Send me your questions about F1 2011
Hello all,
I am filming the next entries for this video blog on Monday and that means I need your help.
As you know, we answer a selection of your questions as well as reviewing the last few races and looking forward to the next stage of the year.
So if you have any questions about F1 2011, please do post them below. We will pick a selection of the best and I will answer them here next week.
Thanks
Murray
Comment number 1.
At 26th Jun 2011, Andy R Carr wrote:Murray, if there was a technology of the past that you could see once again in a modern day formula one car, what would it be?
Kind Regards
Andy Carr
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Comment number 2.
At 26th Jun 2011, Dom_Askew wrote:DRS has become a huge talking point over this season, do you feel that it has improved racing? Or has the overtaking now become too easy and fake?
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Comment number 3.
At 26th Jun 2011, Brundle_flies wrote:Murray. The next race on the F1 calendar is at Silverstone. You have witnessed many British grands prix (possibly all of them?), which is your most memorable one and why?
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Comment number 4.
At 26th Jun 2011, Jess wrote:What did you think of Michael Schumachers preformance in Canada? Vintage Michael?
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Comment number 5.
At 26th Jun 2011, steve wrote:Hi Murray!
If you could bring one older track back onto the F1 calendar, which one would it be and why?
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Comment number 6.
At 26th Jun 2011, Enzo-Kemm wrote:Why does Jenson Button always seem to have a problem with his car every time he qualifies behind Lewis Hamilton? But when he qualifies in front of him, then the car worked well? is he trying to say his car never works well and when the car is working Lewis can never out qualify him? I find it quite amazing that he cant accept when he is beaten and must look for an excuse to diminish the pace of his team mate.
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Comment number 7.
At 26th Jun 2011, Peter Fox wrote:Hi Murray
Do you think Jamie Algersuari is struggling because of his car or his ability?
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Comment number 8.
At 26th Jun 2011, DifferentVettelOfFish wrote:What are your thoughts on whether all F1 cars should be identical, thus making sure that the best driver wins each year rather than the team that spends the most money?
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Comment number 9.
At 26th Jun 2011, Choosy54 wrote:Hi Murray - do you think the "movable aerodynamic devices" (called DRS this year) which were so empatically banned on safety grounds after the Spanish GP in 1969 when both Lotus 49 movable high rear wings collapsed should be allowed? There is a reasonable chance of a mechanical or system failure (just like in 1969 and also as we almost saw with Alonso earlier this year) and that, as some drivers opening the rear wing too early in practice have almost demonstrated, could lead to a significant accident.
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Comment number 10.
At 26th Jun 2011, Sean wrote:Hi Murray,
The Canadian Grand Prix was the longest ever, and seemed like a commentator's nightmare to keep people entertained. What was the most difficult race for you to commentate on? And did it turn out to be as good a race as Canada.
Regards,
Seán Craddock
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Comment number 11.
At 26th Jun 2011, Terry Hart wrote:Hi Murray,
Great to see you are still involved in F1..
Its your enthusiasm that caught me all those years ago...
I've always wondered why the guys at the back of the grid don't have their own league?
If they got some standing for all their work it would be a fairer sport given the financial
differential that exists between the front runners and the back guys......
I guess 2 speed F1 is not what it's all about...
Cheers
TFH
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Comment number 12.
At 26th Jun 2011, Tony wrote:What do you think of only using one type of tyre but also bringing back refuelling? This should make a difference with everyone able to use different strategies.
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Comment number 13.
At 26th Jun 2011, John Stark wrote:Not 2011, but just watched the interview with Sir Stirling and Richard Hammond about their crashes and the brain damage after the event.
In the years after Sir Stirling's recovery and decision to retire, were there any British F1 teams with which, had he returned, he could have won the Championship?
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Comment number 14.
At 26th Jun 2011, Jonathon Woodward wrote:When on earth did the two hour time limit rule get changed. Now it's 'we can only have two hours of racing,' but I thought it used to be 'the Grand Prix will be finished two hours after it starts.'
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Comment number 15.
