Now that's what I'm talking about. I wonder who the genius was who decided that Spa should be dropped from the Formula One calendar last year (I've got a pretty shrewd idea). And, this being Formula One, now that we've just witnessed one of the best races of the season, there is already talk of dropping the race again next year. This time its not because Bernie can't give up smoking but because a couple of photographers with FIA passes hung around their necks were moved along by the local constabulary and threatened with arrest for loitering with intent to take a picture.

Now it certainly does seem a little ridiculous that after two and a half days of racing the Belgian bobbies didn't think that the photographers were in a dangerous position until half way through the warm up lap for the main event, but let's be serious. I'm sure I speak for most Formula One fans when I say that I would rather see a race at Spa, even if there are no photographers at La Source or indeed anywhere at the track, than another ring-a-ring o'roses around the Hungaroring with photographers riding shotgun with the Ferrari team.

But for now we can enjoy the memory of a good race and one that finally was won by Team Not Ferrari. In fact, Team Not Ferrari took the win, pole and fastest lap making this the most remarkable race in a very long time. This may have been the most surprising result since they started putting wheels on the car some time after their invention by Colin Chapman in 1963.

I must admit I felt a little bad for Michael Schumacher. His Championship win was the most anti-climactic event since Bob Dole discovered Viagra and the fact that he wasn't standing on the top step of the podium took a little more luster off of the occasion. As you all know, I am not a Ferrari/Schumacher fan but credit where credit is due. Another double Championship makes this one of the most dominant sporting performances ever. Congratulations.

Of course, when one of your main rivals is 'masterminded' by Ron Dennis, you do get a considerable head start every year. Let's hope that Team Not Ferrari can get their act together and win a couple more this season and maybe even, dare we dream, make a contest of it next season.

IT'S ALL GREEK TO ME

I'm sure everybody knows that Formula One's favourite kook was on hand at the Olympics where he manhandled the Marathon leader into the crowd a few miles from the finish. Even before the news media found out who the assailant was, I knew. The silly outfit that has become almost a uniform for him; the short fat hairy legs; the peculiar view of the world and his place in it. I knew who it was. As I saw him grab the runner and have his way with him, despite the Patriot missiles stationed all around Athens, I had just one thought: "No, Bernie. NO!"

Talking of the Olympics, why don't we make Formula One an Olympic sport? Actually, now that I think about, let's not and say we did. Let's just give Michael the gold now and then we won't have to watch another sporting event where we know the outcome before the event. Like the USA Dream Team. Oh, wait a minute.

I'm having second thoughts about reconsidering. If F1 were an Olympic sport the teams would have to be made up on a national basis. We could have a team with Ross Brawn, Adrian Newey, Dave Richards and Nigel Stepney. For drivers we'd have Jenson Button and David Coulthard. Emmmmm..Jenson Button and... Well maybe we could run a one car team.

YOU'RE GONNA GET IT IN THE END

As wonderful as the Spa track is, it probably wasn't the best idea in the world to put the start line 500 yards from a hairpin turn. As is frequently the case, there was more contact at La Source than in Debbie Does Dallas and so many cars needed attention to their rear ends that most of the top teams are planning to hire proctologists. Many of the world's leading specialists are believed to be interested in these positions because of the unprecedented opportunity to work with some of the biggest arses in the world.

AND FINALLY