Photo of Ecclestone is shocking

I was shocked when I looked at the picture for the first time.

Like all of us, I knew about the beating that F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone received when he and his girlfriend were robbed of about $300,000 in cash and jewellery a few weeks ago.

The stories said he’d been kicked in the head but that he was back at work the next day — which meant, I thought, that his injuries weren’t all that severe.

Then I saw a story today that said Ecclestone (as always) had turned his misfortune into an opportunity.

He’s posed for an advertisement for an F1-sponsoring watch company. The caption, quoting him, says: “See what people will do for a Hublot?"

I expect you will be as taken aback as I was, once you see what happened to him.

A “vicious beating” doesn’t begin to describe it.

Here’s the link to the story and the photo. Be prepared.

Meantime, a friend of mine sent me the following note the other day:

"For those of us diehards who have to watch racing while waiting for the 2011 seasons to start, why not check out a couple of web sites devoted to FIA World Championship to GT1 and GT3 sports car racing?

"All of the 2010 races are available in their entirety and the racing is great."

Thanks, John. We’ll all take a look.

Comments

[Anthony Hutchinson]

I would not be surprised if a little make-up was added for effect.

[Bill Taylor]

I'd say the picture has clearly been Photoshopped. I guess it's proof that no matter how much money some people have, there's nothing they won't do for a little more.

[Mr. Mike]

A very recognizable billionaire (or is that a multi-billionaire) who walks around with 300G's of jewellery on and is too dumb/cheap not to have a massive bodyguard nearby just boggles the mind.

That's using your head Bernie!

[phil hall]

I've always thought that Bernie looks a lot like Jack Elam who played the mad doctor in "Cannonball Run" but he looks even MORE like him in this picture.