Grapevine: FIA Issues Anti-Bling Edict

Tacked to the end of their media release was the following comment: "Approved an immediate ban on the wearing of jewellery (body piercing and heavy chains) by race and rally competitors."

Red Bull in particular will be wondering if they have been targeted with this ban - Christian Klien made headlines last year with what became known as 'The Fastest Earring in the World', and new third driver Vitantonio Liuzzi has taken his love for bling to a whole new level since arriving in Formula One.

Sadly, there were no regulations handed down as to what is acceptable and what isn't (how heavy is a heavy chain? Is the composite section of the team going to become involved?), but considering the number of watch manufacturers involved with teams now it would be safe to assume that they will be let off at present.

Although it would be funny to see how the FIA would deal with a company like Tag Heuer, for example, which has given a watch to every single employee at McLaren, if their product was drawn into the anti-bling movement currently sweeping through the halls in Paris.

Also left unsaid was how the FIA plans to enforce the ban - perhaps the race competitors will be forced into a scrutineering bay prior to an event, although the thought of some ... less than savoury piercings may add an extra complication to the process.

No mention was made on a ban on the mullet hairstyle, although on current form Liuzzi will be rightfully worried.