Ian Snowley's blog

Brake Test

I have a feeling that Hamilton's crash into the back of Raikkonen (leaving the pits in the Canadian GP) fits into the category of 'least said soonest mended' - but it does appear to be 'like Father like son' on this occasion!

However, the race did bring a superb maiden victory for Robert Kubica in only his second full season, and a great 1-2 result for BMW. Not forgetting an excellent third place for David Coulthard, also well deserved.

What it means for the championship is less sure, but it does confirm that this year its much more of a 3-way race. I certainly predict that it will go down to the wire again this year.

Brilliant strategy - superb drive

Yes - Lewis Hamilton wins the Monaco F1 Grand Prix, a great strategic recovery from his early error in the wet and a great drive means the win was well deserved. Particularly after the disappointment of last year!

I know I seem only to post on F1 when Lewis is doing well - but its great to see him back at the top of the standings, and after such a great drive.

Looking good for Canada.

Changing Sides

Well interesting news that ITV decided to opt out of F1 coverage, returning it to the BBC from the 2009 season. On the whole I think ITV has done a pretty good job since they started showing F1, despite my scepticism when BBC lost the rights in 1996.

Despite that I am looking forward to coverage without adverts, and of course the BBC should be able to use the full range of online and digital channels to provide more in-depth coverage than was possible when they showed it before.

I just hope that the don't bring Murray Walker back, he was the voice of F1, but I think that time has passed! - I do hope that they revive the classic theme tune (The Chain by Fleetwood Mac) and that Martin Brundle transfers to the BBC, his commentary remains insightful and an important part of enjoying (and understanding) the races on TV.

Go, Go, Go

Well, the F1 Grand Prix season is back - and (to some extent) its like we've never been away, but better given that Lewis Hamilton has started this season even better than last year's with an excellent flag to flag victory.

It is however, quite clear (despite the race's reputation for being tough on cars and drivers) that the rule changes do put an ever greater premium on driver skill (and concentration) which bodes well for an exciting and unpredictable season to come.

Malaysia next week - hope Lewis has started as he means to go on.

An outstanding rookie season

Despite being pipped at the post in today's Brazilian F1 GP, I'm quite certain that Lewis Hamilton is the star of the season and that he really has established himself as a genuine championship contender.

I'm convinced that the allegations of industrial espionage and subsequent penalty from the WMSC added to the pressure on the McLaren team and led to some of the difficulties they faced in the last races of the season.

Have no doubt, finishing second in his rookie year is a great result for Lewis - look out for his dust in 2008!

On the run

Today it was my turn to support Sue with her running - at the Race for Life held on Hampstead Heath, it was a fairly tough course - hilly and uneven, so well done for completing it.

Wheels on fire!

Yes F1 is back - and what a debut for Lewis Hamilton. A good start to the season, and much more to come I suspect. Can't work out the logic of the new tyre rules though - you have a use what you know to be a sub-optimal tyre choice during the race, well OK Bernie, if you say so!!

Ole, ole, ole

Well done to Fernando Alonso and Renault for winning both Formula 1 GP Drivers and Constructors championships once again!

And goodbye Schumi.

Oh, and yes I eat my words, ITV did hang-on to their ridiculously over blown sub-Bond titles sequence for the whole series - hopefully Schumacher's retirement means it will have to be replaced!

Running to catch up?

Yes I did come back from Canada as scheduled, but work, CILIP and just catching up has meant that I haven't managed to get blogging since I returned - until now that is!

Today I 'competed' in the Nike Run London 2006 - North against South 10k. Sadly I didn't manage to beat lat year's time, in fact I finished in 54:11 - some 32 seconds slower. However I would put that down to the course being rather crowded in places, and the maple syrup diet that I've been following in Canada!

The good news is that the South Team won, by 17 seconds!, if you want to - you can see me cross the line here.

However, despite not improving I enjoyed the run, and feel I did OK in the circumstances. Let's see what I can manage if Nike do it all again next year.

Here are the pictures to prove I took part and finished!

Run, run, run away

This is how I should have reacted when 'encouraged' by Nike to sign up for their 5k run which took place in Finsbury Park this Sunday morning. However, persuaded by the fact that completing the run provided a place in the next Run London 10k (to be run in October) I went along.

However the after effects of Eastbourne (and HLG) hospitality and the high temperatures meant that it was very hard going! I was passed by Paula Radcliffe - who ran the event twice. I did manage to post a time of 25:38, but I was hoping for something a bit better. At least I don't need to train for next week's aerial slide.

After I had recovered, we returned to Central London for the '100 years of cars parade' led by Jodie Kidd, part of the pre-events for the British International Motor Show.

There was a good selection of cars from the last 100 years, and a few interesting examples from the world of film too.