Grapevine: More News from the Paddock - Italian GP

Party Off

The run of cancellations continued at Monza as most teams decided to halt all their planned media and sponsorship events. Ferrari had planned a party for all permanent Formula One journalists, a traditionally massive event which takes place every year. But that, too, was cancelled as a mark of respect to the terrorist victims in America and only Sauber's sponsors Credit Suisse continued on with their programme with a dinner on Friday night.

Wining and Dining

British American Racing had planned a wine tasting event for this weekend's race. Alessia Antinori, a member of one of Italy's famous wine families was due to head for the team's motorhome to show journalists and team members how to drink. Drivers Olivier Panis and Jacques Villeneuve's favourite, a 1985 Chateau d'Yquem was due to be on the list, but as with most of the events the wine tasting was cancelled.

Prost Ad

The Prost Grand Prix team have been the latest team to take part in an advert for one of their sponsors and a television campaign with sponsors Adecco began on Friday with the airing of their first advert. Filmed on the first of May, the advert shows the team making a pit stop, and will be aired on Italian television.

Splashing Around

British American Racing drivers Jacques Villeneuve and Olivier Panis had a busy time in the days between the Belgian and Italian Grands Prix as they first headed off to the Costa del Sol in Spain to mess about in the Mediterranean in a sponsorship promotion, then hit Swindon to become star attractions as Honda opened their second car-building facility.