Take-off!

Twelve months ago, the cynics in the Formula 1 paddock found it difficult to look blasé when confronted by the sheer size of the Red Bull Racing Energy Station, when it made its debut in Imola. Today, they were equally shocked, when they realised that the Energy Station had now doubled in size, to accommodate Scuderia Toro Rosso under the same roof as its older brother. “We are a bigger family now, so we need more space” explained Tonio Liuzzi in an official press conference this afternoon.

It’s ironic that the most sophisticated hospitality units in the world of sport end up making their debut in the most old-fashioned and chaotic paddock of the year, but that’s the way it goes. Although the Energy Station is still the biggest unit among the teams, given that it covers the space available to two squads, it is no longer the only state of the art facility as other teams have joined in this race that every year seems as fierce as the actual competition on the track. The odd thing is that, on first impressions walking into the paddock, one gets the impression one is at an exhibition of Airport Business Class lounges, where you can browse around and decide which one to use to fit out your airport.

BMW-Sauber have a domed tented structure that looks light and airy and very impressive, Honda has also gone for the open-plan glass effect, even that most tradition of teams, Williams, has come up with something newer and bigger. The prize for the most unusual building in the paddock has to go to Midland, whose hospitality unit goes completely the other way, with no windows at all. Very strange and a bit sinister.

Only April, but it seems Christmas came early for all our drivers: all four race drivers were presented with brand new Maseratis – Grand Sport Coupes – Tonio’s blue, Scott’s red, Christian’s black and David’s in silver. The deal came about courtesy of the new Austrian importer for Maserati cars who hit on the idea of generating some publicity this way and the arrangement then got the full backing from the Modena head office. The first three mentioned drivers all took delivery of their new toys on Thursday morning, when they gave them a good thrashing at nearby Lugo Airport. DC took delivery of his at his motorhome. A few years back, David and Jacques Villeneuve pioneered the idea of living in their own motorhomes at the races and, surprise surprise, Red Bull thought it was such a good idea that it has now provided motorhomes for all its race drivers to live in. However, as they are decorated in team livery, let’s wait and see how long it is before the drivers complain about being woken up in the middle of the night by eager race fans wanting autographs!