Enjoying a lap with Jenson and Lewis
I'm writing this having just joined some of the production team for a spot of lunch in the ´óÏó´«Ã½ restaurant here at Television Centre.
I know old Terry Wogan likes to play on the fact that the Beeb canteen is hardly a place teeming with top-level TV types quaffing caviar and discussing 'media' - and he's right! The ´óÏó´«Ã½ isn't really a caviar kind of place, so I settled for a beans and cheese jacket potato whilst the rest of the guys went for fish and chips Friday.
I must admit I was tempted by the fish but in line with a Humphrey tradition I celebrated my house move on Monday with some cod and chips, sitting on the floor of the new place! Thanks for all your kind messages wishing me luck with the house move by the way, we're in, but it was quite a day!
After the we got a charter to Luton airport on Sunday night where it seemed like the man responsible for getting the steps to the plane also checked your passports and got your luggage out of the hold. From landing on the tarmac the boss Mark reckons it took well over two hours for us to escape to the M1 - at 2.00am and after a rather long race day, it was far from ideal!
So, in bed by 3.00am and up at 6.00am for the arrival of the removal men, who all loved motorsport, which somewhat delayed the packing.
Ten hours later they were all done and dusted and as they left it seemed the cardboard boxes had somehow mated and multiplied. I'm still looking for my passport which is mildly alarming when you do what I do for a living. Bed was calling by about 9.00pm and I was keen to get some sleep - waiting for me the following morning was a certain and a very fast car!
On Tuesday morning, it was a 7.00am alarm and a first (cold) shower in the new place. We had no hot water for two days thanks to an air lock that cost £150 to fix. I managed to make the shower last all of 30 seconds and it certainly woke me up even it wasn't an effective clean, it was then extra aftershave, into the car, off to .
Boydy, the producer, told me that under no circumstances could I be late. Jenson was on a tight schedule and we would be filming at 11.15am on the dot. You can imagine my mild nerves when I was stuck in a jam on the M25 at 10.00am, perhaps I was too overconfident and shouldn't have stopped off for a full English breakfast sandwich.
I made it in time and was greeted by the One Show's Christine Bleakley, who still looked gorgeous even in an ill-fitting red race suit more akin to a telly tubby. She's really friendly and was beaming from ear to ear when I got there, clearly very excited about being driven round the circuit by Jenson - but our cunning plan (yes, Boydy does slightly resemble Baldrick) was a little different.
It is very rare for a racing driver to be in a fast car, on a track, and not in control. We thought it was about time we changed all that, and then showed you the outcome.
It's great to hang out with grand prix drivers when they are doing what they love. Jenson is relaxed, chatty and very approachable at a race weekend, but he's still at work. On a day off with a at his disposal and a few kilometres of racing track, he's even more chilled out, until it was time to be my passenger.
I have to say being driven around by Jenson was mindblowing as he nailed every apex and hustled the car around corners at seemingly impossible speeds while working the steering wheel overtime - very impressive. When he was driving, the poise, control and confidence which makes him currently the fastest F1 driver in the world was abundantly clear and made me perfectly at ease, even at full tilt.
However, his sheer terror when I was driving was equally obvious. For a start he was keen to wear helmets, even those that made us both look a bit stupid, to be frank. Secondly, as I took to the track and gave it both barrels along the start/finish straight towards Copse, his friendly chat suddenly stopped and he adopted a much more serious demeanour.
You'll have to judge for yourself just how much of a liability I was with a car that I proudly left with smoking brakes and bald tyres. In all seriousness, afterwards I asked Jenson how close were to having a shunt. His answer? "Very close," as he removed the keys from the car!
And that's where we differ. He almost instinctively knows where the braking zones are, where you give it full gas and what is the perfect racing line. Despite watching F1 for years and considering myself a good driver (despite the incident with the MGF and £6000 worth of damage) I'm clearly not a natural, and for him to be at my mercy was clearly unnerving.
Incredibly he spent most of my hotlap holding onto the passenger seat shouting "BRAKE". I spent most of it thinking to myself "Don't go too fast, wouldn't forgive you if you did the unthinkable!"
He'd never been driven round there by a 'normal' person before apparently; I doubt he'll do so again in a hurry.
