Grapevine: News from the Paddock - US GP

Phone Controversy

One of the first signs a journalist sees when they enter the press conference room at any track warns them to turn off their mobile phones - so most were left questioning why they were forced to wait in silence on Thursday as Ferrari technical director picked up his ringing mobile phone during the first press conference at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Before he could answer it, Ferrari driver Rubens Barrichello, who was sitting next to him, snatched the phone and said: "I'll say hello to Mum," before answering. "Ross is in a meeting," he followed, laughing. "Who is that? Hello, Rory." "It's Rory," he announced to the muttering masses in front of him, informing them that he was answering a call from Ferrari chief designer Rory Byrne. "Hi," he continued. "I'm with Ross in a press conference. I'm doing fine, I'm doing fine, Rory. Everyone is just having a laugh because - you want me to go outside with Ross for a meeting? Ross is going to call you back in five minutes, gentlemen, please, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you, Rory. Bye." An embarrassed Brawn said: "I'll turn it off."

Weather Warning

The Indianapolis area was hit with two inches of rain on the Wednesday before the race weekend and there were concerns when threatening cloudy skies built into a black front on Thursday as fans flocked to the track for autograph sessions. The expression "man on track" has long been the paddock's favourite comment posted on the race notes board - created when a kilted protester burst onto the circuit at Silverstone last year - but it was finally superseded on Thursday when the warning "tornado approaching" popped up at 14:14. Circuit visitors were warned of the approaching storm while journalists eagerly pondered the effects of imminent severe weather.

"Michael's car could be whipped up and flown down to downtown Indy if this happens during the race," said one hack. "Yeah, maybe," replied another. "But it's probably more likely to spin him around 360 degrees, drop him off in the lead then rip the rest of the pack to shreds."

Great Expectations

The date change of this year's United States Grand Prix - from September to June - seems to be a popular move from many of the people involved in the event. The organisers said that normally a date change would create a drop in attendances but instead expect the fact that the race will now take place in spring could boost ticket sales. The race has continually decreased in apparent attendance levels since its debut on the calendar in 2000 but ticket sales this year are going well and IMS spokesman Ron Green told the Indianapolis Star: "Word is getting out about the date change and we are very optimistic Sunday will be a strong turn-out."

Two new grandstands have been erected this year - at turns six and ten - and the organisers are certain of bringing in more than 100,000 people. From initial indications around the circuit on Friday, however, the initial attendance was not as strong as first hoped.

Great Expectations

Indianapolis residents cannot wait for their next fix of motor racing action at the motor speedway - be it IndyCar, NASCAR or Formula One - and the organisers made sure everyone knows when the next events are on with a flashing display on the stand alongside the main straight. Even though the Indy 500 only went ahead last month the sign on Thursday was proudly advertising 346 days before the 2005 race at the famous oval. Maybe Formula One is just not enough.