Ann Bradshaw: Point of View
In this column, Ann Bradshaw writes about some of the unfortunate events of last weekend's Chinese Grand Prix, such as drain covers going loose and drivers crashing into each other even before the race had started. She also pays tribute to a few names who will be missed next year
I don't often feel sorry for anyone in Formula One, but I did on Sunday and that person was Ron Dennis. A drain cover saw the end of his dream of McLaren and Mercedes claiming their first Constructors' World Championship since 1998 and in the age of technical excellence in this sport it was just not acceptable.
I was impressed the designer of the Shanghai circuit - one of the best in the world - stood up and was counted. Herman Tilke admitted someone had forgotten to lock down the drain cover with the key that was provided for this purpose. Not much comfort here for Ron, who had seen Juan Pablo Montoya run over this and destroy his car, his race and his boss' hopes and dreams. Recently F1 had gained its sparkle back, but on Sunday there were some red faces from people who should know better.
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