Formula 1 rocks for charity at Royal Albert Hall

The event, labelled as 'cars, stars and guitars', was held to raise money for the Brain and Spine Foundation, and Watkins - otherwise known as Prof - managed to persuade a gaggle of stars from the pop world to entertain a full house at the historic London venue. The famous names included Chris Rea, Mike and the Mechanics, Gabrielle and even Damon Hill's band Dad's Army.

The evening was hosted by ITV's Tony Jardine and Countdown's clever-clogs-come-celeb Carol Vorderman. The show was opened by teen heart throbs 5ive, albeit with only four of them, and the fabulous quartet soon had the 6000-strong crowd in the mood with 'We will rock you' - and rock they most certainly did...

Jaguar's Eddie Irvine flew in straight from testing in Valencia especially for the evening and was escorted on stage by a flock of admirers, but Carol managed to prise the Ulsterman away for a few words. With Niki Lauda on side for the Jaguar team this year, the Big Cat is pulling out all the stops for success: "He's obviously up for a challenge," quipped Irvine.

Ron Dennis was also on hand and was in typically determined mood with only three weeks to go before the start of the season, but the McLaren boss would not be drawn on the chances of Brit David Coulthard this year: "Not in front of his parents," he joked.

After a comprehensive beating by Ferrari last year, Dennis is certain the Silver Arrows won't allow a repeat performance in 2001 by the Prancing Horse: "Once every 21 years is OK, but two on the trot is just not on."

Four highly coveted 'Bernie' awards were given in honour of F1 boss Mr Ecclestone for outstanding achievements last season. Michael Schumacher and Jenson Button received Oscar-like gold statues of the F1 ringmaster for Best Driver and Rookie of the Year respectively, although neither could receive their award in person due to hectic testing schedules. A third was also given to Professor Watkins himself, presented by Jackie Stewart, for his many years of hard work improving safety in F1.

"Few people can say that they've had Bernie in the palm of their hand," joked the Prof. "I've always loved him and I've always wanted to take him home...and now I can!"

Murray Walker came on stage expecting to present Nigel Mansell with a Bernie, but the 1992 World Champion rendered the voice of F1 almost speechless by in fact presenting him with the miniature Ecclestone instead. Walker's response to Mansell? "You bastard!"

Duran Duran frontman Simon Le Bon hinted at the possibility of a future Russian Grand Prix with a suitably Jagger-esque performance of 'Back in the USSR' while fellow Eighties superstar Tony Hadley, of Spandau Ballet fame, dazzled the audience with a rousing rendition of 'Gold'.

All the guests brought the evening to a close by joining Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra on stage for a sing-a-long which had even Bernie, 'Our Nige' and motor racing legend Sir Stirling Moss clapping away. Roll on next year...