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Posts for Tag: Belgian GP

The F1 Travel Guide : Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium

Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps is the home of The Belgian Grand Prix every year. Many drivers rate it as the best circuit on the calendar.  Kimi Raikkonen, my racing hero, earned the title of "King of Spa" for his brilliant performances here.

I have had the privilege of attending 4 races here - 2015, 2017, 2018 & 2019 and each experience was unique. Nestled in the Ardennes mountains, the track offers views that can only be rivalled by The Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Austria and even then the latter might not appeal to all. Iconic turns like Eau Rouge, Raidillon, Les Combes, La Source, Blanchimont, the Bus Stop dot this legendary circuit, a great many battles have been fought here. The weather is very unpredictable with instances of heavy rain in one sector and bright sunshine in another. The 1998 & 2008 Belgian GPs were testaments to the weather playing havoc. The track also offered quite a lot of challenges with regards to marshalling and extrication of stricken cars due to its old-school layout but its a circuit like no other!

This circuit will kickstart my "F1 Travel Guide" series!!


The Circuit Layout :


Official Website :

https://www.spa-francorchamps.be/en


Location :

The Circuit is located in the town of Stavelot, close to a town called Spa ( the town famous for the Mineral Water company called Spa ) in the region of Wallonia. Nestled in the Ardennes Region, it is also close to the Nurburgring and its older brother Nordschleife ( better known as the Green Hell ) circuits situated on the German side of the hilly region ( also worth a visit ). 


Closest Airports :

International Airports :

Brussels Airport ( BRU ) is a major hub for all international airlines, serving most European Routes, The Americas, Middle-East and Asia. 

I fly Emirates to Brussels via Dubai, multiple connections every day! The Experience is shared here :

https://tech-know-crat.posthaven.com/the-flying-diaries-bom-bru-bom-emirates-first


Dusseldorf Airport ( DUS ) is another major hub ( on the German side ) catering to all the above routes as well.

Cologne Bonn Airport ( CGN ), is closer than Dusseldorf but offers limited connections to the region via the Middle-East.


Intra-Continental Airports :

Liege Airport ( LGG ) & Maastricht Aachen Airport ( MUS ), The closest Airports to the circuit offering limited connections via Spain.

Luxembourg Airport ( LUX ) caters to multiple destinations within Europe through various national and low-cost carriers.

Brussels South Charleroi Airport ( CRL ) is another hub for low-cost carriers in the city of Brussels.


There are a few other major airports like Frankfurt, Paris, Amsterdam, Dortmund but I wouldn't recommend them since they go beyond the 200 km radius of Spa-Francorchamps.



Where to stay :

The Towns of Spa, Stavelot, Verviers, Malmedy, Theux are the closest to the circuit and offer a lot of options from Hotels to Inns, Chalets and B&Bs. The rates are inflated over the race weekend and it is highly recommended to book at least 6 months in advance to get a good deal ( most of these are non-refundable rates ). The town of Spa is full of F1 Drivers & Personnel and many oblige those waiting with an autograph or a selfie! Camping is very popular in Europe and the circuit has some fantastic camping sites for those who prefer to bring in their RVs or set up a camping spot over the weekend. 

There is also a Hotel "de La Source" near Turn 1 of the circuit but its sold out ( almost always ) on the race dates. There are other inns and B&Bs near the circuit but be wary of the exorbitant rates over an F1 weekend. 

I prefer giving all the above a miss...


The circuit is also close to big cities like Liege ( Belgium ), Aachen ( Germany ), Maastricht ( Netherlands ) and Hasselt ( Belgium ). Hasselt is the furthest of the lot with the commuting time from the other three being only about 35 to 40 minutes. I haven't stayed at Liege ( yet ) ( haven't heard great reports about safety either ) but Liege is yet another town that fills up pretty quickly for the race weekend. Maastricht and Aachen see a great number of F1 fans and can cater to all budgets. Aachen is the livelier of the two with a mini Oktoberfest happening on the same weekend as F1. Maastricht boasts of equally good restaurants and bars and one can easily become a part of conversations over a drink or a meal! All these cities are well connected to the circuit by rail and the circuit organisers also offer a shuttle service to the track. 

More details on the circuit shuttle here: https://www.spagrandprix.com/en/tickets-city-shuttle 

The above shuttle can cater to fans coming in from Brussels or Amsterdam as well but one must be wary of the travel time which is 4 hours each way. This only gets longer on a Sunday!


Hasselt is my city of choice for the weekend. I have stayed in the city twice ( 2017 and 2019 ). It is only about an hour away from the circuit and offers great hotels at very economical rates. A Park Inn by Radisson costs about 50 Euros a night and there are some options even around the 20 25 Euro mark! The city is also the birthplace of the Rising Dutchman Max Verstappen.

The city has quite an interesting layout, designed in a circular shape...one can go around the bustling parts of town and come back to the starting point easily. The city has some fantastic places to wine and dine, not to forget the bakeries offering Speculoos, the spiced shortcrust biscuit! My friends and I drove down through the weekend and navigation in and out was easy with a parking pass. However, do note that the city isn't covered under the shuttle bus service ( so maybe one can pay the town a visit post or pre-race weekend ).

The cities of Cologne and Luxembourg are 2 other options that are well connected both by rail and shuttle. I did stay in the former during the weekend of the 2013 German GP held at Nurburgring but if one doesn't hire a car, I wouldn't recommend staying there.


