When they learned of SkyF1 cameraman Dave Stanford‘s selfless action in helping to rescue one of the Williams Formula One mechanics from the pit garage fire after the 2012 Spanish Grand Prix, the GTC Council decided that he should be recognized for his heroic actions.
Honorary Membership of the GTC was presented to Stanford July 19 at the Hockenheimring motorsport race track in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. The presentation was made by Formula One commentator Martin Brundle in the presence of the Williams chief operations engineer Mark Gillan and Rex Palmer, a GTC Council member who is also a Formula One cameraman.
The Williams garage was suddenly engulfed in flames following the Grand Prix at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya May 13. Stanford selflessly dropped his camera to help mechanic Martin Betts out of harm’s way. The incident is believed to have involved a kinetic energy recovery unit which sparked a fuel fire. Three of four injured Williams team members were among a total seven people who required hospital treatment.