Talking of being in a hurry, 24 hours later I was back on the start/finish straight with the car of my dreams. The , or to be precise a tuned-up, lighter version, the SLR 277. 650bhp of danger, in the wrong hands.
In the right hands however, it was like a speed skater, always on the edge of disaster but always under complete control. On Wednesday those right hands belonged to .
I woke up that morning thinking, in a slightly sadistic way, how great it would be if it rained, and boy did it rain. Lewis likened the conditions to the, I regretted my bravado as we stood on the track and it bucketed down. I needn't have worried, he was in complete control and totally impressed me as he took me round.
Firstly he wasn't bothered about wearing helmets. Trying to look cool, I agreed. He then took to the track. Stepping out the back end, going full pelt down the Hangar Straight and caressing the beast of a car around the standing water car in torrential conditions.
All the time he was saying things like "This is so dangerous", "There's just no grip" and "Oooh, look, we're aquaplaning". I didn't think it was my place to point out that 150mph might not be a sensible speed then. I just kept my stomach muscles tight and remained seriously in awe.
Hopefully my face will convey just how amazed I was with his control of the car because I'm not sure I have the ability to do it via this blog.
He was sensational, I was a little nervous. The main reason for my apprehension was that the car cost more that the average family home and I was told by numerous McLaren people in their lovely silver tops: "Please don't crash it." Only they didn't say please and they looked very sombre. I also knew a visit to the wall would be more embarassing than my near miss with a Toyota in Turkey.
How about this for unnerving someone, though? One of the McLaren guys decided to tell me that the car is so powerful one of the test drivers rolled it for a kilometre after one of the tyres blew out. He walked away, I took a gulp and climbed in.
Suddenly I was responsible for two things worth a fair bit more than I have in my pottery Natwest Bank piggy back circa 1988 (the one with the dad pig in the suit), but unlike Jenson, Lewis seemed totally at ease with me. He shouted a bit as I jammed on the throttle too hard, but as I spun the car coming into Luffield he just laughed! He taught me how to do donuts, and when I asked if I could do one by the wall on the main straight he said: "I don't mind, it's not my car." What a cool customer!
He clearly loves driving, and being on the limit. At one point I totally lost control, he looked at me with a beaming smile and said: "I just turned off the traction control." Cheers, mate.
Looking back on it I wish I'd pushed even harder now, but to be fair the fact both cars and drivers are in one piece is probably enough for me. My overriding emotion though is one of real respect for the talent Jenson and Lewis have got.
You can see the finished pieces over the race weekend. Talking of which, I look forward to meeting lots of you down at Silverstone. Make sure you come and say hi. You can't miss me, I'll be the lanky one with a very big grin as I soak up my first ever British GP and I'm very, very much looking forward to it!
Jake
Welcome to my blog where I will be sharing all the insider news, uploading videos and photos throughout the 2012 F1 season. I've spent the past 10 years at the ´óÏó´«Ã½ working for Children's ´óÏó´«Ã½, hosting Olympic games, World Cups and Sports Personality of the Year. Have a read and please feel free to share your thoughts.
Comment number 1.
At 12th Jun 2009, mrsteelo wrote:You lucky, lucky, lucky boy!
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Comment number 2.
At 12th Jun 2009, Hollie_wolly_doodle1 wrote:Great blog Jake! Does the fact that Christine met you mean that some of the footage is going to be on the oneshow? (i'm not sure if it says that anywhere but i've just missed it!)
So nice to hear that Lewis seemed to really enjoy himself in the car and be at ease with you, I think he has a slight reputation for not having much personality. Quite surprised by Jenson's reactions too - he always seems so friendly and funny!
Anyway can't wait to see the end result - it's making me wish silverstone was this weekend! You and the team keep up the good work, I'm loving the ´óÏó´«Ã½ footage and website more and more every race, so much better than the "other side".
More pink shirts this weekend please!!
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Comment number 3.
At 12th Jun 2009, FreddyOfGreggs wrote:Can't wait to see this.
Another great blog Jake!
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Comment number 4.
At 12th Jun 2009, mightyalybaba wrote:Hi Jake, this is the first time I have replied to a blog. Do you know when the One Show is showing Christine at the track? I am heading over to Silverstone next weekend with my husband and son, will it be possible to see you, DC and Eddie anywhere or where do we look? Would love to take some pictures home that will make everyone jealous! You are doing a great job Jake, and I wish I had been in your shoes and sitting beside Lewis Hamilton. How Cool would that be!!!
