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Month: May 2020

Interview: Eddie Jordan

by: Simon Pavitt
04/05/2020

In a new regular feature for Monaco Life, Simon Pavitt, pioneer in helping remarkable individuals with their ‘Capstones’, talks to Principality residents about how they are finding meaning and fulfilment beyond their day to day business. Simon’s focus is on passion projects and the ‘non-financial’ motivations to getting people going.
Simon spoke with Eddie Jordan OBE, (commonly and affectionately known as EJ), the Irish former F1 team owner, entrepreneur, TV personality and philanthropist.
So EJ, what is your connection to Monaco?
I moved to Monaco in 2009. A lot of F1 people move here, especially current and ex-drivers. Partly because they can go about their usual day to day activities without fuss. Then there is the motor racing heritage whereby people here understand and embrace Formula One. It is also well connected to get across Europe to races in Spain, Belgium, Italy, and the Netherlands. There have been quite a few private jet ‘lift sharing’ with a bunch of drivers to and from Monaco before and after race weekends.
I do love Monaco, it feels safe and a bit like a village. I have always gravitated to smaller places – the likes of Jersey where I spent summers karting to the Wentworth Estate. Similar to the F1 paddock, you develop better relationships in smaller places, and there’s more chance for me to use my Irish blarney within a community.
Let’s start with what we call the cornerstone phase of a career. Can you tell us more about your early years growing up and some of the defining moments that set you on your path?
I grew up in Southern Ireland. I went to a strict school. I was destined to either follow the family footsteps and become a banker, accountant, dentist or priest! But I also had a passion for karting. I started late, though, compared to the professional drivers of today. Lewis Hamilton was taking karting seriously aged eight! After only one serious year racing, at age 23, I won the 1971 Irish Kart Championship. I started too late really but got the racing bug.
I have taken the classic path working up through the ranks of motorsport, from karting to Formula Ford to Formula 3, Formula Atlantic and Formula 2. I even had the briefest of experiences driving in Formula 1: one test at Brands Hatch for McLaren in 1980. Moving through the different series put real racing into my blood. Like rising to the top from the bottom up. I look back and still find racing the most enjoyable in the feeder series versus the glitz and glamour of Formula One.
Moving onto your keystone phase, we consider this the time you make your mark, the middle age where you create and achieve success.
I would say things really started to gain momentum in 1979 when I formed my first team Eddie Jordan Racing. Rather than the driver, I was the team owner. During the 80s I found and employed some amazing drivers and won some prestigious championships such as British Formula Three. I had a knack of being able to spot and nurture talent. I have enjoyed punching above my weight and taking calculated risks. I was ‘all in’ on many occasions during these times. I am probably well known for having some of the world’s best drivers come through the ranks with me: Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, Heinz-Harald Frentzen, Nigel Mansell, Giancarlo Fisichella, Damon Hill, Jean Alesi, Rubens Barichello, Johnny Herbert, Eddie Irvine and Martin Brundle. The list goes on. I am very proud of that stable. I think I could spot a racer with talent and quickly sus out how to adapt to him in order to make him a fast driver.
In 1991 I took one of the biggest risks in my life by starting Jordan Grand Prix to race in Formula One. I had my Wingman Gary Anderson as chief designer. He was a genius. We were the underdogs, the scrappy start up. We were able to punch above our weight by being agile and making whatever funds we had from sponsorship work harder than any other team. I risked it all. It was still a people and relationships business then, as opposed to today which is very corporate.
I worked night and day to schmooze sponsors and high net worth individuals. We came across as the fun ones, less serious than other teams. But behind our facade was a steely attitude and a strong work ethic. There were some real highs over the 15 or so years in charge of the team, especially the four race wins and 19 podiums. We achieved a ‘one-two’ at the 1998 Belgian Grand Prix. That was a special moment for the whole team as well as F1 followers that loved the independent teams beating the old guard. Giving Michael Schumacher his first drive in F1 is a really proud moment. Looking back to the earlier racing – giving Ayrton Senna his first drive in a Formula 3 car in 1983 – was quite a moment. Naturally, there were also some quite public lows. It was a real roller coaster to say the least. I sold the team in 2005 to Midland and a Canadian businessman Alex Schnaider. I like to think my timing was good. It often was. Looking back, that was the end of the keystone phase of my career and I don’t regret a day of it. It was quite a ride.
Onto our focus, the Capstone phase. We like to look at what someone does after they’ve made their money and fulfilled many ambitions already in life. What did you do next?
