Local news from the French Riviera

GP bomb scare - There’s been a dramatic start to the Monaco Grand Prix weekend with a bomb scare outside the Formula One Paddock. A bomb disposal expert undertook a controlled explosion of a suspect package. A small white plastic box was found outside the entrance to the media centre, the Salle d'Exposition, near the Rascasse yesterday evening. The area was then sealed off, before the bomb disposal expert decided the package was suspect. The controlled explosion left shards of white plastic strewn across the floor. Monaco track action - Although there is no Formula One action today, other cars will be on the track, which was closed to traffic at 6am. GP3 qualifying is from 7.40 to 8.15; and Porsche Supercup qualifying is between 9.00 and 9.45. The first races of the weekend are from 10.30 to 11.35, for GP2. The GP3 race is on 12.30 and 1.05.The track reopens to traffic at 2.30.

Rally car tests - The results of a technical examination of a rally car involved in last weekend’s fatal crash in the Var are expected next week. The vehicle which was taking part in the Rally des Maures has been taken to Paris to be tested. The driver claims the brakes on the vehicle failed, before he ploughed into the crowd at Plan de la Toure. A 20-year-old spectator and a 65-year-old race marshall were killed and 19 other people injured. This week the parents of one of those killed launched a civil case accusing the driver of “involuntary homicide”.

Mayor’s wedding crackdown - The Nice Mayor is planning to ban noisy or rowdy weddings at the Town Hall. Christian Estrosi has banned the exhibition of foreign flags, unauthorized folk music performances, and any other demonstrative acts. He says wedding parties will also be prevented from disrupting traffic around the Town Hall and along the Promenade des Anglais. The new laws come into force from 1 June. During the summer months there can be between 25 and 30 marriages every Saturday at the Nice Town Hall.

AMFAR gala night - Nearly 10-million euros was raised at last night’s AMFAR Aids gala held at the Hotel Eden Roc on the Cap d’Antibes. Among the A-list stars in attendance were Alec Baldwin, Antonio Banderas, co-host Kylie Minogue, and Karl Largerfeld. At the celebrity auction 320-thousand euros was paid for a collection of 25 little black dresses; 65-thousand for an Andy Warhol print; and 350-thousand for a photo session with Karl Lagerfeld.

Weather 
Sunny spells, with the chance of showers in Monaco and the Alpes-Maritimes. Mostly fine for the Var. Light easterly winds. Temperatures: 21 – 27°. Overnight: cloudy, 14 – 16°.