Sunday September 30th, 2001
200 Not Out
Jordan ensured Jean Alesi could not forget that he was competing in his 200th Grand Prix in America this weekend by plastering a massive 200 logo on both sidepods of his EJ11 for the race at Indianapolis. With no tobacco decals, the Silverstone-based team ditched the "Benson and Hedges" logos on Alesi's car not for the usual "Bitten Heroes" replacement but for the reminder of Grands Prix past instead. But the race was not to be a memorable one for the amiable French Sicilian, who trundled round uninspiringly to claim a disappointing seventh place finish - later to be promoted to sixth and the gain of one point. Also, interestingly, it appeared plans to race one of each teams' cars in sponsorshipless livery, which were mooted at the Italian Grand Prix after both Ferraris rain in plain red, were ditched for the race, with American flags being the order of the day instead.
Stop Right There
Brake lights made a somewhat bizarre arrival in Formula One during the Saturday practice session as both Williams and Ferrari tried out new systems before the qualifying session at Indianapolis. The Ferrari system actually worked on deceleration rather than the application of the brake pedal, due to the massive aerodynamic g-forces which would otherwise render such a system rather pointless. No specific conclusions were reached during the session and not everyone used them - and, in fact, why they made public appearance at all was the question on most paddock lips.
F1 Items for Terrorist Victims
The Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA) announced on Sunday that it was donating a wide-ranging collection of personal racing items, including helmets and overalls used during the weekend's action, to raise money for the victims of the American terror attacks on September 11. "We want to show support, respect and sympathy to the children of the victims of these acts," said Ferrari driver, world champion and GPDA leader Michael Schumacher.
Sing it Loud and Sing it Proud
Continuing the theme of memorial and tribute, activity at the Indianapolis track stopped shortly before the United States Grand Prix when a chorus of songs were performed in memory of the victims of the tragic terrorist attack on the nation on September 11th. American legend Patti LaBelle sang God Bless America, at seven minutes to midday as the fans filled the Indianapolis Speedway for the penultimate round of the Formula One world championship. John Mellencamp then continued the songs with Peaceful World and then the Indianapolis Children's Choir finished of the poignant tribute with the American national anthem.
Walking Away
Murray Walker was left close to tears on Friday evening, when more than 200 regulars from the Formula One paddock assembled to throw a surprise party to mark his final race before retiring from his job as the best-known motor racing commentator in broadcasting. He was presented, by Indianapolis president Tony George, with a historic original brick from the 1911 Indianapolis oval circuit, praised by Bernie Ecclestone, ribbed by David Coulthard and applauded by team owners, managers and drivers during a jocular and extraordinary hour.
"I am truly, truly very moved and touched by this," he said. "I honestly don't know what to say." Michael Schumacher was there, and joined in the fun with Walker by doing a mock co-commentary with the 77-year-old veteran, and so too were Rubens Barrichello, Eddie Irvine, Coulthard, Jenson Button, Eddie Jordan, Flavio Briatore and Ecclestone as well as a host of his fellow-media colleagues. His current ITV colleague Martin Brundle said: "You have been like a second father to me. I am going to miss you terribly. I've done five years in this job, but that is only one-tenth of your time. One-tenth. You have taught me so much." The surprise party was hosted by the Williams team and held in their paddock club hospitality area.
Only in Indy
Former CART star Juan Pablo Montoya knows a bit about life in America - he lived there for two years and got to know the idiosyncrasies of the American people during his time racing in the United States-based ChampCar series. Many believe that the Americans, who flocked to the inaugural Formula One event at Indianapolis last year, will soon lose interest in the series, preferring to plump for the more invigorating viewing of Nascars or ChampCars, but not Montoya. He believes that the decision to place the Grand Prix circus at Indianapolis will plant it right at the heart of American motor racing, and right into the hearts of American motor racing fans. "This is a holy place for motor racing," Montoya said of Indianapolis. "People admire it that way, and that is why I think Formula One is going to be successful in America - because it's at the Speedway."
Feeling Good
Arrows driver Jos Verstappen got more than he bargained for when he volunteered to appear on British television show "They Think It's All Over" shortly before heading out to this weekend's American Grand Prix. Experienced Dutch driver Verstappen was one of the mystery guests on the "Feel the Sportsman" section of the show, in which members of the teams, in this instance comedian Rory McGrath and former England footballer Gary Lineker, feel their way around a sportsperson and try to guess who it is. "Jos the Boss" managed to escape any real embarrassment as he was allowed to stay sat in his Arrows A22 while Lineker and McGrath felt their way around the car as Verstappen's crew performed a wheel change.
Published at 23:38:21 GMT
(03-11-2005): 
