Driven presents a portrait of the charismatic Formula 1 driver and British motor racing legend Graham Hill who uniquely won the F1 World Championship, the Indy 500 and Le Mans 24 hours.

At a time when drivers would race in any event thrown at them, Hill lived for racing and among his many amazing achievements on the track was winning the infamous Monaco Grand Prix five times, a feat only surpassed by Ayrton Senna.

Off the track Hill would charm the socks of anyone who cared to listen a true raconteur and a dashing gentleman, with a keen eye for the ladies.

Graham Hill: Driven features contributions from family, close friends and former colleagues including son Damon and track rival Jackie Stewart.

Graham Hill: Driven – Sunday February 20th at 7pm on BBC 2

‘Senna’ has already been released in Brazil, the drivers home country and also in Japan where the three time F1 champion enjoyed a huge following through his association with Honda.

The film/documentary will be released in the UK in July 2011 to coincide with the British Grand Prix. It is written by Manish Pandey and directed by Asif Kapadia.

Watch the trailer for the sensational ‘Senna’ movie here:

If that fact wasn’t a signal of intention in itself, it is worth noting that the only two teams to have done so prior to Honda were the hugely successful BRM, and current Formula One giants Ferrari.

Their creativity paid off: Honda got their first race win in the 1965 Mexican Grand Prix. At the close of the 1968, though, Honda’s team faced tragedy and chose to withdraw: driver Jo Schlesser crashed and died at the French Grand Prix.

Despite their withdrawal, Honda has maintained an incredibly successful career in formula one. As a manufacturer of parts, their forward thinking designs have meant that – when between 1983 and 1992, they provided engines for other F1 teams – cars with Honda engines took six Constructors Championships and saw five drivers race to Driver Championships in cars with Honda engines.

One such driver was the legendary Ayrton Senna, who won his three championships in cars with a Honda engine.

In the 21st century, Honda is now one of the world’s leading car manufacturers. It’s presence in F1 is perhaps now less well known to the casual viewer than it was in the 1960s, but lives on with a great degree of success as the Mercedes GP team, for which 7 times world champion Michael Schumacher now races.

And the forward thinking approach continues at Mercedes GP, as it does with Honda’s road vehicles. Honda’s current range of three hybrid cars represent the peak of innovation in the technology, and  – from the Insight Hybrid, through to the brand new CR-Z hybrid – the company are claiming that they offer the driver the best of both worlds; a car which is not only green and efficient, and that also offers great economy as well as a significantly lower carbon footprint, but which also offers no radical compromise in terms of performance and power. It is a somewhat proud claim and one worthy of serious investigation.

These variations on the hybrid car, like Honda’s confident early developments in F1 in the 1960s and their design work in the 80s and 90s, shows that the manufacturer has innovation at their heart.

Indeed, after several years waiting for a viable workable hybrid engine, after several expensive failures, Honda have produced a range of hybrid cars that look like achieving that lofty aim.

The first car in the range is the Honda Insight Hybrid, or as it has come to be known the Insight (Family Hybrid). The reason for this being that the Insight is Honda’s entry-level family hybrid car. Sharing the same levels of comfort as any petrol or diesel guzzling car in its price range, the Insight Hybrid is available for an on the road price of just £16,325.

The emission rate of just 101 g/km means that it qualifies to be exempt from road tax in the UK (Road Tax Band B) and if you live in London, it also means that you are exempt from the congestion charge.

Furthermore, with a fuel economy rating of 64.2 miles per gallon, you won’t be lining the pockets of the petrol companies too often either. It’s 1.3 litre petrol/electrical engine powers the car to a respectable 113 miles per hour, plenty along any motorway in the United Kingdom and on top of that, the car accelerates from 0-62 mph in just 12.5 seconds.

While the performance isn’t likely to send the car into warp speed, it is certainly more than enough to satisfy the environmentally conscious family driver seeking a practical, affordable and economically viable vehicle.

However the notion that hybrid cars can offer little more than that, even at their best, has also been shot to pieces with the introduction of the Honda CR-Z Hybrid, which hit the UK market in early 2010.

This is where Honda’s seemingly distinct worlds of F1 and roadworthy vehicles combine: Powered by a 1.5 litre petrol/electrical engine, the sporty CR-Z achieves 0-62 mph in an eyebrow raising 9.9 seconds and will keep accelerating up to a lip-smacking 124mph.

Where Honda began its life four years before its first Formula 1 victory as a small provider of road vehicles, it has now cemented its position as one of the foremost thinkers in the development of design in car manufacture, whether it’s in streamlining and speeding up F1 cars, or in developing low emissions vehicles.

Troy Bayliss – Ducati Xerox

Troy Bayliss will not be coming back to the World Superbike series following his recent two test sessions on the Ducati as he had decided he does not miss racing enough.

