13.6km circuit in 3min 24.94sec before a collision with a slower car forced him off the track temporarily. Thierry Boutsen was second quickest, 2.33sec behind, with Eddie Irvine of Ireland third in 3:29.07.

LE MANS 24-HOUR RACE First qualifying session, leading times: 1 P Alliot (Fr) Peugeot 3min 24.94sec; 2 T Boutsen (Bel) Peugeot 3:27.27; 3 E Irvine (Irl) Toyota 3:29.07; 4 G Lees (GB) Toyota 3:33.60; 5 A Wallace (Aus) Toyota 3:34.51; 6 G Brabham (Aus) Peugeot 3:35.00; 7 R Wollek (Fr) Joest Porsche 3:39.85.