Britain 1997:
with Murray Walker.
F1 Racing August 1997.

Such a great British Grand Prix with so many high and low points that I feel like a yo-yo. This was ITV's supreme
challenge, with the daunting first-time job of acting as host broadcaster and picture provider for 37 countries worldwide. The whole team had worked and planned for months and we felt we'd produced a really attractive package for the weekend's action, but it all went even better than we'd dared to hope.

Like Damon's seeming weekend from hell which turned into unpredictable glory. Public criticism and demeaning by Tom Walkinshaw (which Damon took with stoic dignity) followed be an excellent 12th on the grid as top Bridgestone runner, fastest in the warm-up (truly incredible) and then that nail-biting move up to sixth on the last lap but one for his first point with Arrows. It must have seemed almost as sweet as a win with Williams. Like Ferrari being unreliable for a change and Williams sadly continuing to be the same thing. Like Jacques clawing his way back to the front after a potentially disastrous 33-second stop. Like poor Mika losing the lead through no fault of his own (although with his rear tyres in the state they were in, I think he would have lost it anyway. Like both Benetton drivers on the podium for the first time this year and young Alexander Wurz getting his first podium in only his third grand prix. Will we see Gerhard in a Benetton next year? I'd lay money we won't.

But best of all, both world championships are wide open with half the season completed. With the McLaren almost there (my tip for a win at Hockenheim), Benetton at last almost on the pace and nothing in it between Williams and Ferrari, plus world champion Damon Hill finishing well, we've got some exciting viewing to come.

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