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Comment number 5.
At 12th Jun 2009, Jack_McGhee wrote:"650bhp of danger, in the wrong hands."
Quote of the blog. :D
Have fun at Silverstone. you lucky, lucky man.
Great work on blog and on screen.
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Comment number 6.
At 12th Jun 2009, lightmas wrote:Do you watch the Classic GP jake?
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Comment number 7.
At 12th Jun 2009, lightmas wrote:That a really good blog, and i cant wait to see it on the weekend
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Comment number 8.
At 12th Jun 2009, pauljcleary wrote:Hi guys, Just wanted to say that i think it is fantastic that the bbc is showing f1 now and Jake your the man. oh and david and my fellow Irish man eddie jordan are doing a great job. Looking forward to the british GP.
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Comment number 9.
At 12th Jun 2009, maccafromwoking wrote:Hi Jake, great blog, wicked!!! You are a very lucky bloke, what a job you have. being driven around , and then driving around Silverstone must be awesome at the best of times, but in such company and with great cars as well i cant begin to imagine it. I will be Sky + the shows over the race weekend as i will be at the circuit and will love watching the finished articles.
Keep up the great blogs...... ooh and find your passport before France!!!
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Comment number 10.
At 12th Jun 2009, smileyguk wrote:Wow, sounds like you had loads of fun (so jealous). It's my first British Grand Prix too, so excited. See ya there
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Comment number 11.
At 12th Jun 2009, Supermegasketch wrote:That was one of the best blogs I have ever read, it was interesting just seeing how different Jenson and Lewis were. Almost as if Jenson is mature adult and plays it by safety first ahead of looking cool while still being fun and Lewis is like yeah whatever and is a relaxed teenager. I just love it, good to know that two great British drivers show their great personalities and what there like without loads of media just surrounding them and all the pressure on them.
PS: You extremely lucky boy it would be just great to meet Button or Hamilton let alone drive with them, keep up the great blogs.
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Comment number 12.
At 12th Jun 2009, GuessHoo wrote:Jake
Anybody who can take on what must have been a pretty daunting prospect of presenting F1 on its return to the Beeb, and then proceed to carry it off with such aplomb over the first 7 races, deserves something as awesome as these driving experiences.
Good on you!
But, if had all gone wrong . . . who would have brought us our F1!? :)
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Comment number 13.
At 12th Jun 2009, GuessHoo wrote:PS!
Great blog!
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Comment number 14.
At 12th Jun 2009, Jessica Auckland wrote:That experience sounds more jammy than a jammy donut (the edible variety, not the burning rubber variety!).
I'm thrilled to be going to Silverstone with my brother and nephew. We're camping from Friday so expecting little sleep and lots of partayyyying. To rain or not to rain, that is the question. Maybe it could hold off until we've packed up the tent on Sunday morning.
Will be keeping eyes peeled for lanky grinning action. Personally I'm a bit stressed about wearing Brawn yellow as yellow really doesn't suit me. My bro suggested red, white and blue. What do you think?
xJess
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Comment number 15.
At 12th Jun 2009, F1LegacY wrote:I would have loved to be at Silverstone next weekend just to experience the madness of British motorsport fans. Watching Nigel Mansell getting mobbed at the 1992 race sent me into an emotional overdrive. That's why I love the sport and I am looking very much forward to watching it.
You are a lucky man Jake. Very lucky indeed...
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Comment number 16.
At 12th Jun 2009, bluemarilyn wrote:What a fantastic blog, seems you had a great time Jake! Lewis seems a great laugh, relaxed and happy. Maybe this year is not so bad after all.
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Comment number 17.
At 12th Jun 2009, Hels105 wrote:Loved the blog Jake- I'm only slightly jealous!
Really looking forward to Silverstone after a great start to the season for Jens.
Lets hope he can repeat his good luck- John Button better wear his pink shirt!
Hels
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Comment number 18.
At 12th Jun 2009, Kordith wrote:Oh that was such a great blog and I am so so jealous.
That has got to be one of those once in a life time experiences and you got to experience them two days in a row!!
Lucky lucky lucky
Can't wait to see those to VT's.
