RB's Christmas 'bash'

Given the exotic venues for some of Red Bull Racing’s festivities this year, the “Concept Centre” in the little English town of Bedford might not seem to fit the usual party pattern. However, last Saturday’s end of year “bash” was definitely an important one, as it brought together a huge cross-section of the work force, including those unsung heroes who give their all back at the Milton Keynes factory, while the race team gets the glory at the race track.

Over 500 people turned up, many of them bussed in on a fleet of coaches from the factory and the first thing that greeted the guests was the Concept Centre beautifully lit up in Red Bull colours. The champagne flowed all night but in contrast, the food featured the down to earth delights of Fish ‘n Chips and Curry. All three of our 2006 drivers were on parade, with Christian Horner dragging them up on stage for the most relaxed Question and Answer session of the year.

Then it was down to Gunther Steiner to unlock the doors to the Secret Room where the RB2 car that will carry the team’s colours next year was revealed to everyone, on the day after it had just completed a successful two day initial shakedown at Silverstone circuit.

It wouldn’t be a Red Bull Racing party without Tonio Liuzzi and the man who switches to Scuderia Toro Rosso for 2006. The Italian was much missed on the dance floor but sent a farewell Christmas message. The party went on into the early hours, but at least everyone had all of Sunday to recover before putting in the final few hours of work for 2005 this week.