A racing car that runs on chocolate?
That’s two of my favourite things; cars and chocolate!

A British research team have developed a fully sustainable racing car that runs on chocolate.
The car actually runs on a biofuel that is made from mainly chocolate, but there’s a lot more that makes this car an extraordinary contribution to sustainability.
The body of the car is made using recycled carbon fibre, flax, and recycled resin, the steering wheel is made from carrot pulp. The lubrication for the moving parts in the car are made from plant oils.
Despite being the most environmentally friendly car on the Formula 3 circuit, it’s not slow.
This car has a top speed of 135mph, and with a little help from the turbo charger it does 0-60 in just 2.5 seconds.

Dr Kerry Kirwan from the University of Warwick, England, is the lead researcher of the project and despite the idea of ‘green’ motor sport often being greeted with cynicism, he is confident that it’s definitely a feasable option.
Dr Kirwan said that the idea behind this project was to help people understand that “being sustainable and green can be incredibly sexy, fun and fast” and that they hope to “show ways for the future, for people to race and be green.”
Dr Kerry Kirwan is confident that the car which cost £500,000 to build, will not embarrass itself.
He said, “We believe it is the world’s greenest car but it shows that being green does not have to be boring.”

Ross Brawn, the F1 team boss, and racing drivers Lewis Hamilton and Adam Carroll have given their approval to the project and the car.
The car, called the ‘WorldFirst Formula 3 Racing Car’, but is also known as the ‘flying carrot, took part in its first racing competition in the Formula 3 Championship final on the 17th October at Brands Hatch.

While I’ve no doubt there will be many ‘green’ people who think this is a great idea, I’m not so sure.
Running a car on chocolate? I prefer to eat my chocolate.

Posted on ZEITGEIST

LIFE IN THE SLOW LANE

Lewis Hamilton, the Formula One world champion received an MBE from HRH the Queen today.

Lewis Hamilton, 24, described collecting his MBE from the Queen as, “one of the most overwhelming experiences” of his life.
Lewis added, “I was so nervous to meet her. It was one of the most overwhelming experiences I’ve ever had. I’m kind of lost for words.
“I don’t think you realise until you’re standing in front of her how special it is.”
Lewis also spoke about his win in Brazil saying, “The Queen said she watched very closely the last few laps. She was asking about the car.
Speaking about his upcoming race in Australia Lewis said, “The pressure’s on now. She’ll be watching as I go into the first race.”

Lewis was accompanied by his father Anthony, brother Nicolas, and stepmother Linda, to collect his MBE. His girlfriend Nicole Scherzinger of the Pussycat Dolls could not be with him.
Lewis said of Nicole, “She’s on tour. She would have come for sure.”

Lewis Hamilton was just one of the group of around 120 people from all walks of life at the ceremony. Afterwards he thanked his McLaren team, his family, and the British public for their continuing support.
Lewis said, “To go to the Palace today and meet Her Majesty The Queen was an incredible experience, following what has been an intense, exciting and unbelievable 12 months of my life.
“I’m so proud of the reception I have received from everybody in the United Kingdom.
“People’s enthusiasm and support – even during the tough times – really kept me going and helped me through an extremely demanding year.
“To be recognised alongside the people who make an outstanding and selfless contribution to society, is truly humbling and I’d like to thank Her Majesty The Queen, her Government and the British public for bestowing this honour on me.
“I’d also like to thank my family for sharing my dream and helping to make it a reality.
“Last but not least, I’d also like to thank my team – Vodafone McLaren Mercedes – for taking a chance on me when I was 13 years old.
“I still can’t believe I’m in Formula 1 and that I’m now a world champion – it’s incredible.”

Lewis Hamilton became the youngest ever winner of the prestigious title in November 2008.
Lewis Hamilton will return to more familar surroundings tomorrow (Wednesday) when he gets back behind the wheel of the MP4-24 to complete McLaren’s test programme at Barcelona over the final two days.
The 2009 Formula One season gets underway in Melbourne on 29 March.
Lewis Hamilton’s next race is the opening Formula One race in Australia at the end of the month.

Village house for sale ~ Maison de Village Vente

Lewis Hamilton wins the 2008 Formula One World Title on the final lap!

Britain’s Lewis Hamilton secures the 2008 Formula One world title with a thrilling final lap to finish 5th at Interlagos, Brazil.
Lewis Hamilton becomes Britain’s first Formula One world champion since Damon Hill in 1996.

And the crowd went wild!
I bet the pit crew were over the moon too because Lewis Hamilton’s girlfriend Nicole Scherzinger, of the Pussycat Dolls, was so excited with her boyfriends win that she hugged them all.

It makes a refreshing change to hear some good news.
Congratulations to Lewis Hamilton, I am so pleased that he did it, but not I suspect as pleased as he is.

MALAWI