Saturday June 8th, 2002
Love Boat
British American Racing test driver Ryo Fukuda has been preparing for a challenge of different sorts. While the Japanese youngster would love the opportunity to stand in for Jacques Villeneuve or Olivier Panis this season as he looks to join compatriot Takuma Sato in Formula One, he has willingly accepted an alternative drive for the team. He will spearhead the quest for victory in BAR-Honda's BF130 powerboat in the London Powerboat Grand Prix and has spent time learning the ropes with three-time World Powerboat Champion Steve Curtis.
Jolly Hockey Sticks
Jaguar Racing's troubles on track were put to one side before the Canadian Grand Prix as drivers Eddie Irvine and Pedro de la Rosa tried their hand at street hockey. Ulsterman Irvine and Spaniard De la Rosa were pitted against each other in the game as they joined athletes and sporting names in the pre-arranged event to kick-off the Jaguar Sensation Design Event, which has been designed to allow members of the public to get up close to Jaguar's newest cars on St Laurent Boulevard.
"They're not bad, but they should stick to Formula One," said former Olympic speed-skater Marc Gagnon, who took part in the game. Canadian Olympic hockey player Isabelle Chartrand, sprinter Bruny Surin and alpine skier Sara-Maude Boucher all played in the game.
Waitresses Get Lucky
According to Tourism Montreal, the Canadian Grand Prix brings around $75 million to the city and with that comes the best weekend of restaurant waitresses lives. For Suzanne, who works in a restaurant in the thriving Crescent Street, it means worries about how she will pay her rent are put to bed until the turn of the year.
"This is the biggest week of the year, no question," said Suzanne, who is expected to average $500 in tips per night. Another unnamed waitress had the pleasure of serving lunch for three males, which totalled a staggering $10,200- without a tip! Tourism Montreal are not expecting the same amount of revenue to flood through the city in 2006 when the World Gay Games are due to be held!
Montoya's Toy Car
Williams driver Juan Pablo Montoya was given a surprise gift in the Canadian Grand Prix paddock on Friday afternoon, when he was presented with a miniature replica of his number six car by a member of the press. But what was more sensational was the fact that the car, which came in a specially made box, had been hand made by the individual in question!
Published at 14:49:48 GMT
(03-11-2005): 
