Grapevine: More News from the Paddock

Pom Bashing

Australian Mark Webber may live in the sleepy backwaters of Buckinghamshire close to Jaguar's factory in England now but he cannot resist the temptation of returning to his roots for a spot of 'Pom Bashing' when the opportunity arises. After gloating over Australia's victory in the Ashes cricket series, he then had a 3-1 victory over England in a friendly football match to use on the majority of Jaguars engineers.

But as Briton Tim Henman fell to a quarter-final defeat to Frenchman Sebastien Grosjean in the Wimbledon tennis, Webber could not resist another dig after his compatriot Mark Philippoussis overcame Grosjean in the semi-finals. "It took Tim (Henman) three days and he didn't even beat that dude, then Philippoussis blew him away in straight sets." England, however, have the leading rugby union team after overcoming Australia, New Zealand and South Africa in recent weeks and, when pushed, Webber was forced to admit: "Yeah, you've got the rugby union!"

Acting Lessons

Spectators, journalists and officials were given leaflets from protesting actors on the way into the Magny-Cours circuit on Saturday. After passing through some 'Stars in their Eyes' style gold curtains created by two flags being held at either side of the road, various signs held by workers voicing their discontent with the entertainment industry met those entering the circuit. It seems those in the acting unions are not happy with rates of pay and pension schemes in the industry. And the reason they decided to protest at the French Grand Prix? Well, they see it as a form of entertainment and performing!

Spare Drivers

After Jenson Button's accident in the Monaco Grand Prix BAR-Honda were left without a second driver for the race but in France they made sure they will not be left without a reserve if any disaster had occurred. Test and reserve driver Takuma Sato was not present in Monte Carlo and could not fly out in time to take over from Button following his accident in the Saturday morning practice.

But in France, the Brackley-based outfit ensured they were well covered as Japan's Sato and fellow test driver Anthony Davidson were both in attendance. Both, however, were left to twiddle their thumbs in the motorhome for the whole weekend â€" and worse still so were Button and teammate Jacques Villeneuve as they sat out Friday morning practice before a court order against BAR was lifted allowing them to qualify.