I'm working that weekend so can't go there and can't even see it live. Recording both shows.
But I expect your blog will give, all of us unlucky people who will not be there, a taste of what the atmosphere will be like.
Glad your move went well, even on 3 hours sleep. Shame about the cold shower though. lol
Amanda
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Comment number 19.
At 12th Jun 2009, Ryushinku wrote:Great blog, glad you enjoyed it (in a terrifying life-and-death kinda way) and that both Jenson and Lewis did too.
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Comment number 20.
At 12th Jun 2009, kalniel wrote:Wow the ´óÏó´«Ã½ are brave - sounds like there was a small danger you'd wipe out the British F1 contingent faster than the cod population crash!
Great blog as ever, looking forward to the show and continued Fellowship-esque perspective tricks to keep you and EJ vaguely in the same vertical frame!
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Comment number 21.
At 12th Jun 2009, Nadaliator wrote:I get the feeling you prefered being with Lewis than Jens...........why's that then??
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Comment number 22.
At 12th Jun 2009, FastBBBB wrote:Lcky etc. Where's our video! only joking.
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Comment number 23.
At 12th Jun 2009, Jonathan Finn wrote:Cool Blog Jake,
You are very very very lucky, I would love to be driven round any circuit by a race-driver, let alone Silverstone!
Be good to see the full video during the race weekend.
I wish I was going but I have the immense ´óÏó´«Ã½ coverage guiding me through the whole race weekend and I am so glad I do not need to work all weekend.
Just one question I would like to ask "What do you think of the three new teams for next season?"
Keep Up Fantastic Work!
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Comment number 24.
At 12th Jun 2009, EuroHarvester wrote:Good work Jake. Glad you didn't crash with JB!
The car is a '722' not a '277', the number is the same as Stirling Moss' start number for the 1955 Mille Miglia which he won in a Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR.
7:22 am was his starting time, sounds like yours was pretty similar.
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Comment number 25.
At 12th Jun 2009, groundcare wrote:Great fun by the sounds of it Jake. how long before you buy one! Wonder what you were doing this time last year? Ironing!!!
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Comment number 26.
At 12th Jun 2009, sassy-sez wrote:I am soooooo jealous. Can't wait to see the feature as the blog has already had me giggling
Sarah
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Comment number 27.
At 12th Jun 2009, physical_graffiti wrote:Oh you lucky so and so!!!
Talk about perks of the job!
Can't wait for this next week.
Interesting observations on Lewis. He's like a little boy playing in a man's world.
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Comment number 28.
At 13th Jun 2009, Jpettet89 wrote:OMG!!!! What and epic day that must have been, top notch blog once again Jake, got to hand it to you guys at the ´óÏó´«Ã½ you have done an amzing job taking over from ITV, got to say I loved the build up last week with martin and DC's combined grid walk, anyway back to the blog I can't wait to see the videos, your going to love Silverstone, feel gutted I couldn't get tickets this year, but I'm racing in the Le Mans 24hr Kart race to make up for it, Roll on the 21st!!!
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Comment number 29.
At 13th Jun 2009, wewantourdarbyback wrote:All I can say is Nice. Lewis sounds like he was in the same mood as his Top Gear outing, a really nice guy away from the pressures of F1. Looking forward to seeing it over the weekend.
I'll be looking out for you on the Saturday, possibly with some comment about 'rule the school' to bring you back down to earth.
Great Blog as usual.
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Comment number 30.
At 13th Jun 2009, breakwind2009 wrote:Top work Jake. I wish you could have shown some pictures of you doing donuts!
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Comment number 31.
At 13th Jun 2009, Ross Messinger wrote:Do you have any idea what time it is? It's your fault I'm up at 25 past 2 in the morning, because I've been reading all your incredible blogs that I've missed out on.
I live just down the road from Silverstone, and I'm heading there for the Grand Prix for the third year running now, I really can't wait. Then I read what you get up to on an average week building up to a Grand Prix, and I realised that actually, camping in the mud isn't quite as glamorous as your phenomenal job!
Thanks, always a pleasure reading your blogs, will keep an eye out for you over the weekend!
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Comment number 32.
At 13th Jun 2009, Suzanne wrote:Jake, you are just awesome. Loving your work on F1, every race you seem more and more at home and I love your genuine enthusiasm. It's almost like "one of us" having the job, not some boring old dude who's presented eight different sports.
