Any drivers also fly?
Ken Agena
Does anyone know if any of the F1 drivers is also licensed pilot? Being
close to getting my private pilot myself, I'm curious.
If there are any pilots among them, what kinds of airplane do they
own/fly?
TIA,
-- Ken
Iain Watson
I think the last driver who flew his own jet to races was Gerhard Berger.
These days the drivers earn enough to afford a pilot as well as the plane.
Iain
Ken Agena wrote in message <37F55261...@aloha.net>...
reza
getting his license!if i'm correct he flew choppers, by the way what
happened(or what are they now doing) to the following1)the above 2)mansell
3)piquet 4)mark blundell 5)patrese
Ken Agena <nob...@aloha.net> wrote in message
news:37F55261...@aloha.net...
James Robinson
> Does anyone know if any of the F1 drivers is also licensed pilot? Being
> close to getting my private pilot myself, I'm curious.
>
> If there are any pilots among them, what kinds of airplane do they
> own/fly?
Ayrton Senna used to fly his own bizjet to races.
Martin 'Anakin' Schmidt
> Hi all,
>
> Does anyone know if any of the F1 drivers is also licensed pilot?
Being
> close to getting my private pilot myself, I'm curious.
>
> If there are any pilots among them, what kinds of airplane do they
> own/fly?
IIRC Frentzen is a licensed pilot. He flies his Cessna or Lear Jet.
--
Martin 'Anakin' Schmidt
Please reply to Ikar...@gmx.net
Goodbye Damon
Chris Bloom
reza <re...@lantic.net> wrote in message
news:7t4i0g$9kc$1...@ctb-nnrp2.saix.net...
> now be very careful .remember allesandro nanini(spelling) was close to
> getting his license!if i'm correct he flew choppers, by the way what
> happened(or what are they now doing) to the following1)the above 2)mansell
> 3)piquet 4)mark blundell 5)patrese
>
Keke Rosberg also flew or at least owned a plane. Nannini was better
known for crashing his helicopter than flying it.
Tom Canada
Nannini was actually on the ground when he was severely injured. The
chopper (not piloted by him) had landed, he had disembarked, and it sunk
into soft turf and tipped. The blades did their dirty work after that. As
they were still spinning,
Chris Bloom <bigs...@cis.co.za> wrote in message
news:37f65...@news1.mweb.co.za...
Iain Miller
2) Running his Golf Club in Devon
3) Retired!
4) Driving in Indy Cars for the Pac West team
5) Retired!
reza <re...@lantic.net> wrote in message
news:7t4i0g$9kc$1...@ctb-nnrp2.saix.net...
> now be very careful .remember allesandro nanini(spelling) was close to
> getting his license!if i'm correct he flew choppers, by the way what
> happened(or what are they now doing) to the following1)the above 2)mansell
> 3)piquet 4)mark blundell 5)patrese
>
> Ken Agena <nob...@aloha.net> wrote in message
> news:37F55261...@aloha.net...
> > Hi all,
> >
> > Does anyone know if any of the F1 drivers is also licensed pilot? Being
> > close to getting my private pilot myself, I'm curious.
> >
> > If there are any pilots among them, what kinds of airplane do they
> > own/fly?
> >
> > TIA,
> > -- Ken
>
>
Stephen M Baines
<tomc...@nospamhotmail.com> writes
>Just to set the record straight.
>
>Nannini was actually on the ground when he was severely injured. The
>chopper (not piloted by him) had landed, he had disembarked, and it sunk
>into soft turf and tipped. The blades did their dirty work after that. As
>they were still spinning,
He really was a lucky bunny. As he put it himself "I have a very
positive outlook on life. I am one of the six percent of people who
survive helicopter crashes", and it was a real joy to see him latterly
driving in the ITC. Absolutely amazing.
Sadly, his accident occurred just as his stock wise rising rapidly -
he'd just turned down a contract with Ferrari to stay with Benetton who
he believed would soon win (how prophetic), and given up both cigarettes
and caffeine. I often wonder what he would have achieved had he not had
the accident.
And for those doubting Thomas' who don't think anything good ever comes
out of a Minardi - he drove for them in latter part of the 80s prior to
signing for Benetton.
