Full mental jacket

Why was David Coulthard wearing a bullet proof jacket on the grid of the Malaysian Grand Prix? Apparently, it was actually an "ice vest" but one could be forgiven for thinking it was either a protective garment or some sort of strange fashion creation from Jean-Paul Gaultier or Dries van Noten.

Did you notice that the podium prize presentation lasted a bit longer than usual? That's because the man reading out the names of those giving out the prizes had to cope with local Malaysian names and titles that took him an age to practice. How do you fancy having to announce the Prime Minister of Malaysia, who goes by the snappy little name of Yang Amat Berhormat Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, or the chairman of event sponsor, Petronas, Yang Berbahagia Tan Sri Dato Sri Mohd Hassan Marican. Remember to buy extra long envelopes next time you want to drop these guys a line.

Those of you who saw our "colourful" preview for this race will be pleased to hear that the Sepang circuit organisers evidently read it too and decided to brighten up the vast expanses of the track, by using a variety of pretty colours for the gravel traps and run-off area.

Nico Rosberg failed to finish this race, but the Williams man is still flavour of the moment after a great opening race and a good qualifying here. But with many new drivers, just finding out the basics about them can prove difficult. There was much discussion about when was his birthday and he and father Keke could not agree. In the end, a passport had to be produced to show the 1982 world champion that he really didn't know his son's birthday.

It seemed as though most of the grid moved back down the order set in qualifying, as a result of the various engine changes needed because of the new V8s proving a trifle fragile. The ten place penalties were being dished out like confetti at a wedding. One journalist was spotted staring at the grid order for a good 15 minutes before exclaiming: "I've finally worked out why Fisichella is still on pole - no one in front of him has had an engine change!"