Grapevine: News from the Touchline - European GP

England Disappointment

The entire British press arrived at the Nurburgring at the break of dawn on Friday to watch England take on Brazil in their World Cup quarter-final, but were left disappointed as Sven Goran Eriksson's side were beaten 2-1 in Japan. Jordan's motorhome was packed out with journalists, while McLaren, British American Racing and Williams all displayed St George's Cross flags and Union Jacks outside of their motorhomes to signal their support. Michael Owen opened the scoring for England, much to the elation of the full-house at Jordan, but goals from Rivaldo and Ronaldinho earned Brazil a place in the semi-finals.

Minutes before kick-off, Eddie Jordan had announced, "If England win we'll trash you, if Brazil win you can trash our motorhome!" But the throng of journalists were left to merely traipse out with their heads bowed. A number chose to take earplugs from the motorhome to avoid the banter from their German and Brazilian counterparts for the rest of the day.

Massa Jibe

Young Brazilian driver Felipe Massa chose to revel in the glory of his country's 2-1 victory over England in their World Cup quarter-final clash in Japan with hand signals in Friday's free practice. The 21-year-old watched the clash in Sauber's motorhome and he then made a sign with his fingers as he left the garage on his first run of the weekend to indicate the scoreline to the cameras. One journalist chose to turn up to the circuit in his Brazilian football shirt with the name 'Massa' on the back.

World Cup Fever

The World Cup fever has failed to grip Ralf Schumacher, but the Williams driver has admitted that he will probably tune into the final next Sunday - the day of his 27th birthday. Despite his brother Michael's love for the game, Ralf has never been enthralled by the 'beautiful game'. But he plans to watch his native Germany in the final next Sunday - even though they still have to overcome the USA on Friday and then meet either Spain or South Korea in the semi-finals. He said: "I will wait until the final, until Germany is in the final. Then I can watch."

Fisichella Job Swap

Jordan's Giancarlo Fisichella is to take part in a 'job swap' with Manchester United footballer Ryan Giggs as part of ITV's British Grand Prix coverage. Fisichella, a football fanatic and a keen Roma fan, will train with Manchester United and in return will take Welsh international Giggs around Silverstone in a Honda sports car. Giggs recently spent the day with Jordan during a testing session at the Northamptonshire track.