--
Stephen M Baines "Con mi vida hago lo que quiero"
http://www.motorsport.org.uk
One to watch: Charles Hall, Opel Euroseries
kiwi 61
after two world titles to manage his own airline - Lauda Air. In 1982 the
airline was financially struggling and Nikki returned to F1 - the money he
earned helped the airline financially - and he earned his third world title.
Nikki Lauda is qualified to fly Boeng 737's and 767's.
In article <37F55261...@aloha.net>, nob...@aloha.net says...
George & Jan Norris
flying is FUN! I know John Travolta flies his own planes and he could
certainly afford to hire someone. Here in the States I have noticed that
quite a few of us who compete in aerobatics also compete, or have
competed, in SCCA events. It would be really interesting to see some of
the F1 drivers at our aerobatics contests!!!
Jan
Iain Watson wrote:
>
> Eddie Irvine can fly a helicopter.
>
> I think the last driver who flew his own jet to races was Gerhard Berger.
> These days the drivers earn enough to afford a pilot as well as the plane.
>
> Iain
>
> Ken Agena wrote in message <37F55261...@aloha.net>...
> >Hi all,
> >
> >Does anyone know if any of the F1 drivers is also licensed pilot? Being
> >close to getting my private pilot myself, I'm curious.
> >
> >If there are any pilots among them, what kinds of airplane do they
> >own/fly?
> >
> >TIA,
> >-- Ken
--
============================================
This message is from (check all that apply) o o
( ) George Norris PP-ASEL-IA \_|_/
( ) Jan Markham (Norris) PP-ASEL =====(_o_)=====
Bonanza V35B 19A, Pitts S2B 1JH, & TBD | X v X |
email: nor...@primenet.com =================
George & Jan Norris
Good luck when you get to your checkride - let us know how it goes.
Jan
Ken Agena wrote:
>
> Hi all,
>
> Does anyone know if any of the F1 drivers is also licensed pilot? Being
> close to getting my private pilot myself, I'm curious.
>
> If there are any pilots among them, what kinds of airplane do they
> own/fly?
>
> TIA,
> -- Ken
--
============================================
This message is from (check all that apply) o o
( ) George Norris PP-ASEL-IA \_|_/
(x) Jan Markham (Norris) PP-ASEL =====(_o_)=====
Bonanza V35B 19A, Pitts S2C 8ZQ, & TBD | X v X |
email: nor...@primenet.com =================
frank...@my-deja.com
Berger flew his jets as did Senna. Larini had a small airplane he
landed at the Ferrari track. Sort of a sad low budget operation as he
carried the petrol can on his scooter and fueled it himself.
Niki Lauda is probably the most famous F1 pilot because he owns Lauda
Air (Austrian charter airline). He flies the company planes sometimes.
I saw Niki one night at Miami airport after one of his planes landed
and I had just arrived (not flying my own plane).
In article <nZXGmVAW...@motorsport.org.uk>,
Stephen M Baines <ste...@motorsport.org.uk> wrote:
> In article <a2xJ3.6732$48.1...@news2.rdc1.on.home.com>, Tom Canada
> <tomc...@nospamhotmail.com> writes
> >Just to set the record straight.
> >
> >Nannini was actually on the ground when he was severely injured. The
> >chopper (not piloted by him) had landed, he had disembarked, and it
sunk
> >into soft turf and tipped. The blades did their dirty work after
that. As
> >they were still spinning,
>
> He really was a lucky bunny. As he put it himself "I have a very
> positive outlook on life. I am one of the six percent of people who
> survive helicopter crashes", and it was a real joy to see him latterly
> driving in the ITC. Absolutely amazing.
Agreed. A very fine fellow with a lot of talent.
> Sadly, his accident occurred just as his stock wise rising rapidly -
> he'd just turned down a contract with Ferrari to stay with Benetton
who
> he believed would soon win (how prophetic), and given up both
cigarettes
> and caffeine. I often wonder what he would have achieved had he not
had
> the accident.
>
> And for those doubting Thomas' who don't think anything good ever
comes
> out of a Minardi - he drove for them in latter part of the 80s prior
to
> signing for Benetton.
Fisico and Trulli also came out of Minardi. Hey I love Minardi and
they looked pretty good at the last race. I also think Marc Gene could
develop into a pretty good driver if was able to get the chance.
> --
> Stephen M Baines "Con mi vida hago lo que
quiero"
> http://www.motorsport.org.uk
> One to watch: Charles Hall, Opel Euroseries
>
>
Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/
Before you buy.
