Eddie Irvine
As promised, here is my report from the Oxford Union on Wednesday, where Eddie Irvine, ex-Formula One driver and something of a playboy came to speak and answer questions.
Being in the Macmillan room, it was a somewhat low-key affair, with only about 40 or so people in attendance. This provided plenty of opportunity to ask questions.
Without a doubt, Eddie is cool. Very cool. In his own laid back style he shared his opinions frankly and honestly.
In the world of F1, Ferrari, apparently will always have the upper hand - they'll always attract the best drivers and sponsors. Eddie acknowledged that this did not make for a level playing field, but said that the "leveller is the fact that they are managed by Italians".
When it comes to Team Orders, he said that he would happily move over for another driver if asked - "I know I could have beaten him, and that's what counts. What's important is what I know I can achieve, I don't care about the opinion of the crowds". He was quick to point out that his preferred method of letting someone past was to invent a minor car problem and slow up for a few laps. Barichello's infamous slowing down at the last minute to let Schumacher past was met by Eddie with derision.
He didn't appear to like Bernie Ecclestone, though he said that he was a clever man and had taken advantage of the teams 'faffing around'. He pointed out that a breakaway series from Formula One is unlikely as Bernie has the TV rights for Japan, and has Ferrari's support (=TV rights for Italy), which pretty much means that he has it sewn up.
He didn't seem to like his fellow competitors either, and made it quite clear that he had no problems "walking all over them" on or off the track.
Surprisingly he's not really in to cars - I got the impression he finds driving boring, and he pointed out that there was no point in driving if you have someone else to drive for you. He likes his scooter as a good way of getting around, and really enjoys MotoCross.
Eddie likes his native Northern Ireland because he has a couple of soccer pitches and a go-kart track there, and "it's the only place where he has the infrastructure to ring up his mates at 2am for a kick about". New York, apparently, has the best women, and Miami is good if you want sunshine. His favourite Grand Prix is Monaco because he can sleep on his boat. A nice life if you can get it...
So, with boats, planes, cars, and beautiful women, is there anything missing, Eddie?
"Well, there's a few other women I'd like to have had".
Being in the Macmillan room, it was a somewhat low-key affair, with only about 40 or so people in attendance. This provided plenty of opportunity to ask questions.
Without a doubt, Eddie is cool. Very cool. In his own laid back style he shared his opinions frankly and honestly.
In the world of F1, Ferrari, apparently will always have the upper hand - they'll always attract the best drivers and sponsors. Eddie acknowledged that this did not make for a level playing field, but said that the "leveller is the fact that they are managed by Italians".
When it comes to Team Orders, he said that he would happily move over for another driver if asked - "I know I could have beaten him, and that's what counts. What's important is what I know I can achieve, I don't care about the opinion of the crowds". He was quick to point out that his preferred method of letting someone past was to invent a minor car problem and slow up for a few laps. Barichello's infamous slowing down at the last minute to let Schumacher past was met by Eddie with derision.
He didn't appear to like Bernie Ecclestone, though he said that he was a clever man and had taken advantage of the teams 'faffing around'. He pointed out that a breakaway series from Formula One is unlikely as Bernie has the TV rights for Japan, and has Ferrari's support (=TV rights for Italy), which pretty much means that he has it sewn up.
He didn't seem to like his fellow competitors either, and made it quite clear that he had no problems "walking all over them" on or off the track.
Surprisingly he's not really in to cars - I got the impression he finds driving boring, and he pointed out that there was no point in driving if you have someone else to drive for you. He likes his scooter as a good way of getting around, and really enjoys MotoCross.
Eddie likes his native Northern Ireland because he has a couple of soccer pitches and a go-kart track there, and "it's the only place where he has the infrastructure to ring up his mates at 2am for a kick about". New York, apparently, has the best women, and Miami is good if you want sunshine. His favourite Grand Prix is Monaco because he can sleep on his boat. A nice life if you can get it...
So, with boats, planes, cars, and beautiful women, is there anything missing, Eddie?
"Well, there's a few other women I'd like to have had".
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