Sunday April 6th, 2003
Why Does it Always Rain on Me?
The Interlagos paddock is often barraged by torrential rain during the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend but never before have journalists been subjected to wet weather conditions INSIDE their media centre. This year, however, with some of the worst storms to hit the track in recent memory, the incessant deluge caused part of the antiquated building's roof to cave in and flood the floor. Mops were hastily brought into action to push the water out of the back door while buckets were also employed around the room to catch water dripping in from the roof. The media centre is thought of as one of the worst on the Grand Prix circuit - but at least the journalists had the last laugh...because the flooding was centred in an area sectioned off for the organisers themselves.
Not So Fast
The rain may have been a bad thing for the drivers on the track, but at least it had a positive effect on their performance in the pitlane. There is hardly ever a Grand Prix without one driver speeding in the pitlane but it was clear they were being ultra-cautious this time as not one was caught above the limit. Either they were being careful not to hit anything in the tricky conditions...or the Brazilian race organisers need to check their speed testing equipments is still in place.
Is It Because I is Brazilian?
Several British journalists enjoyed a chance encounter with a local 'sound-alike' on a night out in a well-known Brazilian bar. A few caipirinhas down the line, the bar was ringing with the sound of popular British comedy star Ali G after one journalist, unaware that the man had been schooled at Bristol University and was a fan of the show, remarked about the local man's uncanny resemblance to the comic genius after being asked about his presence at the Grand Prix. The Brazilian, ironically named Cali and a resident of the Sao Paolo massif, responded with an impression and continued his comical efforts into the night. Aye. Sacha Baron Cohen beware!
Disappointed Crowd
Pole position for Brazilian hero Rubens Barrichello ensured a sell-out crowd of 70,000 on race day at Interlagos – but many had already walked out the gates by the end of the race after the Ferrari star's car suffered what baffled technical director Ross Brawn described as "a complete systems shutdown." The total attendance topped 130,000 for the weekend with 39,440 tifosi fans packing the grandstands on Saturday to cheer on the Scarlet Scuderia's home hope. The heliport at the circuit saw more than 200 landings and take-offs while police reported the only problem to be two touts selling tickets at the gate. The only man to suffer a crime on race day, it seems, was Barrichello himself, who was robbed of victory in front of 70,000 witnesses.
Published at 23:10:40 GMT
(03-11-2005): 