At 26th Jun 2011, Murrays_Grandson wrote:The second safety car start in Canada was in conditions that most teams considered to be intermediate weather. Do you think that race control are being too conservative with wet weather starts? And if so, do you think their decision is being influenced by leading drivers complaining on race radio?
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Comment number 16.
At 26th Jun 2011, Stephen Mullins wrote:Hi Murray,
There's been a lot of speculation in some sectors of the Press about the future of F1 with the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ after 2013, despite the superb job the F1 team are doing and the excellent viewing figures which are at an all-time high. How imperative do you think it is that the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ renegotiate a much lower contract fee for 2014 onwards, and if the worst came to the worst and the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ did drop F1, what do you think would happen to the sport if it went pay-per-view?
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Comment number 17.
At 26th Jun 2011, Lewis wrote:Hi Murray, what is your take on the Lewis Hamilton and Red Bull rumours, with Eric Boullier also saying that his team is interested in Mark Webber?
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Comment number 18.
At 26th Jun 2011, Garthy wrote:Hi Murray, do you feel that the reintroduction of KERS this season has added to the racing? I feel that it has been largely unsuccessful bar Lewis' overtake on Jenson in Shanghai and the constant worries in the Red Bull garage giving the rest of the teams a glimmer of hope for the race.
Also, what are your thoughts on the new engine formula for 2014?
Many thanks.
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Comment number 19.
At 26th Jun 2011, emaustin wrote:What exactly is engine mapping?
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Comment number 20.
At 26th Jun 2011, emaustin wrote:What size are the Champagne bottles used in the podium ceremony?
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Comment number 21.
At 26th Jun 2011, Nathan wrote:Dear Murray,
As a very young fan of Damon Hill I will always remember your 'lump in the throat' moment as he won the Japanese GP in 1996 and thus the World Championship. I would love to know which moment in commentating, or at least other than that one, has made you the most emotional and moved behind the mic.
Nathan Dunham, Leicester
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Comment number 22.
At 26th Jun 2011, Michael Stewart wrote:Hi Murray,
My question to you is: What is your view on the rumours about Lewis Hamilton going to Red Bull, either next year or the year after once his McLaren contract expires?
Past examples in F1 where the top team has taken on two equally matched top drivers as team-mates have not ended well - Prost/Senna, Alonso/Hamilton. Compelling viewing for the fans, but not necessarily good for the team or the drivers.
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Comment number 23.
At 26th Jun 2011, justin wrote:so how do you feel the 2011 season is goin ? personally i think its been 1 of the most exciting seasons in a while & the canadian gp will certainly be 1 of the most memorable gps of all time in my view - i certainly cant remember 1 like it since hungary 1989
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Comment number 24.
At 26th Jun 2011, samplant wrote:What would you think about a European grand prix which changed each year, a wild card which all the teams had little knowledge of, such as Portugal or Netherlands.
Would this allow for the smaller teams to get a surprise result?
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Comment number 25.
At 26th Jun 2011, Pedro Franco wrote:Dear Murray,
firstly, congratulations on the documentary, it came out fine and I really enjoyed watching it! Anyway, my question is a very simple one: should the Bahrain race have been cancelled? I certainly think so, but given that FIA initially wanted to go through with it, was there really a justification for doing so?
Thanks,
Pedro Franco
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Comment number 26.
At 26th Jun 2011, cordas wrote:Great to see you back Murray, I loved the documentary about you.
Do you think F1 does politics? Or was Bernie right in demanding that Bahrain went ahead, right up to the moment he suddenly changed his mind.
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Comment number 27.
At 26th Jun 2011, Linda Connolly wrote:How is Sebestian Vettel's name pronounced - Brundle and Coultard can't make up their minds
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Comment number 28.
At 26th Jun 2011, Troy_Pimbley wrote:Murray, how does the Canadian Grand Prix rank among the best grand prix of all time?
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Comment number 29.
At 26th Jun 2011, DCS wrote:Do you think the new rule changes at sliverstone will close the gap between the red bulls and the rest of the filed? Also will it be enough to stop Vettel's dominance and give the others a more equal chance?
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Comment number 30.
