Gerhard Berger

Right from the opening round of the 1996 FIA Formula One World Championship in Melbourne, the potential for an extraordinary season was plainly evident. In particular, two Williams-Renault team-mates were quick to display the sort of skill and determination that would keep this contest on the brink to the very end. The rest as they say, is history. As Williams-Renault celebrate their fouth Constructors' Championship, Damon Hill is justly rewarded as the first son of a Formula One World champion to emulate his father's achievement.

Excitement and ultimately triumph for F1's newest hero in a season that all came down to the last thirty minutes of dramatic action! Williams and Villeneuve were clear favourites as the Formula One circus lined up on the grid in Melbourne. But Villeneuve raced all season with the mighty challenge of Schumacher and Ferrari resting heavily on his shoulders. Villeneuve... Schumacher...Villeneuve...Schumacher. the battle of the driving genius versus Formula Ones new phemomenon continued all season long. Throughout the year there was plenty of excitement and interest elsewhere, McLaren Mercedes were always a threat, Bridgestone challenged Goodyears monopoly, Hill gave a champions' performance in the Arrows. Berger left Formula one on a high and Renault closed their last official Formula One chapter in style.