Daniel Puddicombe and I are both budding motorsport writes, so we wanted to see what our reactions would be to the same questions. In red are my answers to the questions and the answers in grey are Dan's. Its an interesting concept to see the our differing viewpoints.
Also hopefully it will help you get to know us abit better!
- Who or what inspired you to start blogging / writing and where would you see yourself in 5 / 10 years?
Dan Puddicombe: I've always liked cars and motorsport, which came from my dad, who has a keen interest for anything that moves. According to my parents, when I was younger I was excellent at making car sounds and always had my head in a car magazine or book. I also learnt to tell different cars part quite quickly, too. From there, as I grew older and (slightly) wiser, my interest grew too. I think the point that I realised that being a journalist would be a good idea was around Year 8 / Year 9: by this time I was reading CAR, Autocar and TopGear and started to think 'I could do that'. It was at this point that I started to really engage with my English lessons - previously, I wasn't too bothered about them - and also started to write random things outside of the classroom. Then, my parents suggested I should contact a motoring magazine for my Year Ten work experience week. After hearing back from Autocar to say I was too young, being ignored by TopGear and a firm 'no' from Motorsport I started to give up. Then, my sister told me that one of her best friends worked for Bauer Media owner of CAR. She contacted the editor on my behalf and arranged a week with them. Cut a long story short, my week was fantastic; getting ten articles published on their website within a week, under my own name, and some brilliant advice for the future. So I guess my inspiration comes from my dad, and the editor at CAR who seemed to believe in me from day one. As for where I would like to see myself in 5 / 10 years? As a journalist on a motoring or motorsport magazine.
Jack Leslie: Well I would not say I was inspired by a certain person but there were people who said it would be a good idea. In July 2011 I realised after high grades in my coursework and great reports by my teachers that I could write. I always wrote about it in lessons at any chance I got so decided to start my blog. I asked the legendary F1 writer Peter Windsor if it was a good idea and he said it was a great starting point. I set up "talkfromjackleslief1" and started writing before then branching out to other projects. I changed the name to "jackleslief1" on the 1st of January to make it more relatable and memorable. I wanted to write because I really enjoy the sport and really enjoy writing so I get the best of both worlds. Hopefully in that time period I would of got a writing job or studying at university. I would love to write for websites like Sky Sports F1 or BBCF1 or magazines like F1 Racing, those are platforms that I read regularly and inspire me more.
- What would you say is your greatest achievement?
DP: My work experience at CAR for sure. I learnt more in that week about motoring journalism than a years worth of blogging.
JL: Writing wise I would say getting invited to the Sky Sports F1 press day. I didn't even have to ask which was amazing and now I have a kind of "special" connection with the channel. I met the team and gathered loads of information and it was a good learning curve hearing all the answers to the questions. The one thing I wish I had done was be more talkative, I was extremely nervous and its abit intimidating sitting across the table from David Croft, Martin Brundle and the team. I would say a great achievement for me is getting such a following on social network sites, it is not easy, and keeping my blog updated and writing for such great websites. Outside of writing I would say getting my GCSE grades and paragliding were a great achievement, I did the paragliding on holiday in Turkey. Being that high up was amazing but very scary so I had to kind of conquer a fear. I've never really entered any competitions or sports because I always preferred writing, but hopefully I have much greater achievements to come.
- When did you first start watching motorsport / Formula one and do you watch any other series?
DP: I started watching Formula One when I about five or six. Since then, it's captivated me, even the duller races. I haven't seen it live at the circuit yet though, but I remember when I was seven or eight that we were staying in a hotel near the Barcelona Circuit, on the way back from a holiday in the Algarve and the Ferrari team were staying in the hotel too! The next morning, I was waiting by the lift and a man dressed in bright red Ferrari overalls. My face lit up at this sight, and it turned out to be Luca Badoer, who was testing a new front wing at the circuit that day. Then at breakfast, the whole team all came down - all dressed in clean overalls - and say next to us. Then, we went to the circuit, to look around, saw their truck and found somewhere to watch. I distinctly remember hearing that screaming V12 in all of its anger, for the first time and seeing a scarlet flash. That made me a fan for life. I also follow the BTCC, and also to a few rounds each year, the British Superbike Championship and attend the Formula Ford Festival at Brands Hatch each year. I also watch DTM when it comes on the TV, and until this year, attended the British round of World Series by Renault.
