Grapevine: Final News from the Paddock - Malaysian GP

Tourist Trap

The mayor of Kuala Lumpur has backed the Malaysian Grand Prix as a major boost to the country's growing tourism industry and promised even more support for the event in the future. Malaysia did all they could to attract fans in to the race - Malaysian Airlines even put on extra international flights to make it easier for visitors to attend the event. And although ticket sales were down this year due to general world concern over the war in Iraq, mayor Datuk Bandar Datuk Mohmad Shaid Taufek was encouraged by the event's continued success. "Formula One is a tool to sell Malaysia. With huge television coverage, Formula One sells Malaysia instantly to all corners of the globe - there is no better platform for promotion than this sport."

Spa Return?

Don't get excited yet, but the Sepang paddock was awash with rumours of the imminent reinstatement of the Belgian Grand Prix on this year's calendar. Nobody would confirm discussions over the possibility of a return to the classic Spa-Francorchamps track this year but team chief Sir Frank Williams said: "We all tend to as we're told as you've probably noticed time and time again. It depends what the judge decides."

The race was scrapped because of the country's decision to introduce a tobacco advertising ban before this year's race but rumour has it that government officials are set to take the sport's governing body, the FIA, to court to have their race reinstated. It was also suggested that Formula One commercial rights holder, Bernie Ecclestone, has already told the teams to remain on stand-by in case the race, originally scheduled for September, is reinstated. Nobody from official sources was available to comment.

Ralf Angered by 'Gay' Jibe

Williams driver Ralf Schumacher has come out to deny rumours in the German press that he is homosexual and that his wife Cora is having an affair with hairdresser friend Michael Leitner. "It's a big lie," said Schumacher, who has been taunted about his sexuality for some time. "I am definitely not gay and this is something for my lawyers right now. I hate the rumours but, if you are famous, people talk about you a lot and sometimes it is not the truth." The German also insisted there is no reason to speculate that his wife is being unfaithful and told British Sunday newspaper News of the World: "It was our hairdresser. He is a friend of ours. There was a party in the salon and my wife was there with her best friend Martina."

Left in the Dark

The new Formula One rules have been criticised for their element of confusion and the situation was worsened on Saturday when the speakers and screens failed at the Sepang International Circuit, which is often described as the world's most advanced motor racing venue. Fans were lost without the wisdom of the usually crisp and clear circuit commentator Bob Constanduros and one man admitted they did not have a clue who was on pole until he saw the Renault team jumping for joy in the pits.

"We could not hear anything," grumbled the dismayed spectator. "We were disappointed because we missed all the excitement." But for some, it appears the organisers can do nothing right even when the screens are working as another fan commentated: "I did not get to see much of what was happening as the screen closest to the area I was in was too far away."

City Celebrations

Kuala Lumpur has been a buzz of activity this year with street parties continuing into the small hours every night and special events dragging the locals and visitors alike into the spirit of the event. The event, dubbed 'KL Grand Prix City in Action' saw Formula One team colours adorn shopping malls and entertainment outlets throughout the city. The highlights were a showcase of Formula One cars at the Yayasan Selangor Building and Bintang Walk, in the city centre, where jazz and City Hall orchestra performances were mixed with big screens and Formula One action playbacks from the day.