At 26th Jun 2011, Lamster wrote:Murray, Vettel has won 6 out of 8 races this season so far, do you think he's following in the footsteps of Michael Schumacher's domination from 2001-2004 - and do you think the new rules have benefited him more than all the other drivers this season so far??
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Comment number 31.
At 26th Jun 2011, matt-stone wrote:Murray
. . . Valencia has just completed, and I found it all boring, nothing to remember it by. Our Lewis was dully subdue after the verbal drubbing he got from the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ presenters, and not to mention by his own British detractors. All credit to young Vettel and Red Bull but if we are to inject excitement and eliminate boredum from future races, what do you think should be introduced into F1 Racing ?
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Comment number 32.
At 26th Jun 2011, Conor Matchett wrote:Hi Murray,
This year we are seeing more than 3 street or temporary circuits and in the future we will have another. There was talk about dropping Spa a few years ago in favour of a new street circuit. Do you feel, as i do, that Bernie Ecclestone is focusing too much on street circuits?
Cheers,
Conor, York.
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Comment number 33.
At 26th Jun 2011, NotaViking wrote:Which driver, outside of Red Bull, McLaren and Ferrari, do you think deserves a drive at one of those top 3 teams?
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Comment number 34.
At 26th Jun 2011, ksoos wrote:Dear Mr. Murray Walker,
Please forgive me for expressing my disappointment:
But this is a joke. I am so tired of watching Red Bull winning all the time, I can not see a proper race anymore. It is way too easy for Red Bull to win, something must be wrong here !
I am absolutely irritated by Sebastian Vettel's arrogant baby boyish smile and finger pointing and unbearable radio comments every time after the race. In these conditions F1 became boring to me, I am just not as enthusiastic and interested any more.
Only Lewis Hamilton's extraordinary and super driving makes it exciting for me to watch, he is just a pure genius, a real racing driver, to me Lewis Hamilton is the modern age Ayrton Senna.
His maneuvers might did not come of perfectly over the last couple of races, but people might forget that his brilliant moves did come of beautifully over the last couple of hundreds of races !
Lewis Hamilton is the best thing could have had ever happened to F1 and I would love to see Lewis beating Sebastian's arrogant racing face more and more often. Thank you. Krisztian Soos / London UK
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Comment number 35.
At 26th Jun 2011, MissBJAndrews wrote:What do you believe would make Lewis Hamilton go to Red Bull Racing? and do you believe that it is a good career move for him (if he chooses to make it)?
Bethany Andrews, Cambridgeshire
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Comment number 36.
At 26th Jun 2011, KieranCollings wrote:Is Sebastian Vettel catchable? Do you rate Sebastian/red bull, as the best driver/car pairing of all time?
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Comment number 37.
At 26th Jun 2011, tobydell wrote:current drivers all in the same cars, something basic perhaps a caterham, or even karts
good to watch for all the right reasons, who would come out on top I wonder
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Comment number 38.
At 26th Jun 2011, brawn23gp wrote:Hello Murray
With the not-very exciting European Grand Prix today, what do you think of Herman Tilke's tracks?
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Comment number 39.
At 26th Jun 2011, fafafinf1 wrote:I fell in luv with f1 the day I heard "Oh my goodness! This is fantastic!!" (Suzuka - Senna and Prost crash) And never looked back ever since, thanks Murray.
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Comment number 40.
At 26th Jun 2011, DistinctlyAverage wrote:Does Sebastian Vettel winning so convincingly this season put paid to the old adage that, 'only those who are single-minded and ruthless, even to a point of arrogance and even petulance sometimes' can truly succeed at the highest levels, or to put it another way, 'nice guys never come 1st'?
And do you think he is less easy going behind closed doors when it comes to getting what he wants?
And following on, is Seb seemingly the most friendly and amiable F1 World Champion you have ever seen? If not, who was?
Cheers,
James Hogan, Cambridge
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Comment number 41.
At 26th Jun 2011, Josh wrote:Hi Murray,
Even though Alguersuari finished a good 8th in the European GP on Sunday, my question is: Is it too little, too late for Jaime and will Ricciardo replace him or will any other driver be replaced (e.g. Maldonado who has had only 1 top 15 finish this season?
