Lawson leads all the way

Press, 22 July 1986, Page 26

Lawson leads all the way

NZPA-Reuter Le Castellet The American, Eddie Lawson, dominated the French 500 cc Grand Prix motor-cycle race yesterday, leading from start to finish to increase his lead in the world championship standings over his arch-rival and fellow American, Randy Mamola. Lawson roared off on his Yamaha at the start of the race, while Mamola and local hero, Christian Sarron, of France, were still pushing their bikes. They never caught up, and Lawson was more than 12s ahead of Mamola at the finish line. Sarron, who hoped his knowledge of the Paul-Ricard circuit would help him, was third, staving off a United States clean sweep. Lawson now has 99 championship points, against Mamola’s 86. Wayne Gardner, of Australia, placed fifth yesterday, is third with fe.

In the 250 cu cm class, Venezuela’s Carlos Lavado was unbeatable. This time he did not fall off; he has done so twice this season. Beaten at the start by Dominique Sarron, younger brother of Christian, Lavado broke past the leaders with three laps to go. 500 cu cm event results: Eddie Lawson (U.S.) Yamaha 42min 57.15, 1; Randy Mamola (U.S.) Yamaha 43:9.36, 2; Christian Sarron (France) Yamaha 43:10.47, 3; Mike Baldwin (U.S.) Yamaha 43:11.43, 4; Wayne Gardner (Australia) Honda 43:19.27, 5; Rob McElnea (Britain) Yamaha, 6: Ron Haslam (Britain) Elf, 7; Didier de Radigues (Belgium) Honda, 8. 500 cu cm world championship standings: Lawson 99 points, 1; Mamola 86, 2; Gardner 78, 3; Baldwin 60, 4; Sarron 53, 5.