Saturday July 14th, 2001
Williams on Michael
Although he has one of the most desired drivers line-up, Sir Frank Williams is never shy of showing his admirating to three times World Champion Michael Schumacher. And, just like everyone else in the paddock at Silverstone, Williams too was asked about his opinion of the German Ferrari star, as he is on the brink of equalling Alain Prost's all-time wins record.
"Those of us without Michael have a problem, " Williams told reporters at the Silverstone paddock with all earnesty. "He is the best at testing, racing, qualifying, getting the best from his engineers, from the car and the team. He is the fittest and the fastest. The list is endless."
Popstars
The Arrows team were visited by pop group Hear'Say on Saturday morning who, clad in team overalls, flew into Silverstone to perform their hit single, "Show me the way to your heart." Currently fifth in the British charts, the band which was created on Britain's "Popstars" programme entertained fans at the team's merchandise unit, and the five members - Noel Sullivan, Danny Foster, Kym Marsh, Myleene Klass and Suzanne Shaw - were amazed after their first experience of life in Formula One's fast lane.
"You here about the smell of burning rubber, but when you're there it is absolutely amazing," Myleene said and Noel added: "You get no idea what it is like on TV, how fast they're actually going." Irish girl-band Bellefire were also on show as special guests of Arrows and the quartet, who are currently 12th in the charts, sparkled in front of the photographers.
Past Masters
The Silverstone paddock was full of former British heroes, all out to savour the current era of Grand Prix racing. The most recent of the champions at the track was 1996 champion Damon Hill, complete with long rock-star hair, and trailing his son. Nigel Mansell was also in the paddock, as was 1981 winner John Watson and another Brit from yet another era, John Surtees. They are sure to be cheering on this year's great British hope David Coulthard this weekend.
Trulli's Happy Birthday
Jordan's Jarno Trulli celebrated his birthday in the Silverstone paddock on Friday with a 2pm photocall and a cake. But the Italian was so busy in preparations for the Grand Prix that although delighted with the tasty offering, he had to whiz off for another engagement. The 27-year old did not partake in any cake-throwing activities, and he did not even get to cut the cake until three hours later.
Irish Limerick
Eddie Jordan was wooed by a poem before the Silverstone race, and he was so impressed by the piece that he invited its writer to join him and the team at the Grand Prix this weekend. The piece was written for Mastercard's "Priceless Fan" competition, and long-term British fan Anne Hughes was the lucky winner, voted for by Jordan and several members of the British press.
She netted a prize of a VIP visit to Silverstone, and Jordan said: "I thought that Anne's poem really captured the excitement of a race from the anticipation of the event through to the finish. We had a difficult time deciding - there are many passionate fans of motorsport in the UK."
Published at 16:19:41 GMT
(03-11-2005): 