Circuit Access :

The circuit isn't the easiest the get to, the expansive layout of the circuit and the forests surrounding it pose a considerable challenge with regards to navigating your way around the track. It can house around 70000 spectators with the stands majorly being around the start-finish straight, the Bus Stop, La Source and Eau Rouge and Raidillon sections. The other areas are general admission viewing areas and a good level of fitness is required to hike up and down the various pathways in and around the circuit. Some spots offer unparalleled views of the circuit so it is worth the effort! The weather is unpredictable ( as mentioned earlier ), so be prepared for the heat, the cold or the rain!

Over the F1 weekend, there are a lot of access restrictions and parking spots can be quite a long walk from certain stands. There is a circuit shuttle which helps reduce commute but is infrequent. Its highly recommended that one studies the circuit map well and opts for appropriate parking passes. There are taxi stands as well but they tend to be overcrowded on evenings (especially post-race ), so its best to wait until a couple of hours after the sessions ( or race ) to easily hail one. If you do hail a taxi to the circuit then be prepared to walk for 30 minutes to reach the grandstands or the paddock club parking area. The Paddock Club runs a shuttle for the VIP guests from thereon. 


F1 Village, Fan Zones :

One of the most frequented zones/areas of an F1 track are the Merchandising shops. There are stores spread across the track and some on the approach road to the Main gate of La Source. There is a heavy concentration of stores at that roundabout, even watches ( Casio Edifice ) are sold there. Those were the only stores selling Alfa - Romeo F1 Merchandise.

The largest concentration of stores ( catering to almost all needs ) is at the F1 Village which is on the outside of the circuit between La Source and Eau Rouge. A lot of Fan events such as performances, drivers' meet and greet, F1 Personnel Interviews and games like Simulator Skills test, Pit Stop or Batak Challenges are held. Those who ace the F1 Simulators get couple passes of the Paddock Club for Sunday! There are a lot of food stalls and Beer Stations along with lounging areas for fans to enjoy the action on track thanks to the giant screens put up there. I have never missed visiting this village, one of the largest on the calendar.


Fan Experiences :

A Pit Lane walk is offered on Thursday to the 3 Day ticket holders. Its a once in a lifetime experience for many. You even get to walk the track and some have been fortunate enough to meet their favourite drivers on their track walks! There are also Drivers' Autograph sessions, details for which are shared by the organisers closer to the dates. It is imperative to reach early to bag that special sign and possibly a selfie with the best in the world of motorsport! F1 Experiences, the official hospitality partner to F1's worldwide races offers various packages and upgrades to existing tickets...these include guided paddock tours, a photo-op with the Race Winning Trophy on Pit Straight, a tour of the Track on the Parade Truck.. a great way to add to the memories made over the weekend.

Finally, the fans are allowed to enter the track after the end of the race and when deemed safe by the marshalls ( better known as "track invasion" ). This is a must-do! I had the privilege of walking up the entire length of Eau Rouge and Raidillon in 2015 and the elevation change is unbelievable!



Apologies in advance for missing any other detail. I shall update this article/guide when I make another visit to the track...the chances of this in 2020 seem bleak..but we hope for the best! Stay home, Stay Safe everyone!

 

The Paddock Weekends - 2019 Belgian GP - Day 3

Sunday at the 2019 Belgian Grand Prix was an emotional one, a day of tributes. It was a day when the entire Motorsport community, teams and fans alike stood together as one to honour the racer that Anthoine Hubert was. It was a day when the Community reaffirmed, we stand together in the face of this loss and tragedy..we mourn today yet one day we shall rise again..

The Formula 2 Sprint Race was cancelled as a mark of respect. All the teams from both the Support Race and F1 Race Paddock congregated on the Pit Straight to pay tribute to the memory of Anthoine Hubert. The fans had decided to rise in standing ovation on Lap 19 ( the number on Hubert's car ) during the F1 race as a mark of the respect for the racer. The schedule for the rest of the day was unchanged. 


Making our way to Spa Francorchamps :


The Paddock on Sunday Morning, a busy day ahead for everyone but the atmosphere was sober and grim after the incident on Saturday.


Carlos Sainz Jr., McLaren Racing F1 Team :


Daniil Kvyat, Scuderia Toro Rosso F1 Team :


I made it into the Motorhome and Breakfast was waiting for us :


Post breakfast I went for a stroll through the Paddock and some more heroes from this profession.

The fighter Robert Kubica, Rokit Williams F1 Racing Team :


Esteban Ocon, Reserve Driver for Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team :


Double World Champion in Formula E, ex F1 racer Jean-Eric Vergne :


Sebastian Vettel! Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team!


Pierre Gasly, Scuderia Toro Rosso F1 Team :


Time for a quick bite before heading out for the Pit Lane Walk of the day :


Shots from the Pit Lane Walk :


We took our spots outside the Paddock to watch the race start and the Belgian Air Force obliged us with an amazing Fly-Past :


Video Link :



The Grid Kids making their way back from the Starting Grid :


The Race got underway shortly after.


Formation Lap ( Video Link ) :



Race Start ( Video Link ) :



Kimi Raikkonen and Max Verstappen had a coming together at La Source hairpin in the opening lap. The Finn was left with a badly damaged floor and had to go through 2 pit stops before coming out at the back of the pack. Max wasn't as lucky and ended up in the barriers before Kemmel Straight. There was a collective groan from all the Dutch Fans who had made their way to the race to see their hero race. Credit to them, they stayed back to honour Hubert ( lap 19 tribute ). The Safety Car was deployed on the Opening Lap. 

It was a difficult race for Kimi thereafter. 


Race Restart after Safety Car Period ( Video Link ) :



Shots from the Race :


Alfa Romeo Racing F1 Team fighting hard in the Race :


I was in the Team Garage for the Latter Part of the Race and was able to watch a Pit Stop from the Garage!

