23/03/2006
NEWS STORY
When Dietrich Mateschitz bought Jaguar Racing in late 2004, it marked the beginning of a new phenomenon in the Formula One paddock, the arrival of the Austrians.
With a population of just over 8 million, the republic does seem to be well represented in Formula One, with two teams, though neither of them is based on home soil.
Led by Mateschitz' Red Bull, the Austrian influence is making its presence felt, but we hear that this is not to everyone's liking with some long-term inhabitants of the paddock referring to a 'Salzburg Mafia'.
Although Julie Andrews, in the role of Maria von Trapp, another Austrian export, may have claimed that crisp apple strudel and schnitzel with noodles were among her favourite things, the same cannot be said of the mostly British and Italian team members at Red Bull and Toro Rosso, who, for the most part prefer bangers and mash or linguini.
We also hear that the heavy Austrian influence is now being felt in the Red Bulletin, the Red Bull produced media bulletin produced during Grand Prix weekends, which proved highly popular amongst members of the F1 fraternity in 2005.
In 2006, however, the Red Bulletin, which is said to be under new editorial management, appears to have lost its direction, with some claiming that the bulletin has an "almost Germanic" sense of humour.
Rumours that should David Coulthard make a return to the top step of the podium he will have to stand to attention in flameproof lederhosen while Edelweiss is played, are, hopefully, unfounded.