What a great blog, and what fantastic experiences you describe! It's always been a life long dream (okay, a 12 years, tops) of mine to be driven around Silverstone by Jenson Button. Maybe he would have been slightly more chilled out if he weren't the WDC leader. ;-) You're a lucky duck!
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Comment number 33.
At 13th Jun 2009, Tom Davidson wrote:You lucky so and so! Being driven round Silverstone by the current World Championship leader and by the reigning World Champion is something else. Mind you, I think it's a just reward for all the hard work you've done this year. I'd echo the point made above too - that it's just like one of us has the job, it really adds to the appeal.
I can't wait to see the finished product on raceday and hopefully you've found your passport and settled into the new place by then. I wish I was going to the GP but being a poor student I'm a little short of the money but I'm sure the ´óÏó´«Ã½ will make up for it
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Comment number 34.
At 13th Jun 2009, boomish wrote:Great laugh Jake, thanks for this, eating my breakfast reading this I nearly spat it out twice..laughing so much.
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Comment number 35.
At 13th Jun 2009, Jordan D wrote:Having envy to start a Saturday morning, isn't the greatest, but sometimes it is right. I have envy - you lucky man.
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Comment number 36.
At 13th Jun 2009, Ugly_Betsy wrote:You better find your passport then before Germany, otherwise you're in trouble
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Comment number 37.
At 13th Jun 2009, cjbridgey wrote:Sir Nathaniel, was the name of the Natwest Piggy Bank... Worth 20 quid on ebay apparently.
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Comment number 38.
At 13th Jun 2009, marc_likes_sport wrote:I only clicked on this link by mistake but having read one line I was hooked. Great work. I complete agree with Jordan D envy is not the best way to start a saturday, add a hangover to that and you are one very sad individual. All the best getting your Silverstone wings.
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Comment number 39.
At 13th Jun 2009, cordas wrote:Sounds like a fun piece to watch, can't wait :) Enjoy what haws to be one of the best jobs going mate.
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Comment number 40.
At 13th Jun 2009, giord123 wrote:i wish was you and how does it feel like to be a bbc f1 presenter and you go to these places
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Comment number 41.
At 13th Jun 2009, iceman-shumi wrote:Hey Jake, quite a blog you have here. you are deffiantly one lucky lucky man, sadly im not going to silverstone this year but i hope to go to donnington next year (if it is finnished that is) but for now carry on the great work on race build up and so on.
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Comment number 42.
At 13th Jun 2009, JanE1701 wrote:Great blog Jake, my family and I are realy enjoying F1 on ´óÏó´«Ã½ again.
Please ask Jenson (pushy I know) to go back to Top Gear and post a new time, sick of watching the reruns on Dave and seeing the best driver not be top of the board.
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Comment number 43.
At 13th Jun 2009, NH wrote:Sounds like Jenson was merely concerned about losing a first World Championship as a result of getting crocked during a 'mediocre media driver mishap' - wouldn't have looked very good, would it? And it does happen!
It's clear (from this event and their previous public demeanour) that 'our boys' are very down to earth, personable blokes. Well done lads, keep it up, the last two years have been great! I'm back watching F1 after a 7 year period of disillusionment and disappointment.......and reading mediocre media driver blogs!!!
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Comment number 44.
At 13th Jun 2009, robertbarron1 wrote:Wow what an experience you have had, your a lucky boy. roll on Silverstone. Im sure you are excited to host the home Grand Prix for the ´óÏó´«Ã½, i hope its a great race weekend.
well done again with the blog
Robert
Dublin Ireland
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Comment number 45.
At 13th Jun 2009, Tina Marshall wrote:Jake, you've managed to make me greener than a Jaguar F1 car with your exploits with Jenson and Lewis. I have followed Jense since he 1st tested for Williams all those years ago, and have followed McLaren since '84 and anyone who drives a McLaren is ok by me!!! I am missing the BGP this year, only the 3rd time since '99, and am very disappointed to be doing so, its typical that Jense finally gets his hands on a great car and I'm not there to watch him work his magic with it!!!
Enjoy Silverstone, and make sure they get you on the stage for the GP party, its as much of a highlight of the weekend as the race itself!!!