The former three-times World Championship rider said in an interview;

“I spoke too soon. Everything felt easy for me and I said that I wanted to comeback; I guess I started my own rumour. But when I tested here I found out that things weren’t going that good and we ended up going around in circles.

That’s when it hit me and it was hard things like that that I didn’t miss about racing. That completely I changed my mind I don’t want to come back racing and I don’t want to do any wild-cards. I’m retired and I’m happy.”

Bayliss may have retired from racing but he signed a contract for ‘professional services’ under which he remains a test rider for both Ducati WSB and MotoGP teams so for now the rumours can be put to bed, but for how long?

Barry Sheene

The rescheduled date for the Barry Sheene Memorial Dinner has been officially announced as Saturday August 7th during the British Superbike weekend at the Kent race track, Brands Hatch.

Guests will include Steve Parrish who will give an insight in to what it was like being Barry’s team mate and best friend. Margaret Smart and Paul Smart, Barry’s Sister and Brother in Law along with their son and current racer, Scott will be along also. It is also hoped that James Whitham will be along to interview some of the BSB riders.

On show will be two of Barry’s ex GP bikes; the XR14 Suzuki 500 and the OW53 Yamaha 500. Also making an appearance will be the exciting new Icon Sheene Bike, being built in memory of Barry Sheene.

There will be a fork buffet and the cost of the night will be a mere £25 a head. During the night there will be a raffle and an auction of items that money can’t buy which include:

A framed career history and photo presentation personally signed by Barry Sheene.

A framed Fiat Yamaha team shirt presented by the team and personally signed by Valentino Rossi.

A pillion ride with John Reynolds on the Worx Suzuki GSXR at the final round of BSB at Oulton Park.

A set of Chris Vermeulan’s Suzuki leathers from 2009 signed and presented by Chris.

A BBC Jacket signed by the presenters of MotoGP and riders from MotoGP.

There will also be a raffle taking place with the chance to win a replica Barry Sheene crash helmet plus many other prizes.

All proceeds raised go to the children’s cancer charity – CLIC Sargent.

The Barry Sheene Memorial Night will be held at the Thistle Hotel, Brands Hatch.

Dress Code: Black “T” Shirt (Barry never did like ties)
Date/Time: 7th August 2010 dinner 7:30 pm for 8pm

For more information visit www.barrysheenechallenge.co.uk

Eurosport

Motorcycle legend Carl Fogerty has been confirmed as the guest pundit for British Eurosport World Superbike studio at the Assen round of the championship on April 25.

The 44-year-old, four-times World Superbike champion will join Eurosport presenter Tony Carter and the British Superbike rider Josh Brookes for the fourth round of the series for the six hours of live coverage from the Assen circuit.

Nicknamed the ‘King Of Assen’, Fogerty claimed 59 Superbike wins during his career, winning all but two of the Dutch circuit races between 1993 and 1999, with 15 podiums positions out of 16 races.

Every round of the Superbike World Championship is broadcast live on British Eurosport, including qualifying, while the European rounds are also available in high definition on Eurosport HD. The Eurosport Player will simulcast the live action from each round as well as providing extensive on demand coverage.

Saturday 24 April

1400-1500 LIVE Superpole on British Eurosport 2

Sunday 25 April

0930-1535 LIVE WSB Race Day on British Eurosport 2

1800-1830 Race One on Eurosport HD

1830-1900 Race Two on Eurosport HD

British Eurosport is available on Sky (Channel 410) and Virgin Media (Channel 521).

British Eurosport 2 is available on Sky (Channel 411) and Virgin Media (Channel 525).

Eurosport HD is a simulcast of Eurosport International and is available on Sky (Channel 412) and Virgin Media (Channel 522)

British Eurosport channels also available online via Eurosport Player: www.eurosportplayer.co.uk

Follow us on Twitter! @EurosportUKTV

The event has been re-arranged for the August round of the BSB Championship on August 7th 2010 with full details to be announced as soon as possible.

Barry Sheene

The Barry Sheene Memorial Dinner is a fund raising event with many unbelievable items up for auction during the evening with all proceeds going to CLIC Sargent -the children’s cancer charity.

Barry Sheene Memorial Dinner –

Saturday 7th August – BSB Weekend at Brands

Brands Hatch Thistle (DA3 8PE) – Situated on the edge of Brands Hatch Circuit!

3 Course Meal

Tickets only £30 each

All proceeds raised go to the children’s cancer charity – CLIC Sargent

Special Guests include

Steve Parrish

Paul Smart

Margaret Smart

Scott Smart

& James Whitham

Dress Code: Black “T” Shirt (Barry never did like ties)

Date/Time: 7th August 2010 dinner 7:30 pm for 8pm

Display Bikes: Barry’s XR14 Suzuki 500

Barry’s Yamaha OW53 Yamaha 500

Introducing: The Icon Sheene Bike. Developed by Icon Motorcycles in Memory of Barry Sheene. This bike will be making its second public viewing, the first being at Goodwood. The bike carries both Barry’s and Stephanie Sheene’s signatures on the yokes.