I had made a few quid and felt my family were financially secure. I have four kids, now all grown up, and an amazingly patient wife. Firstly, I didn’t want to walk away fully from motorsport. Racing becomes a way of life. But I don’t miss the stress and relentless pressure of F1 I tell you! So, I continued as a TV pundit and commentator to keep myself involved. I also worked and toured with BBC’s Top Gear and Top Gear Live. I remain a part of that and give my outspoken opinion on UK’s Channel 4. I still like to break the odd news story in F1… (he says with a glint in his eye).
Like the race teams I built, I am independently minded. I am unemployable really. I quickly threw myself into other activities and still love jumping from one thing to the next.
Where do I start on my passion projects?
Well, I have certainly switched gears. A lot of my focus shifted to my family and helping others. My daughter Zoe has her own label, a thriving fashion business. My other daughter Miki worked in sports events and her husband Tom has an events infrastructure business called Caboose & Co. I’m very proud to see the company has been helping in the UK with the coronavirus crisis, installing a temporary village to support NHS staff working at the Royal Berkshire Hospital on the grounds of a nearby school.
I’ve spent a lot of time following my eldest son’s sports career: from his 50 caps for Ireland in Lacrosse and his amateur boxing career to becoming a Varsity snowboarding champion. Lastly, I work closely with my youngest son Kyle on an online charity fundraising platform called GoodGood Giving. The idea is to offer the chance to win one of a kind experiences in return for a donation. Most charity auctions are not accessible to the general public so we hope by widening this out we can raise large sums of money for charity partners. We hope to raise £5 million over the next five years. It complements a lot of charity work I have been a part of over the years. We have the Jordan Family Foundation, I am a patron for both CLIC Sargent and Amber Foundation, and I do like to get involved in charity events in Monaco to help the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation. My latest project is for a charity in Cape Town. More can always be done. I particularly like ways to enable people to move on to positive independent futures.
I think you never fail to surprise people. Many didn’t know how good a drummer you are…
Part of your Capstone phase is being able to do things you are passionate about. I have my band Eddie & the Robbers. We are alright, you know! Drumming is a great outlet for me and my restlessness. We’ve enjoyed performing big gigs and get invited to do a lot of F1 race weekends to entertain the crowds (including performing in front of over 50,000 at Silverstone). Music is very powerful for me alongside cycling and sailing – these are my must haves to keep me going. I can’t cope without the sea so it’s good to have Monaco Harbour and the Yacht Club on the doorstep.
I bought Debrett’s with friend Darryl Eales a few years ago which people didn’t expect. It is a 250-year-old start up. It has chronicled aristocracy and the greatest contributors to British life through many, many generations. I was interested in how it was reinventing itself as an engine for social mobility. The company’s own charity, the Debrett’s Foundation, selects bright underprivileged youngsters to develop their skills in self-presentation. I have never really followed the rules of a class system, I have always broken ceilings and tried to avoid the feeling of the imposter syndrome. Despite one’s background, its attitude that counts for me and that can be learned.
I am starting to see a theme EJ, which is mobility. From loving racing – the ultimate mobility challenge, to your personality – always moving onto the next thing and never staying still, to social mobility…
Yes, you are right. I refocused from trying to make two drivers the most mobile people on the planet to looking at social mobility for many more. I am still just trying to apply my way of going about things and getting things done.
Why do people undertake Capstones?
I’ve always enjoyed the craic with people so this phase of life is no different. I like to challenge the status quo, show people what’s possible, keep the wheels in motion. Having turned a corner into my 70s it all keeps me young and energised. Over the years I have connected a lot of friends and acquaintances that want to do fun projects together. Monaco is great for that, connecting good people wanting to do passion projects together over a pint of Guinness. So really my Capstone phase has been about helping others around me with their Capstones, it makes every day different.
Any last words of advice for those living in Monaco and readers of Monaco Life about starting a Capstone project?
Do it. Don’t wait. I would say my best decisions came from the heart, backed up by fast action and then the guts to stick to bold decisions. I’ve always been a believer in regretting the things you did do rather than the things you didn’t end up doing. I’ve always been a hard worker, keeping busy and leading from the front. I think that work ethic has rubbed off on my kids and one day hopefully my grandchildren, as well as maybe inspired a few race fans to also follow their passions with guts and determination.
 
