michaelwyres.com » Formula One

Another Channel Ten F1 Fail

Michael Wyres — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 08:45:48 +0000

Hot on the heels of Network Ten’s latest shafting of Australian Formula One fans, comes another F1 fail from the network.

Here’s a screen capture of the EPG for tonight’s coverage of the Bahrain Grand Prix:

…which reads:

“At the 2012 Formula One, fans will get to see all of the action, excitement and drama on TEN. This season boasts two Australian drivers for the first time in history, Mark Webber and Daniel Ricciardo.”

Ignoring the poor grammar, two Australian drivers for the first time in history?

Sorry, what?

Let’s go all time machine back to 1974, shall we?

The 1974 Monaco, Dutch, and British Grands Prix all had two Australian drivers competing, Tim Schenken – (currently the race director with V8 Supercars) – and Le Mans winner, Vern Schuppan.

Further, the 1974 German Grand Prix had three Australian drivers competing. Schenken, Schuppan, with the addition of future V8 Supercars legend, Larry Perkins.

There would be other races where multiple Australian drivers were involved, but I looked only at 1974.

Ten already treat the coverage of the sport with apparent nonchalance.

Maybe they should treat the history of the sport with a little more respect too?

Traffic Management Fail

Michael Wyres — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 00:58:14 +0000

I just took this photograph at the intersection of Collins and Spencer Streets in central Melbourne, illustrating the size of the crowd waiting to board trams to travel to Albert Park and the Australian Formula One Grand Prix.

It’s a popular event, but surely someone could have organised some more appropriate traffic management so that people aren’t crowding the MIDDLE of the intersection?

You know, with cars, trams, trucks, cyclists and other vehicles trying to make their way through what is a very busy intersection?

Someone failed here.

The Man In The Terry Toweling Hat

Michael Wyres — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 01:37:54 +0000

Australian motor sports legend, Frank Gardner, died yesterday on the Gold Coast, aged 78. Frank was as famous for his terry-toweling hat, as he was for his celebrated open-wheel and touring car racing career in Europe, including eight Formula One races.

He is particularly remembered in Australia for managing the factory-supported JPS Team BMW’s in the 1980′s, including championships for Jim Richards, managing Tony Longhurst and Tomas Mezera to a Bathurst win in 1988, and taking Longhurst and Paul Morris to Super Touring titles in the 1990′s.

A long time advocate and promoter of road safety, Frank will definitely be missed by many.

Sofa King Beauty

Michael Wyres — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 01:15:14 +0000

I always find it humourous when sports broadcasters, particularly in motor sports, listen in on team radio conversations, and put them to air.

They run the risk of “special words” getting to air. In this instance, an ecstatic Mark Webber celebrates with his team over the radio after his maiden Formula One win last night in Germany.

Giggle factor aside, it’s awesome to see an Aussie once again win an F1 Grand Prix – a break of almost 28 years since this was last achieved by Alan Jones in Las Vegas in 1981.