BUTTON TO LAUNCH 'GUMBALL'

In London on Saturday, the grand prix ace - currently 'resting' while his BAR team is banned - is slated to say 'go' to the 2005 'Gumball 3000'.

The race, made up of celebrities and exotic sports cars, lasts six days and - at often breakneck speeds - winds through Belgium, Vienna, Budapest, Sicily, Rome and Florence, and ends at Monaco.

In fact, the finish - in fabled Casino Square - coincides with the traditional 'day off' (Friday) of the Monaco grand prix.

"Competitors will relax on the Gumball super yacht in Monaco's harbour," read a Budapest Sun newspaper report, "... and watch the grand prix." GMM