Champion Elect

The Formula One world champion – and this year's champion-elect – had just completed filming with the BBC at Dunsfold aerodrome for this weekend's show when he was asked whether he attempted to model himself on his idol, Michael Schumacher, or whether he tried to distance himself from the sport's pantomime villain. ❋ Unknown (2011)

Out of the whole company of saints and angels, not one but was to suppose himself her champion-elect against the Great Assize! ❋ Robert Louis Stevenson (1872)

Ireland's champion-elect Pat Smullen is one candidate. ❋ Unknown (2010)

Button responded in the best way possible, setting the day's fastest lap in the second of two practice sessions, thereby underlining Brawn GP's current supremacy and his own status as world champion-elect. ❋ Unknown (2009)

Formula 1's world champion-elect Jenson Button has admitted ahead of the final grand prix of the season in Abu Dhabi this Sunday that he has been approached by rival teams who are looking to prise him away from Brawn GP. ❋ Unknown (2009)

Then, in the post-race press conference, mischievous winner Sebastian Vettel - a lover of British comedies - told champion-elect Jenson Button that he had heard a rumour on the notorious F1 grapevine about his plans for a wedding. ❋ Unknown (2009)

Crutchlow went into the weekend as the champion-elect having pulled out a 19 point advantage over sole rival Eugene Laverty, the Briton requiring just a top ten finish to come away with the title. ❋ Unknown (2009)

He, too, has the QE II - and a meeting with Mastercraftsman's Ballydoyle stablemate Rip Van Winkle, the champion-elect - on his agenda and had his final pipe-opener ahead of Saturday in Newmarket yesterday morning, a spin of six furlongs on the private Godolphin gallop with Frankie Dettori in the saddle. ❋ Unknown (2009)