Thursday, 24 May 2007

Alas! Paris Hilton unavailable for Monaco F1 race


To the dismay of Formula 1 fans worldwide, the American socialite and wearer of funny sunglasses, Paris Hilton, will not be able to make it to this weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix.


Miss Hilton, was due to visit F1’s most glamorous event as a guest of the Spyker F1 team, to promote fizzy white wine, Rich Prosecco.


Sadly, an impending spell in the clink for ‘drink driving related issues’ means that poor old Paris will not be able to attend Sunday’s race.


Hamilton handed £5,000 diamond ring as an SIP – Super Important Person



If Lewis Hamilton had any lingering doubts about his permanent residency on Planet F1, they ended yesterday as he was ­handed a £5,000 diamond ring as an SIP – super important person – on board a magnificent yacht in Monaco harbour.
Under his arm, with Monaco 07 emblazoned on the side in white diamonds, was his distinctive ­yellow racing helmet which he will wear this weekend for what many believe will be a crowning parade on the streets of this royal tax haven.Nearby, a woman with neck muscles presumably as strong as Hamilton’s, posed with a £60million diamond necklace, the Ponahalo, expected to be the world’s most expensive piece of jewellery when hosts Steinmetz sell it.


Lewis Hamilton hints taking attacking approach at Monaco F1 GP



Lewis Hamilton has hinted at an aggressive approach when it comes to qualifying for Sunday's Monaco Grand Prix.


Around the tight, twisty Monte Carlo street circuit, where overtaking is virtually impossible, it is crucial to claim pole position.


Hamilton has yet to achieve such a feat so far in his debut season as the championship leader has adopted a more considered strategy.


That was certainly the case in the last race in Barcelona where the 22-year-old opted for a slightly heavier fuel load than team-mate Fernando Alonso who pushed for pole.


The Spaniard failed in his bid, having to settle for second behind Ferrari's Felipe Massa who went on to win the race.


14th Formula One race at Monaco and David Coulthard still nervous


David Coulthard has revealed he still feels nervous ahead of every Monaco GP - even though this will be his 14th race around the famed circuit.


The Red Bull Racing star is a two-time winner of the event, taking the chequered flag in 2000 and 2002 with McLaren.


Last year the 36-year-old claimed his only podium to date with Red Bull by finishing third, at the end of which he adorned a Superman cape to mark his heroic achievement.


Like no other race, though, this is the one that gives Coulthard a buzz. He said: "This is the biggest challenge for a driver.


Wednesday, 23 May 2007

Jarno Trulli And Toyota Looking For Happier Times at The Monaco F1 Grand Prix After Woeful Weekend



Jarno Trulli is hoping to erase the memory of his pain in Spain by rekindling far happier times around the streets of Monaco.


Trulli was forced to retire from the Spanish Grand Prix with a fuel-line fault at Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya 10 days ago as Toyota endured a woeful weekend.


The team's 100% reliability record this year was wrecked as Trulli departed the scene, followed later by team-mate Ralf Schumacher, resulting in Toyota's first point-less grand prix of 2007.


Trulli is now looking to turn back the clock to 2004 when he scored his maiden Formula One victory in Monte Carlo after qualifying on pole for Renault.


Report: Australian Formula One Grand prix cost 'outweighs benefit'



The cost of the staging the Australian Formula One Grand Prix outweighs its benefit to Victorians, a report to the state government has found.


The Victorian Auditor General's report into State Investment in Major Events found the social cost of staging the 2005 Grand Prix was $69.8 million.


The cost to the community through government agency costs, loss of the use of the Albert Park Lake area, traffic diversion and noise was estimated to be $1.7 million.


Costs to the community did not include losses by local traders.


However, the report says the race may cause some households to spend in different areas.
"The grand prix is likely to increase local spending in Victoria because of the extra spending by interstate and overseas visitors rather than reduce it, " the report says.