Red Bull adds new 'energy' to F1 paddock.

On the back of its early-season results, the Red Bull team has further livened up the paddock with the introduction of its new high-rise motorhome, which was the venue of a free-for-all European season opening party on Thursday night at Imola.

The huge split-level new structure unveiled by the team is the highest yet seen in the paddock and, much to the frustration of rival team bosses, its dimensions break the long-standing rules dictated by Formula One Management. However, it was designed with the full co-operation of Bernie Ecclestone, who is only too happy to see a bit of life brought into the paddock.

Unlike the McLaren base, it has not been designed with offices and work as its main focus, but fun, as most of the space is taken up by bar and catering areas. That is reflected by its christening as the team's 'Energy Centre', which gives a somewhat different impression to the 'Communications Centre' title used by McLaren.

It also cost a lot less than the multi-million dollar McLaren unit too, and close inspection reveals that the aluminium and perspex structure is pretty basic. However, it has already done the job of attracting attention. Thursday's party continued until late in the evening, and bemused mechanics from rival teams were invited to drop in after they had finished work, having wondered where the booming music was coming from.

The motorhome takes 14 HGVs to transport it around the world, and five days for the team to construct it on site. It is built on three levels, with the ground floor for mechanics and team offices, first floor for bar area and 'chill-out' lounge, and then the roof terrace for alfresco entertaining on top. There is also a drivers' shower and steam room, with lights that change the colour of the water!

At some of this season's back-to-back races, there will be no time to dismantle, transport and rebuild the centre, so the team is also planning to use the old Jaguar Racing motorhome. However, Red Bull is not going to miss out on taking its new baby to the most glitzy event of the season - and plan to have it floating in Monaco harbour!

Bernie has also upgraded his facilities. Until last season, the F1 boss used a silver bus that had first seen service in the 'Eighties, and which had long looked out of place alongside the team vehicles. He now has an impressive new purple-hued trailer unit which someone likened to a high-tech Japanese underground train...

Who says there is no money in F1.......!!