Friday June 29th, 2001
Alesi: Don't Call me a Veteran
Despite being the oldest driver in the Formula One field, with almost 200 Grands Prix to his name, Jean Alesi has admitted his dislike of being named as a 'veteran' driver.
"I'm not very happy with the way I am presented to the people because to be 37, as I am now, and the time to leave Formula One is different," Alesi said. "For sure I won't stay in Formula One for long, but another couple of years would be ok. That's how I feel."
The Frenchman, who threw his helmet to the crowd in Canada this year, hopes to be pushing 40 before he does it for the last time. "When I'm happy I share it with the fans," he said. "The helmets are okay, it's the radio Alain (Prost) wants to charge me for."
Todt's Celebration
Ferrari's sporting director Jean Todt will always insist that the French Grand Prix is one of his favourites, but not only because it is his home event. The Magny-Cours race marks the anniversary of his appointment with the Italian marque and this year brings up his eighth campaign. "The French Grand Prix represents an anniversary for me as this was my first race with Ferrari eight years ago. That means it is always an especially important event for me."
Germany's World Cup Victory
Germany gained a much-needed boost ahead of September's crucial World Cup clash with England when the German journalists secured a 6-1 victory over their British counterparts in Magny-Cours on Thursday evening. England's ragged 11 failed to match the quality of the Germans and their bamboozled goalkeeper was left red-faced. Germany scored three in each half as they eased to victory.
Coulthard's Dope Shame
David Coulthard suffered at the hands French officials when he was asked for a urine sample for a random drug test after Friday's free practice. Coulthard, who topped the times in the session, took one-hour-and-a-half to provide the necessary urine to fulfil anti-doping police officials' needs. Afterwards, however, the McLaren driver backed the policy.
"It is the first time I've been asked for a sample since the Nurburgring last year," he said. "It is a good thing for the sport, although our sport is not like athletics because there are only 22 drivers. I'm sure someone would tell if one of us was using some kind of drugs."
Test Ace on Water
British American Racing development driver Takuma Sato has proven that his talents extend further than simply on track. Sato, who leads the British Formula Three Championship with Carlin Motorsport, has tried his hand behind the wheel of a powerboat and did not disappoint on his debut. The 24-year-old Japanese driver finished on the podium in his first race in the Honda 4-Stroke Powerboard series, although he is not expected to make the switch permanent just yet!
Montoya's Brotherly Love
Williams driver Juan Pablo Montoya is glad he does not have a brother in Formula One. Montoya was behind Michael and Ralf Schumacher when the latter lifted at the first corner at the Nurburgring and saw the incident clearly. But Montoya claimed that he would not have followed Ralf's actions in letting his brother lead the race and said he would have fought for his position - that is unless it was his own brother.
"I do not have a brother in Formula One so it is difficult to say what I would have done," Montoya said. "I think Michael had more to lose in the situation because he is going for the title, but I would have gone for the lead if I was Ralf."
Published at 16:13:22 GMT
(03-11-2005): 
