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Posts for Tag: India

Motorsport Weekends - 2023 MotoGP of Bharat - Sunday

Raceday had finally arrived! It was the day when Bharat ( India ) would host its first-ever MotoGP race. It was the day when the country would be back on the motorsports map, after a decade! Sunday promised to be a busy day with races in Moto3, Moto2 and of course MotoGP.


We headed out early on Sunday morning to not get delayed in traffic en route to the circuit!

Driving to the circuit on Raceday!


It seemed like we reached the Paddock quite early!


As soon as we entered the Paddock, we got to meet more people from the MotoGP Fraternity!


Mr Paolo Simoncelli, Team Owner, Sic58 Squadra Corsa :


Jake Dixon, Gas Gas Aspar Team, Moto2 :



Ana Carrasco, Boe Motorsports, Moto3 :


David Munoz, Boe Motorpsorts, Moto3 :


David Alonso, Gas Gas Aspar Team, Moto3 :


Franco Morbidelli, Monster Energy Yamaha, MotoGP :


After spending a few hours in the Paddock, it was time to get ready for the upcoming races. Although we stayed in the Paddock for the Moto3 Race, we headed to the Main Grandstand for the Moto2 and MotoGP events.

But first, time for some lunch in the Hospitality :


The walk to the Main Grandstand was through the tunnel, under the track!

Views from the Main Grandstand, the Moto2 riders congregating on the grid for their race :


The MotoGP teams ready the bikes in their respective garages while the Moto2 field gets ready for its race :


Formation Lap of the Moto2 Race ( Video Link ) :



The Moto2 riders lining up for the race start :


Race Start ( Video Link ) :



A turn one incident saw a multi-rider crash, and the race got red-flagged :


The riders return to the pit lane :


Video Link of the Formation Lap of the Race Restart :



The race is about to get underway after a break of 40 minutes, with the length shortened to 12 laps.


Moto2 Race Restart ( Video Link ) :



Shots from the Moto2 Race :


Pedro Acosta wins the race! Joe Roberts overtook Sergio Garcia for the final podium place in a thrilling last-lap battle :


Chequered Flag after the Race ( Video Link ) :



The riders returned to the pit lane after the race.


Pedro Acosta, Tony Arbolino & Joe Roberts, the podium finishers from the Moto2 Race :


Time for some celebrations :


Podium Celebrations ( Video Link ) :



The podium finishers enjoy the adulation from the crowds :


It was now time for MotoGP to take centre stage!

The Team Garages are abuzz with activity as the riders get ready to head out for sighting laps :


The riders heading out onto the pit lane :


The team personnel and VIP Guests make their way to the starting grid :


The mechanics help the riders navigate through the personnel to their respective grid slots :


The Honda riders make it to their grid positions :


Shots from the grid as everyone prepares for the inaugural MotoGP race :


MotoGP Formation Lap ( Video Link ) :



The 2023 MotoGP of Bharat is a go!


Race Start ( Video Link ) :



Some Stills from the race :


The Race in Progress ( Video Link ) :



Marco Bezzecchi won the race from Jorge Martin & Fabio Quartararo. Martin almost lost P2 to Fabio but the Spaniard recovered himself and held on. Joan Mir was P5 for Honda with Marc Marquez recovering to P9 after an early crash.


Fabio Quartararo engages with the fans after the race, throwing over some race wear too!


Jorge Martin suffered from intense dehydration and had to be attended to by the medical staff. This led to a delay in the podium festivities. Meanwhile, we enjoyed ourselves near the podium :


Presenting the podium finishers of the 2023 MotoGP of Bharat :


The Trophy Presentation :


Time for the Prosecco to be sprayed on the podium :


Marco Bezzecchi, Jorge Martin & Fabio Quartararo, the top 3 finishers of the 2023 MotoGP of Bharat :


Video Link for the Podium Celebrations :



With the Podium celebrations done, it was time for everyone to pack up and head to the next circuit. The teams packing up their bikes : 


As I made my final few rounds of the length of the paddock, I met some more motorsports fraternity!


