Grapevine: More News from the Paddock - Hungarian GP

Bernie Award

Hungary kept Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone sweet by awarding him another accolade for his services to Formula One. He received an award from the country last year, and now, on the advice of the country's Prime Minister, Ecclestone has been awarded the 'Midcross honour of the Hungarian republic (civil faculty)'.

The ceremony took place at the Munkacsy hall of parliament on the Friday before the Grand Prix, but unfortunately for Ecclestone the country's president, who was due to present the honour, was unable to attend, and the award was presented by the minister of transport, Janos Fonagy. However, he was less impressed with the circuit when he found himself locked out of one of the press rooms the following day.

Benetton Gone With The Wind

Vendee Globe Challenge winner Michel Desjoyeaux visited Benetton for the Friday practice sessions and was fascinated with the technology in Formula One. Sailor Desjoyeux was victorious in his efforts to travel around the world on a yacht single handed, and unsurprisingly he was more interested in Formula One's technology than its people. Having to sail on his own for months, he had to know his boat inside out, and he was impressed with the level of Formula One's engineering as most of the time he spent at the racetrack was in the pits, investigating all the elements that make a Formula One car go.

Biking Break

Jordan employees took a rest from all the confusion of driver moves to indulge in a spot of bike racing at Donington Park during the three-week break. Around 45 members and friends of the team rode from the factory to meet three-time British motorcycle champion Ron Haslam at the circuit, in the hope of getting a few tips as they tried out team engine supplier Honda's latest bikes. After a riding school, a lucky few were able to ride on the back of Haslam's two-seater bike for a high-speed thrill.

Spain Ahead of the Rest

They may only have two drivers in Formula One, but Spain was well ahead of the rest in the press office on Friday. The daily news handouts, telling journalists how each team performed in several different languages showed that Spain was apparently getting preferential treatment from the FIA. While Britain, Germany and the rest had news from Friday, Spain were informed of the news from Saturday at the Hungaroring. However, there was no crystal ball for them, simply an unfortunate typo from the Grand Prix organisers.

Speedy Alonso

Spain was fastest on the track as well during Hungary's Friday practice, but not by choice. The first day's sessions could clearly not escape without a speeding offence in the pitlane, and it was up to Minardi's Spanish star Fernando Alonso to take the blame as the only man to top the 60 km/h limit. Just 20 minutes into his weekend, Alonso shot to 63 km/h as he moved through the pitlane, and the youngster, now out of his teens but merely 20 years old, lost $1,500 from his pocket as a penalty.