Celebrity spotting at the German Grand Prix 21 Jul 2008
The German race proved to be as popular as ever with celebrity Formula One fans. And we caught up with some of the biggest VIPs at Hockenheim on Sunday to find out how they were enjoying their Formula One experience…
It has been only a week since Ukrainian boxer Wladimir Klitschko defeated Tony Thompson to take the IBF/WBO federation heavyweight crown. But on Sunday Klitschko, a guest of McLaren, was fighting again - this time in Lewis Hamilton’s ‘corner’. “(His victory) was down to perfect strategy and technique," he explained. "And that is very similar to boxing. I’ve also been able to shake Michael Schumacher’s hand for the first time and that has really made my day!”
DaimlerChrysler’s CEO Dr Dieter Zetsche was also ecstatic to witness a McLaren-Mercedes victory. “It’s our home GP, one could say it is almost in our backyard - and Lewis is up there on the podium," said Zetsche. "It’s a fantastic end to a fantastic weekend! Naturally I hoped that Lewis would win but we have seen at many races this season that nothing is predictable, and scoring pole doesn’t automatically make you the winner. I really would like to be able to attend more races but unfortunately you cannot multiply time to take into account your own personal wishes. But a home Grand Prix is something of a must and with this result it was a real pleasure.”
Another ‘giant’ in the paddock was German-born Hollywood actor Ralf Moeller, who was a guest of Force India. With a long history of visiting Grands Prix, Moeller is an avid motorsport fan, alongside some of his celebrity friends. “In LA myself, Arnold (Schwarzenegger) and his nephew love to get on our bikes and drive off into the blue," said Moeller. "And I believe that California would be ready for a Formula One race. Picture this - a horde of Hollywood stars on their bikes setting out for a Formula One race. That is PR you couldn’t beat!”
German Olympic swimmer Franziska van Almsick is also no stranger to the fast lane. “I had a fantastic time," explained Van Almsick, after the race. "It is always a pleasure to come back, feel the excitement, the tension and the overwhelming joy of the podium. I live just around the corner in Heidelberg so there was no question I wouldn’t be here.”
