Sunday news briefs from Monaco

(GMM) Vijay Mallya, the owner of an airline and also the Force India team, was not worried about his personal carbon footprint this weekend. After watching Thursday practice and attending Friday's crisis meetings in Monaco, he jetted to South Africa in time to see his cricket team Bangalore Royal Challengers take on the Indian Premier League finals. If the team had not progressed to the grand final (they did), the billionaire would have then returned to the Principality for the grand prix.

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After Sebastian Vettel crashed out of the Monaco GP, TV viewers caught a glimpse of his modified helmet for this event. The design featured shiny 'disco ball' and casino-themed features.

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Jenson Button's fifth win of the 2009 season on Sunday set a record. The Brawn driver is the first in the history of formula one to win three consecutive grands prix with the same engine: a point Mercedes-Benz's Norbert Haug noted in works partner McLaren's post-race press release. Button's feat was also the first GP hat-trick since Michael Schumacher in 2006.

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MotoGP's Ducati lineup Casey Stoner and Nicky Hayden attended Sunday's Monaco grand prix. Also spotted in the paddock was Star Wars creator George Lucas, French prime minister Francois Fillon, rally legend Juha Kankkunen and former world champions including Mika Hakkinen, Nigel Mansell and Jacques Villeneuve.