Simon Crafar, former racer & Ace Commentator :


Jose Luis Martinez, Assistant & Best Friend to Marc Marquez :


The Paddock getting emptier by the hour :


The team personnel with the podium finishers' trophy! I also got a moment with Pablo Nieto, the team manager for the Mooney VR46 Racing team :


Pablo Nieto, Team Manager, Mooney VR46 Team, MotoGP :


Meeting riders and personnel continued into the evening!


Joe Roberts, Italtrans Racing Team, Moto2 :



Dennis Foggia, Italtrans Racing Team, Moto2 :


Piero Taramasso, Michelin Motorsports Wheel Manager, It was Such a pleasure to meet him :


The clock showed 7 pm and it was time to head back to New Delhi after a hectic, action-packed, memorable and unbelievable MotoGP of Bharat! What an amazing experience this had been!


I also made a Vlog about my Sunday Experience on my YouTube Channel!


Video Link :



A Big Thank you to Honda Racing Corporation and Repsol Honda Team for having my friend Yash and me for the race weekend. It was amazing to observe, interact and behold the functioning of the most successful team in MotoGP up-close! We cant wait to return in 2024 and make new memories! The experiences from Motorsport events in 2023 come to an end here. I do hope I am able to present more and share more in 2024! 

Thank you for all your support and there is still some content to come on the Blog ( outside of Motorsport )!

Motorsport Weekends - 2023 MotoGP of Bharat - Saturday

After an eventful and hectic Friday, it was time for our entourage to prepare for all the action lined up for Saturday! Sadly, despite several attempts, my camera hardware failed and I was restricted to using my Samsung S23 Ultra for the rest of the weekend. Apologies for the lack of photos, but I tried to capture as many memories as possible from the Saturday.


An early morning start allowed us to bypass the traffic that got built up later in the day.


Enroute to the circuit :


The Paddock packing was relatively empty when we arrived and the teams were still gearing up for the day ahead!

The Paddock looks beautiful on Saturday morning :


While there was silence on the track, we decided to head over to the Fan Village to check out everything on offer at the inaugural race.

Walking over to the Fan Village, some stills of the Village, honestly an underwhelming experience :


As the MotoGP Qualifying neared, we decided to head to the grandstand that we had access to to watch all the action!


Views from the KTM Grandstand, a panoramic view of some iconic turns from the circuit :


Q1 underway :


Raul Fernandez and Alex Marquez qualified for Q2 but Marquez had a high-side at turn 5 that injured his ribs. The incident ruled the Spaniard out of the race weekend.


Video Link of Q1 :



Time for the top 12 shoot out in Q2 and the results would decide the grid for both the Sprint and the Race!


Marco Bezzecchi bagged the pole position from Jorge Martin and Francesco Bagnaia. Joan Mir and Marc Marquez qualified P5 and P5 for Repsol Honda respectively.


Returning to the Paddock after an intense qualifying session :


On returning to the Paddock, we had the opportunity to meet more riders :


Darryn Binder, Husqvarna Intact GP, Moto2 :


Raul Fernandez, RNF Aprilia MotoGP :


Around 2 in the afternoon, we got told by our hosts in the Honda Hospitality that we would be on a garage tour soon.


Visiting the Repsol Honda garage was very special for me. As a fan of the team for more than 2 decades, it was an emotional experience. 

The RC213V up-close! It hadn't been the quickest machine, but the bike in its trademark orange livery looked as stunning as ever!


Photos with the Marc Marquez's ride!


We were then escorted to Marcquez's cubicle in the garage and it was such a humbling experience to sit in his seat! A place where several riders and former champions have sat in the past!


Returning to the HRC Hospitality from the garage we could see the skies get overcast :


Meeting more Motorsports Fraternity!

Razlan Razali, Team Principal, RNF Aprilia MotoGP :


Jaume Masia, Leopard Racing, Moto3 :


We decided to stay put during Moto3 qualifying due to rain hitting the circuit. Thankfully, the downpour was not for long, and we were able to walk across to the stands to watch some Moto2 action.