Video Link :



Kimi came home in P16. Antonio Giovinazzi was doing a fine job in P9 until a mistake on the penultimate lap made him crash out of the race. It was a wretched weekend and zero points for the team :( Antonio also suffered from an impact ( whiplash ) injury and had to be attended to post race.


The cars making their way to Parc Ferme after the Race :


Charles Leclerc took victory from Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas. Sebastian Vettel ended up P4 after some poor strategic calls by Ferrari. Ferrari were relieved to finally win a race in 2019. It was the start of a 3 race winning streak for the team, an indication that one should never write off the Prancing Horse.


Parc Ferme and Interviews for the Top 3 finishers.


Video Link :



The podium ready to welcome the Top 3 :


Presenting the Top 3 finishers of the 2019 Belgian GP :


Podium Presentation Video Link :



National Anthems time :


Trophy Presentation :


Video Link :



The cars sent to FIA Scrutineering :


I made my way back to the Motorhome and the team were distributing some Magnums. Helps cool everything down.


Packup time for the teams. The next race ( Italy ) takes place on the next weekend, so the turnaround time is very less for the teams.


Taking some more shots outside the Motorhome before its dismantled and shipped out :


I got to meet some more technical personnel!


Kimi Raikkonen's Race Engineer in Alfa Romeo Racing F1 Team, Mr. Julien Simon-Chautemps :


Masahi Yamamoto, Managing Director for Honda Racing in F1 :


The Paddock being wrapped up :

After a certain time, it becomes quite unsafe to loiter around and its advisable for guests to leave the Paddock Area.


An earlier-spec Renault Sport F1 that was on display in the Paddock Club ( I guess ) :


Bye Bye Circuit de Spa Francorchamps, see you next year!


Walking back to the transfer area for my ride back to Hasselt. Some final selfies with my pass which would no longer be valid..a great souvenir to keep though!


I reached Hasselt pretty late at night ( thanks to the Traffic heading out of the track ). My friends Jane and Kaz had already reached the Hotel before me and were waiting for me at the bar. We sat together late into the night, talking, laughing remembering the weekend gone by. Kaz, Leclerc fan was overjoyed with his win..Jane and I, Kimi fans had forlorn faces. We also raised a toast to the talent Anthoine Hubert. He will surely be missed.


Before I retired for the night, I pondered on the weekend gone by..the excitement and the highs of Friday and Saturday, the joy cut short by Hubert's demise on Saturday, the emotional Sunday that was. I felt so honoured and blessed to be a part ( albeit a small one ) of the Motorsport family that is spread all across this world. 

I thanked God for His Grace and all the blessings I have had in life..I was living my dream..like so many others..

Once again, a Big Thank you to Alfa Romeo Racing F1 Team for their Hospitality and Warmth over the weekend. True we didn't have a good weekend, but we keep our head down and keep pushing!

The Paddock Weekends will make a return soon..

Godspeed everyone!

The Paddock Weekends - 2019 Belgian GP - Day 2

Saturday on a Grand Prix weekend features the last Free Practice Session, FP3 and Qualifying for F1. Its shortly followed by the Feature Race in F2. This was a Saturday that we can never forget..

An early start to the day helped us beat some traffic to the track.

Enroute to the Circuit from Hasselt :


We were also in time for the Saturday Morning Pit Lane Walk.

Shots from the Pit Lane Walk :


The Alfa Romeo Racing F1 Team Garage :


Kimi Raikkonen's Alfa Romeo being Fired up before FP3 ( Video Link ) :



A beautiful morning in the Paddock :


Healthy Breakfasts anyone?


It was then time for Free Practice 3 and I found a nice place to shoot some pictures of cars going up Raidillon :


I made my way back to Turn 1 ( La Source ) and met Porsche Carrera Cup Drivers on the way while going through the Support Race Paddock.

Dylan Pereira, Supercup Porsche Carrera Cup Racing Driver :


Some more shots of the cars coming out of La Source Hairpin :


Alfa Romeo Racing F1 Team during FP3 :


Charles Leclerc was fastest in FP3 from Sebastian Vettel and Valtteri Bottas. Kimi Raikkonen and Antonio Giovinazzi were P8 and P9 respectively.


A Quick Lunch in the Motorhome :


Timo Glock, Ex-F1 and DTM Racer :


The Motorhome, a busy place during Lunch :


Heikki Kulta of Finnish Press :


It was also time for the 2nd Pit Lane walk of the day. 

The Alfa Romeo Racing F1 Team Garage!


I headed out to the La Source hairpin stand after the Pit Lane Walk to meet my friend and long time Kimi Supporter Zakria!


Qualifying got underway soon after. Shots from Q1 :


Alfa Romeo Racing F1 Team during Q1 :


Charles Leclerc was the fastest in Q1 from Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen. Both the Alfas made it into Q2!


Shots from Q2 :

Antonio Giovinazzi's car suffered a mechanical failure in Q2 and couldn't set a time. He would eventually start the race in P18 after serving the penalties incurred for the parts change. Charles Leclerc was the fastest from Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton. Kimi Raikkonen made it into Q3.


Shots from Q3 :

Charles Leclerc took Pole from Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton. Kimi Raikkonen qualified a commendable P8 ( effective P6 after Ricciardo's and Hulkenberg's penalties ).

Ferrari were ecstatic after locking out the front row!

Post Qualifying celebrations :


Taking the Cars to Parc-Ferme :


I made it back to the paddock to unwind for a bit before heading home.