Enjoy it, and keep up the good work, the ´óÏó´«Ã½ have set the standard now, its as if the ITV years didn't exist!!!
Simon Marshall
Inverness
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Comment number 46.
At 13th Jun 2009, -JP23- wrote:That was emense Jake, I think you could be a F1 driver! One similar to Robert Kubica (height wise LOL!).
That must have been an awsome experience ;)
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Comment number 47.
At 13th Jun 2009, AntonBear wrote:In the same way you couldn't describe in your blog the respect you had for Lewis' driving, I can't describe my jealousy!!
Unfortunately due to recession I can't be at Silverstone for it's last year. But I'm desperately hoping Donington gets it's act together for next year.
Silverstone should be a great race though, We're having a 'F1 Party' which involves beer, bbq and lots of shouting. Not quite the same as being at the race though.
Jake, know chances are very minimal as you'll be presenting, but if you can get on the pit straight for end of q3 qualifying, if a Brit gets pole prepare to be deafened!!!!!
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Comment number 48.
At 13th Jun 2009, UncleMuncle wrote:Jake
Awesome, lucky so & so, immense, great fun, OMG !! They have said it all.
What an experience, what a privilege, well done.
Now get back home to H and help get those boxes unpacked, do some cleaning, maybe hang some pictures on the wall............... just like us ordinary folk.
Amazing................... enjoy it.
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Comment number 49.
At 13th Jun 2009, Spitfire_F1 wrote:Fantastic blog, you're a very lucky boy!
I'll be there on Saturday at Silverstone, why might you be found?
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Comment number 50.
At 13th Jun 2009, Brendan wrote:Love reading your blog! Would have loved to have driven that SLR also- what a car!
Gotta give you and the ´óÏó´«Ã½ a big thumbs up so far this year- the coverage is the best i have ever seen. Great listening to DC, EJ and yourself.
Also i agree with a poster above, its great having you on the show as it is like having one of us fans on - your enthusiasm is great to watch, keep up the good job.
Bren
Ireland
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Comment number 51.
At 13th Jun 2009, Salvador_Limones wrote:That Jenson Button - helmets! Such a wuss...
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Comment number 52.
At 13th Jun 2009, Kordith wrote:One more thing, I found myself over the last few years not really liking Hamilton, but never really knowing why.
Was it he came straight into a great team, into a great car and had it 'relativly easy' compared to others (but he is British I know I should support him anyway !)
Was it the way ITV force feed us LH every weekend on both sat and sun, until you were screaming, NO No I can't take this anymore, please no more Hamilton interviews!!!
But I think you cracked it, Yes as a broadcater you haven't force feed us LH every weekend which has helped, seeing him go through what other drivers do, may be a factor of me starting to want him to well, for me starting to like him.
But overall you Jake have made to diffence to my opinions you have made him human, likable, not a factory made comment machine. He relaxes when he talks to you, he seems so geniune and likable like Jenson. You let myself and probably thousands of other people see Lewis properly for the first time. I thank you for helping me change my mind on someone that I should of been supporting before but I just couldn't.
People may disagree me on this, but that is just how I had felt.
I can not wait to see your track guides with both drivers
Amanda
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Comment number 53.
At 13th Jun 2009, alcoholicmonkey wrote:This is amazing, lucky you Jake!
Will we be seeing any of the video from this fun day out in the qualifying/race coverage next weekend?
I wish I could've been at Silverstone but the ticket prices are a bit steep, I'll be driving on the M40 past the exit for Silverstone at about 2pm on Saturday so I'll be sure to wave at you all :p
Keep it up, not just you but all the ´óÏó´«Ã½ Production Team (especially the chap who prevented you from being killed by the Toyota last weekend).
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Comment number 54.
At 13th Jun 2009, Naomigo wrote:Hey Jake,
Definitely the best blog yet!! The others have said it all really - what an absolutely amazing experience, you are so lucky! I agree with Suzanne (#32) that yet again you manage to bring across the "one of us" feeling - it totally feels like you are just like one of us fans, given these unbelievable experiences that you are now sharing with us with fan-like enthusiasm. It's really great - makes us feel more connected and involved with F1 than was the case before this year:)
Can't wait to see the final edits over the BGP weekend - have a great time at the race:)
Naomi
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Comment number 55.
