The 'Bring Back Clarkson' petition has passed 600,000 names. There are reports that he's considering walking away from the BBC as his current deal finishes at the end of March. The 3 presenters were about to sign another 3 year deal but that process has ground to a halt. If Clarkson leaves the BBC surely be a major scrap by other broadcasters to sign him up (ITV & C4 have tried before). Not sure where that would leave Hammond & May though.
There was also news on what prompted the 'fracas': apparently he was told he couldn't order a hot meal (a steak) and would have to make do with a cold meat platter. Nobody has explained why he couldn't order a steak (it's not like he & the BBC couldn't afford it). There are also reports that the BBC could lose millions over this as it's broadcast in 214 countries and those broadcasters will want money back for the non-appearance of 3 shows. And that's aside from all the live shows etc (2 of which are coming in the next few weeks and are both sold out) and assorted other merchandise (TG makes about £50m a year for Auntie).
Away from Jezza, an Australian court has upheld its ruling that Giedo van der Garde must race for Sauber in the season-opening Australian GP (and the whole of the 2015 season too). “The conditions set down by Melbourne’s Supreme Court are pretty clear – they say Sauber must run van der Garde as a driver and must do nothing to obstruct him in his right to race for the team," reported Sky Sports News' Craig Slater.
Which means that Monisha Kaltenborn will have to chose which of the other drivers she will drop, knowing full well that they in turn will probably sue the team. Additionally I imagine that the sponsors of the dropped driver will want their money back (especially the ones who paid money up front). According to the Telegraph, Nasr is thought to bring around £12 million from Banco do Brasil, while Ericsson has £10 million of backing. Reporters at the Victoria Supreme Court also said that Van der Garde's legal team has filed a contempt of court application to force Sauber to comply with the order. A failure to comply could be in contempt of court & result in the seizure of Sauber's assets, according to his lawyer. Sauber have since been asked to provide a list of those assets, which includes their cars and equipment at Melbourne’s Albert Park in place for the race.
Just how on earth did a qualified lawer like Monisha Kaltenborn end up with 3 contracted drivers for 2 cars and this massive, expensive mess? This could be the end of Sauber.
Sky sports: http://bit.ly/1MtKySb
BBC: http://bbc.in/1NNRUD
The major, devastating news of the day was the death of Sir Terry Pratchett at the absurd age of only 66. The news came around 3pm in the afternoon, leaving fans throughout the world distraught.
The passing of a true gent was marked with his typical wit.
His daughter tweeted a message
As Lou was off work I had to call her an deliver the terrible news.
After work we went to the Isaac to raise a glass to one of the finest, funniest, kindest gents that I have ever had the pleasure of meeting.
Then, we thought it appropriate to go for a curry (rogan josh) and hoped that he was tucking into a "Klatchinan Hot".
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