answers to questions from Formula One journalists. While acknowledging that the term has been used to criticise Dennis, the former editor-in-chief of F1 Racing, Matt Bishop, argues that "Ronspeak" is not a vice; rather, it is informative and accurate. Dennis, in describing Fernando Alonso's contribution to the McLaren team's development, said his experience and ability "[prevented] an F1 team from going down [time wasting] technical cul-de-sacs – and as a result, car-developmental progress becomes more linear." Bishop described this as a prime example of Ronspeak, hailing it as "logical, informative and insightful. [But also] careful ... in that what it doesn't do is compare Alonso's exceptional all-round ability with that of his predecessors." Personal life On 15 February 2008 Dennis announced his separation and later divorce from his wife of 22 years, Lisa, with whom he has three children. In March 2011, Dennis was banned from driving for six months after accumulation of points. He is a Conservative Party donor. In the period between 22 April 2005 and 16 June 2011 the Conservative Party accepted £126,200 in donations from Ron Dennis. During the 2015 United Kingdom general election campaign, Dennis was a signatory to a letter to The Daily Telegraph which praised the party's economic policies and claimed that "a change in course will threaten jobs and deter investment". Awards and honours 1996 De Montfort University Honorary Doctorate 1997 City University London Honorary Doctorate 2000 Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire for services to motorsport. 2000 University of Surrey Honorary Doctorate 2001 British Racing Drivers' Club Gold Medal 2007 British Racing Drivers' Club Colin Chapman Trophy. 2008 British Racing Drivers' Club Gold Medal 2008 Royal Academy of Engineering Prince Philip Medal 2017 American Academy of Achievement's Golden Plate Award References External links McLaren Group 1947 births Living people People from Woking Formula One team owners Formula One team principals Formula One mechanics McLaren people Commanders of the Order of the British Empire English motorsport people People from Virginia Water Conservative Party (UK) donors Automotive businesspeople British founders of automobile manufacturers