Mark Webber and David Coulthard, highly successful Racers in F1 and beyond :


Brett Arnall, Mark Arnall's brother and my friend Kimi Raikkonen fan Jane Bleach :


During the F2 Feature Race, a massive crash happened just after Raidillon. Young Drivers Anthoine Hubert and Juan Manuel Correa were involved in the incident. The Race was red-flagged and later cancelled. Both were rushed to the Medical Centre. 

Inspite of their best efforts, Anthoine Hubert didn't make it. We were shocked and shaken after hearing the news. True Motorsports is dangerous but a talent who was only 21 was taken away from us, in the cruelest way possible. Words fall short to describe the mood in the Paddock. Everyone rallied around the near and dear ones of this Renault Program young driver. It once again showed how closed knit the Racing Community. Juan is still under treatment and after a couple of critical surgeries is on a rough road to recovery. All of us shed tears, all of us were one...all of us..

As we head back to Hasselt, our hearts were heavy, our senses numb, we still didn't want to believe this to be true..but such is life..


This incident reminded us that racers sacrifice their all to live their dreams, to race, to enthrall, to entertain, to give us memories that will be etched in the hearts of us fans forever and yet, all it takes is a moment, one instance to end it all. This Sport unites us..as one big family..fans and racers alike..we race as one, we win as one....and in the times of mourning we mourn as one..There is an old saying "life goes on"..for Anthoine's Family, life would never be the same again..

May his soul rest in peace..


The legacy of Anthoine Hubert lives on..


The Sunday experience follows next.. 

The Paddock Weekends - 2019 Belgian GP - Day 1

The 2019 Belgian Grand Prix was a special Grand Prix. All the Grands Prix that I attended have been memorable but this year's Belgian GP was the beginning of a new experience - an experience of being a guest of the team in the Motorhome for the Entire Weekend. The weekend saw a beginning of a New Series on my Blog. 

The New Series is called "The Paddock Weekends". It was truly an amazing feeling to be the guest of the Alfa Romeo Racing F1 team for the entire weekend. I would get a Paddock Pass with my name on it, have access to their Motorhome, Garage and Podium Access post qualifying and the race. I would have to find a new spot to capture stills over the weekend ( no Paddock Club access ) which wasn't really an issue. Armed with my Sony RX 10 IV and Samsung Note 10+, I stepped out to live my childhood dream!

I stayed in Hasselt ( just like in 2017 ) and the drive to Spa Francorchamps was never more than an hour. Accompanying me were friends from UK Jane & Kaz!

This is the Friday Experience.


Enroute to the Circuit :

Some shots with the Samsung Note 10+ :


What an Elegant Race Pass!!


Friday Morning in the Paddock. Kimi Raikkonen walking in with the Alfa Romeo Team Manager Beat Zehnder :


The Alfa Romeo Racing F1 Team Motorhome! The Chocolates served with Coffee were lovely. I was sharing the table with ANTONIO GIOVINAZZI! What an honour!


Sometime after settling in it was time for Free Practice 1 to begin. Kimi Raikkonen heading out with his trainer Mark Arnall :


I decided to get some shots of the Paddock while heading down to the Alfa Romeo Garage :


Waiting outside the Alfa Romeo Garage :


I got to the Garage and met a dear friend of Kimi!

Antii Pyrhonen, Team Manager for Red Bull IceOne Husqvarna Factory Team in Motocross & one of Kimi Raikkonen's closest friends :


A 40 minute stop in the garage and it was time to rush out and grab a spot to capture some stills.

Jos Verstappen, Max's father and ex-F1 Driver :


Shots from Free Practice 1 :


Alfa Romeo Racing F1 Team during FP1 :


Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc were the Fastest in FP1. Kimi Raikkonen & Antonio Giovinazzi were P13 and P15 respectively.


The Paddock in Belgium is a two - tier one. The upper tier is used for Debriefs and Engineers' meets while the Lower Tier houses the various motorhomes of the teams.


Kimi Raikkonen, in deep conversation with his Father-in-law Mr. Kimmo Virtanen! The Iceman..so close!!


Time to walk around for some more selfies!

Cyril Abiteboul, Managing Director, Renault Sport F1 Racing Team :


Triple World Champion and F1 Legend, Sir Jackie Stewart!


Stoffel Vandoorne! Belgian Ex-F1 Racer now racing in Formula E :


Juan Pablo Montoya, another F1 legend!


Pietro Fittipaldi, grandson of Double World Champion Emerson Fittipaldi :


I decided to pay the F1 Village a visit and FP2 had already begun! It was nice to see the fans unwinding in front of the big screens in the Village.


Shots from FP2 :


Alfa Romeo Racing F1 Team during FP2 :


Charles Leclerc was the fastest in FP2 from Sebastian Vettel and Valtteri Bottas. Kimi Raikkonen was P7 while Antonio Giovinazzi P16.

I headed back to the Paddock after FP2.


The Famous Media Pen!


Charles Leclerc, Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team!


Alfa Romeo Racing F1 Team Reserve Driver and Indy Racer Marcus Ericsson :


Fredric Vasseur, Team Principal, Alfa Romeo Racing F1 Team :


Toto Wolff, Team Principal, Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team :


The day was winding down. A lot of the personnel left for their hotels. I was busy in conversation with the near and dear ones of Kimi Raikkonen when I was invited to share a seat at his table..THIS...