JL: I started to watch F1 when I was 6 but obviously being so young I just liked the sound and the look. I really got into it in 2004 and from then on I started watching more regularly and going to shows like the Autosport International and getting into motorsport in general, I've always been more into cars than sports. I used to occasionally watch GP2 and I'm a fan of BTCC/WTCC and have been to many BTCC rounds. I also watch GP3 and some other types of motorsport. However this year with Sky Sports F1 showing GP2, GP3 and other forms of motorsport it has brought me alot closer. I also follow F2 and other series due to people I have interviewed or tweet with just to see how they are getting on.
- Past or present, who is your favourite driver of all time?
DP: Lewis for the present driver, Sir Stirling Moss for 'past' driver - how he managed to drive at an average of 100mph in the '55 Millie Miglia is beyond me. A true gentleman, too.
JL: Past I would say Ayrton Senna, its the obvious choice but for me he was the best of his era and one of the best ever. Being born a few months after he died I have relied on the internet and the amazing Senna film to see him in action and he never gave up, was fast and a great ambassador. The Senna film was amazing too and it brought a few tears to my eye if I'm being honest. Present I try not to be biased due to my writing but I would say Jenson Button. I've met him twice and have 2 signed caps from him and when I started following F1 in 2004 I automatically became a fan because he was fast, British and a like able character. I also like the young talent at the moment like Dino Zamparelli in F2, Max Chilton in GP2 and Alice Powell in GP3 because they are quick and have worked very hard. I have also interviewed them all and they are great people.
- In 2012 we have so far seen 6 different winners in 6 races, what do you think of this? Is it good for F1?
DP: It's very good for the sport; you don't know which team or driver combination will be on top from one round to the next, so it's excellent for the sport, and I feel that it's coming back into another 'golden era', with the class of racing so far this season. The new rubber is helping this, I know, and unlike many, I think the fact that you have no idea what's going to come next is brilliant and has certainly kept me fixed to my TV. With Montreal coming up next, a track known for throwing up odd races and abrasive surface which makes the tyres go off quickly, coupled with the softer compounds, this could be a classic.
JL: I think the fact that so many cars are winning and there are such a large number of drivers who can be in contention for the win is great. Gone are the days of the saying "oh let me guess, Schumacher won" and it being correct. I think it is very good for F1 and particularly for me from a writing perspective, it makes every race review I write different because all the races have been so unique. It also means that the championship is alot closer so in that respect it is exciting. Some drivers have said it could be bad for the fans because anyone could win but I don't think that's the case. Yes different people can win but not everyone and what makes it so exciting is that no one knows who that is. I can see how it is frustrating for the drivers and teams as they don't know where they are in the pack or who their challengers are.
- What are your views on KERS and DRS which were introduced in 2009 and 2011 respectively?
DP: Everyone moaned at there being a lack of overtaking before DRS came in, and now people moan at it being fake overtaking. In my opinion, DRS is a brilliant thing, as gives the drivers more of a chance to overtake which is good thing, yes? I'm of the opinion that lots of overtaking is good for the sport, rather than none. Whether we've gone too far and make it too easy is another debate - unless you have actually driven a car fitted with DRS and overtaken someone or have been overtaken, I think it's unfair to pass judgement. As for KERS, in 2009 it wasn't that good - the two teams who were right up there, Brawn and Red Bull had designed their cars around not using the system. Now that everyone has it, I think it is a lot better than in '09.
JL: I think in 2009 when KERS was introduced it was a bad idea because we were just coming out of a recession and only a few teams could afford to buy and develop the system. Due to the fact only 4 teams had it at the start of the season and by the end only 2 had it showed that it became less favourable as it weighed alot and the it was not fair for just a few teams to have it because it did not make a level playing field. It didn't work because some had the aid while others did not, whats the point in that? That's like some cars having power steering and some not. Now everyone bar the back teams have it so it creates a better and more level field. DRS is great if the circuit get the zones right. Its difficult if the circuit is new to judge it but on most of the tracks this year it has worked at not making passing too easy, so that's good.
- We have seen a number of great drives so far in 2012, which ones have stood out for you?
DP: Perez in Sepang and Pastor in Barcelona without a doubt.
JL: I think the best drives came from Button in Australia because that was when everyone was in the dark. He made a great start to get ahead of Lewis and despite the cars being quite equal he got the best out of the car and was racing flat out each lap. It wasn't an easy win which makes it more exciting and it was great to start the year off. Perez also did a great job in Malaysia to harry Alonso and despite an inexperienced slip up towards the end he did a great job in difficult conditions to keep his head and the car on track. I will also throw in the Spanish Grand Prix. Maldonado did amazing and surprised me, but I don't think he will get another win this season. Hamilton also did very well to come from last to 8th on a track where overtaking is so tough so it was a good drive and strategy.
