1997 German Grand Prix



The 1997 German Grand Prix was a Formula One motor race held at Hockenheimring on July 27, 1997. It was won by Austrian driver Gerhard Berger in a Benetton. This race proved to be his final victory and final pole position, as he retired at the end of the season. Berger had missed the previous 3 races due to sinus problems, and the death of his father Johann. His countryman Alexander Wurz had deputised for 3 races. Despite beating local hero Michael Schumacher, Berger's win was well received by the crowd and the majority of the F1 world.

Giancarlo Fisichella took his first ever front-row start, and was challenging Berger for the win until he punctured a tyre on the debris of Jan Magnussen's blown engine. This same incident had helped him gain the lead, as the smoke from the engine delayed Berger prior to his pit stop. Fisichella only led for two laps before Berger repassed him. After Fisichella broke down due to damage from the flailing tyre (caused while he tried to drive back to the pits), Michael Schumacher gave him a lift back to the pits after the race.

Jacques Villeneuve had a disastrous race, spinning off while trying to overtake rookie Jarno Trulli, thus losing championship ground to Schumacher. Schumacher's team-mate Eddie Irvine and Villeneuve's Heinz-Harald Frentzen collided at the first corner, with David Coulthard also forced out by damage from the incident.

Berger's last win was also Benetton's last win, just like Berger's first had been Benetton's first.

Standings after Grand Prix

 * Drivers'  Championship standings


 * Constructors'  Championship standings


 * Note:  Only the top five positions are included for both sets of standings.