David Munzenmaier
a bought a new one after singing his 1997 or 1998(?)
contract. He also had a bit of an incident on his way to
Monaco this year - he lost a window at altitude and had
to make a forced landing.
DLM
In article <7t3tk1$9e6$1...@lure.pipex.net>,
iainw...@dial.pipex.com says...
> Eddie Irvine can fly a helicopter.
>
> I think the last driver who flew his own jet to races was Gerhard Berger.
> These days the drivers earn enough to afford a pilot as well as the plane.
>
> Iain
>
> Ken Agena wrote in message <37F55261...@aloha.net>...
Tom Canada
Bio (Gerald Donaldson) was recollections of an empty Zolder on the Monday,
but for a lone helicopter (GV's) in the middle of a field.
I recall in 1993 seeing the Formula Atlantic series at Mosport. It rained
heavily and the ceiling was very low. Gilles old Atlantic teammate,
Richard Spenard had his chopper across from corner 8. I wagered $5 that he
would probably re-land the chopper once he got up to about the 500 feet
level. He did.
Jacques won the race, with Claude Bourbonais second, and David Epringham 3rd
(eventual champion, and contender to replace Greg Moore in the Indy Cars for
next year). A friend was timing, and swears that the Atlantics (250 hp)
were 2 seconds a lap faster than Hunt when he won there in the '70s.
Stephen M Baines
>Very sad becuase Nannini is a nice fellow and had a lot of talent.
He certainly did. Much proven latterly in touring cars...
>Larini had a small airplane he
>landed at the Ferrari track. Sort of a sad low budget operation as he
>carried the petrol can on his scooter and fueled it himself.
LOL! I think that's kind of stylish. I can picture him now on his
Pagawotsit scooter, petrol canisters in one hand, other on the handle
bars... Has a certain Italian style about it.
>Fisico and Trulli also came out of Minardi.
I've got a nice little model of Fisi in a Minardi.
>Hey I love Minardi and
>they looked pretty good at the last race. I also think Marc Gene could
>develop into a pretty good driver if was able to get the chance.
Time will tell, but it looks promising at the moment.
--
Stephen M Baines http://www.motorsport.org.uk
"I have a very positive outlook on life. I am one of the six percent of
people who survive helicopter crashes." Alessandro Nannini
Tom Canada
interesting thing was several, including Jean Alesi at the time, leased
them. I believe that one of them flew a rather unusual choice of a
converted cargo prop model, but definitely not a Lear or Bombardier business
jet. According to the article, most of them did have a pilot, but flew it
themselves as well.
Ken Agena <nob...@aloha.net> wrote in message
news:37F55261...@aloha.net...
Hans V
Villeneuve
> Bio (Gerald Donaldson) was recollections of an empty Zolder on the
Monday,
> but for a lone helicopter (GV's) in the middle of a field.
Sid Watkins funnily described in his book how scared he was when he got a
lift in Gilles' chopper once. JV drove the chopper as he drove enything
else, flat out and with no regard for rules whatsoever, according to
Watkins. At this particular flight he had of course forgot to tank up the
chopper so they were risking running out of fuel and was going very low in
case an emergency landing and went very close to electric wires and
buildings. It went well, but Watkins swore to himself he would never acept
a lift, in any kind of vehile, from his beloved friend Villeneuve.
Hans
frank...@my-deja.com
writes
> >Very sad becuase Nannini is a nice fellow and had a lot of talent.
>
> He certainly did. Much proven latterly in touring cars...
We were able to get most of the DTM/ITC races on Speedvision and I
watch Nannini win a few races and drive very well. Truly inspiring.
> >Larini had a small airplane he
> >landed at the Ferrari track. Sort of a sad low budget operation as
he
> >carried the petrol can on his scooter and fueled it himself.
>
> LOL! I think that's kind of stylish. I can picture him now on his
> Pagawotsit scooter, petrol canisters in one hand, other on the handle
> bars... Has a certain Italian style about it.
Larini appears to be another nice fellow. He really looked good in
touring cars but the Sauber F1 episode was terrible. A real shame.
Stylish but he was gassing up a Cessna 172 or something which just
doesn't cut it compared to corporate jets. It looked like a grass
field and I think the gear on a corporate get would not hold up too
well. ;)
> >Fisico and Trulli also came out of Minardi.