Auction Details:
1. A framed authenticated signed picture of Barry riding the RG500.
2. Signed by Valentino Rossi a Fiat Yamaha team shirt, donated by the team.
3. Two x 3 day passes donated by Silverstone for the British GP plus in addition to these, the Suzuki MotoGP team have also donated 2 x VIP paddock passes with full corporate hospitality, for qualifying day.
4. A set of 2009 racing leathers donated by Chris Vermeulen.
5. A signed BBC Jacket courtesy of all the Moto GP Presenters donated by Steve Parrish.

There are many more items that include leisure breaks, adventure
activities and corporate hospitality days.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:-

01382 480161 – 07870 231020 -  symor118@hotmail.com

www.barrysheenechallenge.co.uk

The American began his career in the late 70’s before reaching the top of the American Road Racing  series in the early 80’s.  He decided to retire from the sport in the Summer of 1982 to concentrate on business commitments.

In 1986, he was talked into coming out of retirement and rode for Suzuki team in the GSXR National Cup series where by the end of the season he had racked-up 45 wins out of 51 races.  He joined the Kosar Racing Team for 1987 and competed in the AMA Superbike championship where he finished in fourth place overall, riding against the likes of Wayne Rainey and Kevin Schwantz.

The American got his big break in 1988 when he was signed by the team Yoshimura R&D of America, allowing him also to ride in it’s parent company Yoshimura of Japan in 1989, seeing him win both of the championships.

Doug then went onto the Ducati team, allowing him to race in not only the World Superbike Championship but also the AMA Championship.  He not only won the World Superbike Championship by 150 points but also made history by winning a record 17 victories during the season and claimed the title of AMA Pro Twins Championship.

Taking the crown for the second year running in the WSB Championship of 1992, he finished third in the AMA Superbike series.

In 1993, Doug rode exclusively for the Ducati Italy squad in the AMA Superbike series and claimed the title with two rounds still to run.

In 1994, Doug was given the chance to ride for the Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) on their new RC45 Superbike, finishing fourth in the championship. He only rode a handful of races for the team in the following year.

After leaving the Honda, Doug  joined the Suzuki Endurance Racing team riding a 750cc and also riding a 1100cc in the AMA Superteams series for Team Ebsco Suzuki.   He won the World Endurance Championship of 1997 alongside his team-mate Peter Goddard on the GSXR 750cc.  He won the World Endurance Championship again in 1998 but this time riding for the Honda Racing team on the RC45.

Doug, now 49,  has raced in various events throughout the years and is now offering his services to help others as an instructor at track days and day events in the United States.

Here’s a little clip of Doug winning the 1991 first race at Donington Park;

Troy Bayliss 2008

The three times World Superbike champion title holder Troy Bayliss, has taken the next step in his motor-racing career but this time on four wheels.

The Australian has been testing with different teams in the V8 Supercar endurance series and is hoping to get a drive in this years rounds.

Bayliss said;

“It was my first time with a lot of other cars out on the track, as I haven’t done much in the V8 at all, so it was a good experience today.   I really enjoyed driving the Jack Daniel’s Commodore today and, by the second stint out there, it wasn’t looking so bad. I felt okay, ‘not too bad’ in the car.

It was a great experience. I came along yesterday and had a look at the Kelly Racing set-up. It’s a great facility, on a par with the best that I’ve seen, that’s for sure. The guys asked me along to come and do a few laps and it’s nice because it’s been a long time since I’ve been at Winton.

Everybody knows what I really want to do, I’m chasing that next step in my career, and I’d loved to be involved in the V8s – whether it’s in the main game or as a development driver. There are so many young guys who probably want to be world champions in their future, but I’m not thinking of being a world champion anymore. I’d love to be in the main game and I’d love to win some races.

But also I’d love to do the enduros and, of course, Bathurst is a very big race. It’s something that I’ve been watching for many years, so I’d love to take part in that race and do well in it.”

Ferrari Testing

Michael Schumacher has hinted that although he will not be in the cockpit of the Ferrari at the Valencia round of the Formula One championship due to his ongoing neck problems, he isn’t ruling out a return later in the season.

Schumacher suffered an accident while riding a motorcycle last February and received injuries to his upper vertebrae, head and ribs.

Luca Badoer, the Ferrari test driver, has now been given the job of replacing the recovering Felipe Massa at the European Grand Prix after not having driven in the series for ten years.

The 38-year-old Italian declared that it has been his wish to race for Ferrari since he was a child and at last his chance has come and he fully intends to keep the team at the front of the pack.

It was thought that the Spaniard Marc Gene, would be chosen for the drive in front of his home crowd, especially has he raced in the Formula One series in more recent years and having won the Le Mans 24 hour race for Peugeot this year, however, he may still be in with a chance at other rounds.