From his hotel room in Japan, Joe starts the day the Suzuka way, to talk all things Formula 1 and beyond. It may have been just after six in the morning but topics covered include the Bob Bell story, politics at Mercedes, grumbling rumours and Kimi's monster energy.

In the finest traditions we talk about the fabulous timing of GP+, Group Lotus' attempts to take the brand upmarket by spending big in Paris, the future prospects of Team Lotus and what might become of Jarno Trulli. There is talk of a motor race in Korea, the calculated risk of Klien, winter school for engineers and sending Bernie a big bill.

Finally we cover pre-planned grid walks, why there's more to Joe than just motorsport and learn about a thunderous herd of Tremayne. All this and more in this episode of An Aside with Joe.

Places to Visit

• Read Joe Saward's blog
• Purchase GP+ Magazine
• Subscribe to the Business of Motorsport newsletter
• Buy (and review) the new book, The Man Who Caught Crippen
• About Lotus and the Creative Artists Agency
• Witnessing Group Lotus in Paris
• Winter School for Engineers