At 14th Jun 2009, Glen Wheeler wrote:Do we get to see footage of this next weekend in the first hour? Hope we get to see it in Qually because Ill be at the race Sunday :):):):)
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Comment number 56.
At 14th Jun 2009, xsxlxcx wrote:jake, i hate you!
okay not really but omg, what i would have given to be in that car with them 2.
i think it's great that jenson and lewis do stuff like this, it shows their real personalities away from the track.
come on boys, do us prou at Silverstone!
and well done for bringing them back all in one piece jake (:
sarah x
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Comment number 57.
At 14th Jun 2009, Beef_Chegwin wrote:Given the all consuming and endless political infighting that has engulfed F1, it's fantastic to enjoy - albeit vicariously - the stuff that makes the sport so thrilling. I have to admit, I wasn't much of a Lewis Hamilton fan when he entered the sport, but with the benefit of hindsight, the first two years he was in the sport were also two of the most exciting years of F1 I can remember. And while it's deeply gratifying to see Jenson Button finally get what his talent deserves, the racing has suffered as a consequence of Hamilton being in an inferior car. I look forward to seeing him compete again, bringing that fearless instinct for high speed racing and high octane entertainment back to the front of the grid. Here's hoping the sport can pull back from the brink before its too late.
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Comment number 58.
At 14th Jun 2009, facemandave wrote:Hi Jake,
Glad to hear the move went ok, and its not just a Humphrey thing to eat chips on a first night! Your day is about on par with my very average tuesday and wednesday, not. So jealous! You have no idea how much i would pay for 2 days like that, and you get paid for it!!! Have to agree with Suzanne (#32) that it is great having "one of us" presenting the greatest show on earth, keep up the enthusiasm, really looking forward to next weekend. Will be reading the blogs and watching as much on the bbc as possible (as well as squezzing in the lions test!). Enjoy it, and lets keep everythng crossed for JB. Boy, does he deserve it!
Dave
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Comment number 59.
At 14th Jun 2009, John From London Town MBE wrote:Quality blog. Your enjoyment is felt.
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Comment number 60.
At 15th Jun 2009, Richard wrote:Jake, you're a lucky man. Concerning the Jenson and the crash helmets thing, more pwer to him I say. Perhaps he's noticed all those kids cycling along to school with their helmets hanging from the handlebars (including one I know whose life had been saved by it when she'd actually worn it for once!) He's a bit older than Lewis and a bit more grown up. Obviously they both like adrenaline rush otherwise they wouldn't have become racing drivers in the first place.
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Comment number 61.
At 15th Jun 2009, FanMan wrote:Are the laps gonna be shown in the bbc's coverage of silverstone this weekend jake ? that would be awesome :O
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Comment number 62.
At 15th Jun 2009, sea-man wrote:WOW IM WELL JELOUS!!!! How cool would it be to be driven around by Lewis Hamilton in a supercar on the limit? And then to drive Lewis Hamilton? Wish I could
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Comment number 63.
At 15th Jun 2009, neilhamshaw wrote:Jake,
You are very lucky in SO many ways here. Good for you, I hope the footage will be on TV this weekend?
I'll be recording it as I too will be at Silverstone. Would like to see you there but unless you come outside the confines of Silverstone's 'inner sanctum' you won't meet us true race fans (a couple of years ago Silverstone decided to hand all of the center access over to corporate hospitality types, so we won't be able to get anywhere NEAR the infield).
So we'll be watching from the other side of the bubble. Have a great British Grand Prix anyway...
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Comment number 64.
At 15th Jun 2009, BenDAshcroft wrote:Great Blog Jake, but isn't the McMerc a 722? Not a 277?
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Comment number 65.
At 16th Jun 2009, 4aceme1 wrote:Excellent Blog Jake - it's nice to see how happy you are with the job, because I think you really have got one of the most perfect jobs in the World
JB sound like a serious racer - as is being shown this year.
LH sounds like an absolute scream of a character, turning off the traction control in the new Merc SLR, I'd probably say there was some rear end action going on there from yourself
Here's hoping McLaren & Brawn both have an excellent race at Silverstone, and that McLaren build a cracker of a car for next year, so we can have JB & LH both in with a shout at the Championship (assuming McLaren do enter an unconditonal agreement)
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Comment number 66.