Mr. Kimmo Virtanen, Minttu Raikkonen's Father and Kimi Raikkonen's Father-in-law :


Beat Zehnder, Team Manager for Alfa Romeo Racing F1 Team :


Nico Hulkenberg, Renault Sport F1 Team :


Christian Horner, Team Principal, Aston Martin Red Bull Racing F1 Team :


James Allison, Technical Director, Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Racing Team :


Jehan Daruwala, Indian Racer in F3 racing with Prema Racing Team :


Ottmar Szafnauer, CEO and Team Principal, Racing Point F1 Team :


James Vowles, Chief Strategist, Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Racing Team :


Andrew Shovlin, Trackside Engineering Director, Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team :


George Russell, Rokit Williams Racing F1 Team :


Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team :


Daniel Ricciardo, Renault Sport F1 Team :


Max Verstappen, Aston Martin Red Bull Racing F1 Team :


Alexander Albon, Aston Martin Red Bull Racing F1 Team :


Kimi Raikkonen! Yes its Kimi Raikkonen!! The Weekend is made! He now races with Alfa Romeo Racing F1 Team :


Returning to our hotel in Hasselt :


It was an amazing Friday at Spa Francorchamps. The Alfa Romeo duo seemed quick and the weekend ahead promised to be a really positive one! 

I would like to thank Alfa Romeo Racing F1 Team for the hospitality shown towards me over the weekend.

The Saturday experience follows next!

A Gallery of Memories - Part 19

The next post in the "Gallery of Memories" Series is from the 2019 Belgian Grand Prix. I was privileged to be a guest of Alfa Romeo Racing F1 Team and had Paddock Access on all days.

Truly this was a special weekend! 


Antii Pyrhonen, Team Manager for Red Bull IceOne Husqvarna Factory Team in Motocross & one of Kimi Raikkonen's closest friends. Truly one of the nicest people you will ever meet in the Paddock 


Jos Verstappen :


Nico Hulkenberg, Renault Sport F1 Team :


Christian Horner, Team Principal, Aston Martin Red Bull Racing F1 Team :


James Allison, Technical Director, Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Racing Team :


Jehan Daruwala, Indian Racer in F3 racing with Prema Racing Team :


Ottmar Szafnauer, CEO and Team Principal, Racing Point F1 Team :


James Vowles, Chief Strategist, Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Racing Team :


George Russell, Rokit Williams Racing F1 Team :


Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team :


Daniel Ricciardo, Renault Sport F1 Team :


Max Verstappen, Aston Martin Red Bull Racing F1 Team :


Alexander Albon, Aston Martin Red Bull Racing F1 Team :


Kimi Raikkonen! Yes its Kimi Raikkonen!! The Weekend is made!


Beat Zehnder, Team Manager for Alfa Romeo Racing F1 Team :


Mr. Kimmo Virtanen, Minttu Raikkonen's Father and Kimi Raikkonen's Father-in-law :


Toto Wolff, Team Principal, Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team :


Fredric Vasseur, Team Principal, Alfa Romeo Racing F1 Team :


Alfa Romeo Racing F1 Team Reserve Driver and Indy Racer Marcus Ericsson :


Charles Leclerc, Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team!


Triple World Champion and F1 Legend, Sir Jackie Stewart!


Stoffel Vandoorne!


Juan Pablo Montoya, another F1 legend!


Pietro Fittipaldi, grandson of Double World Champion Emerson Fittipaldi :


Cyril Abiteboul, Managing Director, Renault Sport F1 Racing Team :


Dylan Pereira, Supercup Porsche Carrera Cup Racing Driver :


Masahi Yamamoto, Managing Director for Honda Racing in F1 :


Kimi Raikkonen's Race Engineer in Alfa Romeo Racing F1 Team, Mr. Julien Simon-Chautemps :


Pierre Gasly, Scuderia Toro Rosso F1 Team :


Sebastian Vettel! Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team!


Double World Champion in Formula E, ex F1 racer Jean-Eric Vergne :


Esteban Ocon, Reserve Driver for Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team :


The fighter Robert Kubica, Rokit Williams F1 Racing Team :


Daniil Kvyat, Scuderia Toro Rosso F1 Team :


Carlos Sainz Jr., McLaren Racing F1 Team :


Mark Webber and David Coulthard, highly successful Racers in F1 and beyond :


Heikki Kulta of Finnish Press :


Timo Glock, Ex-F1 and DTM Racer :


Brett Arnall, Mark Arnall's brother and my friend Kimi Raikkonen fan Jane Bleach 


A Big Thank You to Alfa Romeo Racing F1 Team for their hospitality over the weekend!

This post is only a teaser to what follows..watch this space! Its the start of a new series in my Formula One Journeys!



Paddock Club Diaries - 2018 Belgian GP - Day 3

Sunday had arrived. The hard work on Friday and Saturday would come to naught if Sunday wasn't a fruitful day for teams and drivers. Sunday is the D Day in F1. A lot can happen on a Sunday. Sebastian Vettel in P2, Kimi Raikkonen in P6...how enjoyable was our Sunday? Time to have a quick recap.

Enroute to the circuit :


A lot of companies offer supercars or even race spec cars for track days at Spa, some were on display.

Supercars on display near the circuit :


A Misty start to the day :


The day begins with the GP3 Race 2. I had the opportunity of being at the end of the Pit Lane and witnessing some Practice Starts. 

Video Link :




GP3 Race 2 Start ( Video Link ) :




The second order of the day was the Formula 2 Sprint Race. 

Cars lining up on the Grid for the start of the F2 Sprint Race :


Race Start ( Video Link ) :




Shots from the F2 Sprint Race :


The Sprint race ended and it was time to welcome the team principal Maurizio Arrivabene and Sebastian Vettel to the Suite for Interviews.

