Official: McLaren has at least one Spanish fan

03/02/2008

While some will remember this weekend's test at Barcelona for the outrageous behaviour of a number of morons who gave the term 'race fans' a whole new meaning, it is our pleasure to report an incident that shows the caring side of the sport.

On entering the circuit early on Saturday morning, Dave Cornish, who looks after the McLaren motorhome at tests, couldn't help but notice a small girl with her nose pressed tight against the wire. Dave couldn't help but notice her because she was decked out in a set of McLaren overalls.

While certain parties were making their way to the track, offensive banners under one arm, book of racist taunts under the other, Dave invited the girl and her mother into the paddock for a closer look at her heroes.

Claudia (for that is her name), was given a guided tour of the McLaren set-up - which had been fenced off in order to prevent any unwelcome morons - and even got to meet with Lewis Hamilton and Heikki Kovalainen. Furthermore, according to our source - who do you think took the pictures? - Lewis and Heikki didn't merely brush her off with a quick signature and a smile but actually took time out to chat to her.

Her mother subsequently sent an e-mail to the team on Sunday thanking them for their gesture.

"Thanks for what you have done for Claudia today," she wrote. "When she has come home she was so excited she could not explain to her sister what had happened. Thanks one more time."

Our picture shows a delighted Claudia and the man who made it all possible, Dave Cornish.

Finally, please note that this is not a press release, in fact we're sure McLaren will be embarrassed and Dave might even get a rollicking for inviting Claudia and her mother in. However, we think it's a story worth sharing.

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