>
> I've got a nice little model of Fisi in a Minardi.
I recall the Minardi team being very excitied at Fisi's test times. I
sure hope Benetton improve or Fisico finds a better team soon. He may
be the best Italian driver in a long time and he may be wasting away at
Benetton.
> >Hey I love Minardi and
> >they looked pretty good at the last race. I also think Marc Gene
could
> >develop into a pretty good driver if was able to get the chance.
>
> Time will tell, but it looks promising at the moment.
Gene at least has not become an annoying moving chicane.
> --
> Stephen M Baines
http://www.motorsport.org.uk
>
> "I have a very positive outlook on life. I am one of the six
percent of
> people who survive helicopter crashes." Alessandro Nannini
>
Stephen M Baines
>In article <1Syy08AC...@motorsport.org.uk>,
> Stephen M Baines <ste...@motorsport.org.uk> wrote:
>> In article <7t86kt$kpp$1...@nnrp1.deja.com>, frank...@my-deja.com
>writes
>> >Very sad becuase Nannini is a nice fellow and had a lot of talent.
>>
>> He certainly did. Much proven latterly in touring cars...
>
>We were able to get most of the DTM/ITC races on Speedvision and I
>watch Nannini win a few races and drive very well. Truly inspiring.
Indeed it was. The fact that he was able to race again and *win* is a
wonderful inspiration for anyone that has suffered similar injuries.
>> LOL! I think that's kind of stylish. I can picture him now on his
>> Pagawotsit scooter, petrol canisters in one hand, other on the handle
>> bars... Has a certain Italian style about it.
>
>Larini appears to be another nice fellow.
Indeed he is from all accounts, and when I (very briefly) met him, he
came across as an affable and genuine person. I must admit to having a
soft spot for Larini.
>He really looked good in
>touring cars but the Sauber F1 episode was terrible. A real shame.
Indeed it was. I hope my opinion of him isn't too clouded, but his
performances in touring cars, and in the Ferrari as a substitute show
what a damn good driver he is. I can't help but wonder what *he* would
have done in the current Ferrari.
>Stylish but he was gassing up a Cessna 172 or something which just
>doesn't cut it compared to corporate jets. It looked like a grass
>field and I think the gear on a corporate get would not hold up too
>well. ;)
LOL! I think it has a certain "special" style. Only someone like Larini
could get away with it, though.
>> I've got a nice little model of Fisi in a Minardi.
>
>I recall the Minardi team being very excitied at Fisi's test times. I
>sure hope Benetton improve or Fisico finds a better team soon. He may
>be the best Italian driver in a long time and he may be wasting away at
>Benetton.
At the moment he is tied to the team for a few years, and doesn't seem
willing to challenge the legality of the slave contract that Briatore
had him sign. He must be reasonably happy with how things are expected
to go.
>> Time will tell, but it looks promising at the moment.
>
>Gene at least has not become an annoying moving chicane.
I think that is probably a lot better than many people give him credit
for. Thinking over the last couple of years, it does take a special
driver to not look like a chicane in a car like a Minardi, Arrows or a
Tyrrell (no disrespect to any of the teams).
--
Stephen M Baines http://www.motorsport.org.uk
"I doubt they can use a second of onboard footage of that!" Charlie Cox on
his 4 letter excursion across the greenery...
frank...@my-deja.com
been very kind towards Minardi and recent Italian drivers. I recall
one column about Zanardi where James Hunt was watch Alex at a British
track maybe in F3. Nigel Roebuck was commenting about another driver
and James said Zanardi was perfect through the corners and needed to be
in F1 right away. I believe Roebuck went on to say Alex was to nice
for F1. Alex would not go to beg for money or try to get sponsors,
etc. Nigel was happy Alex found a home in CART.
British journalist generally have said nice things about about Minardi,
comment how Minardi's food is always the best and Mr. Minardi never
let's any journalist go hungry.
This reminds me on a DTM/ITC where the food was supposed to be great. I
recall Nannini getting out of his car after race one of two and they
quickly handed him a cup of espresso and maybe some for of dessert. A
bit like James Hunt winning at Brands Hatch and trying to bum a
cigarette of anyone as he steps out of the car.
