Sam Michael nearly missed Brazil

(GMM) Sam Michael nearly didn't make it to Interlagos for the final race of the 2008 season.

Williams' technical director was not scheduled to travel to Brazil, but he was asked at the last minute to attend by team co-owner and engineering boss Patrick Head.

However, Head's call was made too late for Michael, a 37-year-old Australian, to organize a visa in the traditional way.

Apparently, team boss Sir Frank Williams phoned the Brazilian embassy in London to fast-track a visa, and Sam duly touched down in Sao Paulo on Friday morning.