Big names bow out at Silverstone

The Williams-run Renault team won't be racing next season - so its two Laguna cars said 'Au Revoir' in huge fluorescent yellow letters across front and rear bumpers.

And once their final race ended, a full-scale disco set up in the pit lane, complete with computerised lights.

The TWR Volvo team preferred to do their talking on the track, with outgoing champion Rickard Rydell winning both races in his S40.

'It's great for myself, Volvo and TWR to go out on a high like this', explained Rydell.

But the grandest goodbye was reserved for John Cleland. The veteran is retiring from the series, after eleven years and two titles - all with Vauxhall.

To celebrate Cleland's contribution, Vauxhall redecorated his Vectra, switching the chequerboard effect and the windscreen visor to a tartan pattern.

In addition, instead of reading 'Vauxhall', his screen visor simply read 'Cleland'.

But the best was yet to come. Before the Feature race, the team laid a red carpet from the garage to the door of Cleland's car - and the carpet was lined with an honour guard of his team, all wearing tartan caps and ginger wigs.

Cleland was led out of the garage by a piper - and he stopped in disbelief when he saw the welcome that awaited him.

Cleland's future still isn't clear.

'I've had several offers, some for TV, some to drive,' he explained.

'Out of loyalty to Vauxhall, I really haven't been looking for anything - I've been concentrating on doing what they're paying me for.

'So far, I don't think I've received the driving offer I'm looking for', he continued.

'But I'll have to sit down and try to sort out what I'm going to do.'

With the withdrawal of Volvo, Rydell's future is also unclear - but he is due to make an announcement today.

'I'll be in either the German or British Touring Car series,' Rydell explained.

He wouldn't go further, beyond saying, 'The announcement will be coming from someone you don't expect!'