April 2002 - Daniel Chick, Andrew Barnish - New MINI Cooper

The Barcelona 2002 Grand Prix, and what better way to travel than in a Mini! Dan and newcomer to the team, Andy Barnish, took the new Mini all the way down through France to Barcelona in the north of Spain. After staying over in Southampton for the night, we caught the early fast ferry to Cherbourg, followed by a monumental 20 hour mission non-stop to Barcelona. The French Autoroutes did us proud, and we arrived safe and sound at the circuit around 10pm.

Dan had arranged to meet some friends at the airport in Barcelona (what a boooring way to travel to a Grand Prix!!), so no sooner had we arrived at our camp site, we dumped our kit, and Dan got back in the Mini to traverse Barcelona. Hadn't he done enough driving for one day!

The highlight of the weekend was certainly our invitation into the Jaguar pit lane just after the first practice session, kindly arranged by Dan's 'contacts'. We were invited right inside the Jaguar pit garage, much to the surprise of Andy, who spent the rest of the day smiling like a Cheshire cat! It was comforting to find out that there is a car that is less comfortable than a Mini on a long distance journey.... but still not as much fun I bet!!

The second highlight (!) of the weekend was the Saturday night, when we were invited to the Jaguar Racing VIP Party, again kindly arranged by Dan's Aunt Amanda. We were surrounded by a selection of Spanish celebrities, and it has to be said, some truly stunning young ladies :-) What a night.... What a hangover!!!

The race on the Sunday went by in a blur, and was typically unexciting as is common these days in Formula 1. Still, much fun was had by all!

The journey back was split into two days - we were still getting over our journey to the circuit only 3 days before - and we spent the Sunday night camping near Bordeaux, at the foot of the largest sand dune in Europe, the Dune de Pyla.

Check out our Barcelona gallery for a few pictures from the weekend.

Check out the FHM web site for some more pictures of the weekend - that's the party we were at - oh yes!!!

24 April 2002 - Barcelona Grand Prix