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Comment number 42.
At 26th Jun 2011, Jade wrote:We've been told for 3 +decades that F1 developments benefit the cars we get on the road eventually. Which, in your opinion has been the most practical benefit to road cars
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Comment number 43.
At 26th Jun 2011, JohnW wrote:Hi Murray.
Is it out of the question that you would ever return to the commentary box for a one off race in the future, this year or future years? i'm sure many of us would love to see this.
Regards
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Comment number 44.
At 26th Jun 2011, oldoil wrote:Murray,
Many thanks for commentaries past, when both you and the spectator would be excited by the spectacle of an F1 grand prix. However that is the past and not much to get excited about these days with the race decided in qualifying. All the technical changes are pointless, the expertise employed by the teams has proved this time and again. The problem is the modern TRACK not the car. Bernie's looking in the wrong direction.
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Comment number 45.
At 27th Jun 2011, Jun wrote:One of the HRT driver was involved in numerous incidents during the race, one of which was blocking Webber. I was surely expecting an incident report and penalty but nothing. How come the likes of Hamilton and top guys are more prone to getting penalties for similar incidents but not when its smaller teams? Granted that penalizing HRT would not mean much, rules are still rules.
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Comment number 46.
At 27th Jun 2011, tabasco wrote:Hello Murray. Hamilton and Button complain a lot about the car they drive. Other drivers rarely do this. Is this bad for morale or does it encourage McLaren to magically deliver what they want. I'm sure the workers at the McLaren operation are working flat out for them. They seem rather unsupportive and petulant.
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Comment number 47.
At 27th Jun 2011, Matt wrote:Hi Murray,
My question is:
Should there be a place on the race calendar for tracks that consistently give poor races?
Thanks,
Matt.
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Comment number 48.
At 27th Jun 2011, Paul Baker wrote:Hi Murray,
This is my first ever question to you on F1.
Do you link Valencia should be scrapped from the F1 calender after the 4th race there on Sunday which was once again boring?
Thanks,
Paul
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Comment number 49.
At 27th Jun 2011, ally wrote:Hi murray,
Now we are near enough half way through the season, what are your opinions of the rookies, the new teams and the 6 drivers in the top 3 teams?
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Comment number 50.
At 27th Jun 2011, Carlonso wrote:Hi Murray - always a pleasure to hear your views and your documentary was outstanding...
My question is this:
Is it fair/right to ban off-throttle diffusers (or any other piece of technology) midway through a season, and will it help the other teams catch up on Red Bull?
Many thanks.
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Comment number 51.
At 27th Jun 2011, Ted wrote:I'm probably too late with this, but I would be interested in your view of the disgraceful behaviour of our trackside commentators on Sunday at Valencia as they barged their way into the post race parc ferme area! If the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ wishes to retain broadcasting rights it needs to take care that the FIA do not throw them out first.
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Comment number 52.
At 27th Jun 2011, Daniel wrote:Hello Murray;
You have previously said that the years 1984-94 were the most exciting you had witnessed as a Formula One commentator. Do you think that we are now in a period that mirrors that era with exciting open races and larger grids?
Thanks
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Comment number 53.
At 27th Jun 2011, FA-nohonour wrote:Hi Murray, hope this finds you in good health. We are seeing some great racing with much more overtaking this year, but also many more incidents seem to be investigated by stewards than in previous years. Many of what would previously have been a deemed "racing incident" are now "causing an avoidable accident" and result in a drive through. Where do you stand on this, should drivers be trying to overtake and risking a "racing incident" or should they be waiting until its 100% safe to do so ?
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Comment number 54.
At 27th Jun 2011, Alasdair wrote:Hi Murray,
What did you think of Schumacher's performance in Canada? Do you think he's starting to find his form?
Thanks Alasdair
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Comment number 55.
At 27th Jun 2011, sparkymarky wrote:After the fantastic race in Canada, do you think F1 should be going back to circuits from previous years rather than the newer ones? Eg. Austria
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Comment number 56.
