Cigarettes or the lack of them was the main news item in the paddock today, as McLaren’s title sponsor West, who have adorned the cars for the past eight and a half years, took the unusual step of pulling out of the sport at midnight on Friday. It was all planned months ago, but nevertheless, it meant the team had to deal with the added workload of changing the livery of the cars overnight.

While smokers in the paddock looked upset at the news, the sweet toothed cake eaters have been enjoying themselves. Renault’s Fernando Alonso celebrated his 24th birthday on Friday and the Spaniard was presented with so many birthday cakes, not just from his team but from TV companies trying to generate their own stories by getting him to cut the confectionary, that the paddock was awash with sponge cake and icing and candles as motorhome crews tried to get rid of it all.

On to more serious matters, although some might ask what can be more serious than birthday cake, Christian Klien and David Coulthard line up 11th and 13th respectively for today’s race.

Source: Red Bull