- The Sky Sports F1 and BBCF1 choice had divided the nation, which one do you watch?
DP: BBC, but only because my parents refuse to get Sky! I have watched a lot of Sky F1 programmes on Youtube and the like and have to say that their shows are very good indeed - I really enjoy The F1 Show. But the BBC have kept their coverage up, even on the highlight shows, so I don't really have anything to complain about.
JL: I watch Sky Sports F1 because I'm slightly more loyal due to me meeting their team and getting a first hand look at all the features and gizmo's they had. I usually watch the race build up 15 minutes behind to re forwards any breaks but I think they have started the first quarter of the year very well and I love the Sky Pad. The F1 Show is also very good and I thought they really stepped it up in Monaco. I sometimes watch the bbcf1 forum but usually I'm busy or will watch it on iPlayer. Us fans have been given such amazing access through 2 great channels but I feel sometimes I get abuse on Twitter or my Dad says I've "abandoned" the BBC but that's not true, you have to watch 1 or the other so I choose the one I prefer to watch, not saying Jake, Eddie or DC are bad. Sky have given F1 fans so much access and obviously I cant watch it all but its amazing to see what they have done, but I can see why its divided the nation.
- What are your plans for this year, writing wise?
DP: I have work experience with AUTOSPORT and Autocar in July. Other than that, I'll try to blog a bit more, I've got to finish off my review of New York (although it's very long and I've been doing it in bits since March!) and hopefully get a few things published on various websites.
JL: I don't really know, just will see where it goes. I will obviously carry on with my blog and push for some interviews and features. I will hopefully get a column in a local newspaper of something but I also write for a number of websites. I will be doing my Weekly column on PureF1.com and write articles for TheWriteFormula, RichlandF1 and TrackReviewers as well as PureF1. I will also try and write for more websites and expand my portfolio but I will be going into my A2 year at sixth form so I will have to juggle that. I always say I focus mainly on school because if I don't get good grades then I may not get better opportunities so writing can wait and be 2nd behind school, after all I'm only 17 and have plenty of time to get more experience.
- Who do you want to win the 2012 championships and who do you think will win them?
DP: Come back to me after Spa on that one, I may have a clearer idea. At the moment it's any body's guess!
JL: I want Button and Mclaren to win it because I'm a fan of those 2 but I think it will be between Alonso, Hamilton and Vettel. I hope Vettel doesn't win because even though I like him as a person and driver he needs to let someone else win! I think it will be close in the constructors but Mclaren will probably win that.
 |
| (c) Octane Photographic |
- Who or what inspired you to start blogging / writing and where would you see yourself in 5 / 10 years?
Dan Puddicombe: I've always liked cars and motorsport, which came from my dad, who has a keen interest for anything that moves. According to my parents, when I was younger I was excellent at making car sounds and always had my head in a car magazine or book. I also learnt to tell different cars part quite quickly, too. From there, as I grew older and (slightly) wiser, my interest grew too. I think the point that I realised that being a journalist would be a good idea was around Year 8 / Year 9: by this time I was reading CAR, Autocar and TopGear and started to think 'I could do that'. It was at this point that I started to really engage with my English lessons - previously, I wasn't too bothered about them - and also started to write random things outside of the classroom. Then, my parents suggested I should contact a motoring magazine for my Year Ten work experience week. After hearing back from Autocar to say I was too young, being ignored by TopGear and a firm 'no' from Motorsport I started to give up. Then, my sister told me that one of her best friends worked for Bauer Media owner of CAR. She contacted the editor on my behalf and arranged a week with them. Cut a long story short, my week was fantastic; getting ten articles published on their website within a week, under my own name, and some brilliant advice for the future. So I guess my inspiration comes from my dad, and the editor at CAR who seemed to believe in me from day one. As for where I would like to see myself in 5 / 10 years? As a journalist on a motoring or motorsport magazine.
Jack Leslie: Well I would not say I was inspired by a certain person but there were people who said it would be a good idea. In July 2011 I realised after high grades in my coursework and great reports by my teachers that I could write. I always wrote about it in lessons at any chance I got so decided to start my blog. I asked the legendary F1 writer Peter Windsor if it was a good idea and he said it was a great starting point. I set up "talkfromjackleslief1" and started writing before then branching out to other projects. I changed the name to "jackleslief1" on the 1st of January to make it more relatable and memorable. I wanted to write because I really enjoy the sport and really enjoy writing so I get the best of both worlds. Hopefully in that time period I would of got a writing job or studying at university. I would love to write for websites like Sky Sports F1 or BBCF1 or magazines like F1 Racing, those are platforms that I read regularly and inspire me more.
