Grand Prix Masters News, My Day In The Pits

Some time after the Dr Ovey interview there was a obvious lift in activity, people getting their laptops and Dictaphones ready, Murray Walker giving a couple of interviews in the media centre and the noise of the GP Masters cars starting underneath us in the pits. When the cars started to leave the pits I decided to make my way to the pit area for a couple of choice shots with my trusty camera.

(Mansell's Nightmare Part 3)

I remember seeing Nigel Mansell leaving the pits and giving it a bit of throttle “was this the point when Mansell effectively ended his race”. After Eric Van de Poele left the pits and getting some shots I proceded to the grid where there was a wealth of PR activity, I remember seeing Beverley Knight been introduced to Nigel Mansell by the GP Masters PR People. To be honest Mansells car was swarmed by everyone, I remember hearing Mansells voice muffled by his helmet pleading with camera crews “please don’t stick your cameras in his face as I really need to focus” he really was getting mobbed. I turned to Maxi Jazz (of Faithless) and saying do

you get the feeling that everyone is here to see the same man. Maxi made conversation and stated that he was heading down to see Fittipaldi as he was one of his hero’s. A little later there was Maxi Jazz getting the PR Machine treatment with Fittipaldi.

The time came when we were all told to leave the grid and I headed back to the Media Centre. It wasn’t long till the pace car was leading them around it was on the parade lap that Mansell’s nightmare began, I cant remember I he span once or twice on the parade lap but my heart sank. I really wanted Mansell to storm through the field and put on a good show. However, it was clear to se all was not well with Mansell’s car. As the race started Mansell headed into the pit and his race was practically over. The races itself was action packed with spins, comings together and lead changes. After what seemed like forever Mansell left the pits span again and proceeded back to the pit. I headed down to the pit thinking I could get an interview.

As I arrived in the pit Mansell was stood there with a very unwelcoming look. Unfortunately my lack of experience took hold and I hesitated. However Sky Sports didn’t hesitate and they want in for a live interview so I stuck my mic just out of view and tried to pick up on a few words. Mansell was very open and spoke candidly about the smashed differential that had ended his race.

When the race finished I missed a trick as I should have gone down track side and got some shots. However, I could see the press conference area and I had my eye on a front row seat. I took my place early and was told that the top six drivers along with Scott Poulter and Nigel Mansell. When the press conference started Eddie Cheever was his usual witty self along with Danner and Mansell. What was obvious from the press conference was that the drivers were all eager for more races and that all the drivers had really enjoyed themselves.

After the Press conference Scott Poulter was hanging around giving one on one interviews. I waited for the Japanese then took my opportunity. Scott was really keen to answer questions and his enthusiasm really showed through. After my interview It was time to head back home to reality and to start and get some stories published.

On reflection It had been a really dream come true for me, I never thought that I would be stood on the grid at Silverstone and I hope it wont be the last time. Furthermore, next time I will get that interview With Mansell, no doubt Patrese and Fittipaldi will also be on my tick sheet..... By Andrew Cranswick