Grapevine: News from the Paddock

Radical BAR

BAR-Honda partners Lucky Strike continued their quirky sponsorship style with another in their 'Radical Cars' series this weekend when they took the paintbrush to the colour scheme on third driver Anthony Davidson's car. The colour scheme was completely changed over the car, including sidepods, engine cover, nose and front wing, and the design majored on a sketched drawing of a driver along the chassis side with the words Laid Back instead of Lucky Strike plastered across the front wing. But the livery was not to last, and the team confirmed the car would return to its original colours after the Friday practice sessions.

Don't Worry...

World Champion Michael Schumacher, victor of 82 Grands Prix, saw his winning run of seven races in a row come to an end at the last Grand Prix in Belgium and it clearly gave him a shake. But the seven-time title winner has made sure he does not get too concerned by his recent loss by choosing a special ringtone for his cellphone. The move was revealed during the Thursday press conference when the phone began to ring as he was asked a question during the pre-event press conference. The tune? 'Don't worry, be happy'.

Naked News

Daily Express journalist Bob McKenzie's now-famous bet against McLaren winning a race this season has made him an overnight media sensation following Kimi Raikkonen's victory in Belgium at the last race. The Scottish journalist promised to brave the elements and run around Silverstone naked if the ailing Woking-based team won a race this year and after the team promised to hold him to his word he has already fielded interviews from several television channels in the Monza paddock.

His race report after Belgium featured a shirtless photograph of him but that is clearly not enough and McLaren boss Ron Dennis planned to finalise the details of the event with him after making sure they sat together as the British media gathered in the team motorhome for a dinner this weekend. Raikkonen has already promised to attend the 'naked run' and cheeky Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya, who will drive for McLaren next year, gleefully promised to turn up and watch too. When it was brought up in a press conference Montoya said: "Is it going to happen? I would pay to watch." But he backed away from suggestions that he could wave the chequered flag as the naked McKenzie crosses the line.

Birthday Celebration

Jordan press officer Helen Temple celebrated her birthday in the paddock on Friday and received a special early morning serenade - from her music fanatic boss Eddie Jordan. The lively team chief struck up his vocal chords during the team's regular breakfast session for the media and led the group of diners in a rendition of 'Happy Birthday'. Needless to say, Miss Temple's bright yellow uniform was out-shone by her glowing red face.