20/01/2005
NEWS STORY
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Following extremely generous contributions from Renault, BAR, Jordan and Bridgestone, F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has come to the aid of the Pitpass Tsunami Auction.
Mr Ecclestone has donated a magnificent 27" x 38.5" (68cm x 98cm) poster featuring, and signed by, Michael Schumacher in his 2004 Formula One World Championship winning Ferrari F2004.
Furthermore, to add historical significance, it was sent to Pitpass editor Chris Balfe on the same day Ferrari agreed to sign up to a new Concorde Agreement until 2012.
Mr Ecclestone and Mr Balfe have enjoyed regular dialogues for some time, at one point leading to the Pitpass editor getting involved in an incident involving a digital camera and a public toilet on Great Yarmouth seafront.
Once the auction got underway, and after a gentle shove from Redzone Image's John Marsh - who has also donated items, including agreeing to do the wedding photography for a couple of F1 fans later this year - Mr Balfe contacted Mr Ecclestone to make him aware.
"As you can imagine I have been snowed under with requests," was the response. "The Ecclestone charity Trust has been dealing with the issues.
"Now in your case we will send you something."
In all honesty, what Balfe really wanted from Bernie was a cheque for one penny - yes one penny - signed by the man himself. Imagine what that would have sold for.
Instead, Bernie has sent this absolutely stunning poster.
Thus far, only two teams have said that they would not donate items, though in one case this is because the team is brand new (hint) and has no merchandise available.
As to the others, frankly we're a little disappointed, but then again we don't expect everyone to be as generous as Renault, BAR, Jordan and Bridgestone.
We're not asking for cars or engines, merely an old shirt, a poster, perhaps signed by one or two of the team drivers.
Furthermore, we still believe that the idea of a cheque for one penny signed by the team principal - or even driver(s) - would be superb. The winning bidder wouldn't cash the cheque, therefore even the poorest team wouldn't find itself so much as a penny out of pocket.
Pitpass readers have rallied behind the cause, donating items for auction... is it possible we might see a little more generosity from within the pitlane, indeed within motorsport. We're not proud, we'll sell anything, if it will bring in much needed cash for a very worthwhile cause.
To check out the current items available, click here