Aspiring sports journalist interviews British GP2 champion Lewis Hamilton
Bridgestone e-reporter finalist Barny Whitwham, from Colchester, Essex, had the unique opportunity to report live from the GP2 series paddock at last weekend’s Italian Grand Prix (8-10 September).
In the second phase of the pan-European competition for young sports journalists, Barny was one of the last e-reporter finalists, out of eight, to attend a Grand Prix race weekend. Experiencing the sights and sounds of the F1 and GP2 paddocks, and reporting on the final round of the GP2 season, Barny grasped the ultimate opportunity to interview British ART Grand Prix driver Lewis Hamilton, who clinched the GP2 title on Saturday after taking a bonus point for setting the fastest lap during the first race of the weekend. Bridgestone’s aspiring young journalist also had time to catch up with James Allen, ITV F1’s commentator.
Allen has shown continued support for the Bridgestone e-reporter initiative and met with Barny during the race weekend to pass on advice and guidance to the up-and-coming reporter. Speaking after the weekend, Barny Whitwham said;
“It was certainly an unforgettable weekend both for me and motorsport in general, with Lewis Hamilton taking the GP2 title and Michael Schumacher announcing his retirement. It was amazing to encounter all the action first hand and be able to share the experience.” Barny continued; “All the members of the media I spoke to, including James Allen and Tony Jardine, were able to offer lots of invaluable advice. The GP2 drivers were also very approachable and easy to talk to, especially Lewis Hamilton. My chat with him was probably the highlight of the weekend.
The competition has certainly succeeded in giving a unique insight into the world of sports journalism and making the whole adventure a lot of fun.” Bridgestone e-reporter offers a phenomenal package for the overall winner, providing an opportunity to attend and report on further international events. The winner will also be rewarded with a state-of- the-art laptop and feature as presenter of a Bridgestone Journal – a television bulletin covering Bridgestone’s main community programmes.
Visit www.bridgestone.eu/e-reporter to find out more on Bridgestone e-reporter and to read all the finalists’ race reports. The overall winner of Bridgestone e-reporter 2006 will be announced in the Autumn. -Ends- Notes to Editors: Investing in the future of aspiring young reporters, Bridgestone e-reporter (closing date for entries 31 March 2006) was open to all students in full time education, aged 18-30, across Europe
