Error parsing XSLT file: \xslt\FacebookOpenGraph.xslt Roddy Graham's Blog: 25 June 2009 - Why Button was sixth
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Roddy Graham's Blog: 25 June 2009 - Why Button was sixth

Date: 25 June 2009

Roddy Graham is chairman of the ICFM and commercial director of Leasedrive Velo

Well Jenson Button may not have won the British Grand Prix but the event certainly was a winner.

In more ways than one. Not only was the Northamptonshire former-airfield circuit packed to the rafters for its final curtain call but it seems that if Donington Park is not ready in 2010 Silverstone will, as the home of British motor racing, once more host one of the classic events on the F1 calendar.

So the British fans came out as winners too as they are now assured of an event for the foreseeable future, not something we could have said even a week ago.

I was overwhelmed by the whole weekend as I was a privileged guest of BMW and received a wonderful inside track into modern-day Formula One.

I was simply staggered at the level of technology now deployed in the sport, something you cannot really grasp while sitting in front of the television. Examples include the banks of computer screens inside a transporter mirroring those in the pits. You just don't see those as a TV viewer. Nor do you appreciate that there is not only communications between car and pits but between the back of the garages and the team base in Hinwil to an identical car, simulating potential scenarios as the race develops.

Staggering really, the computer and brain power behind a current F1 team.

As you know, it was not BMW Sauber's weekend. When we wished Kubica and Heidfeld luck the response was the same.

"Thanks, but we don't really need it as we won't feature in the race."

Philosophical but true!

Both struggled with ill-handling cars. Heidfeld was supreme however in successfully defending his position against former World Champion Alonso, despite a damaged front spoiler.

When requested to come into the pits to replace his nosecone, his response was matter fact, "No, I'm staying out."

What actually struck me throughout the weekend was the actual camaraderie among the drivers, many of whom we bumped into on more than one occasion throughout the weekend. The only exceptions were the McLaren drivers, neither of whom we came across.

Interesting too, the hierarchical layout of the paddock with the FIA at the top end following by the current F1 champions McLaren and so on in championship order from the previous year. At the far end, almost in a field, were newcomers Brawn, current leaders in the championship. BMW's hospitality centre is transported around in four huge trailers, McLaren's in 12!

Literal footnote to the weekend, while idly chatting to Kubica and Heidfeld some 45 minutes before the start, I stepped back on somebody's foot. I immediately turned around, apologising at the same time, only to find it was poor Button on whose toes I has just trodden.

He simply said, "What makes it worse is that you sound just like David Coulthard!"

Maybe it's down to me he only finished sixth!



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