Grapevine: News from the Paddock - Monaco GP

Bruni's Belle

Gianmaria Bruni is getting the hang of all requirements of being a Formula One driver - because he now has a beautiful fashion model on his arm. The Minardi driver has been regularly in contact with 20-year-old dark haired Australian beauty Atisa de Kretser since she was his grid girl for his debut race in Melbourne - and he invited her to come over for the sport's flagship race in Monaco this weekend. She was seen wandering alongside Bruni in a black Minardi cap as the Italian headed towards the pits for the second practice session on Thursday and will be on his arm for the Grand Prix ball this weekend.

Abramovich Returns

Russian Roman Abramovich, the owner of Premiership giants Chelsea, returned to Formula One this weekend, bringing a gigantic yacht with him into the harbour. Earlier in the season, there had been strong rumours linking the billionaire to a buy-out of Eddie Jordan's racing team and rumours are that he is a guest of Jordan this weekend. His appearance, considering the status of the event - and the fact that Chelsea's season is over because they will not take part in Saturday's FA Cup final - was little surprise to the paddock but more suggestions that he might buy into the team are almost certainly very wide off the mark.

Panis Punished

Frenchman Olivier Panis became the first driver to be punished for speeding in the new Monaco pitlane when he was clocked at 68.7km/h - 8.6km/h above the limit. He was fined a whopping $2,250 (US Dollars) for his mistake but if he had done the same speed on Sunday he would have got away with it because the limit will be raised to 80km/h for the Grand Prix itself.

75-Years Not Out

The Monaco Grand Prix is 75 years old this weekend. It was first held in 1929, when 16 cars lined up on a grid which was sorted by lots, and the initial race was won by Anglo-French driver William Grover-Williams in a Bugatti after he completed the 100 laps in three hours, 56 minutes and 11 seconds. The event was stopped in 1938 when financial difficulties and a shortage of competitors made it unviable, but it returned in May, 1948, and sporadically appeared until 1955, when it became a permanent fixture. There have been six modifications to the circuit, with a major upgrade to the pits and paddock complex currently in progress.