Even if the Ferraris take everyone by surprise in Melbourne, much as they did last year, you can bet that McLaren boss Ron Dennis will still have something to smile about as the F1 'circus' packs up and heads to Sepang.

In 2004, following a woeful start to the season, Daily Express sports writer Bob McKenzie, went public and vowed that should the Woking team win a round of the world championship, he would run naked around Silverstone.

For much of the year the Scottish journo looked safe, then came the launch of the MP4-19B, followed, shortly afterwards, by a famous victory at Spa Francorchamps.

Legend has it that while Kimi Raikkonen was atop the podium spraying the bubbly, Ron Dennis was already en-route to the press room to fix a date and time for McKenzie's lap of honour.

Although the story appeared to go cold, Ron kept reminding people, and in particular McKenzie, that he hadn't forgotten. The Englishman said he was willing to allow McKenzie some clothing - namely three socks (go figure!) - but made it clear that in his view, a bet is a bet.

McKenzie had claimed that should McLaren win a race he would run naked around Silverstone, with the deed to be carried out before the start of the 2005 season. Various opt outs have been suggested including running around Silverstone Village or even purchasing a dog, calling it 'Naked' and running it around the Northamptonshire track.

However, with temperatures at Silverstone barely above freezing, and an icy East wind blasting the Hangar Straight, a compromise appears to have been reached.

McKenzie will perform his naked run, but in the far more pleasant temperatures to be found in Melbourne. The Scottish veteran will run around Melbourne Park on the (Saturday) evening before the Australian Grand Prix takes place.

Fearful of the thousands of eyes that will be watching him, Bob has gone on a strict diet and has even begun exercising.

Furthermore, the run will be used to raise cash for charity, with BAR sponsor Lucky Strike already promising to donate.

Insiders tell us that Bob, a man who enjoys his food and drink, will lay off some of his favourite foods such as baked beans, green peppers and Brussells sprouts, as he's looking for maximum downforce.

Over the weeks ahead he will be evaluating various trainers and socks, in addition to carrying out a number of simulated wet runs - wouldn't you be wet running naked around a race track in front of thousands of cheering Aussies?

The existing lap record is 1:24.125, posted by Michael Schumacher in 2004, Bob is said to be aiming to cross the line before Martin Brundle begins his grid walk. (There's a joke there, but we won't go for it!)

Rumours that a run at Silverstone, planned for this year's British Grand Prix weekend, was cancelled because members of the British Racing Drivers' Club felt that Bob didn't measure up, remain unconfirmed.