MINI Celebrity Challenge - Results

[eltel]

Here is the BMW Press Release about the MINI Celebrity Challenge that preceeded the Australian F1 Grand Prix.


ITALIAN IDOL TAKES OUT MINI CELEBRITY CHALLENGE
03/11/2003

Pole-setter Marzio Canevarolo added to his Italian idol status by taking out the 2003 MINI Celebrity Challenge on a rain-marred and very slippery track at Albert Park.
The Italian model and singer was never challenged in the eventful race, which saw numerous Celebrities spin, twist, slide and pump their way through the race before the BMW Safety Car came out and cut it short because of the slippery conditions.

Even Olympic Gold medallist Steven Bradbury, who was renowned for his aggressive racing style throughout the week-long driver-training session, toned himself down to ensure he could get another podium finish - although this time a second placing.

Unfortunately, for Rove[live] public entrant and MINI collector Paul Brown, from Perth, his third place was discounted when the CAMS officials disqualified him for a breach in racing rules.

This gave Olympic and Commonwealth weightlifter Damian Brown the 'bronze spot' to the delight of his contingent of fans, especially his young children who were glued to their TV set watching the race at home.

Marzio secured his top spot on the grid for the 25 km race by putting in the fastest time in the Qualifying session. He lost nothing of his skills overnight and got off to a flying start to lead the field into the first corner and avoid all the bumps and slides which on behind him with the rest of the 25 Celebrities.

Celebrating the first anniversary of MINI in Australia and the second MINI Celebrity Challenge, the Celebrities put in an excellent performance for 'first-time racers' in their MINI Coopers in extremely trying conditions.

The Celebrities' driving instructor, Geoff Brabham said after the safety car came on to the track, that the Challenge "was shaping up to be a great race, but that is the way it goes with this type of weather."

Spasmodic, heavy rain fell on the circuit throughout the morning before the race got underway to thoroughly wet the track and give it an icy surface.

This should have been an advantage to the short-track ice speed-skater Bradbury, but even he admitted the conditions were not to his liking.

"It was pretty icy and I have won in some strange ways in the past, but it was awesome out there," he added.

Very much the understated Italian, Marzio said he would have preferred to 'win in another way,' but there were smiles all-round as he sipped champagne with the rest of the Celebrities and his girlfriend, the top Italian and Australian model, Megan Gale, who was a distant 16 positions behind him.

Champion butterfly swimmer Petria Thomas, who is used to wet conditions, also found the going tough, but she maintained her top practice form to be the first lady home. She drove a flawless race for 5th position, just ahead of one of the race favourite James Morrison.

The internationally renowned jazz musician Morrison was second on the grid, but he spun the MINI Coopers' tyres at the start and could not get himself back into contention.

Former AFL and All-Australian star Stephen Silvagni took out 4th position and maintained his dominance over his Collingwood rival Peter Daicos (18th), while dual US Open champion Pat Rafter came home in 7th spot, just ahead of Channel 9 weather girl Sami Lukis (8th) and his Davis Cup tennis partner Sandon Stolle in 9th positions.

Results of the 2003 MINI Celebrity Challenge are:

1. Marzio Canevarolo, Italian model
2. Steven Bradbury, Olympic gold medallist' short track speed skating
3. Damian Brown, Olympic and Commonwealth weightlifter
4. Stephen Silvagni, former AFL Carlton footballer
5. Petria Thomas, Australian swimmer
6. James Morrison, international jazz musician
7. Pat Rafter, former world No. 1 tennis champion
8. Sami Lukis, Channel 9 weather presenter
9. Sandon Stolle, tennis professional
10. Liz Ellis, Australian netballer
11. Darren James, 3AW radio presenter
12. Katie Underwood, singer/TV presenter and ex-Bardot
13. John Paul Young, singer
14. Alexandra Davies, actor
15. John Gibbs, 2UE radio guest presenter
16. Mieke Buchan, SBS sports presenter
17. Megan Gale, international model
18. Peter Daicos, former Collingwood AFL footballer
19. Corinne Grant, comedian
20. Geoff Cox, Postcards presenter
21. Peter Helliar, comedian
22. Brigette Duclos, Triple M radio presenter
23. Jimeoin McKeown, comedian
24. Grace McClure, Face of Foster's
25. Paul Brown, rove[live]entrant (disqualified)



Regards, ElTel