Mat Coch writes:

There was a lot of moaning, groaning and cheering inside the totally impartial media centre during this evening's qualifying session. The Italian corps definitely not favouring Ferrari and Fernando Alonso, while the Germans were naturally very upset when Webber was only capable of fifth place.

That in itself was a talking point after the session. Has Webber finally cracked, or is it another blip on the radar as happened in Bahrain? The Australian does seem prone to the odd unusual qualifying result, typically this anomaly came at the worst possible time given his two title rivals will start from pole and third respectively.

Some members of the press contingent attempted to ruffle a few feathers by ambushing Fernando with questions surrounding the team orders saga, quoting Max Mosley and questioning the validity of the title, should he win it, after the team orders-gate saga. Alonso refused to be drawn, and when asked if he feels he deserves the championship in light of the German Grand Prix he replied with a simple 'yes'.

Simple could be used to describe Lewis Hamilton's task this weekend. Narrowly missing pole, yet clearly relaxed, the McLaren driver has to win if he's to have any hope of the title. He thinks it's a long shot, his team think it's a long shot, yet they continue to plod away just in case fortune favours them this weekend.

Down at Renault the mechanics haven't lost their sense of humour. A fishing rod and a rubber snake kept the team amused - scaring unsuspecting passers-by as they reeled the toy snake out of a garden bed and catching out more people than most would care to admit it.

The paddock as a whole was kept entertained by the sound of a live band playing on one of the yachts bobbing in the harbour just behind the hospitality suites, the dulcet tones of acoustic AC/DC resonating down the pitlane.

Making a brief appearance today was Richard Branson, the billionaire in the paddock supporting the team that carries his company's name. He didn't hang around long, and was spotted making a hasty exit after the final practice session.

Perhaps he should have hung around as John Booth effectively announced that Timo Glock will remain with the team for 2011. Yelling out across a crowded room is hardly the way these deals are normally concluded, though if you're willing to accept Timo's word for it the German will remain at what will be called Marussia Virgin Racing next season.

But what we're all really looking forward to is the race tomorrow afternoon. From within the paddock we can assure you we've no idea who will win, though after qualifying Alonso will have to start favourite. Barring a mechanical problem it seems difficult to imagine the Spaniard not taking his third crown. Perhaps more interesting than that will be the reaction of Red Bull. We wait with baited breath.