As a guest you get the chance to walk through the pits and get a glimpse and if lucky, speak to the celebrities. I just love the noise the smells and the great party atmosphere. Socially it is a big party and prior to and post the race the drivers participate. The Crown Casino and its many restaurants is just a kilometer away toward the city and a great spot for partying, dining, etc. This year Baracello and Schumaker had a cook-off of their favourite pasta dishes with two of Australia's celebrity chefs, judged by a beautiful model who said in the end it was a tie--surprisingly, they both cook well!!!

Today is the big race and it is pouring with rain!! The V8 race has just been called off after 2 smashes in the first warm-up then a major one once it got underway. The true V8 championship will be in Adelaide later in the year so it did not matter so much. I'm off to the big race this afternoon now.

I'm back, and WHAT A RACE. The rain stopped, but this meant there was uncertainty over the tire selection--some chose wets, then had to have them changed. The quickest pitstop to change a set of Michelin tires and re-fuel was 6.8 seconds -- wow! David Coulthard from Scotland won, followed by Montoya, and Raikkenen was third. Michael Schumaker came fourth after 3 pit stops--two over 10 seconds, and he went off the track momentarily. Barricello was out early on-he damaged his front axle and had been penalised for jumping the start. A race full of drama. Our only Australian, Webber, driving a Jaguar, broke a back axle halfway around--too bad, as he was doing well in 6th position.

Now the champagne is flowing, parties are underway, and questions are being asked from the pit crews and carmakers of those who didn't do so well. Melbourne is the first in the International season, so plenty more challenges and excitement are expected around the world. Come to Melbourne next year and join in the excitement!!