Grapevine: Red Bull Impress with Energy Station

The San Marino Grand Prix traditionally hails the arrival of the team motorhomes and there are usually some surprises in store with teams trying to out-do each other with their hospitality zones.

Two years ago McLaren's Communications Centre raised the bar, but this time Red Bull have gone one better with a structure that looks down on the former Paddock giant.

The aluminium frame construction boasts two main floors, each with a bar serving a vast array of drinks, with a welcome hall and team dining area on the bottom level, a cafe bar in the middle and a sun deck patio area on top of that.

The structure, insiders claim, cost around one quarter of the price paid by Ron Dennis' McLaren team for their state-of-the-art home and it was only just finished in time for the opening race.

Team driver Vitantonio Liuzzi was impressed with the facility and said: "I think, as they show with the motorhome, as they've shown in the past with some events, Red Bull are really great.

"(Red Bull boss Dietrich) Mateschitz has got a great mentality and I think that as he is supporting the team for this kind of event with these facilities, he is doing it for the team."

The structure was flown in from various manufacturer points across Europe and was only just fitted together on the Wednesday evening with electrics being plumbed in just in time.

A total of 48 flat-screen televisions flash with action from Red Bull's activities in extreme sports while the music and ambient lighting has a full mixing desk to fit the mood.

The facility will not appear at all races but despite its size it is confirmed to be a fixture at the Monaco Grand Prix, although insiders would not reveal how it will be crammed into the harbourside paddock.