Another fellow who appears to have been very well liked even though he
was not the fastest but still a good racer was Patrese. I recall Sir
Frank had Richardo drive a Williams about two years ago when Patrese
was visiting England or something. Frank did this a few times with
Prost but as a Renault press op. I think Patrese was well liked at
Williams. Ditto Fisico at Jordan. I recall one p[erson in this NG
said they met Fisico when he first got to Jordan at a pub or restaurant
in Oxford. They said he was a friendly fellow.
Hopefully one of Italy's gentleman racers can deliver next year. I
think Fisico and Trulli are among the best in the past 10 years.
Trulli should have a good car and team in 2000.
In article <M8OZDBAh...@motorsport.org.uk>,
Stephen M Baines <ste...@motorsport.org.uk> wrote:
> In article <7tbdgl$ren$1...@nnrp1.deja.com>, frank...@my-deja.com
writes
> >In article <1Syy08AC...@motorsport.org.uk>,
> > Stephen M Baines <ste...@motorsport.org.uk> wrote:
Great stuff snipped!
> >> In article <7t86kt$kpp$1...@nnrp1.deja.com>, frank...@my-deja.com
> >writes
> >be the best Italian driver in a long time and he may be wasting away
at
> >Benetton.
>
> At the moment he is tied to the team for a few years, and doesn't seem
> willing to challenge the legality of the slave contract that Briatore
> had him sign. He must be reasonably happy with how things are expected
> to go.
>
> >> Time will tell, but it looks promising at the moment.
> >
> >Gene at least has not become an annoying moving chicane.
>
> I think that is probably a lot better than many people give him credit
> for. Thinking over the last couple of years, it does take a special
> driver to not look like a chicane in a car like a Minardi, Arrows or a
> Tyrrell (no disrespect to any of the teams).
> --
> Stephen M Baines
http://www.motorsport.org.uk
>
> "I doubt they can use a second of onboard footage of that!" Charlie
Cox on
> his 4 letter excursion across the greenery...
>
>
Hans V
> been very kind towards Minardi and recent Italian drivers. I recall
> one column about Zanardi where James Hunt was watch Alex at a British
> track maybe in F3. Nigel Roebuck was commenting about another driver
> and James said Zanardi was perfect through the corners and needed to be
> in F1 right away. I believe Roebuck went on to say Alex was to nice
> for F1. Alex would not go to beg for money or try to get sponsors,
> etc. Nigel was happy Alex found a home in CART.
I read the article in Autosport at the time (Roebucks fifth colomn IIRC)
and it was a F3000 test Silverstone 1989 or 1990 and one of James Hunts
comment was something like "look at that Zanardi chap - class above the
others". The "others" included quite a number of then to-be F1 drivers.
Roebuck BTW recited this qoute in his fifth colomn last autumn when writing
about Zanardi.
> British journalist generally have said nice things about about Minardi,
> comment how Minardi's food is always the best and Mr. Minardi never
> let's any journalist go hungry.
Everybody likes an underdog, especially when they are beating the extreemly
well funded and high profiled BAR. But the nice comments are usually about
Minardis catering, their pasta and espreso apparently best in the paddock.
And to set it in perspective - McLarens hospitality budget alone is
probably not much less than what Minardi develops and runs to cars on
through a season!
Hey! Here's a thought - why don't Giancaro Minardi develops his teams core
strength and try to get a catering contract for the paddock club - and use
this money to fund his team?
> This reminds me on a DTM/ITC where the food was supposed to be great. I
> recall Nannini getting out of his car after race one of two and they
> quickly handed him a cup of espresso and maybe some for of dessert. A
> bit like James Hunt winning at Brands Hatch and trying to bum a
> cigarette of anyone as he steps out of the car.
But that were the pre-refuelling days. I'd like to see any of the drivers
lighting up after parking the car in the paddock - that would create a
conflict of interest!
> Another fellow who appears to have been very well liked even though he
> was not the fastest but still a good racer was Patrese. I recall Sir
> Frank had Richardo drive a Williams about two years ago when Patrese
> was visiting England or something. Frank did this a few times with
> Prost but as a Renault press op. I think Patrese was well liked at
> Williams. Ditto Fisico at Jordan. I recall one p[erson in this NG
> said they met Fisico when he first got to Jordan at a pub or restaurant
> in Oxford. They said he was a friendly fellow.
