Grapevine: Final News from the Paddock

Roberto Carlos Visit

Brazilian soccer player Roberto Carlos, given the weekend off by Real Madrid, took the opportunity to whiz across from Spain to Hungary to take in another Formula One race. The World Cup winner was not a guest of a team and organised his trip off his own back because the sport is his second love after the one he plays. "When I am not training or playing for Real Madrid on a weekend I always try to go to a Formula One race," said Carlos. "I love Formula One."

Sauber Celebration

Sauber sponsors Credit Suisse were left without a venue for their annual media dinner this year after the Austrian Grand Prix fell off the calendar - but they found a more than suitable alternative when they chose the Budapest History Museum, on the hill beside Buda Castle high above the city. Journalists and photographers flocked to the event in time for champagne cocktails and canapes, which even Sauber driver Felipe Massa could not resist tucking into (canapes, not champagne, of course!). The meal was as impressive as the surroundings and while Italian Giancarlo Fisichella was fast out the door, Massa stayed to enjoy the meal along with team boss Peter Sauber and technical director Willy Rampf.

Red Bull Party

One of the most popular parties on the Grand Prix calendar took place in Budapest following the race - and had journalists rushing to complete their copy in time to 'network' into the early hours. "It seems our Red Bull parties in Budapest have become a legend," said the invite, and the event promised to follow the trend. After choosing the Buda Castle as their venue last year, promoters Red Bull, who sponsor Sauber and Jaguar, had a hard act to follow but once again they picked a spectacular local landmark to put on the event. The Gellert thermal bath and spa - a Gyogyfurdok - was chosen and the event promised paddock members the rare opportunity to let their hair down with DJs and a surprise water show.

Garden Celebration

Ferrari revealed after the Grand Prix that they will be holding a private party of their own to celebrate their victory. Having had the chance to plan the event for some time, they decided to hold a garden party in Maranello as their time and place to unwind. The marquees were probably already up before Michael Schumacher crossed the line...

Malaysian Visitors

Several members of the Malaysian government and officials from the Sepang international circuit took the opportunity to get a second taste of Formula One this season when they headed over on an exploratory mission to the Hungaroring this weekend. The Y.B. Minister of Youth and Sports, Datuk Azalina Dato' Othman Said, was the guest of honor and she was accompanied by Sepang circuit chairman and CEO Dato Mokzhani and Sepang general manager Ahmad bin Mustafa. Petronas also sent three key members of their company with merchandising and promotions manager Abu Hanzalah B Abu Bakar, Businesss Development manager Syed Rashid Redha and senior executive of events Ariff B Ahmad all taking a look at the circuit's facilities.