Grapevine: Final News from the Paddock - Italian GP

Celebrity Round-Up

Every year, Monza brings out the celebrities who flock to the track to enjoy the atmosphere in a circuit which lies just outside the fashion capital of the world, Milan. There was certainly plenty of modelling going on, with several photoshoots involving models in body paint as well as pop star Gianna Nannini, sister of former Formula One star Alessandro. Top celebrity chef Gary Rhodes was also on hand to give a few cooking tips in the Jordan motorhome (not that they need them) but he admitted he is pushing team boss Eddie Jordan to give him a ride.

"Cooking is my love but racing in Formula One is my dream," said Rhodes. "I have never had the chance to get in a car yet - I'll have to have a word with Eddie."

Two men who certainly have been in a car were former Ferrari stars Phil Hill and Froilan Gonzalez, the latter keeping up with modern Formula One fashion by wearing a sleeveless Ferrari bodywarmer. American former Grand Prix star Danny Sullivan was also present as a commentator with ABC.

Ford in Town

Jordan invited some special guests to the Italian Grand Prix this weekend - when top Ford Europe bosses Niel Golightly, the executive vice-president of public affairs and Martin Whitaker, the motorsport director, turned up to take a look around. The pair paraded around the Jordan motorhome, which will be their home next year after signing a deal to back the team for the next three years, but they refused to conduct any interviews about their new link-up with the team. The strange decision not to release any official confirmation of the Jordan deal remains curious. And their visit did nothing to help.

Hefty Fines

Scot David Coulthard received the season's biggest speeding fine in the first session of the weekend at Monza when he shot his McLaren-Mercedes up to 77 km/h before breaking the speed trap on the exit of the pits just one minute into the opening practice. Coulthard, who has offended before during the year, was fined a massive $8,500 for his heavy right foot. But Canadian Jacques Villeneuve tried hard to beat it in the second session of the weekend, when he clocked 76 km/h in his BAR and was presented with an $8,000 fine.