Maurizio Arrivabene Q&A :


The Video Link to the Interview :




Sebastian Vettel in the Ferrari F1 Suite :


I missed Vettel's Interview since I was away in another area getting a photo with Bottas and Seb turned up before his allotted time.

Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes AMG F1 Team :


Meanwhile there was some activity happening ontrack too!

A Vintage Ferrari F1 car doing the rounds around Spa :


A friend of mine was kind enough to offer me a spot on the Gold Tour - The Paddock Club Truck Tour which follows the F1 Drivers' Parade Lap on Sunday. You must receive a Golden Ticket in the F1 Race Programme on Sunday to be eligible for the experience.\

Some great pics from the Sunday Paddock Club Truck Tour :


We made it back to the Club and there was still time for a final walk of the Pit Lane.

Shots from the Final Pit Lane Walk of the weekend :


The Drivers getting ready for the National Anthem at the front of the grid :


Counting down to the Formation lap :


Time to roll out for the Formation lap :


Formation Lap ( Video Link ) :




The Mechanics rushing back to their Pit boxes to prepare for any eventuality during the opening lap :


The 5 Red Lights illuminate and as they go out, the 2018 Belgian Grand Prix is a go!


The Video Link to the Race Start :




Safety Car Period ( Video Link ) :




Shots from the Race :


Kimi Raikkonen was one of those affected from the first lap shunt and suffered from the DRS Rear Wing Flap Failure. His car also had a lot of floor damage and he couldn't continue racing. Sebastian Vettel jumped Lewis Hamilton at the start and the latter could never mount any challenge after that. Ferrari took a deserved win, Lewis Hamilton in P2 and Max Verstappen in P3, leaving the Fans in the "Orange Stand" in a very joyous mood.


Parc Ferme and Sebastian Vettel takes the win, a comfortable win for the Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team :


Celebrations and Interviews before heading to the Podium :


Parc Ferme Celebrations ( Video Link ) :




Podium Celebrations :


Video Link :




Photo Session time :


Time to take the chariots back to their pens!


Friends..Family!


A Moment with the Hosts at Ferrari ( always smiling and welcoming ) and Julia from Red Bull :


I got an opportunity to head down to the Paddock post race and meet and interact with some F1 Fraternity!

Antii Kontsas, Sebastian Vettel's Physio :


Noemi de Miguel, Presenter for Movistar F1 :


Sir Franz Tost, Scuderia Toro Rosso Team Principal :


Mark Webber, ex F1 Driver and Channel 4 Co-Presenter :


Marcus Ericsson, Sauber F1 Team :


Charles LeClerc, Sauber F1 Team :


Pierre Gasly, Scuderia Toro Rosso F1 Team :


Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull Racing F1 Team :


Carlo Santi ( Kimi's Race Engineer ) and Carlos ( handling Engine Data ) from Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team :


The Paddock Packing up for Monza which was the weekend later. 


I made my way back to Aachen, thankful to the Lord for the experiences I experience in life. Yes I was massively disappointed with the result for Kimi but the day was very memorable nonetheless. 

Once again, Scuderia Ferrari had showered me with world class hospitality. Edge Global Events didn't put a foot wrong and ensured a hassle free weekend for me. There is nothing more that I could have asked for from these wonderful people!

The "Paddock Club Diaries" from 2018 will conclude after the Abu Dhabi GP ( Season ender ) experience. So watch this space!

Paddock Club Diaries - 2018 Belgian GP - Day 2

Spa - Francorchamps is one circuit where a spectator loves the early mornings. I love the mist that settles around the Ardennes offering a cold yet blissful view. I headed out from Aachen at 630 in the morning to behold this.

Enroute to the Circuit :


The Sun breaking through the morning mist...this is the Beauty of Spa!


I missed the early morning Pit Lane Walk thanks to the traffic coming into the circuit.

The Paddock Club opened its doors for the guests and it was time to look forward to an exciting day ahead of Practice and Qualifying!

Coffee and Croissants to start the day :


I decided to head down to the F1 Village for some shopping and had a chance to meet Paddy Lowe briefly.

Paddy Lowe of Williams Martini F1 Racing Team :


The F1 Village, one of the Best Villages in the year. There is such buzz about the place :


I returned from my shopping spree and I had the privilege of being on the F2 Tour and visit the MP Motorsport Garage.


MP Motorsport F2 Car Systems check ( Video Link ) :



Some more shots of the F2 Paddock, a lot more access and easier to meet drivers and team personnel :


I also had the chance of meeting fraternity from GP3.

Callum Illot, Scuderia Ferrari Academy Driver in GP3 :


Jean Alesi, ex Ferrari F1 Driver :


The tour ended and I rushed back just in time for FP3.

Shots from Free Practice 3. 


Sebastian Vettel topped the timesheets from Kimi Raikkonen and Lewis Hamilton. FP3 ended and it was time for the second pit lane walk of the day.

The second Pit Lane walk of the Day :


I also got a Paddock Pass thanks to Ferrari and went for a stroll in the Paddock.

The local hero and McLaren F1 Driver Stoffel Vandoorne :


Toni Vilander, Cmore F1 co-presenter and a close friend of Kimi Raikkonen :


Felix Rosenqvist, Mahindra Formula E Racer and Porsche GT Racer!


Belgian Air Force practicing for the Fly Past on Sunday :


Lunch :


It was soon time for Qualifying. I was able to capture shots only from Q1 since I spent the next two sessions in the garage.