According to Maurice Hamiltons Frank Williams biography there are two
drivers who are partiular special to Frank Williams; Alan Jones and
Riccardo Patrese. Patrese was certainly fast on a good day but he was hired
as a no. 2 and accepted this status without complaint. He was loved in the
Williams team for being a team player, a keen tester (Mansell usually to
busy playing golf) and true gentelman. And I guess being teamed up with
Mansell for some years probably made them appreciate him even more. Don't
get me wrong Mansell was an awsome racing driver but apparently more than
handful out of the cockpit.
> Hopefully one of Italy's gentleman racers can deliver next year. I
> think Fisico and Trulli are among the best in the past 10 years.
> Trulli should have a good car and team in 2000.
Both have looked bleak this year but has shown some promise lately. Fisico
really need to calm down as he has been overdriving the crappy B199 and
goes off numerous times each race weekend (the Verstappen syndrome). He is
now the undisputed gravel king of F1 and has to up his game if he is not be
the next Alesi (a lot of promise but never delivered). For Trulli it will
be make or break next year and being teamed up with HHF in present form
won't be easy. But if he is as goood as the hype says he should be
competetive.
Hans
frank...@my-deja.com
"Hans V" <h...@krinken.no> wrote:
> > The British journalists like Nigel Roebuck and other have generally
> > been very kind towards Minardi and recent Italian drivers. I recall
> > one column about Zanardi where James Hunt was watch Alex at a
British
> > track maybe in F3. Nigel Roebuck was commenting about another
driver
> > and James said Zanardi was perfect through the corners and needed
to be
> > in F1 right away. I believe Roebuck went on to say Alex was to nice
> > for F1. Alex would not go to beg for money or try to get sponsors,
> > etc. Nigel was happy Alex found a home in CART.
>
> I read the article in Autosport at the time (Roebucks fifth colomn
IIRC)
> and it was a F3000 test Silverstone 1989 or 1990 and one of James
Hunts
> comment was something like "look at that Zanardi chap - class above
the
> others". The "others" included quite a number of then to-be F1
drivers.
> Roebuck BTW recited this qoute in his fifth colomn last autumn when
writing
> about Zanardi.
Thanks Hans. My memory is getting worse. ;-)
> > British journalist generally have said nice things about about
Minardi,
> > comment how Minardi's food is always the best and Mr. Minardi never
> > let's any journalist go hungry.
>
> Everybody likes an underdog, especially when they are beating the
extreemly
> well funded and high profiled BAR.
Last race was great! It was great to see Minardi getting some TV time.
I sure wish Luca had been on the pdium. :-(
> But the nice comments are usually about
> Minardis catering, their pasta and espreso apparently best in the
paddock.
> And to set it in perspective - McLarens hospitality budget alone is
> probably not much less than what Minardi develops and runs to cars on
> through a season!
>
> Hey! Here's a thought - why don't Giancaro Minardi develops his teams
core
> strength and try to get a catering contract for the paddock club -
and use
> this money to fund his team?
Good idea! Doesn't he or his family also own a footbal club? I know
they own the largest FIAT dealership in Italy or something. Did I also
read that Minardi's mother cooks the pasts or something or is this a
myth. Maybe I imagined that one.
> > This reminds me on a DTM/ITC where the food was supposed to be
great. I
> > recall Nannini getting out of his car after race one of two and they
> > quickly handed him a cup of espresso and maybe some for of
dessert. A
> > bit like James Hunt winning at Brands Hatch and trying to bum a
> > cigarette of anyone as he steps out of the car.
>
> But that were the pre-refuelling days. I'd like to see any of the
drivers
> lighting up after parking the car in the paddock - that would create a
> conflict of interest!
I think Jackie Stewart was concerned about Magnussen smoking for
fitness and maybe other reasons. I watched a little bit of the recent
CART race and Jan was doing well.
> > Another fellow who appears to have been very well liked even though
he
> > was not the fastest but still a good racer was Patrese. I recall
Sir
> > Frank had Richardo drive a Williams about two years ago when Patrese
> > was visiting England or something. Frank did this a few times with
> > Prost but as a Renault press op. I think Patrese was well liked at
> > Williams. Ditto Fisico at Jordan. I recall one p[erson in this NG
> > said they met Fisico when he first got to Jordan at a pub or
restaurant
> > in Oxford. They said he was a friendly fellow.
