Formula 1 drivers help orhpans

Published on 06 December 2001 by

Twelve Formula 1 drivers have committed to Bridgestone to help with a charity auction. The initiative was started by the Thames Valley Police who guards that part of England where the Formula 1 is most active. This charity was founded in 1997 and aims to make the lives of children whose parents have died in a car crash a bit more pleasant.

Disneyland in Paris is one of the places where this charity has taken 60 children on 3 seperate occassions.

The Thames Valley Police is hoping that every UK police officer will join this action. On average 10 people are killed daily on the British roads.

Michael Schumacher, Rubens Barrichello, Mika Häkkinen, David Coulthard, Jarno Trulli, Heinz Harald Frentzen, Jacques Villeneuve, Olivier Panis, Nick Heidfeld, Kimi Raikkonen, Enrique Bernoldi and of course Jos Verstappen have given their cooperation and support.

Bridgestone Motorsport Press Officer Sarah French said: "I can guarantee the authenticity of the signatures - since the start of the 2001 Formula 1 season in Australia in March, I carried the t-shirt around the world, collecting autographs among all 12 drivers who raced on Bridgestone tyres last season. Of course, this would not have been possible without the support of our teams and their drivers and Bridgestone wishes to thank them all for their help. No one hesitated in giving their support. We’re delighted that Bridgestone has been able to help the charity in this way because, as a manufacturer of pasenger car tyres as well as tyres for Formula 1, road safety is our priority. Now we hope that since the drivers have given their support so generously that people will be equally generous in their bids. The more money that this unique t-shirt raises, the more children who have lost loved ones will benefit."

You can bid on this auction by going to www.ttcharitytrust.org.uk The auction will close on 31 December 2001.