Winning formula for stars, cars and guitars.

Leaving no dispute about Formula One's massive popularity, some of the greatest names from the worlds of F1 and music received a standing ovation at the Royal Albert Hall on Monday night when, for the first time, they joined forces to embrace the 2001 Grand Prix Party.

Hosted by Carol Vorderman and Tony Jardine, the action packed evening of stars, cars and guitars gave F1 stars the opportunity to let their hair down pre-season all in aid of FIA Medical Delegate Professor Sid Watkins' charity, the Brain and Spine Foundation.

Team bosses were in the audience enjoying the show and Jaguar Racing's Eddie Irvine had the ladies screaming as he appeared on stage, having flown back specially from an important test in Valencia.

For the unforgettable finale, the 5000-strong crowd were brought to their feet as no fewer than five World Champions - Damon Hill, Niki Lauda, Jackie
Stewart, Nigel Mansell and Jody Scheckter - took to the stage joined by, amongst others, F1 impresario Bernie Ecclestone and Murray Walker singing along to the vocal talents of Gabrielle, Tony Hadley, 5ive and Simon Le Bon.
The instrumental backing was provided by Jools Holland, Chris Rea, Mike and the Mechanics, Nick Mason, Paul Stewart, Damon Hill and Eddie Jordan (on drums).

Professor Sid Watkins explains: "The Grand Prix Party was a terrific success. We're hoping to have raised in the region of ?100,000 from this event but this is just the start! Now the teams have seen an event like this come together and the scale of its impact, we should be able to count on even greater support in years to come and look at doubling or tripling what we raise for the sufferers of brain and spinal injuries."

Bernie Ecclestone's first appearance was to announce F1's eponymous answer to the Oscars - The Bernies. There were gongs for Michael Schumacher (Driver of the Year) accepted on his behalf by 1979 World Champion Jody Scheckter; Professor Sid Watkins for his tireless endeavour for improved driver safety, presented by Jackie Stewart OBE; and Jenson Button (Best Newcomer) accepted by young driver rivals Darren Manning and Anthony Davidson.

The biggest cheer of the evening, however, was received by an awe-struck Murray Walker, who was surprised by his good friend Nigel Mansell with a 'Bernie' for his outstanding contribution in bringing the sport to the public. The F1 commentator claimed afterwards: "It's the most fun I've had in years; it was so great to see the world of F1 let their hair down and take themselves less seriously. The audience was fantastic, the show spectacular and all in all an extremely enjoyable experience for all those involved"

Moving on to the exclusive After Show Party at the Royal Garden Hotel, Kensington, Spice Girl Mel C set the pace in the F1 Auction by snapping up a VIP Test Day with Williams F1 team for ?8,500. Also up for grabs was a pair of race-winning overalls donated by Michael Schumacher and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a passenger ride in European Minardi's two-Seater F1 Car.

With the stage well and truly set for the forthcoming F1 Season, the Grand Prix Party is certain to be a permanent fixture on the Formula One Calendar.

The events beneficiary, the Brain and Spine Foundation, works to improve the quality of life for people with neurological disorders and reduce neurological disability through vital research, education and information. Three million people in the UK alone are currently affected by neurological disorders and the money raised at the Grand Prix Party will continue the Foundation's ground-breaking research and treatment programme that is used by neurosurgeons across the globe.

2001 Grand Prix Party Performers:

F1 Stage Guests:
Damon Hill, Professor Sid Watkins, Bernie Ecclestone, Darren Manning, Anthony Davidson, Eddie Irvine, Murray Walker, OBE Nigel Mansell, Stirling Moss, Jody
Scheckter, Ron Dennis CBE, Paul Stoddart, Niki Lauda, Louise Goodman, Jackie Stewart OBE, Eddie Jordan, a

Music Guests:
Jools Holland's Rhythm and Blues Orchestra, 5ive, Chris Rea, Gabrielle, Tony Hadley, Dewi Wyn (Tenor), Mike and the Mechanics, Simon Le Bon, Eddie Jordan, Paul Stewart, Damon
Hill and band.