Grapevine: Final News from the Paddock - Japanese GP

Happy Holidays

As German Michael Schumacher breathed a sigh of relief at the chance to get out of his red Ferrari and into his own car to take the kids to the park for the next few months, several of his other colleagues were planning some more adventurous challenges. The mechanics and other staff involved with the 10 teams will be content with some time at home, but some of Grand Prix racing's mid-grid stars are looking for a little more action.

Mika Salo, now retired from the sport after a final season with Toyota, will take to two wheels when he goes on a motorbike safari in South Africa, while Briton Jenson Button, unable to test for his new BAR team until later in the winter, is planning to head to the United States to travel route 66 with his pals from home.

Media No-Show

For the first time in many years, journalists in the media centre were able to stretch out and enjoy plenty of space. Fewer than 100 people were accredited for the event on Thursday afternoon, a number that ensured there were more empty seats than occupied seats in the working rooms. The paddock was also strangely quiet and calm with fewer than the usual number of visitors and guests running amok.

Century Boys

British broadcasting company ITV, who claimed the television rights for Formula One from the BBC in 1997, celebrated their 100th race in Suzuka - and presenter Jim Rosenthal wore a special ITV 100 cap. World Champion Michael Schumacher also helped them celebrate their party and kept with tradition as he won on their century race to add to his victories in their 25th, 50th and 75th races. The dominant German has done little for the channel's viewing figures - which have dropped regularly this season - but Rosenthal still commended him on his success as he put his hand to his special cap and declared: "You have to take your hat off to him."

No Flies On Me

It has been difficult for insect-haters to relax in the Suzuka paddock this weekend as the warm and moist weather has brought with it a large number of outsized flying insects with 20cm wingspans. These giant flies appear to be friendly and land frequently on the shoulders and heads of team members on both sides of the garages, irritating some people and amusing others. But there were no flies on Schumacher as he repelled everything that tried to get near him on Sunday.

Ferrari Calling Card

One Japanese fan was spotted in the crowd on Friday wearing the most bizarre item of Ferrari-worshipping regalia seen at a Formula One circuit this year - a horse's head. Presumably to signal support for the prancing horse team and embroidered in bright scarlet, the equine tribute stretched high above the female fan's shoulders.