 
www.wingmanthinks.com
 

Half-classes, no classes and facemasks: what happens from 11th May?

by: Cassandra Tanti
04/05/2020

A large number of children will not be returning to classrooms this academic year, despite the reopening of schools in less than a week. Those who do will be required to follow strict safety measures.
There seems to be a lot of confusion in Monaco regarding which students can return to school and whether it will be mandatory. Also, many parents are concerned about what measures schools will be taking to ensure the safety of their children. Here, we attempt to clarify some important points.
Three-stage return to school
If all goes well following the lifting of the lockdown this week, schools will begin to reopen on 11th May, in coordination with France. From this day, only students in Years 12 and 13 (Première terminales) at general high schools (lycées) and Monaco’s Vocational and Catering School, as well as students studying the BTS Hotel and Catering Management, will return to class.
If the epidemic is still under control by Monday 18th May, then students in Years 7 and 10 (6° and 3°), including those in the adapted general and vocational education section (SEGPA), will return to class on this day.
Lessons will resume in half-size class groups and only a limited number of subjects will be taught in school: French, Mathematics, English, History-Geography, Physics-Chemistry, Life and Earth Sciences. Other subjects will be taught through distance learning.
The International School of Monaco will be reopening classrooms according to the needs of the curriculum.
The final phase will take place on Monday 25th, but again this will be dependent on the evolution of the situation. From this week, students in Year 2 (CP) and Year 6 (CM2) will return to school with lessons in half-size class groups.
School days will be organised to provide two hours of class teaching in French and Mathematics and one hour dedicated to other subjects such as English.
Who will not be returning to school this academic year?
Preschool children (maternelle), and students in Years 3, 4 and 5 (CE1, CE2 and CM1), 8 and 9 (5° and 4°), and Year 11 will have to continue distance learning until the end of this academic year. These students will not be returning to school until September.
Other students to fall into this category are those in “catch-up” (MAN), BTS Support for Managerial Activities, BTS Accountancy and Office Management, and Diploma in Accounting and Management students.
For students at the International School of Monaco, no students under class two will be returning this academic year.
What will be banned?
There will be no school canteen in operation, so students can either return home for lunch or take a packed lunch with them to school.
There will also be no physical and sports education classes.
Will school be mandatory?
While the Principality encourages the return of students to school, there will be no penalty applied if parents choose to keep their children at home – for the time being.
In this case, parents will be required to continue with home schooling directed by teachers.
If students are unable to return to class for health reasons, arrangements will be made for them to receive educational support remotely.
Safety and sanitary measures in schools
All schools will be applying strict safety measures on direction from the government, particularly social distancing. Floor markings placed at 1.5 metre increments will be applied at the entrance and exist of schools, while masks will be distributed to both students and staff. Students who are resident in the Principality will have received a mask at home, while students coming in from France will be provided one on arrival at school. Supplies will also be available for any students who may have damaged or lost their masks.
Class sizes will be halved and activities will be organised according to social distancing protocols.
Hand washing will be mandatory at the entrance and at the exit of the school, as well as after each lesson or activity. Schools will be providing hydro-alcoholic gel and soap for students to use.
Schools will also be required to undertake frequent disinfection of premises and equipment.
Movement around the school will be controlled to ensure limited contact and interaction between students.
Compensation for parents
If one parent must stay at home to look after a child/children because their classes are not resuming this academic year, they will continue to receive compensation from the government.
The measure banning employers from dismissing staff, except in cases of proven gross misconduct, will continue during this gradual return to normality.
If a parent chooses to continue home schooling despite the resumption of their child’s classes, they will not be compensated.
Why is Monaco’s plan different from France?
Monaco’s three-stage plan is the exact opposite of France, which is reopening classrooms for its youngest pupils first. The Principality has chosen instead to focus on the most critical school years, catering for students who need to fulfil certain conditions in order to move up to the next year.
The government believes preschool children do not have the same responsibility or pressure, while acknowledging that it will be easier to ensure compliance with health precautions among older, more mature children.
 
 
 

Battle of the Buildings decided

by: Stephanie Horsman
04/05/2020

On Friday night, the Battle of the Buildings came down to two Monegasque neighbourhoods vying for the top spot and a shot at winning 600 pizzas for their residents.

The past few weeks have seen the 8pm shout out to the front-liners of the Principality go from a polite gesture of solidarity to an all-out competition between Monaco’s quartiers. The Battle of the Buildings, instigated by the government-run Monaco Info channel, took off like a shot and saw the residents of lockdown-weary Monaco districts zealously turning up on their designated night to make the almightiest rackets possible.

This simple nightly act cemented friendships and forged bonds, as well as alerting those working to keep the population safe know that they were and are appreciated.

Friday night’s contest hinged to two neighbourhoods, La Condamine and Fontvieille. In the end, judges were evenly split four to four. This left no clear-cut winner, but a spirit of unity and friendship remained. That’s all fine and good, but someone had to win.

