Controversial F1 remarks downplayed by woman at the center of the storm
Jun.9 - The woman at the centre of a Formula 1 sexism scandal has played down the incident that occurred in the Spanish GP paddock last weekend.
Former drivers Davide Valsecchi and Matteo Bobbi have reportedly been suspended for at least the upcoming race in Montreal after making sexist remarks about an attractive woman who was in the background during the live Sky Italia broadcast.
"I want to tell Davide that behind him there is a nice package of updates, if he turns around," 44-year-old Bobbi, who was a Minardi test driver, said.
Turning around, 2012 GP2 champion Valsecchi replied: "Unfortunately they told me that you can't test them."
The pair subsequently apologised for offending "women and Sky" - but the woman involved has now emerged to support Italians Valsecchi and Bobbi.
"When I read about their suspension I thought it was a joke," Christine Giampaoli Zonca, a rally driver, told Corriere della Sera newspaper.
"I wasn't offended. It was a joke. This all seems so over the top."
In fact, she is vowing to do what she can to clear the Sky presenters' names.
"At the next race, I'll send a video together with Bobbi and Valsecchi so maybe this time I'll be the one to make a couple of jokes about them."
Zonca says she knows Valsecchi and Bobbi and finds them to be polite.
She also said another woman she was standing with in the paddock at the time "doesn't want to talk but she too didn't take it badly.
"When I found out about this and discovered that what I heard was true, I was sorry. They are two good commentators. It all seems so exaggerated to me.
"I know them and I wrote to them right away," Zonca added.
Zonca insists not only that Valsecchi and Bobbi are not sexist, but that she has "never" been offended by the comments of men.
"As in all industries, there are those who make a comment that maybe can be annoying but I've never had any problems," she told. "I've always had a good relationship with everyone."
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So who did find it offensive? Come on we all demand names, these trouble makers need to be named and shamed.
Next thing we know Stroppy will be condemned for making offensive remarks about Lewis, then where will we be!
LOL. There are some aspects of the middle ages that I find appealing. I think those 'offended' by men who appreciate beautiful women ought to spend 24 hours in a pillory.
Good on Christine Giampaoli Zoncađ. It's encouraging to see that paying an attractive lady a compliment (even as a joke) ought not to be considered 'sexism'. C'mon get a grip Sky Italia, you're pushing too far đ
More political correctness gone mad come on people get in the real world & stop all this narrow minded shit!
Indeed! I totally agree. Make love not war.
Good for her, a wise approach & people generally shouldn't get easily offended anyway.
Let's examine the facts. Two commentators on air made a somewhat complimentary comment about a woman, and the woman concerned found it totally inoffensive.
If the woman concerned had complained, had found it offensive and took exception to the comment, then the penalty may be justified. This is political correctness gone mad! Those who should be suspended are those responsible for ratifying the penalty.
Want to know who claims to have found their comments sexist. The fat ugly women who found the Grid Girls distracting. Tired of all the SJ warriors out there who see offence in everything. If CGZ wasnt offended then Shut up! Bring back the Grid Girls.
You know who found their comments sexist? The same women who were offended by the Grid Girls. So tired of a minority of people being offended by the smallest thing and everyone in control feeling like they have to have response. If CGZ wasnt offended and she wasnt then those who claim to be offended just need to shut up. Bring back our Grid Girls, Im offended they were dismissed!
Looking for trouble where none exist. A normal woman would be flattered by these commentators comments. Suspending these guys is ridiculously. Coming from a culture where extramartial affairs were accepted and pinching a womanâs southern regions was common place, this is a bit rich. Complimenting in a charming way is very acceptable
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