Bridgestone, exclusive tyre supplier to the GP2 Series, announced the eleven finalists of the 2009 pan-European Bridgestone e-reporter young journalists’ competition at the beginning of May, with eight finalists due to attend GP2 race weekends. Scottish finalist Stephanie Black, a student currently studying English Literature and Journalism at Bangor University, was offered the chance to attend the fourth round of the GP2 Series (19-21 June), at the British Grand Prix, as part of the e-reporter initiative.

Stephanie (aged 18) was the third e-reporter of the year to attend a GP2 event for Bridgestone, and to write race reports and features on the Formula One feeder series for the Bridgestone website, www.bridgestone.eu/e-reporter. Interviewing a host of drivers for her reports, including sprint race winner Pastor Maldonado (ART Grand Prix), Stephanie gained invaluable journalistic experience and had the opportunity to practice her interviewing skills.

Commenting on her e-reporter experience, Stephanie said;
"Being selected as one of the eleven Bridgestone e-reporter finalists was more than I could ever have expected. From the moment I arrived at Silverstone on the Thursday I was overwhelmed by the whole atmosphere of the place. I have been to Silverstone many times but nothing compares to being there as a reporter rather than just a spectator. Once the work began I dived in giving all I could to make the most of this amazing opportunity. Although to begin with it was rather daunting and I felt like a very small fish in a big pond, I soon relaxed into my work and by Friday I had the biggest buzz interviewing the GP2 drivers.

“Being at the heart and soul of this event was an incredible privilege for me, as someone who has grown up with motorsport as a passion; it was a thrill to be thrown into the middle of it. I have always known I wanted to be a journalist but my four days as an e-reporter have confirmed that the media world is where I belong. Thanks to Bridgestone, I have had a glimpse of what could be my future career, and even though the hours are long and the work is tough, it is my ambition to be a reporter.”

Entrants for this year’s Bridgestone e-reporter competition were asked to demonstrate their ability to write topical interview questions and a newsworthy story when applying for the competition. Entry levels for the 2009 contest have been higher than ever before, with students also being able to enter in seven different languages.

The next Bridgestone e-reporter finalist to attend a GP2 race weekend will be Kate Goodacre (from Manchester), who will be attending the German Grand Prix at Nurburgring from 10-12 July.

The overall winner of this year’s e-reporter competition, chosen for their ability to represent the Bridgestone brand and demonstrate their natural flair for journalism, will be announced in September 2009.

For further information on the 2009 Bridgestone e-reporter competition, and to view race reports throughout the season from this year’s finalists, visit www.bridgestone.eu/e-reporter.