‘The truth is that I’m a groupie’

Over the years the Diary has become rather inured to the many claims and counter claims, the hype and the bravado of the marketing industry. So a display of refreshing honesty last weekend came as a shock. While in Monza, covering the intimate relationship between sport and commerce at the Italian Grand Prix, the Diary had cause to speak to a number of marketing directors all talking up their companies’ and cars’ chances.

No surprises there one might think, but moments later the Diary was left somewhat dazed after a conversation with a bright and smartly dressed young woman. “What do you do?” enquired the Diary. “Me?,” she replied with alarming candour, “I’m a groupie.”