
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, September 25, 1993                   TAG: 9309250189
SECTION: SPORTS                    PAGE: B6   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

AUTO RACING-PROST SAYS HE'LL RETIRE AS DRIVER

Alain Prost, closing in on a fourth world driving title, said Friday he will quit racing at the end of the Formula One season.

"The Australian Grand Prix [Nov. 7] will be the last race of my career," Prost said after the first practice session for the Portuguese Grand Prix in Estoril.

"I want to leave at the summit. I made the decision a month ago. I am announcing it today to avoid any speculation and rumors."

Prost had the best time in qualifying to gain the provisional pole position for Sunday's race.

"Everything is perfect," he said. "Some people could say, `If it is perfect, why stop?' Well, that's the best moment to stop."

Prost has a record 51 victories in Formula One racing over 13 years.

Prost leads the drivers' standings with 81 points and could clinch his fourth world title Sunday.

by CNB