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Martin Brundle's grid walks don't always go to plan – just take the Japanese Grand Prix.
Searching for people to interview at the front of the grid, the veteran broadcaster began his piece to camera in front of the five red start lights. He then moved down, stumbling on a group of young singers who were preparing to belt out the Japan national anthem.
The group, all of whom had their fingers in their ears to block out the noise from screeching F1 cars, were approached by Brundle in the build-up to the race. "They're all standing here with their fingers in their ears," Brundle said, before joking: "I'm sure they will sound somewhat better."
READ MORE: Martin Brundle's seven best F1 gridwalk moments of all-time
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He then approached the singer on the end of the choir, enquiring: "Do you speak English?" After receiving a reply in Japanese, the Sky Sports star, who was working for BBC at the time of the funny incident in 2011, replied: "Ok, well, good luck with your singing, yes."
Trying once more, he asked: "How much longer?" After receiving another reply in Japanese, Brundle said: "Ok, thank you very much, good luck." And with that he sped off down the grid to interview the drivers, who at that time included Sebastian Vettel, Michael Schumacher, Jenson Button and Nico Rosberg.
What's your favourite Martin Brundle grid walk moment? Let us know in the comments section below
Despite the language barrier problem 12 years ago, the exchange probably still proved more pleasant for Brundle than during his dealings with some of Hollywood's A-listers. The 64-year-old star has found himself at odds with some big names in recents years, including rapper Megan Thee Stallion and tennis icon Serena Williams.
Brundle was given short shrift by Megan Thee Stallion's entourage as he attempted to pose a question to her on the grid at the US Grand Prix in 2021. He wasn't impressed.
Following the race, he addressed the issue on Twitter, writing: "I have felt under pressure on the grid before but by people called Senna, Prost, Schumacher, Mansell, Piquet and so on.
He added: "Bodyguards visiting the grid for the first time don’t bother me, everyone’s got a job to do, but they could maybe learn some manners and respect on our patch."
- F1
- Footballblog
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