F1 is going to sea

Given some of the controversies of the past 12 months it would come as no surprise if accusations were levelled of Formula One sinking to new depths. It still came as a surprise though to hear that the positively Atlantis-sounding Mediterranean Grand Prix will be on the calendar next season. The F1 championship is not going submarine just yet though. Valencia is to undergo a name change from its current guise of the European Grand Prix.

ITV pundit escapes censure for “pikey” comment

Martin Brundle has escaped penalty for asked Wee Bernie Ecclestone at the Canadian GP what he thought about the “pikeys putting tarmac down at turn 10″.

The watchdog Equality and Human Rights Commission condemned Brundle’s use of the word, and a spokesman for the British F1 broadcaster apologised for the slip. Despite 36 complaints to ITV and Ofcom, the TV watchdog accepted the explanation that Brundle did not intend the use of the word to cause offence. Quite right too. We weren’t offended, but then we love pikeys.

After missing the recent Hungarian GP while on his traditional mid-season break, Brundle will be back in the F1 paddock at Valencia for the European GP in a fortnight’s time.

Gamble! says Wee Bernie

Bernie Ecclestone walked in on a group of F1 drivers playing poker in the Force India motor home at Hockenheim last weekend. The card sharks included Fernando Alonso (he’s a massive poker fan, and reportedly hates to lose), Rubens Barrichello, Adrian Sutil and Michael Schumacher (he just can’t stay away, can he).

Play with motorsport’s very own Colonel Mustard

To McLaren’s lawyers: no, it definitely wasn’t Ron Dennis is the S&M basement with the camera phone. And doesn’t wee Bernie look grand on top of Colonel Mustard’s body. Fun for all the family.

Can we have a go at the cards now?

[Sniff Petrol]

New British GP venue to get major facelift…

… But will it happen in time for the 2010 race?

Donington’s owners have revealed details of the planned revamp that will bring the circuit up to modern F1 standards for 2010. That’s the plan, anyway. If they don’t get a move on, Bernie Ecclestone could still take his toys elsewhere.

The current 2.5-mile circuit last hosted a grand prix in 1993 (The European GP, won by Ayrton Senna). It will be extended by half a mile thanks to the addition of a new loop at the final corner. A new pit and paddock complex will be built on the inside of Starkey’s Straight, while the Esses chicane may also be removed to extend the length of the start-finish straight.

British circuit hasn’t even applied for planning permission

The 2010 British GP at Donington is less than two years away, but the North West Leicestershire district council is yet to receive planning applications from the operators of the track. Hmm, is that the smell of petty bureaucracy in the air?

Wee Bernie Ecclestone has warned that he would not hesitate to drop the British GP from the calendar if the owners of the circuit don’t get their act together.

“We have not yet actually received the planning application although we have been talking through the project with the race promoters during the phase prior to last week’s official announcement,” council spokesman Ian Hill told The Guardian.

Donington signs 10-year-deal to host British GP from 2010

That’s right folks, you read it here first (unless you already read it somewhere else): The F1 British Grand Prix is moving back to Donington Park!

The news is generally good for British F1 fans, who feared that Wee Bernie Ecclestone would take away their GP altogether, but it couldn’t come at a worse time for the owners of Silverstone, with this year’s British GP just two days away. At least Silverstone has the chance to host the 2009 event, before Donington takes over on a 10-year contract.

As usual, Ecclestone played down the news. In an interview with Five Live reporter Holly Samos, he remained his usual deadpan self:

N*E*R*D play for star-studded party crowd

Pharrell Williams and band N*E*R*D played for select guests at the F1 Party last night. The party was held at London’s Bloomsbury Ballroom. Several drivers showed up, including Jenson Button, Mark Webber and Giancarlo Fisichella.

One notable absentee was Lewis Hamilton, who pulled out at the last minute due to the fat lip he sustained while kayaking last weekend.

Party photos coming right up…

Pharrell Williams the hottest ticket for British GP

Pharrell Williams and band N*E*R*D will play a private gig prior to the British GP, in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital. The party is being held at London’s Bloomsbury Ballroom on Wednesday 2 July.

Most of F1’s top drivers are set to attend, including British stars Lewis Hamilton (a friend of Pharrell’s), Jenson Button and David Coulthard.
“This is going to be the hottest ticket in London this summer!” said Williams. “It is our pleasure to perform at the F1 party… we are going to give a crazy performance. I am very grateful to Mr (Bernie) Ecclestone for inviting us to perform and I can’t wait to give Lewis my full support at the British Grand Prix later that week.”

We’re in the mood for some classic Murray today

Probably one of the best one-line comebacks to any Murray Walker question. Loving Bernie’s Seventies’ shades too.