Moto2 Qualifying underway :


Due to the downpour earlier in the day, the FIM and Dorna called for a joint meeting with the riders, and it was unanimously decided to have an extra practice session on wet tyres to enable teams and riders to gather data ( should there be another downpour ).

Stills from the extra Practice session :


With the practice session, it was time for the first-ever Bharat GP Sprint Race!

Video Link of the Formation Lap before the MotoGP Sprint :



Shots from the First ever MotoGP Sprint in Bharat :


Video Link of the MotoGP Sprint Race Start :



The Sprint is done and the riders return to the pit lane after receiving the accolades of the crowds :


Jorge Martin won the Sprint from Francesco Bagnaia & Marc Marquez. Joan Mir crashed out of the Sprint in the other Honda.


As dusk approached, I had the chance to meet some more riders and get selfies and signatures from them!

Aleix Espargaro, Aprilia Racing, MotoGP :


Johann Zarco, Pramac Racing, MotoGP :


What an experience ( more entertaining than F1 ) at a MotoGP Saturday! The sprint race concept is much better than the ones witnessed at an F1 event and track activities come thick and fast! 


I also published a Vlog about my Saturday Experience on my YouTube Channel!


Video Link : 



Thank you to Repsol Honda Racing for having us over the weekend and thank you to everyone who made MotoGP of Bharat a reality! The Sunday experience follows shortly!

Motorsport Weekends - 2023 MotoGP of Bharat - Friday

The year was 1995 and during my school days, I rarely got any time away from my studies. Whenever I did, I used to tune in to a sports channel to check if there was anything of interest on TV. One day, I saw a motorbike race aired and a certain Mick Doohan led the field on a Repsol Honda bike. That was the moment I got hooked onto Motorsports. MotoGP was my first love & Mick Doohan was my first motorsports hero! Since then, I became a Repsol Honda fan and followed the team's exploits closely! Although I never had the opportunity to attend a MotoGP event, it was on my wishlist for many years.

The opportunity finally arrived when it was announced that MotoGP would hold its inaugural GP in India at the Buddh International Circuit from 22nd to 24th September 2023. Although preparations were in full swing to host a motorsport event after a decade at India's purpose-built track, there were major hiccups and hurdles along the way. Thankfully, after continued support from the government, the local authorities & the organizers, the race weekend was a go!

What was even more amazing was that I got the rare opportunity to be a guest of Repsol Honda for the entire weekend! 

My friend Yash Gosalia, who runs a nationwide sim-racing series called "The Hybrid Theory" was a co-guest at Honda with Prima Pramac Racing hosting another friend in Shamit Desai!


So, how was the experience at the inaugural Indian GP? The Friday experience begins here!


Enroute to the circuit, from New Delhi, but first, we had to pick up our race passes from the Collection centre :


Race Passes in hand, it was time to head to the track!


Welcome to the Buddh International Circuit :


Walking into the Paddock, so many memories come rushing back from a decade ago :


As we walked to the Honda Hospitality, I bumped into some riders from the current MotoGP grid!


Alex Marquez, Gresini Ducati Racing :


Joan Mir, Repsol Honda Team :


Augusto Fernandez, Gas Gas Factory Racing Tech3 :


Miguel Oliveira, Cryptodata RNF MotoGP :


Massimo Rivola, Aprilia Factory Racing Sports Director :


Jorge Martin, Prima Pramac Racing :


After settling ourselves inside the Hospitality, we decided to explore more areas of the Paddock.


Walking to the other end of the paddock & I got to see Sadhguru up close :


Meeting more people from the MotoGP fraternity continued!


Stefan Bradl, LCR Honda :


Mr Julia Marquez, the Father of the Marquez brothers :


Soon enough, it was time to follow the action on track, with FP1 getting underway. We sneaked our way up into the VIP viewing area!

