As part of the McLaren F1 teams punishment for “cheating” last season was that they were stripped of all their world championship points thereby finishing last with nil points. The way that F1 works is that the best place to be in the pits is in the garages closest to the exit. This gives the teams both a tactical advantage and (usually) more space. So you would expect McLaren to be at the far end of the pit lane where you need binoculars to see them. However, it seems that this will not be the case. When the teams set-up ready for next weekends opening Australian Grand Prix McLaren were between Williams and Red Bull (i.e in fifth position). Rumour has it that the big white chief (Bernie Eccelstone) negotiated with the teams to get them moved up the pits. The story goes that Eccelstone wanted McLaren higher but Williams refused to give up their slot.
Now Autosport is reporting that not only is it true that McLaren are being moved up the pit lane but that the reason is because their very large motorhome would not fit at the far end. Now, you would think that this would be McLarens problem and not anyone else’s and that they would have to downsize. However, given that the motor homes are used for wining and dining sponsors and McLaren’s are pretty blue chip I suspect a deal has been done.