Enter Stan Perromat, co-founder of Privatam, a wealth management company based in the Principality, and a partner in the Battle of the Buildings, who was asked to step in and make the final call. He happily awarded the victory to both neighbourhoods live on Monaco Info.

The winning districts received a grand total of 600 pizzas on Saturday night, some delivered by drone, others the more traditional way, with a portion also fittingly going to the Princess Grace Hospital staff.

 

Photos: Monaco Info
 

Third time unlucky for Leclerc

by: Stephanie Horsman
04/05/2020

Formula One darling Charles Leclerc missed out on victory on Sunday, but still made the podium, in the F1 Esports Virtual Grand Prix Series race modelled after the Interlagos track in Brazil.
Sunday’s F1 Esports Virtual GP Series race was hard fought back and forth between Ferrari’s Leclerc and Red Bull’s Alex Albon, with Albon pulling off his first esports victory despite the best efforts of the Monegasque. To add insult to injury, Leclerc was slapped with a penalty of three seconds for getting a little aggressive on the track. This error cost him the number two spot, forcing him to hand it over to Williams’ George Russell.
Interlagos has been the source of trouble for Leclerc in the past. Last year, it was the scene of the now-infamous crash between he and teammate Sebastian Vettel, where both men used thinly-veiled politeness to cover up what grew to simmering anger over the events that left both pilots off the podium.
After the race, Albon admitted to being more than a little nervous. “I was shaking afterwards, I had so much adrenaline in my body,” he said. “I feel more scared driving a simulator than I do the real thing. The pressure was unbelievable.”
Leclerc took responsibility for this misstep as well as for a strategic error he believes cost him the race. He attempted a pit stop to try and get the better of Albon, but the plan didn’t quite work. On his Twitch channel he and his rival chatted amiably in a post-race debrief, picking each other’s brains regarding the outcome.
“It is my fault,” Leclerc said in the end. “Bad strategy… I changed the tires too early (NOTE-in the 13th of 36 laps). Then, on hard tires, we had to fight to continue playing with Alex. Despite everything, it was a fun race thanks to the DRS.”
But all was not lost for la famille Leclerc. Little brother Arthur took first in F2’s first virtual race that saw 19 competitors on the track modelled on Bahrain.
Better luck next time, Charles!
 
 

Home Patient Monitoring Centre now on standby

by: Cassandra Tanti
04/05/2020

With only two patients left to care for, the government is standing down its home monitoring team who have spent the past six weeks caring for patients suffering mild symptoms of Covid-19.
The centre was initiated by the Department of Social Affairs and Health on Monday 23rd March to take pressure off the Princess Grace Hospital. It was made up of doctors – active and retired – social workers, psychologists, administrative staff and members of the Monaco Red Cross, all of whom were volunteers.
In total, more than 50 people took turns over the course of six weeks to keep the Home Patient Monitoring Center operating seven days a week, from 9am to 6pm, with a daily team of 15 to 20 people. There was also a volunteer doctor on standby each night.
The unit was responsible for caring for patients who had tested positive for Covid-19 but were suffering from milder forms of the disease, as well as symptomatic patients who had not been tested but were also showing mild signs of the virus.
During the peak of the health crisis in Monaco, 117 patients were being monitored by the medical and social team.
At least once a day, each of these patients was called by a doctor to check up on their state of health.
Patients were also provided support with tasks like shopping and the delivery of meals at home.
A psychology unit was also active throughout the crisis period.
By Monday 4th May, only two people were still being monitored by the centre. Their “exit tests” were due to take place at the beginning of the week.
In the coming days, a small team consisting a doctor and an administrative coordinator will be monitoring the evolution of the disease amid the gradual lifting of confinement, in conjunction with the CHPG and city medicine.
The government says the Home Monitoring Centre will be reactivated, if necessary, according to the evolution of the situation.
 
©Direction de la Communication
 

14-day quarantine will not apply to Schengen zone

by: Cassandra Tanti
03/05/2020
nice airport

France revealed late Sunday night that it would not quarantine travellers arriving from the EU, the Schengen area or Britain due to the coronavirus pandemic, contradicting an earlier announcement that the quarantine would apply to all travellers.
The government has decided to extend a ‘state of health emergency’ until 24th July to combat the spread of Covid-19, however it will begin to ease lockdown measures from 11th May.
Announcing the extension on Saturday, the government had said that anyone entering France would have to remain in isolation for two weeks, French nationals included.
However, the quarantine rules will not apply to “anyone arriving from the European Union, the Schengen zone or Britain, regardless of their nationality”, the presidency said on Sunday.
For French and EU citizens arriving in France from other regions outside the EU, the Schengen area and Britain, “the rules will be announced in the coming days”, the presidency added.