Grand prix a hit with chart toppers.

Pop band Hearsay, who recently scored a second consecutive number one in the British charts, caused a wave of interest in the Silverstone pit-lane, where they appeared as guests of the Arrows team.

The band also appeared on the Arrows merchandise stand, but it was the sheer pace of the cars that most took their breath away.

"The speed is incredible," gasped band member Danny Foster, "You forget that these guys are traveling at over 100mph - even around some of the corners. I dread to think what they will be doing if the rain stops!"

"You get no idea what it's like on TV, or how fast they're going," agreed Noel Sullivan.

But it was not just the lads who were enjoying themselves.

"You hear about the smell of burning rubber but, when you're there, it's absolutely amazing," enthused Myleene Klass.

Tom Walkinshaw's Arrows also played host to up-and-coming Irish band Bellefire, who currently top the charts in rival boss Eddie Jordan's homeland.

"It's brilliant," Ciara Newell, "I've never been to a Formula One race before, so it's a great opportunity for me. I used to watch it on TV, but there's nothing like being here."

The quartet admitted to being star-stricken by the whole event, but Cathy Newell, Ciara's older sister, was still keen to meet the drivers after qualifying.

"We've seen Enrique [Bernoldi], and I hope we'll get to meet the other drivers later," she grinned.

Fellow group member, Kelly Kilfeather, also admitted to being in awe of the whole event and, in particular, the cars. Ciara also took a liking to the sleek machines, and said she wanted to drive one.

"In the hotel, there was a car on display, and I thought 'wow, look at that'," Kelly admitted.

According to Ciara, Bellefirewill definitely be back to join the throng of personalities who congregate at Silverstone each year.

"It's our first grand prix, but I think, after today, we'll be like 'when's the next one....?" she said.