Little did I realise as I clambered up the gangplank of the King Orry ferry tethered to the Liverpool dockside that I was about to find the cure for my acute homesickness. This weekend I am travelling to Le Mans to celebrate the 1000th Grand Prix since the World Championship started in 1949. My boyhood hero Hailwood from my hometown of Oxford arrived first followed by Ago on his 500cc TT debut. Even on those early trips to the TT there were plenty of postcards and Manx kippers arriving at their house. I can think of no better cure for that homesickness than travelling round the world watching and then reporting and commentating on Grand Prix motorcycle racing. Le Mans hosts the 1000th Grand Prix in history, with the home heroes in the spotlight and the competition closer than ever.

Follow MotorMouth on social media:

• 
• 
• 
•