Grapevine: Final News from the Paddock - French GP

Trulli Crash Helmet

Italian Jarno Trulli marked competing in Renault's home race at Magny-Cours by sporting a new helmet this weekend. French-speaking Trulli, who claims the race is like a second home Grand Prix for him despite there being two already held in Italy, wore a new design created by a friend some time ago, who he had made a promise to. "The helmet is not a question of good luck or anything like that," Trulli said. "A friend of mine prepared the helmet from a long time ago. He wanted me to race with it which I am now doing."

Bridgestone Arrival

After missing out on pole for the French Grand Prix, Bridgestone were clearly intrigued to find out where they are doing wrong. With Michelin-shod BMW-Williams drivers Ralf Schumacher and Juan Pablo Montoya securing a one-two ahead of Ferrari's Bridgestone runner Michael Schumacher, the Japanese tyre supplier's director of motorsport Hiroshi Yasukawa seemingly wanted to know the secret of Michelin's success. He turned up at a BMW dinner for British press before enjoying a quick drink with BMW's Mario Theissen, which prompted jokes of seeking the advice on how to get pole.

Pires at Home

French international footballer Robert Pires was spotted in the Magny-Cours paddock before Sunday's race as the long-standing tradition of sportsmen attending Formula One Grands Prix continued. Arsenal winger Pires, fresh from helping France to lift the Confederations Cup in Paris last Sunday and playing alongside Michael Schumacher in a charity match in Portugal on Wednesday evening, lapped up life in Formula One before watching the race from the stands. His fellow French international Fabien Barthez was present for the Monaco Grand Prix along with Manchester United teammate Rio Ferdinand.

Nevers Party Town

Grand Prix folk hoping to park close to their hotels in the centre of Nevers, the biggest town near to the Magny-Cours circuit, were given a shock on Saturday evening to find the majority of the town closed off. Cars were not permitted on most roads shot as party time hit the sleepy town, ensuring those hoping to return to their hotels had to do so by foot after a long day at the track. But at least the stop off for a quick pint, and a bit of foot-tapping to the tunes from a live band made the trip a worthwhile experience.

Road Friendly

A trip into Magny-Cours for the French Grand Prix brought back memories of the 'old' Silverstone for many journalists this weekend. But while the organisers of the British Grand Prix have got things right with the road access to the Northamptonshire track, the French authorities are behind the times. With cars trundling towards the track in first gear in lengthy queues along with one lane given for the circuit traffic, the oncoming cars heading away from Magny-Cours (all three of them) had the luxury choice of two lanes.