At 27th Jun 2011, petewilson wrote:Hi Murray,
do you think f1 will ever return to donnington - European would be good,and if so
would it be better than valencia ?
cheers
ps your a legend
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Comment number 57.
At 27th Jun 2011, GFasulo wrote:Murray, should any country hold 2 Grands Prix?
Thanks and best regards.
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Comment number 58.
At 27th Jun 2011, another fan wrote:Well, Murray, I still think heads should roll @ Maclaren, & as Mr Whitmarsh is @ the top, he should do the honourable thing, he doesn't seem to think anything is wrong; v simply the car is has been too slow for over 2 years! Lewis will then beable to sort his head out! Wringing a car to death is certainly a good sign a car is slow!
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Comment number 59.
At 27th Jun 2011, Holly wrote:Hi Murray,
Without Adrian Newey and Sebastian Vettel, do you think the Red Bull Racing Team would be as successful as they are currently.
Holly
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Comment number 60.
At 28th Jun 2011, Tom Horton wrote:Murray,
Do you think F1 could use more diversity in engine and tyre suppliers?
Tom
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Comment number 61.
At 28th Jun 2011, anden wrote:Hi Murray
I wonder if you think the regulations now provide us with quite boring looking cars . I miss the feeling I got when I first saw the "tea tray" March , the Lotus 72 and the "crab claw" Brabham on the cover of Autosport or MN sat in a snow covered Silverstone pits . Or am I getting old
Andy
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Comment number 62.
At 29th Jun 2011, John_of_York wrote:Murray, should F1 bring in the "green" 1.6 engines in sooner rather than later, else F1 will be lagging tech research, rather than leading it?
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Comment number 63.
At 1st Jul 2011, another fan wrote:Hi Murray, seems to me you are sitting on the fence these days and stating the obvious; not like you @ all! You are always fun & always followed you, thank you.
Now off the fence: Maclaren have not provided a 'fast' car for over 2 season now, therefore: why? have they put all their spare cash into that sports car, so no money left to F1, is the engine not up to it? or is it everything ie managemet; Who is going to supply the new engines to Maclaren. Very sad to have Lewis & Jensen not having the gear to set pole! Whitmarsh must go!
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Comment number 64.
At 1st Jul 2011, hall green f1 legends wrote:hi murray, to stop 1 team dominating f1 isnt time we brought ballast into consideration. it works in touring cars and really livens there championship up. also why cant the teams select what rubber compound to use for each race instead of Pirelli saying these are the 2 compounds this race. it might make for some fantastic desicions and some not so good. and do red bull gain some knowledge of where there competitors are at with running ferrari engines in there sisiter team, who regulates that and how.
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Comment number 65.
At 4th Jul 2011, f1fan01 wrote:Hi Murray, we regularly hear a torrent of negative comment about Lewis from Brundle, DC, EJ and to a lesser extent recently Jake.
Lewis has achieved more and done more for F1 in his short career than all of them combined.
Are they really best placed to be so critical?
Isn't this a case of the pot calling the kettle black?
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Comment number 66.
At 6th Jul 2011, Matty wrote:Hi Murray and the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Sport Formula 1 Team,
Fantastic coverage of F1 across the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ. Britsih fans are treated to the best and most innovative TV coverage live on ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ One, and this must continue. I know it costs a lot of money to cover the sport, but in my opinion it is money well spent. The ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ's involvement in F1 is great for the sport.
Really looking forward to Silverstone, come on the Brits.
Who do you think will win on Sunday Murray?
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Comment number 67.
At 10th Jul 2011, winifred rothwell wrote:i was just wondering who the man is who at the end of the race gives the top three drivers their hats watches towels and water because he is at every race thanks
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Comment number 68.
At 12th Jul 2011, Stevieb_e4 wrote:Murray,
Slightly disagree with comment 61 as one thing is ruining the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ coverage for me.
As an ex commentator do you not get a little bit niggled by David Coulthards' refusal to pronounce Sebastian Vettel's (rhyme with Kettle not Ve Tell) name correctly. I find it incredibly annoying to have 2 men in the same box saying it differently.
What would you do to overcome mental blocks with some of the more complicated names, circuits etc
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