Grapevine: News from the Paddock - Italian GP

Sponsorship Strike-Out

British American Racing paid respect to the victims of the American terrorist disaster by cancelling all their media events for the Italian Grand Prix. Monza is traditionally a sponsor's dream, and one of the most glamorous events on the calendar. But not this year. There is a very sombre mood in the paddock, and Craig Pollock, who as manager to Jacques Villeneuve fed the Canadian through the American racing scene, paid a tribute to the victims.

"We share the world's horror and grief at this terrible time and mourn the loss of the victims," he said. "The decision to continue with the Italian Grand Prix has not been taken lightly. The team is part of Formula One and if the sport has taken that decision we stand together and accept it. Above all else this weekend, the thoughts and prayers of our team will be with those who have suffered as a result of this tragedy."

No Grounds for a Match

The much-awaited football match between the Italian and British journalists in Monza on Thursday was cancelled as organisers could not find a venue. The England team have suffered two defeats so far this season, both at the hands of the Germans, the first by five goals to one and the second seven to two. But the Brits will not have the chance to redeem themselves this weekend, and one disgruntled journalist said: "Apparently the team that plays in that stadium have to have a match or something, and they seem to think they have the priority." Rumours are that there is a world cup-style competition being planned as the journalists from around the world express wish to display their football skills throughout the year on the Grand Prix circuit in 2002.

Ferrari in Mourning

Ferrari have paid a mark of respect to the massive mourning around the world by painting the noses of their red F2001 cars black. In an unprecedented move Ferrari have ditched their all-red traditional colour scheme to show their thoughts for those affected by the disaster by running in an un-liveried form with just a Ferrari badge on the black nose. "Definitely we feel that we cannot ignore what has happened this week in the United States," said Jean Todt when asked of the livery change.

"We can do little about it, we all feel very concerned, very sad for them, for us - you have so many questions you can think about things, but life goes on. We are all focused on our business, but it's a different weekend from all the others and we had to do something different. In agreement with our partners it was decided that we should have a plain red car with a black nose. It's our little contribution to show to the world that Ferrari and its partners are concerned with this tragedy."