Its fast, it’s furious and oft times it can thrill and shock in equal measure. What are we talking about? Well Formula 1 of course but last weekend in Germany the world’s most gifted drivers were using the same words to describe the game of poker.

It seems the Alonso’s and Schumacher’s of this world have been dealing out the cards for some time now ahead of big races across the globe. One insider said “it’s a way for these guys to forget about racing for a while and enjoy each others company. Of course the games can get competitive; there would be something seriously wrong if they didn’t.”

The part time poker players were found out at the weekend when F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone stumbled across a game.

Ecclestone accidentally walked in on drivers including Fernando Alonso, Rubens Barrichello, Adrian Sutil and the retired Michael Schumacher playing the card game in the Force India motor home.

Did he demand the players returned to their teams and not pursue the game lest it detract from their on track performance? Not quite.

Not one to pass up a golden opportunity, Ecclestone is believed to have told the group that they should also play a game in the Hockenheim Paddock Club, no doubt mindful of the possible PR benefits it could generate.

The Paddock Club poker game did indeed go ahead, and Robert Kubica and his manager Daniele Morelli, Nick Heidfeld and his manager Werner Heinz, Flavio Briatore, Giancarlo Fisichella, Vijay Mallya and Bernie himself all put down $1000 apiece and also took part.

Speaking about the card playing Polish driver Robert Kubica explained why playing poker with fellow drivers is hugely beneficial for all concerned.
He said “It's just fun, no money. It's good to spend time relaxing with other drivers you are normally fighting against. I'm very competitive but Fisi ( Giancarlo Fisichella) is very consistent.'
Unlike the laid back amiable Pole Britain’s Lewis Hamilton was not involved in the fun and frolics.