The views from the Hospitality Arena, just after the VIP Village :


Shots from FP1 :


The Repsol Honda riders getting used to setups during FP1 :


Practising grid starts at the end of FP1 :


Video Link :



Marco Bezzecchi was the quickest in FP1 from Marc Marquez & Brad Binder. Joan Mir was P10 in the other Repsol Honda.


Post FP1, it was time to enjoy some lunch in the Hospitality area :


Shots of the Area :


The on-track action resumed with Moto2.

Time for the Moto2 riders to find their optimal setups for the weekend :


Post the Moto2 practice session, we had a brief lull and our group decided to head back down to the Paddock and try and get more selfies and signatures!

Returning to the Paddock before MotoGP Practice kicks off :


The decision turned out to be the right one as we met a host of other riders!


Marc Marquez!! Repsol Honda Racing Team! Fan moment with the most successful ( current ) MotoGP rider!


Sam Lowes, Marc VDS Racing, Moto2 :



Fabio Di Giannantonio, Gresini Ducati Racing :


Somkiat Chantra, Honda Team Asia, Moto2 :


Lin Jarvis, Team Principal for Monster Energy Yamaha :


Fabio Quartararo, Monster Energy Yamaha Team & 2021 World Champion :


Marc Marquez' Crew Chief, Santi Hernandez :


Takaaki Nakagami, LCR Honda :


Six-time World Champion & Aprilia ambassador, Max Biaggi :


Pol Espargaro, Gas Gas Factory Racing Tech3 :


Luca Marini, Mooney VR46 Racing Team :


Davide Tardozzi, Ducati Racing Team Manager :


We then headed back to the VIP Viewing area to get ready and prepped for MotoGP Practice. This session was most important since the lap times would decide which riders would qualify for Q2 and which would need to battle it out in Q1 on Saturday.


Enjoying some evening snacks before the start of the Practice :


The track looks stunning as dusk draws in :


Shots from the Practice :


The riders doing practice starts from the Grid :


Video Link :



Luca Marini was the quickest in Practice from Jorge Martin & Aleix Espargaro. Marc Marquez and Joan Mir were P4 & P10 for Honda respectively. Thankfully, both Repsol Honda riders automatically qualified for Q2 on Saturday!



Returning to the Paddock gave us the opportunity to meet more riders!

Aron Canet, Pons Racing, Moto2 :


Jack Miller, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team :


Deniz Oncu, Red Bull KTM Ajo, Moto3 :


Daniel Holgado, Red Bull KTM Tech3, Moto3 :


Celestino Vietti, Fantic Racing, Moto2 :


Brad Binder, Red Bull KTM MotoGP :


Tony Arbolino, Marc VDS Racing, Moto2 :


Marco Bezzecchi, Mooney VR46 Racing Team :


Ducati General Manager, Luigi Dall'lgna :


Albert Arenas, Red Bull KTM Ajo, Moto2 :


MotoGP World Champion Francesco Bagnaia, Ducati Lenovo Team :


Maverick Vinales, Aprilia Racing Team :


Lucio Cecchinello, Founder of LCR Honda Team. Had a great chat with this racing legend!


Night fell upon us and it was time to head back to New Delhi.

Goodbye from the Paddock! 


I also compiled a vlog on my YouTube Channel about my Friday Experience at the Inaugural MotoGP of Bharat!


Vlog Link :



It had been a memorable Day 1 at the Buddh International Circuit for us as we met a host of Moto3, Moto2 and MotoGP riders and enjoyed watching some great action on the track. Sadly, my Sony RX10 IV malfunctioned which meant that I would have to survive the rest of the weekend without my camera. Nevertheless, I returned from the track with great stills and amazing memories!


Thank you to Repsol Honda Racing for having us over the weekend and thank you to everyone who made MotoGP of Bharat a reality! The Saturday experience follows shortly!

A Gallery of Memories - Part 26

2023 was a special year for me, motorsports-wise. Besides my travels to F1 Races ( Spain & Belgium ), I had the opportunity to attend the Centenary Edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June. However, What was more amazing was seeing racing return to my homeland in September 2023.