- What would you say is your greatest achievement?
DP: My work experience at CAR for sure. I learnt more in that week about motoring journalism than a years worth of blogging.
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| I'm in the chequered shirt, picture (c) @CroftyF1 |
- When did you first start watching motorsport / Formula one and do you watch any other series?
DP: I started watching Formula One when I about five or six. Since then, it's captivated me, even the duller races. I haven't seen it live at the circuit yet though, but I remember when I was seven or eight that we were staying in a hotel near the Barcelona Circuit, on the way back from a holiday in the Algarve and the Ferrari team were staying in the hotel too! The next morning, I was waiting by the lift and a man dressed in bright red Ferrari overalls. My face lit up at this sight, and it turned out to be Luca Badoer, who was testing a new front wing at the circuit that day. Then at breakfast, the whole team all came down - all dressed in clean overalls - and say next to us. Then, we went to the circuit, to look around, saw their truck and found somewhere to watch. I distinctly remember hearing that screaming V12 in all of its anger, for the first time and seeing a scarlet flash. That made me a fan for life. I also follow the BTCC, and also to a few rounds each year, the British Superbike Championship and attend the Formula Ford Festival at Brands Hatch each year. I also watch DTM when it comes on the TV, and until this year, attended the British round of World Series by Renault.
JL: I started to watch F1 when I was 6 but obviously being so young I just liked the sound and the look. I really got into it in 2004 and from then on I started watching more regularly and going to shows like the Autosport International and getting into motorsport in general, I've always been more into cars than sports. I used to occasionally watch GP2 and I'm a fan of BTCC/WTCC and have been to many BTCC rounds. I also watch GP3 and some other types of motorsport. However this year with Sky Sports F1 showing GP2, GP3 and other forms of motorsport it has brought me alot closer. I also follow F2 and other series due to people I have interviewed or tweet with just to see how they are getting on.
- Past or present, who is your favourite driver of all time?
DP: Lewis for the present driver, Sir Stirling Moss for 'past' driver - how he managed to drive at an average of 100mph in the '55 Millie Miglia is beyond me. A true gentleman, too.
JL: Past I would say Ayrton Senna, its the obvious choice but for me he was the best of his era and one of the best ever. Being born a few months after he died I have relied on the internet and the amazing Senna film to see him in action and he never gave up, was fast and a great ambassador. The Senna film was amazing too and it brought a few tears to my eye if I'm being honest. Present I try not to be biased due to my writing but I would say Jenson Button. I've met him twice and have 2 signed caps from him and when I started following F1 in 2004 I automatically became a fan because he was fast, British and a like able character. I also like the young talent at the moment like Dino Zamparelli in F2, Max Chilton in GP2 and Alice Powell in GP3 because they are quick and have worked very hard. I have also interviewed them all and they are great people.
- In 2012 we have so far seen 6 different winners in 6 races, what do you think of this? Is it good for F1?
DP: It's very good for the sport; you don't know which team or driver combination will be on top from one round to the next, so it's excellent for the sport, and I feel that it's coming back into another 'golden era', with the class of racing so far this season. The new rubber is helping this, I know, and unlike many, I think the fact that you have no idea what's going to come next is brilliant and has certainly kept me fixed to my TV. With Montreal coming up next, a track known for throwing up odd races and abrasive surface which makes the tyres go off quickly, coupled with the softer compounds, this could be a classic.
JL: I think the fact that so many cars are winning and there are such a large number of drivers who can be in contention for the win is great. Gone are the days of the saying "oh let me guess, Schumacher won" and it being correct. I think it is very good for F1 and particularly for me from a writing perspective, it makes every race review I write different because all the races have been so unique. It also means that the championship is alot closer so in that respect it is exciting. Some drivers have said it could be bad for the fans because anyone could win but I don't think that's the case. Yes different people can win but not everyone and what makes it so exciting is that no one knows who that is. I can see how it is frustrating for the drivers and teams as they don't know where they are in the pack or who their challengers are.
- What are your views on KERS and DRS which were introduced in 2009 and 2011 respectively?
