28-Jun-08: Hamilton and Hugo Boss Yacht Crew Involved in Crash

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It’s the 28th June 2008, and this is F1 Minute.

A slow news day today, but even when F1 isn’t hitting the headlines, McLaren and Lewis Hamilton still are. This time he has been involved in a crash, not on track but on the water. Taking part in the Round the Island race which goes around the Isle of Wight, Hamilton was on board the boat of McLaren sponsor Hugo Boss. Before the yacht race even started, he and his fellow sailors had collided with another boat, but the damage was not extensive enough to stop them from competing. They went on to apparently win the race.

However, controversy isn’t limited to Formula 1, as a complaint from the team who were hit saw the Hugo Boss crew disqualified six hours after the race had been completed.

Elsewhere, Murray Walker is being given a star on the Walk of Fame at his home city of Birmingham. The star is in recognition of his achievements and his fame. The BBC article reporting this story ends with: “Other West Midlands celebrities to have been given a star on the Walk of Fame include rock stars Ozzie Osbourne and Noddy Holder and comedian Jasper Carrott.”

That’s all for today, please join me again tomorrow for another F1 Minute.

Published by Christine on 28 Jun 2008 at 08:23 pm

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20-Mar-08: BBC Secure F1 Rights From 2009

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Hi everyone, it’s the 20th March and this is F1 Minute.

News that has made a lot of fans in the UK happy today, the BBC have secured the rights to broadcast F1 from 2009. The deal cuts short ITV’s current contract, and extends for five years including TV, radio, mobile and online deals. However, the move has been questioned by a Labour MP saying the sport is wealthy enough and doesn’t need BBC licence payer’s money.

In other contract news, Brazil track Interlagos has secured a deal to keep F1 until 2015. Supposedly organisers had to promise Bernie they would build a new pit complex and revamp the paddock and grandstands.

Part owner of Toro Rosso, Gerhard Berger, says he understands the decision to sell the team, but that he still wants to be involved, if possible. He says: “For me, it is not a question of making some money. My passion is racing. I want to stay in Formula One with the team.” He also said that Red Bull were his dream partner but he is supportive of the decision.

That’s all for today, please join me again tomorrow for another F1 Minute.

Published by Christine on 20 Mar 2008 at 09:46 pm

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30-Nov-07: Ecclestone and Fisichella Battle It Out

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This is F1 Minute for the 30th November 2007.

Another war of words has hit the headlines, this time between Bernie Ecclestone and Giancarlo Fisichella. Ecclestone was quoted on the Official Formula 1 website as saying he thought perhaps it was time Fisichella and Ralf Schumacher called it a day, instead of prolonging an unproductive career. Fisichella has retaliated on his own website saying that when he and Alonso were team mates, he was actually the first to get a win from the championship winning Renault.

Ron Dennis has been in the news talking, once again, about how McLaren are in no rush to pick their second driver. An interesting quote, though, regarding Alonso, he said: “You can’t win at all costs. It’s good that the only ambition is to win and that’s what they are hired for, but you have to know how to deal with your impulses and with difficult situations.”

And finally, rather unsurprisingly, Lewis Hamilton has been shortlisted as one of ten possibilities for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award. He is up against nine other stars of the year including Paula Radcliffe, Jonny Wilkinson and Andy Murray.

That’s all for today, have a great weekend and please join me on Monday for another F1 Minute.

Published by Christine on 30 Nov 2007 at 08:02 pm

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22-Nov-07: Schumacher Will Return to the Track in Jerez

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I’m Christine and this is F1 Minute for the 22nd November 2007.

With the news that Michael Schumacher will be returning to the cockpit for Ferrari in Jerez next month, it seems only right to share another story on the former champion. ArabianBusiness.com says that Michael Schumacher will have a building named after him in Dubai. The German owned company ACI will begin work on Michael Schumacher Business Avenue in the next few months, it will have 29 floors and house both commercial and residential tenants. Schumacher is expected to travel to Dubai to launch the project in January. ACI have previously been involved in building the Niki Lauda Twin Towers.

Back to the present, though, Alonso’s manager has told the BBC that he will not be making any decisions until he is ready, despite Renault continually being in the news as they pursue him. Luis Garcia Abad said: “Fernando is on holiday and we have nothing to say at the moment.”

That’s all for today, Happy Thanksgiving to our American listeners, and join me tomorrow for another F1 Minute.

Published by Christine on 22 Nov 2007 at 07:39 pm

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01-Nov-07: Australian GP in Doubt After 2010

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This is F1 Minute for the 1st November 2007, I’m Christine and these are your top headlines for today.

The Australian Grand Prix for this year made an incredible loss of almost AUS $35 million. They have been making a loss which has gradually increased over the last three years, and this newest figure has put the future of the GP in doubt. Speculation has increased that when the current contract runs out in 2010, the Australian government will not be inclined to renew it.

Max Mosley has been making the headlines for a few weeks now, with bizarre FIA decisions, and even more strange comments, and it looks like the press have had enough. British newspapers have hit out at the FIA President following his opinions on Lewis Hamilton, saying that the comments are unnecessary. Mosley has retaliated by saying he’s not retiring just yet. The statement may be completely unrelated, but in conversation with the BBC, Max has said he’s not going to think about his position until next year at least, and will then decide if it’s time to step down for the 2009 FIA elections.

That’s all for today, please join me tomorrow for another F1 minute.

Published by Christine on 01 Nov 2007 at 07:20 pm

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