India ( now Bharat ) hosted its first-ever MotoGP race at the Buddh International Circuit from 22nd to 24th September. The purpose-built racetrack returned to hosting an international motorsports event for the first time since 2013. MotoGP, the pinnacle of racing on two wheels, was my first exposure to motorsport in the late 1990s. Back then, the exploits of Mick Doohan made me a Repsol Honda fan and ever since I have been following their performances avidly.


Attending a MotoGP event was always on my wishlist and when the opportunity to attend the inaugural edition of the Bharat GP presented itself, I simply couldn't refuse. The icing on the cake was that I got invited to the weekend as a guest of Repsol Honda!



As always, the first post from the experience documents all the known motorsport fraternity from the world of MotoGP. 


So here goes!

Alex Marquez, Gresini Ducati Racing :


Joan Mir, Repsol Honda Team :


Augusto Fernandez, Gas Gas Factory Racing Tech3 :


Miguel Oliveira, Cryptodata RNF MotoGP :


Massimo Rivola, Aprilia Factory Racing Sports Director :


Jorge Martin, Prima Pramac Racing :


Stefan Bradl, LCR Honda :


Mr Julia Marquez, the Father of the Marquez brothers :


Marc Marquez!! Massive Fan moment for a Repsol Honda loyalist :


Fabio Di Giannantonio, Gresini Ducati Racing :


Sam Lowes, Marc VDS Racing, Moto2 :


Somkiat Chantra, Honda Team Asia, Moto2 :


Lin Jarvis, Team Principal for Monster Energy Yamaha :


Fabio Quartararo, Monster Energy Yamaha Team & 2021 World Champion :


Marc Marquez' Crew Chief, Santi Hernandez :


Takaaki Nakagami, LCR Honda :


Six-time World Champion & Aprilia ambassador, Max Biaggi :


Pol Espargaro, Gas Gas Factory Racing Tech3 :


Luca Marini, Mooney VR46 Racing Team :


Davide Tardozzi, Ducati Racing Team Manager :


Aron Canet, Pons Racing, Moto2 :


Jack Miller, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team :


Deniz Oncu, Red Bull KTM Ajo, Moto3 :


Daniel Holgado, Red Bull KTM Tech3, Moto3 :


Celestino Vietti, Fantic Racing, Moto2 :


Brad Binder, Red Bull KTM MotoGP :


Tony Arbolino, Marc VDS Racing, Moto2 :


Marco Bezzecchi, Mooney VR46 Racing Team :


Ducati General Manager, Luigi Dall'lgna :


Albert Arenas, Red Bull KTM Ajo, Moto2 :


MotoGP World Champion Francesco Bagnaia, Ducati Lenovo Team :


Maverick Vinales, Aprilia Racing Team :


Lucio Cecchinello, Founder of LCR Honda Team :


Darryn Binder, Husqvarna Intact GP, Moto2 :


Raul Fernandez, RNF Aprilia MotoGP :


Razlan Razali, Team Principal, RNF Aprilia MotoGP :


Jaume Masia, Leopard Racing, Moto3 :


Aleix Espargaro, Aprilia Racing, MotoGP :


Johann Zarco, Pramac Racing, MotoGP :


Mr Paolo Simoncelli, Team Owner, Sic58 Squadra Corsa :


Jake Dixon, Gas Gas Aspar Team, Moto2 :


Ana Carrasco, Boe Motorsports, Moto3 :


David Munoz, Boe Motorpsorts, Moto3 :


David Alonso, Gas Gas Aspar Team, Moto3 :


Franco Morbidelli, Monster Energy Yamaha, MotoGP :


Simon Crafar, former racer & Ace Commentator :


Jose Luis Martinez, Assistant & Best Friend to Marc Marquez :


Pablo Nieto, Team Manager, Mooney VR46 Team, MotoGP :


Joe Roberts, Italtrans Racing Team, Moto2 :


Dennis Foggia, Italtrans Racing Team, Moto2 :


Piero Taramasso, Michelin Motorsports Wheel Manager, It is Such a pleasure to meet him :


It was truly a special experience and a blessing to be at the inaugural edition of MotoGP of Bharat. A big thank you to Repsol Honda Racing for being kind enough to extend invites to my friend and me for the weekend. The Friday, Saturday and Sunday experiences will follow soon, so watch this space!

