ATLAS F1, The Daily Grapevine: Final News from the Paddock

Non-Stop Stars
The British Grand Prix paddock was filled with celebrities as the summer sunshine drew in the rich an famous. Screen, stage, sport or royalty - it didn't matter, everyone wanted to turn up for the big event. After the thrill of Hear'Say on Saturday, popstar Robbie Williams was expected to be visiting the Jaguar team, but he was not spotted in the paddock and the music world had a worthy substitute in the shape of Australian songstress Kylie Minogue, who turned up to visit a couple of friends. "It was exciting, really fun," said a thrilled Kylie.

"I was here two years ago and I've been to Monaco for the race, but I've only been to three. I'm quite a new F1 fan. Having watched it on TV so many times it was quite strange being in the midst of it all on the grid. I've always thought for the drivers it must be so hard with all of that commotion around them and then today I thought, 'oh God, I'm part of the commotion'. I didn't know where to put myself - I was trying desperately not to get in their way."

Australian cricketers Shane Warne and Steve Waugh visited Benetton and British American Racing, Rallying supremo and former Benetton boss David Richards was also in the paddock, and the sheer scale of Formula One impressed tennis star Tim Henman, who visited the Jaguar team.

"It is such a big operation - the size of it," marvelled a smartly dressed Henman. "I've been in the pits and the number of people is amazing. This is the first race I've been to. I've been close to Monaco because we play a tournament the week before, but it's good to be at the British race. If feel the British support when I am playing on the court, but I don't know how it effects the drivers when they're in the car." Actor Robson Green flew in by helicopter with kids TV stars Ant and Dec and ITN newsreader Trevor McDonald, who ate lunch at the European Minardi motorhome. Television mathematician Carole Vorderman was also in attendance and Sarah Ferguson - "Fergie" - joined in the fun as she met up with old friend Bernie Ecclestone.

"We're very good friends," said Fergie after hugging Ecclestone in the paddock. "I've been to the races for 20-odd years, and I never take sides but today I've got to go British." But sadly for the former royal, who was visiting the McLaren team, it was the wrong silver and black car which crossed the line first.

Rugby Mania
Tom Walkinshaw's Gloucester rugby union squad were both seen and heard in the Formula One paddock on Saturday as they cheered on the British Lions squad which took on Australia in the third test. They were more interested in watching their sport on television in the Arrows motorhome than they were in taking a look at the on-track action. But once the game was over they did venture out to have a look.

"I've been to Silverstone before but not for the British Grand Prix," said team member Andy Gomarsall. "I just don't know how the drivers in Formula One do it particularly in the wet." However, the disgruntled star revealed that he was not altogether happy with his visit. "We're not invited for the race," said Gomarsall. "I don't think we are posh enough for the main event."

Cracking Interview
British television girl Beverly Turner, who started work for ITV in the glamour capacity at Monaco this year, had what was perhaps her most bizarre interview to date in the Silverstone paddock as she put boyfriend and British rowing star James Cracknell in front of the camera for a homely chat. "It was a little bit strange," said Cracknell after the interview. "But most of our conversations are like that. In fact, it's the most I've spoken to her all weekend - it's crazy this place."

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