F1 and more

Lewis Hamilton

My name’s Sue Moorcroft and I’m a Formula 1 addict.
 

So please don’t ring me when there’s a race on because I get grumpy. Or when the qualifying is on (which I have to miss, this week, as some fool has arranged an RNA meeting at the same time) or even the practice sessions. Yes, I know, there’s no hope for me, is there? The practice sessions are when I accumulate all the background information that makes me understand the ramifications of the new rules on fuel stops (there no longer are any) and the scoring system (erm …).

But what many women watch the F1 for is to see the drivers! And I’m not immune - they’re a pretty buff lot, aren’t they? All that time in the gym pays off. Here’s my prediction for the top five finishers on Sunday:

Lewis Hamilton
Jenson Button (readers of Starting Over might like to know that Ratty’s new dog is called Button, in All That Mullarkey, following the sad demise of his springer spaniel McLaren)
Fernando Alonso
Sebastian Vettel
Michael Schumacher

Does my selection have anything to do with my affection for the drivers or their hero potential? No. Is it the result of careful studying of form and preseason testing? Some. Or is it because my husband plays golf with two of the engine builders …? 

Ah. Caught me.

Mike Phillips Chris - I’ve never found the magic in Formula 1, but maybe I should be looking inside the cars rather than at them?  My kind of sporting heroes won’t fit in a tin; they’re strapping, rugged and covered with mud.  And there’s no protective clothing to hide all that muscle in action. Yes, I’m talking rugby players.  Not convinced?  Take a look at the world’s best-looking scrum half, Mike Phillips with that gorgeous combination of blue eyes and dark hair.  Or classic Welsh heart throb Ryan Jones.  Or the player recently voted the sexiest man in Wales, Jamie Roberts.  And just to prove I’m not biased, I’ll remind you about Jonny Wilkson.  Ooh, and check out Olly Barkley whilst you’re at it. As for me?  Well, I think it’s high time I did some serious research into Formula 1!

Jenson Button

Christina - For me, it was a case of “if you can’t beat them, join them”.  My dh is a huge fan, so I ended up watching too and was soon caught up in the sheer excitement of F1 racing.  I’ve always loved speed (cars or motorcycles, don’t mind which) and you don’t get much faster than these guys!

As Sue says, the drivers aren’t a bad-looking lot either, which helps.  My favourites are Jenson Button and Nico Rosberg, and they’re going to have their work cut out for them this season, so I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed for them.  (Never thought of naming dogs after either, by the way, but it’s a great idea!)

I have to say though that I do NOT want Michael Schumacher to win – enough is enough IMO – but it will be interesting to see how he compares to the new guys who have come up while he’s been away.  All in all, Sunday’s race should be very interesting indeed!  (And yes, I too will miss the qualifying because of that meeting L!)

May the best man win!