The Flying Diaries : BOM - DXB - BOM ( Emirates Business ) ( Nov 2018 )

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2018 Abu Dhabi GP was the last race of the season and I had the opportunity of attending the same. 2013 was the last time I flew to the UAE for F1. It also was my last journey of the Old Terminal of Mumbai International Airport.

The Outbound Journey was on 22nd November 2018 and the Return Journey on 27th November 2018.

 

Mumbai - Dubai ( Emirates Business ) ( 22nd November 2018 ) :

Packed and ready!


Emirates have revamped their Chauffeur services with the introduction of the BMW 520d Luxury Edition for ferrying its guests to the airport :


Shots of the Lounge :


The View of the Airport..mesmerizing :


The Business Class onboard Boeing 777-300ER, not the upgraded version this time :


The Menu onboard :


Preparing for Takeoff :


Takeoff Video Link :



Lunch, Paneer Makhani and Chocolate Mousse Cake :


The Descent into Dubai :


Touchdown Dubai International Airport :


Landing at Dubai ( Video Link ) :



Another BMW 520d Luxury Edition for pickup at Dubai Airport :


Dubai - Mumbai ( Emirates Business ) ( 27th November 2018 ) :


The Chauffeur Service to the airport :


The Business Class Lounge, Classy as ever :


A lipsmacking spread in the Lounge :


The New Business Class onboard the Boeing 777-200LR. This is a 2 class Boeing which has Business and Economy Class only.


Time for Pushback :


Taxiing to the Runway :


The Onboard Cameras :


Prepare for Takeoff :


Takeoff from Dubai ( Video Link ) :



Bye Bye Dubai, see you next time :


The Dinner Menu :


A spread of small bites in the Boeing 777-200LR


Dinner Service, Paneer Butter Masala, Chocolate and fig Mousse Cake :  


Landing at Mumbai in the evening :


Touchdown in Mumbai ( Video Link ) :



Another BMW to ferry me home :


It was a great experience flying with Emirates in 2018. A Big Thank you for their Hospitality! Looking forward to many more memories and Journeys in 2019!

The Flying Diaries : BOM - BRU - BOM ( Emirates First & Business ) - Encore!

My annual trip to the Belgian GP was a little different from the earlier trips. My college friends decided to accompany me to Europe for a 3 nation tour, their first to the Schengen States of Belgium, Switzerland and France. One of my friends accompanied me while a couple left for Europe a few days earlier than us.

This trip also gave me the opportunity to try the New Boeing 777-300ER with a revamped First and Business Class.


We flew out on 18th August 2018 and left Brussels on 29th August 2018.


Mumbai - Brussels ( First Class ) ( 18th August 2018 ) :

The Bags ready for the journey :


The Check-in formalities done and it was time to enjoy the lounge. Since I am a Gold Member of Emirates, my friend was allowed to accompany me.


Some shots of the Lounge at Mumbai International Airport :


Enjoying the Services of our lounge. Mumbai International Airport offers complimentary massage service for the guests :


Food, food and more food!


It was 3 am and time for boarding for our flight to Dubai.


The First Class Suite onboard the A380, top notch and prepped as always :


Preparing for takeoff, the onboard cameras doing a fine job :


Takeoff Video Link :




The Breakfast menu :


Green Pea Poha and Cappuccino for Breakfast :


Touching down at Dubai International Airport :


Landing Video Link :




Inter Terminal Transfers and Security Checks done, we made our way to the nearest First Class Lounge at Dubai to relax and grab a bite.


A time of Relaxation and refreshing ourselves in the lounge.


It was then time to board our flight to Brussels!

