Sunday March 4th, 2001

Villeneuve in no hurry to get married
Jacques Villeneuve was the centre of much attention in the paddock at Albert Park because of his relatively recent split with Australian girlfriend Dannii Minogue.

The Canadian, who will be 30 next month, said he was astonished at the level of interest in his personal and private life and also at concern that he will soon reach a landmark.

"You know it doesn't bother me half as much as it seems to bother everyone else," he said. "People keep on coming up to me to talk about it and it is scary. I don't care. I am not at all bothered.

"I am enjoying my life and I am looking forward to the season because I think we have a good chance of some success this year. My age has got nothing to do with it and I don't have any feelings at all about reaching this certain age everyone is talking about."

On the track, Villeneuve is feeling more optimistic now he has let his hair grow back to its natural chestnut brown colour. "Last year, it was very close to me that I could go somewhere else and move on, but things went forward and again this year from testing it seems we have gone forward again," he said.

"You cannot stay with a team forever if it is not winning, but fortunately I think we are moving forward well again now."

Lauda fails to recognise Burti
According to sources close to the Jaguar team, their recently installed new managerial inspiration Niki Lauda failed to recognise Luciano Burti in the paddock at Albert Park.

Lauda, who on Friday confirmed that he had offered Spaniard Pedro de la Rosa a seat in the racing team next year, turned to a friend close to him and said 'who is that guy?' when Burti walked past.

It is widely believed that Burti will be sacrificed to make way for De la Rosa sooner rather than later. But Burti is prepared to hang on and fight for his seat.

Jordan to launch 'J' in Ireland
Jordan Grand Prix announced on Saturday that they will launch their official magazine 'J' in Ireland on March 15. This will give their fans a chance to read about the team, the technology and the lifestyle of their favourite Grand Prix team.

The first special issue for Ireland will include an interview with Eghbal Hamidy, a profile of Eddie Irvine, an interview with former offshore powerboat world champion Steve Curtis and a chat with Spice Girl Mel C.

The extension of the distribution of the team's popular magazine to Ireland coincides with an extension of the print run to 35,000 copies. It is published quarterly.

Irvine on his own at Grand Prix ball
World famous self-styled playboy Eddie Irvine turned up at the traditional Melbourne Grand Prix ball on his own and without a lady on his arm -- a fact that left the local media gasping with surprise. "Eddie Irvine made a solo entrance" chimed the local Herald Sun newspaper on Saturday.

But he was not the only to make the headlines and grab the attention. The star guest at the ball was British supermodel Naomi Campbell, girlfriend of Benetton boss Flavio Briatore, who hogged most of the pictures the next morning.

Also on the celebrity guest list were local hero Mark Webber, now Benetton's test and reserve driver, and Michael Schumacher who picked up an award as the best driver of 2000.

Also honoured was legendary and long-serving British television commentator Murray Walker while many stars from Australian television, film and sport joined the party.

Prince Michael of Kent from England was there and so were a host of girls in slinky dresses, ensuring that the event captured front page picture space in most newspapers. Campbell wore a black Azzedine Alaia gown which trailed behind her.

Edwards brings in Japanese chefs
Paddock catering boss Paul Edwards knows how to ensure he gets the best of both worlds for his guests in the paddock this season. Edwards, affectionately known as the controller by his admirers and friends, is in charge of food and motorhome hospitality at Jordan, Honda and BAR.

This season, in a bid to make sure that everyone has plenty of choice he has hired two Japanese chefs. "I have paid to bring them in to make sure that there is a choice of European or Japanese food on the menu. It is a great move for the customers as they have terrific choice and they are both top guys."

Edwards declined to comment on the latest gastronimic rumours circulating the paddock suggesting that he is about to sign a deal with a well-known British super chef who is due to make a special celebrity appearance later in the year.

Michael Schumacher 15th in Forbes Magazine celebrity top 100
World champion Michael Schumacher was announced in 15th place in the list of the world's top 100 celebrities in the American magazine Forbes Magazine's famous top 100 celebrity listing.

Film star Tom Cruise came out on top, the late Dale Earnhardt was 35th and no other motor racing celebrities even featured.

Paul Stoddart saluted by Eddie Jordan
Eddie Jordan, who was the last independent entrepreneur to start his own team in 1991, paid a rich tribute to Australian new-boy Paul Stoddart for his rescue act in buying Minardi.

"I must say I thought I was brave when we entered Formula One in 1991, but this guy is the bravest I have ever met to buy into what he has just bought into," he said.

"He must know something I dont know. He must finish in the top ten or he is in very serious trouble because then he has to pay for his airfreight and his flights."

In Brief...