Kimi Raikkonen was fastest in Q1 while Sebastian Vettel topped Q2. However the weather changed drastically and it started pouring in Q3. Shockingly Ferrari fueled Kimi for only one timed lap and as the rain eased off towards the end of the session, the Iceman was stuck in the garage and dropped from P2 to P6 on the grid! Lewis Hamilton took pole from Sebastian Vettel and Esteban Ocon! The latter was a huge surprise as Racing Point timed it right with their lap. Kimi was livid, distraught and going through a range of emotions. Ferrari had messed it up again :(


Post Qualifying, Ferrari's Reserve driver Antonio Giovinazzi came for a quick Q&A :


The Interview ( Video Link ) :



Kimi Raikkonen followed soon after. He was not in a very good mood and understandably so..


Kimi Raikkonen Q&A ( Video Link ) :



Formula 2 Feature Race follows soon after qualifying and is one of the most exciting support races of a F1 weekend.

Time for the Formula 2 Feature Race :


Feature Race Start :



I decided to walk back to the Taxi Stand and as I passed through the Support Races Paddock, I saw a couple of interesting things.

Now that is one way to deck up a Segway! 


Tadsuke Makino, Russian Time F2 Driver :


Time to head back to Aachen :


It was a great day at the Belgian Grand Prix. There was immense disappointment with the strategic error made by Ferrari with Kimi Raikkonen but all was not lost. Sunday is what mattered...

Once again thank you to Scuderia Ferrari and Edge Global Events for the amazing hospitality. The Sunday Experience follows soon!

Paddock Club Diaries - 2018 Belgian GP - Day 1

The second race I had the opportunity of attending in 2018 was the Belgian Grand Prix. Its become like an annual pilgrimage to be at Spa - Francorchamps simply because of how beautiful and amazing the track layout is. The weather is always impeccable not to mention the history of racing at this circuit.

Here is a small recap of how the weekend unfolded, starting with Friday.

My friend invited me over for dinner at the Radisson Blu in Spa on Thursday night. Scuderia Ferrari Team personnel stay there as well and my race passes were ready for pickup.

The Race Passes for the weekend :


I also had the opportunity of meeting 2 drivers at the hotel.

Sergio Perez, Racing Point Force India F1 Team :


The Professor! Alain Prost :


Friday morning was an early start from the Pullman in Aachen ( Germany ), a different destination to travel from. 

Enroute to the circuit. Friday Morning was really cold in Spa :


The Taxi service drops you a fair distance from the Circuit entrance, so be prepared to walk a bit : 


The Pit lane walk is the first event of the day for the guests since the Paddock Club doesn't open until 930 in the morning.

Shots from the Pit Lane Walk :

Scuderia Ferrari F1 Garage during the Pit Lane Walk :


Some teams also indulged in Pit Stop Practices.

McLaren F1 and Haas F1 Team Pit Stop Practices ( Video Link ) :




Racing Point Force India F1 Team Pit Stop Practice ( Video Link ) :



The Pit lane walk done and it was time to enjoy the sessions from the comfort of our suite :


The Motorhomes neatly arranged on Friday morning, ready for the weekend!


Free Practice 1 underway :


Scuderia Ferrari F1 during FP1 :


Sebastian Vettel was the fastest from Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton in FP1. Kimi Raikkonen was P4.


The lunch menu!


Lunch is served!


Desserts! The Mousse is unbelievable!!


Marc Gene visits us in the Ferrari F1 Suite for a quick rundown of the session and the experience gained from it by the team.


Soon it was time for the 2nd Pit Lane Walk of the day!


I got a chance to meet Renault Sport Academy and Russian Time F2 Driver Artem Markelov!


Time for some GoPro Action in the Pit Lane!


It was then time to head back and get ready for Free Practice 2 :


Kimi Raikkonen was the Fastest in FP2 followed by Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas.


I was down in the garage for the second half of FP2 and had an opportunity of taking in the sights of the Paddock :


I was loitering around the Paddock when I suddenly spotted Kimi Raikkonen walking towards me! I requested for a selfie..this was followed by a pause and then an "OK" My Day was made!!!


It didn't end there. I met many other famous figures from the Racing world.

Christian Horner, Red Bull Racing F1 Team Principal :


Mika Salo, ex-F1 Driver and now a FIA Steward :


Claire Williams, Deputy Team Principal Williams Martini F1 Racing Team :


Karun Chandok, ex-F1 Driver and Presenter for Channel 4 F1 :


Juan Pablo Montoya! The Legend!


I made it back to the Paddock Club and was admiring these racing beauties until it was time to head down for the Paddock Club Track Truck Tour!


bShots from the Track Truck Tour! 


Some more selfies with the GoPro!


It was then time to head back to Aachen Germany and the comfort of the Pullman! 

It was a great day at the Belgian Grand Prix and Ferrari looked strong for the rest of the weekend. 

Thank you to Scuderia Ferrari and their Hospitality team for a great Friday. Thank you to Edge Global Events for their flawless service as always.

Saturday and Sunday Experiences to follow soon!





A Gallery of Memories - Part 16

The 2018 Belgian Grand Prix was the second race of the season that I had the opportunity of attending. The Circuit is in the beautiful town of Spa nestled in the Ardennes. The 3 day experience starts with the "Gallery of Memories" :

Sergio Perez, Sahara Force India F1 Team :


Alain Prost! 4 Time F1 World Champion and the man whose nickname is the "Professor" :

Artem Markelov, Renault Sport F1 Reserve Driver and Russian Time F2 Driver :


KIMI RAIKKONEN!! The weekend is made!


Juan Pablo Montoya! Ex F1 and Nascar Driver from Colombia. He was one fearless racer!


