BARCELONA, Spain, May 29 -- Damon Hill provided a rare moment of joy Sunday in what has been a tragic season for the Williams-Renault team by winning the Spanish Formula One Grand Prix.
The Briton held off runaway world championship leader Michael Schumacher of Germany to win the fourth grand prix of his career.
Schumacher, who was aiming to equal Nigel Mansell's record of five straight victories to start an F1 season, had to drive most of the race in fifth gear, after suffering gearbox trouble early in the race at the Circuit de Catalonia.
Mark Blundell of Britain was third in a Tyrrell-Yamaha -- his first podium finish of 1994.
Hill started the season as the No. 2 driver at Williams behind three- time world champ Ayrton Senna of Brazil, who tragically lost his life in the San Marino Grand Prix on May 1.
Hill was joined in this race by the Williams team's test driver David Coulthard, who was forced to retire after 32 laps.
'I don't think I've ever had such a difficult month,' said Hill. 'This race was an important one to do well in, although, to be honest, to win was better than I expected.'
Only 10 of 26 drivers finished the race, which was the first run under new safety regulations imposed after the deaths of Senna and Roland Ratzenberger at Imola and the near-fatal crash of Karl Wendlinger two weeks ago in Monaco. The changes reduce downforce and engine power and are designed to make the sport safer.
Schumacher retained his lead in the World Championship standings with 46 points, ahead of Hill on 17 and Berger on 10.
'With second position under these circumstances I feel very happy,' said Schumacher.
