Grapevine: More News from the Paddock - Brazilian GP

Crowding In

The Brazilian Grand Prix press office were so keen to show the race is popular in Sao Paulo they issued a one-line statement declaring the attendance on the opening day at Interlagos. They proudly confirmed that, despite many grandstands clearly remaining empty on Friday, there had been a crowd of 22,000 people, a figure 2,000 more than the corresponding day last year. With the race taking place on a public holiday weekend, however, the mass exodus from Sao Paulo has eased the traffic and despite the organisers' claims it is not likely to have done them any favours in terms of the race attendance.

Tucking In

The fact that it is Easter in Brazil has not been lost on Toyota driver Allan McNish. The wafer-thin Scot is hoping points will be his holiday present, but he revealed he could make do with the usual gift if a top-six finish doesn't come his way. As he stood in the paddock after finishing third fastest on Friday, his face beamed with a childlike grin and he declared: "I am hoping to get a nice big egg, a chocolate one, on Sunday." If Toyota's attention to detail is anything to go by, then it should be a happy Easter for McNish whatever the result.

Flocking In

Looking for an exclusive place to hide in Sao Paulo appears to be a little difficult on an Easter weekend. With teams, organisations and publications all searching for a quiet meal away from the Grand Prix pack, exclusive groups were formed between different parties and all set out into the city on Friday night looking for a bit of quiet chit-chat. But with most of the restaurants closed for business, all the exclusive groups congregated in the same establishment, leading to embarrassed looks from the various hosts as different Formula One eyes stared across at different tables and ears pricked up to listen for any gossip.

In the Dock

Ulsterman Eddie Irvine and Brazilian Enrique Bernoldi were both hauled in front of the stewards of the meeting on Friday after a little misdemeanour got the latter driver in trouble. Bernoldi, in an Arrows, had overtaken Irvine under yellow flags but the naughty Brazilian was let off after the pair pleaded innocence over the incident. Canadian Jacques Villeneuve was not so lucky as he was given an on-the-spot fine for speeding in the pitlane. The British American Racing driver was forced to pay up $2,250 for flying down the slow-lane at 68.1 km/h in the middle of the second practice session.