Well despite being called to account by the FIA, Ferrari and Schumacher appear to have got away with a slap on the wrist as a result of the nonsense that was the Austrian Grand Prix! The slap cost them $500,000 with the prospect of another similar fine if there is a repeat performance within the next twelve months.
On a rather different note most of you are probably not aware that I have been working in France for the last few months near Versailles, just outside Paris. Well I have to report that French motorways are an absolute joy to drive on compared to their UK counterparts. The roads have hardly any traffic on them, have little in the way of road works and are well surfaced for comfortable high-speed motoring. The down side is that the French are such an appalling race of drivers particularly on the roads around Paris!
It would appear that none of them were ever taught what the indicator stalk by the steering wheel should be used for and they change lanes with absolutely no warning whatsoever! Speed limits in built up areas appear to be advisory only; the hard shoulder is something you use to drive down when there is a traffic jam and you can’t be bothered to wait in line like everyone else; and then there are the roundabouts, well where do I start! The French have this system called ‘Priorite a Droite’, where you have to give way to traffic approaching from the right, somewhat strange when you are already driving around the roundabout. But what makes this even more interesting, that there are some roundabouts where this rule doesn’t apply, consequently you really have to keep your wits about you. Despite all of the above, it’s great when you get used to it and just drive like the locals!
Finally, just a quick mention that I was lucky enough to be able to drive down to Le Mans to witness the final qualifying sessions on the Thursday evening for this years race. It turned out to be a trip well worth making as the atmosphere at the circuit was fantastic with a huge British contingent already there to cheer on the Bentley entry. However the Audis were very impressive taking pole with a lap of the 8.5-mile circuit in 3 minutes 29 seconds. I really must go back and watch the whole race again soon!

Colin Rodger