The latest edition of the First Class Suite onboard the New Boeing 777-300ER is a class apart and a winner! Emirates currently flies the new configuration to Brussels and Geneva and will slowly expand to other routes as well. The updated First Class boasts of a lot of new features - Fully enclosed First Class suite with full height privacy screens, seats designed by Mercedes Benz, Virtual Windows, Bigger LCD Screens, Bowers and Wilkins headsets, Binoculars and Dine on Demand service with Video Calling facility. Video calling is quite a cool feature, you can make a call to the Flight Steward and interact, taking the definition of "Room Service" to a whole new level. In-flight showers aren't available though.


The view of the Suites from the front of the aircraft. Quite artistic I must say :


Preparing for takeoff :


Bound for Brussels :


Video Link :




The Breakfast and Lunch menu onboard :


The Flight Map :


You simply can't stop taking pics of this beautiful suite :


Chicken and Lemongrass Consomme, Prawns with Garlic and Coriander and Chocolate Ricotta Pudding for Dessert!


The First Class also has Virtual Windows for aisle seats, the cameras relay live feed onto the Screens to give the aisles a window seat feel.


The bed is made. Time to rest!


Afternoon siesta done and it was time to land into Brussels International Airport :


Video Link :




Mercedes S500 to pick us up at the airport!


Brussels - Mumbai ( Business Class ) ( 29th August 2018 ) :

A Mercedes E250 to ferry us back to the airport :


The Atomium, one of the highlights of Brussels made in Chocolate by Neuhaus :


Not much on offer in the lounge. Passable. Its a common lounge catering to a number of airlines. Hope to Emirates have one of their own soon.


The Seats in Business Class, designed by Mercedes Benz, a bit narrower but equally comfortable :


Takeoff Video :




Whats for dinner?


The Flight Map with Satellite Views :


Live TV, a feature on Emirates Flights :


Crisps and Ginger Ale, Broccoli Soup, Roast Chicken with Pistachio Stuffing and Chocolate Delice for Dessert :


Nearing touchdown at Dubai :


Landing Video Link :




Dubai International Airport :


The Plane is parked a fair distance from the Terminal building so we are picked up by a bus :


Enjoying services of the lounge while we wait for boarding :


Business Class, a slightly older aircraft this :


The lunch menu :


Some shots while taxiing to the Runway :


Up in the air, homebound :


Takeoff Video Link :




Nuts and Ginger Ale followed by Dhingri Paneer Methi Masala and Badami Halwa!


Hovering above Mumbai :


Landing at Mumbai :




Back in the Bay!


I must say that Emirates have a winner with the new Boeing 777-300ER Offering. It simply is a class apart when you compare it to rival airlines on similar sectors. I hope to see the new plane on my other journeys too. Once again, the hospitality onboard Emirates was flawless and being a Gold Member makes the experience even more special.


It isn't just "Fly Better" with Emirates...Its "FLY THE BEST"!


My Business Class Experience to Dubai in November follows shortly...so watch this space!

The Flying Diaries : BOM - FRA - BOM ( Emirates First )

I believe I belong to the club of "Self-appointed" Emirates Airlines Ambassadors! July 2012 was the first time I had the opportunity of flying with the airline and as they say..the rest is history. The quality of service has been impeccable, the staff always welcoming and one always yearn for more at the end of each journey. 

Frankfurt was the first destination I flew to with the airline in 2018. I stayed in Mannheim ( since I was attending the F1 German Grand Prix ) for the first leg of the trip and then in Frankfurt.

The First Leg of the Journey was in the Airbus A380 with switching of planes at Dubai. The return leg was an Airbus A380 until Dubai and then the Boeing 777-300ER to Mumbai.


The Outbound journey was on 18th July and return journey on 27th July.


Let us go back in time and refresh our memories!


Mumbai - Frankfurt ( First Class ) ( 18th July 2018 ) :


The Bags ready for the Journey :


My ride to the airport ( Emirates Chauffeur Service ), the Mercedes C Class in its final few months of service with Emirates :


All Airport formalities completed briskly and it was time to enjoy the services on offer in the lounge!

