Saturday April 19th, 2003
Generous Richards
BAR Honda boss David Richards splashed out last weekend to take around 18 people on a skiing holiday to Courchevel to celebrate his son's 21st birthday - to add to the present of a 75-year debenture ticket to watch England play rugby at Twickenham. But he admitted his own physical condition took a beating after a long weekend of skiing and partying in the French Alps. "On the last but one night they all went to bed earlier," said Richards. "But before that, I don't think they had any sleep at all."
Life and Soul..
BAR Honda's grey haired technical director Geoffrey Willis may have arrived late for his team's pre-Imola shindig on Thursday but his girlfriend Francesca, in a stunning red dress, emerged as the star of the night and had most of the party laughing long before her boyfriend arrived. And she revealed the secret that their meeting was all down to a chance glance in an antique map shop. She invited Willis to a "special show" in Italy and it was the start of a four-year relationship that is still going strong.
Non-Stop Schumacher
World Champion Michael Schumacher can go on forever - according to his wife Corinna. Back at a race for the first time this year having left children Gina, six, and Mick, four, at home in Switzerland, she insisted: "He does not need to do it, but he loves it." Her sentiments, apparently, continue to run true even though her husband has failed to get on the podium - let alone win - for the last three races. She added: "Michael so enjoys this that I think he will go on and on and on."
Alonso Keeps His Eye on the Ball
Fernando Alonso, a died in the wool Real Madrid fan, fears he may miss the big match against English championship contenders Manchester United in their European Champions League quarter-final second leg clash at Old Trafford next Wednesday because he will be in Paris at the Renault factory. "I don't know if I can see the game," he said before predicting his side would hold the Premiership club to a 1-1 draw. "But," he said, "it may not be easy. But I think Madrid will score and I cannot imagine Manchester scoring four goals." Madrid won the first leg 3-1.
Published at 17:58:15 GMT
(03-11-2005): 