>
> According to Maurice Hamiltons Frank Williams biography there are two
> drivers who are partiular special to Frank Williams; Alan Jones and
> Riccardo Patrese. Patrese was certainly fast on a good day but he was
hired
> as a no. 2 and accepted this status without complaint. He was loved
in the
> Williams team for being a team player, a keen tester (Mansell usually
to
> busy playing golf) and true gentelman.
This was the impression I received. Frank is not a loveable character
but he seemed to like Riccardo. Riccardo is a bit like Fangio because
everyone always says he is a true gentleman. Old Nige is a great
racer and has caught a lot of flak when he retired so I think he got
beat up more than he desrve. However, most of the Williams mechanics
and people behind the scenes said Nige was no picnic to work with. My
guess is Damon was so well liked by the Williams employees because he
treated people well.
I loved the Ralf & Fisico stories at Jordan. The Jordan mechanics used
to joke about the difference between Ralf and God. Ralf I think has
gotten better and is probably a nicer person than Michael but HHF wins
my vote for the friendliest German driver. Fisico bought watches for
the Jordan mechanics and I think used to take them to dinner. These
little things can mean a lot.
> And I guess being teamed up with
> Mansell for some years probably made them appreciate him even more.
Don't
> get me wrong Mansell was an awsome racing driver but apparently more
than
> handful out of the cockpit.
Yes I heard those stories. Nige was great but his head was a bit large.
> > Hopefully one of Italy's gentleman racers can deliver next year. I
> > think Fisico and Trulli are among the best in the past 10 years.
> > Trulli should have a good car and team in 2000.
>
> Both have looked bleak this year but has shown some promise lately.
Fisico
> really need to calm down as he has been overdriving the crappy B199
and
> goes off numerous times each race weekend (the Verstappen syndrome).
He is
> now the undisputed gravel king of F1 and has to up his game if he is
not be
> the next Alesi (a lot of promise but never delivered). For Trulli it
will
> be make or break next year and being teamed up with HHF in present
form
> won't be easy. But if he is as goood as the hype says he should be
> competetive.
The HHF-Trulli matchup will be exciting. Fisico and Luca "Maverick"
Badoer going out on the last race was heart breaking. I think Fisico's
problem may be lack of upper body strength. He appears to get tire at
the end of races. E. Jordan and G Anderson had him working with a
physio. Anderson said he thought Fisi was very good but worried about
the "Italian head" or getting too emotional ala Alesi.
Poor Jean. Leading Monza twice in a Ferrari and Monaco once in a
Benetton and the cars broke.
> Hans
Pete Fenelon
> He was loved in the
> Williams team for being a team player, a keen tester (Mansell usually to
> busy playing golf) and true gentelman.
Patrese seemed like a good bloke. I saw him walking down the pit lane
on the Friday at Monaco in '96 and exchanged a few pleasantries with him --
he seemed genuinely pleased that anyone recognised him.
Fisico I saw briefly at the Motor Show a couple of years back. Had a very
nice sweater on and looked about 15. Seemed very, very shy.
pete
--
pe...@fenelon.com "there's no room for enigmas in built-up areas" (HMHB)
Stephen M Baines
>This reminds me on a DTM/ITC where the food was supposed to be great. I
>recall Nannini getting out of his car after race one of two and they
>quickly handed him a cup of espresso and maybe some for of dessert. A
>bit like James Hunt winning at Brands Hatch and trying to bum a
>cigarette of anyone as he steps out of the car.
Doesn't surprise me at all! He was famous in F1 for his love of espresso
coffee and a cigarette. Shortly before his awful crash in a helicopter,
he'd given up both to improve his health and chance . It seems the irony
wasn't lost on him.
--
Stephen M Baines http://www.motorsport.org.uk
"I have a very positive outlook on life. I am one of the six percent of
steve
own before the crash.
Great quote too!
Stephen M Baines wrote in message ...
Emma
>
>Doesn't surprise me at all! He was famous in F1 for his love of espresso
>coffee and a cigarette. Shortly before his awful crash in a helicopter,
>he'd given up both to improve his health and chance . It seems the irony
>wasn't lost on him.
IIRC when they started drug testing the drivers one of the substances
they looked for was caffine. With Nannini drinking up to 8 strong cups
of espresso in one session he stopped just incase they found him
illegal!
--
Emma
"Who would have thought that two cars running tartan and a father and son
wearing tartan trousers could win a Grand Prix." Paul Stewart