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Source: BBC Ceefax
Date: March 7
Subject: Hill struggles in opening practice
Damon Hill lasted just seven laps in the first practice session in his new TWR Arrows. His car had to be winched off the track after grinding to a halt with suspected transmission failure. He recovered in the second session as Hill completed 26 laps and was 13th quickest, with arch-rival Michael Schumacher's Ferrari leading the way. Hill used a replacement seat in his car after the original was lost in transit, contrary to early reports from Arrows. Damon Hill was putting a brave face on things as he looked back on a tough first practice session with Arrows.
The world champion said: "I think that was a success, we had some gearbox problems but I am pleased to be only two and a half seconds of the front. If I can qualify two and a half seconds away from the front of the grid that will be a really good result for us right now. To muscle ourselves into the top 10th of qualifying would be really pleasing."
Damon Hill admitted to allowing his mind to wander back to the good old days in Friday's first practice. He said: "I had a relatively trouble free-session. I was on my own so much I could fantasise I was out front again. When I was going round I saw a picture on the big screen of a Williams and naturally assumed it was me before realising it wasn't". Hill finished the afternoon session 13th fastest, with arch-rival Michael Schumacher setting the early pace.