The volcanic ash that has brought almost all of Europe's air traffic to a standstill also threatened this weekend's Chinese Grand Prix.

As is often the case, a number of teams were waiting on members of staff to leave their factories at the very last moment, armed with the latest spares and updates. However, the ash cloud which has brought European air traffic to a halt threatened to compromise their plans.

Speaking to reporters in Shanghai, McLaren boss Martin Whitmarsh revealed that once the extent of the air chaos in the UK became apparent the Woking outfit was forced to seek alternatives.

"It is quite a miraculous story," said the Englishman. "Someone jumped into a car and drove five hours to Paris," apparently getting to the airport just ten minutes before the airport was shut.

"The parts were delivered," he continued. "We have got a few people who were going to be latecomers who won't be here now, but we've got everything we need to perform this weekend."

Several other teams, including Red Bull, were forced to take similar action, while a Pitpass spy insists that a private jet, allegedly owned by Flavio Briatore, was seen over Biggin Hill. "Does Flavio think that the recent FIA decision has made him invincible?" asks our spy.