George Wright Journalist Profile

Articles

Sri Lankan minister blames monkey for nationwide power cut

2 months ago | risingnepaldaily.com | George Wright |Kelly Ng

By George Wright & Kelly Ng, Feb 10: A nationwide blackout in Sri Lanka has been blamed on a monkey that intruded into a power station south of Colombo. Power is gradually being restored across the island nation of 22 million people, with medical facilities and water purification plants being given priority. "A monkey has come in contact with our grid transformer, causing an imbalance in the system," Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody told reporters.
Michelin Stars - How a French Automotive Giant Revolutionised F1 and Ignited the First Great Tyre War

Dec 11, 2024 | medium.com | George Wright

George Wright (@F1Buff)·Follow19 min read·--Tyres are a topic of continual discussion in Formula 1, which to those unfamiliar with the sport may seem puzzling. After all, compared to the mind-bending array of technology seen in other areas of the car, the four black rubber things at each corner look remarkably similar to the ones seen on our road cars — despite the lack of tread and greater size.
Small Team, Big Influence - How March Engineering Gave F1 Legends Their Start

Oct 10, 2024 | medium.com | George Wright

George Wright (@F1Buff)·FollowPublished inFormula One Forever·19 min read·--I have written in the past about how Formula 1 teams can have a legacy which goes beyond their longevity, size, or the results which they achieved. Minardi is one relatively recent example of a Formula 1 minnow which is still remembered fondly for their dedication to discovering driving talent, in spite of their meagre resources and results.
Kyalami - Formula 1’s Past (and Future?) Home in Africa

Sep 24, 2024 | medium.com | George Wright

In recent years Formula 1 has experienced a rapid expansion in both the number and diversity of races on its calendar. After having featured fewer than 20 races for the vast majority of its history, the ongoing 2024 F1 season features an unprecedented 24 races, with possible further increases being mooted. While these races span five continents, several observers have noted the conspicuous absence of a grand prix on the world’s second most populous continent — Africa.
Boat fire kills at least 40 migrants, UN agency says

Jul 19, 2024 | bbc.com | George Wright

Boat fire off Haiti kills at least 40 migrants, UN saysBy George Wright, BBC NewsReutersThe vessel was travelling from Cap-Haitien At least 40 migrants have died after the boat they were travelling in caught fire off the northern coast of Haiti, a United Nations agency says. The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) says 41 others were rescued by the Haitian Coast Guard.
The Cold War Gamble That Created One of F1's Most Enduring Races

Jul 18, 2024 | medium.com | George Wright

Formula 1 often prides itself on its truly global nature. While the series' origins stem from the old-pre-World War II European grand prix championship and therefore initially featured a calendar that primarily consisted of European races, it didn't take too long until the category began to truly live up to its "World Championship" moniker. Indeed, as time has gone on the sport has only become more global, with the current calendar featuring races in 21 countries spread across six continents.
The Rise of Britain's First True Works F1 Team

Jul 2, 2024 | medium.com | George Wright

Throughout Formula 1 history, it has generally been possible to separate teams into two basic categories. The first of these categories has been referred to by various names - some of them almost deliberately derisive. The great Enzo Ferrari for example used the term " Garagistes" or "Assembliatores", while the teams in question have typically preferred the less disdainful "Privateers" or "Customer teams". Whichever term you refer to them by, the names all make the nature of these teams clear.
Bend it like Brabham

Jun 20, 2024 | medium.com | George Wright

The Brabham team is perhaps one of Formula 1's most notorious fallen giants. After helping to start the 1960s boom of driver-owned teams which also saw the genesis of teams such as McLaren, Brabham won two drivers championships in 1966 and '67 - including a title for team owner Jack Brabham which remains the only world title won by a driver in a car bearing his own name.
Ecuador hit by nationwide power outage, minister says

Jun 19, 2024 | bbc.com | George Wright

Ecuador hit by nationwide blackout, minister saysBy George Wright, BBC NewsGetty ImagesThis is not the first time Ecuador has experienced large-scale blackouts (file photo from 2009)Ecuador has been hit by a nationwide blackout, a senior government minister has said, leaving some 18 million people in the dark. Public Works Minister Roberto Luque blamed the power cut on the breakdown of a transmission line.
Deadly blaze at ammunition depot in N'Djamena

Jun 18, 2024 | bbc.com | George Wright

People have been killed and injured after a huge fire broke out at an ammunition depot in Chad, causing major explosions, senior government ministers have said. Foreign Minister Koulamallah Abderaman said the blaze happened at a military depot in the Goudji area of the capital, N'Djamena. President Mahamat Idriss Deby sent his condolences to the victims and their families, without specifying the number of casualties.