At 16th Jun 2009, andrewnaylor wrote:Great blog Jake! Really funny, I nearly spat coke everywhere when I read what Lewis did to the traction control. Have a good weekend at the BGP, I'll be watching the excellent ´óÏó´«Ã½ coverage!
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Comment number 67.
At 16th Jun 2009, Peter wrote:Jake, just a bit of advice for the Silverstone weekend. Can you please not bang on about that fact that just because Silverstone is losing the British Grand Prix, doesn't mean the British Grand Prix is disappearing forever. It will be going to Donington Park either in 2010 or defiantly in 2011. They BRDC people that are the people moaning easily forget that Donington Park was holding historic Grand Prixs in the 1930's when Silverstone didn't even exist as an Airfield, let alone a racing circuit. So people that say Silverstone has so much history are looking through blinkered vision, impaired by their selfish feeling or their prized commodity losing its most valued asset. I am not a fan of Bernie and i do agree that he is ripping F1 apart by the seams, but with this deal to go to Donington, he is guaranteeing that the British Grand Prix stays on the F1 calender.
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Comment number 68.
At 17th Jun 2009, Punkcress wrote:Just wanted to say that your commentary prior to the Turkish GP was brilliant as was Martin and David's grid walk, I thoroughly enjoyed the good humour you all seemed to be enjoying that day! Luckily Christian Horner seemed to be in the same mood when, I think it was Martin, asked him about Red Bull's performance in dry conditions or 'without lubrication'!! Can't wait for this Sunday!
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Comment number 69.
At 17th Jun 2009, GFasulo wrote:Hi Jake,
I enjoyed watching the pre-British Grand Prix promotional clip. Maybe for this weekend we could have a similar pre-race intro with historic British Grand Prix history with The Chain in the background?
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Comment number 70.
At 18th Jun 2009, newbieF1girl wrote:Hi Jake,
Sounds like you had an excellent day, I'm really looking forward to seeing the clips on the weekend! Saw pictures from the Monaco fashion show on the F1 site, looks very glamorous and you looked very dashing in your Reiss suit! ;)
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Comment number 71.
At 18th Jun 2009, appleZac wrote:I want to say how lucky you all are... but it's obvious that these guys, including you Jake and the whole team have earned your place. The coverage is beyond amazing and reading stuff like this gives the sport such an edge. Nice one! i can't wait for the weekend!
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Comment number 72.
At 19th Jun 2009, DoctorsDad wrote:Hi Jake,
Can you organize Martin Brundle to do something for me? I want him to stop Bernie on the grid at Silverstone and ask him the following question. "If we'd had that silly medal system in place that you wanted, it would all be over bar the shouting now so what would we do for the rest of the season?
Oh, and can you interview Luca, or Flav and find out where they are planning to race? There are some wonderful circuits available for 2010, i.e. Silverstone, Indianapolis, Montreal, etc..
Oh, and now that Williams have been suspended from FOTA, does that mean Prodrive are OK to run a customer McLaren in the FOTA F1 championship?
Keep up the good work!
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Comment number 73.
At 20th Jun 2009, newbieF1girl wrote:just watched the drive with Jenson on the website as missed it earlier, he did look rather scared! good second lap though. i think saying his mum could do better was perhaps a bit harsh! looking forward to the one with lewis!
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Comment number 74.
At 21st Jun 2009, 2008mbeynon wrote:What Number 1 said!
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Comment number 75.
At 21st Jun 2009, Fawmularuno wrote:Hi please could you expand on peoples answers to your questions rather than waiting with impatience to deliver the next pre determined question. I think you are great as the new presenter, but i cant watch the pre -show stuff as it is horrible to watch with this linear style.
Keep up the good work and look forward to the rest of the season.
hope you dont take this as a jealous insult as i am sure you get many , but rather a request from a frustrated long time F1 fan .
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Comment number 76.
At 23rd Jun 2009, GazzamatazzZ wrote:Enjoyed both the Jenson and Lewis segments. Suprised at how tense Jenson was considering the speeds he's used to.
Lewis was as I expected, cool as a cucumber and good fun. It's nice to be able to clearly see him driving (without the helmet and surounding F1 car shell), totally at ease and in control.
I like Jenson but watching you with them both reminded me why I took to Lewis.
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