DP: Everyone moaned at there being a lack of overtaking before DRS came in, and now people moan at it being fake overtaking. In my opinion, DRS is a brilliant thing, as gives the drivers more of a chance to overtake which is good thing, yes? I'm of the opinion that lots of overtaking is good for the sport, rather than none. Whether we've gone too far and make it too easy is another debate - unless you have actually driven a car fitted with DRS and overtaken someone or have been overtaken, I think it's unfair to pass judgement. As for KERS, in 2009 it wasn't that good - the two teams who were right up there, Brawn and Red Bull had designed their cars around not using the system. Now that everyone has it, I think it is a lot better than in '09.
JL: I think in 2009 when KERS was introduced it was a bad idea because we were just coming out of a recession and only a few teams could afford to buy and develop the system. Due to the fact only 4 teams had it at the start of the season and by the end only 2 had it showed that it became less favourable as it weighed alot and the it was not fair for just a few teams to have it because it did not make a level playing field. It didn't work because some had the aid while others did not, whats the point in that? That's like some cars having power steering and some not. Now everyone bar the back teams have it so it creates a better and more level field. DRS is great if the circuit get the zones right. Its difficult if the circuit is new to judge it but on most of the tracks this year it has worked at not making passing too easy, so that's good.
- We have seen a number of great drives so far in 2012, which ones have stood out for you?
DP: Perez in Sepang and Pastor in Barcelona without a doubt.
JL: I think the best drives came from Button in Australia because that was when everyone was in the dark. He made a great start to get ahead of Lewis and despite the cars being quite equal he got the best out of the car and was racing flat out each lap. It wasn't an easy win which makes it more exciting and it was great to start the year off. Perez also did a great job in Malaysia to harry Alonso and despite an inexperienced slip up towards the end he did a great job in difficult conditions to keep his head and the car on track. I will also throw in the Spanish Grand Prix. Maldonado did amazing and surprised me, but I don't think he will get another win this season. Hamilton also did very well to come from last to 8th on a track where overtaking is so tough so it was a good drive and strategy.
- The Sky Sports F1 and BBCF1 choice had divided the nation, which one do you watch?
DP: BBC, but only because my parents refuse to get Sky! I have watched a lot of Sky F1 programmes on Youtube and the like and have to say that their shows are very good indeed - I really enjoy The F1 Show. But the BBC have kept their coverage up, even on the highlight shows, so I don't really have anything to complain about.
JL: I watch Sky Sports F1 because I'm slightly more loyal due to me meeting their team and getting a first hand look at all the features and gizmo's they had. I usually watch the race build up 15 minutes behind to re forwards any breaks but I think they have started the first quarter of the year very well and I love the Sky Pad. The F1 Show is also very good and I thought they really stepped it up in Monaco. I sometimes watch the bbcf1 forum but usually I'm busy or will watch it on iPlayer. Us fans have been given such amazing access through 2 great channels but I feel sometimes I get abuse on Twitter or my Dad says I've "abandoned" the BBC but that's not true, you have to watch 1 or the other so I choose the one I prefer to watch, not saying Jake, Eddie or DC are bad. Sky have given F1 fans so much access and obviously I cant watch it all but its amazing to see what they have done, but I can see why its divided the nation.
- What are your plans for this year, writing wise?
DP: I have work experience with AUTOSPORT and Autocar in July. Other than that, I'll try to blog a bit more, I've got to finish off my review of New York (although it's very long and I've been doing it in bits since March!) and hopefully get a few things published on various websites.
JL: I don't really know, just will see where it goes. I will obviously carry on with my blog and push for some interviews and features. I will hopefully get a column in a local newspaper of something but I also write for a number of websites. I will be doing my Weekly column on PureF1.com and write articles for TheWriteFormula, RichlandF1 and TrackReviewers as well as PureF1. I will also try and write for more websites and expand my portfolio but I will be going into my A2 year at sixth form so I will have to juggle that. I always say I focus mainly on school because if I don't get good grades then I may not get better opportunities so writing can wait and be 2nd behind school, after all I'm only 17 and have plenty of time to get more experience.
- Who do you want to win the 2012 championships and who do you think will win them?
DP: Come back to me after Spa on that one, I may have a clearer idea. At the moment it's any body's guess!
JL: I want Button and Mclaren to win it because I'm a fan of those 2 but I think it will be between Alonso, Hamilton and Vettel. I hope Vettel doesn't win because even though I like him as a person and driver he needs to let someone else win! I think it will be close in the constructors but Mclaren will probably win that.
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