Karun Chandok, Ex F1 Driver from India and now with Channel 4 for F1 broadcasting :


Claire Williams, Deputy Team Principal of Williams Martini F1 Racing Team :


Mika Salo, now a FIA Steward :


Christian Horner, Red Bull Racing F1 Team Principal :


Paddy Lowe of Williams Martini F1 Racing Team :


Callum Illot, Scuderia Ferrari Academy Driver in GP3 :


Jean Alesi, ex Ferrari F1 Driver :


Stoffel Vandoorne, McLaren Renault F1 Team :


Toni Vilander, Cmore F1 co-presenter and a close friend of Kimi Raikkonen :


Felix Rosenqvist, Mahindra Formula E Racer and Porsche GT Racer!


Tadsuke Makino, Russian Time F2 Driver :


Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team :


Antii Kontsas, Sebastian Vettel's Physio and Trainer :


Carlo Santi, Kimi's Race Engineer and Carlos, a part of Kimi's crew :


Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull Racing Team :


Pierre Gasly, Scuderia Toro Rosso F1 Team :


Charles LeClerc, Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team :


Marcus Ericsson, Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team :


Kevin Magnussen, Haas F1 Team :


Romain Grosjean, Haas F1 Team :


Jolyon Palmer, ex GP2 Champion, ex F1 Driver and co-presenter for Channel 4 :


Mark Webber, ex - F1 driver and Channel 4 Presenter :


Sir Franz Tost, Scuderia Toro Rosso F1 Team Principal :


Noemi de Miguel of Movistar F1 :


There is a lot to write about the Friday, Saturday and Sunday Experiences. I shall be posting about these soon! Apologies for the delay.

Paddock Club Diares - 2017 Belgian Grand Prix - Day 3

Sunday had arrived! D day! The Day that mattered! Friday and Saturday's performances are meaningless if a team or driver can't perform on the Sunday!

Race Day beckoned and once again it was an early start to the day. The Commute from Hasselt could easily take a good 2 hours..so it was imperative to head out at 630 in the morning.

Enroute to the Circuit :


Croissants for Breakfast!


The Second Event of the day was the Formula 2 Sprint Race. I was busy shopping in the F1 Village hence missed Race 2 of GP3.


Formula 2 Sprint Race Formation Lap ( Video Link ) :

 


Formula 2 Sprint Race Start ( Video Link ) :

 


Lap 1 of Formula 2 Sprint Race ( Video Link ) :

 


Formula 2 ended and we were joined by Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team Principal Maurizio Arrivabene in the Ferrari F1 Club :


A Moment with the Man :


Maurizio Arrivabene in the Ferrari F1 Club ( Video Link ) :



Kimi Raikkonen then visited the club for a quick Q&A!


I had to run behind him to click this. He did stop but my phone camera failed me! This was the best I could do! Next time..


Kimi Raikkonen Interview in the Ferrari F1 Club ( Video Link ) :

 


A Quick lunch before heading down for the final pit lane walk of the weekend!


Shots from the Pit Lane Walk :


Mick Schumacher driving his father's Benetton!


Some Stills with the GoPro Hero5 Black :


Gino Rosato from Ferrari :


Time to return to the Paddock Club and grab a vantage point for the race!


Cars heading out for the sighting laps as the pit lane opens :


Team Personnel, celebrities make their way to the grid :


Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team readying their grid slots :


5 minutes to the Race Start :


Kimi Raikkonen doing a final run through with his strategists :


The Grid gearing up for the start of the Formation Lap..the tension mounts!


The Clock winds down and we are ready for the Formation Lap before the Start of the Belgian GP!


Formation Lap ( Video Link ) :

 


Race Start ( Video Link ) :



Lap 1 of the 2017 Belgian Grand Prix ( Video Link ) :

 


Shots from the Belgian Grand Prix :


Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team fighting it out in the Belgian Grand Prix :



Chequered Flag ( Video Link ) :




Lewis Hamilton took victory from Sebastian Vettel and Daniel Ricciardo. Kimi Raikkonen finished P4 while Valtteri Bottas had a race to forget in P5.


Cars returning to Parc Ferme :


The Podium Celebrations!!


Crowds allowed to run onto the track after the race and join in the celebrations


Mechanics rolling the cars back to the garages post race :


Lewis Hamilton decides to join his faithful and do some crowd-surfing.


Scuderia Ferrari were gracious enough to bring Vettel's P2 Trophy to the Paddock Club.


With Sebastian's P2 Trophy :


Some more pics with Friends over the weekend.


A Selfie with the Hosts in the Ferrari F1 Club :


Packing up to head to Monza which was only a week away, so the turnaround time was short.


Enjoying the Track Walk after the Race!


Massimo Rivola, Scuderia Ferrari Academy Supremo :


Carlos Sainz, Scuderia Toro Rosso F1 Team :


Sir Franz Tost, Team Principal, Scuderia Toro Rosso F1 Team :


Daniil Kvyat, Scuderia Toro Rosso F1 Team :


Moko!


Silvia Hoffer, McLaren F1 Team PR and one of the oldest faces in the paddock :


Mark Arnall and Kimi's Partner in Ice One Racing ( Motocross ) :

Giuliano Alesi, Jean Alesi's son & Scuderia Ferrari Academy Driver in GP3 :


Returning to Hasselt from Spa :


It was a memorable weekend in Spa and I would like to thank Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team for the Hospitality and the graciousness shown to me over the weekend. Of course Kimi Raikkonen just missing out on the podium was a disappointment but the team had a great weekend nonetheless. A big thank you to Edge Global Events for ensuring nothing was out of place and ensuring that I had an enjoyable weekend.

Sadly this marks the end of the Paddock Club Diaries for 2017. The Diaries shall return in the 2018 Season!