An elaborate menu :


The Lounge!


Time to binge. First Class fliers have the privilege of ordering from an A-La-Carte Menu as well :


Both legs were in the Airbus A380 and this was my First Class Private Suite, so comfortable!


Emirates have revamped the goodies, amenities and accessories on offer. Bowers and Wilkins headphones offer amazing audio quality!


Breakfast menu onboard :


Heading towards the runway for takeoff :


Takeoff Video :



Coffee, Poha and some Idli ( Rice Cakes ) for Breakfast :


The Emblem of Emirates glowing in the First Class Cabin :


Landing into Dubai :


Landing Video :



Dubai International Airport in the early hours of the morning, busy onground and in the terminals :


Security check complete, inter-terminal transfer done and it was time to catch up on some sleep in the lounge :


The First Class Suite on the Airbus A380. So Beautiful!


The Aerobridge withdraws as we get ready for pushback :


The busyness of the Airport in the morning. Emirates flights flying to multiple destinations across the world :


ICE, Emirates in-flight entertainment system offers onboard camera feed on all flights :


Takeoff from Dubai :


Video Link :



The Breakfast and Lunch menu. Dine on demand service offered in First Class :


I was in the mood for an early lunch, placed my order and then decided to head to the Onboard Lounge at the back of Business Class.

Snacks on offer in the Onboard lounge :


Small bites on offer in the Onboard Lounge :


Lunch, Carrot and Ginger Soup, followed by Chicken Cacciatore and Pear and Chocolate Crumble :


Bon Apetit!


I had a good rest and was woken just in time before landing :


Touchdown in Frankfurt ( Video Link ) :



Frankfurt International Airport on a beautiful summer afternoon :


A BMW 730Ld to take me to Mannheim from Frankfurt, Emirates has top class cars for transfers in Europe :



Frankfurt - Mumbai ( First Class ) ( 27th July 2018 )


The Audi A8L to ferry me to the airport! Luxury is an understatement for this car :


Frankfurt Airport is a busy but efficient airport. Check-in, Security and Immigration was a breeze and I had the chance to relax for sometime in the lounge :


Some more stunning shots of the First Class Suite, my seat up until Dubai :


A relatively empty First Class enroute to Dubai, a rare scenario :


The Flight Map being displayed on ICE, Emirates On board Entertainment system :


Preparing for Takeoff :


Takeoff from Frankfurt ( Video Link ) :



Some shots of the Onboard Lounge again :


Ginger Ale and some crisps before the start of Dinner Service :


The Dinner Menu :


Roasted Tomato Soup, Roasted Chicken and Deconstructed Black Forest Cake for Dinner!


A hearty meal and it was time to head to bed. I would eventually be woken 45 minutes before touch down in Dubai. It was a short but very comfortable siesta.


Nearing touchdown at Dubai :


Landing at Dubai ( Video Link ) :



Dubai International Airport :


A couple of shots of the lounge just before leaving for boarding :


The Dubai-Mumbai leg was on a Boeing 777-300ER, frankly speaking I find the First Class Suite in this a bit more comfortable than the one in A380.

My Suite for the last leg of the trip :


The Lunch Service on offer :


Taxiing to the runway :


Up in the air, homebound :


Video of the Takeoff :



Paneer Tikka Masala and Shahi Tukra for Lunch  :


The Dubai Mumbai flight only lasts 2 hours and 50 minutes. A hour of slumber and we were on our final approach into Mumbai.


The Final Approach :


Touchdown Mumbai :


Video Link :



It was a great experience flying with Emirates to Frankfurt! I would like to thank Emirates for their hospitality.

The new Boeing 777-300ER will feature in the next post of the Flying Diaries..so watch this space!

The Flying Diaries : BOM - CPT - BOM ( Emirates First & Business )

I have never been to the Continent of Africa. I play a lot of Amateur Cricket in Mumbai and our team participated in a Tournament called "Last Man Stands", the prize being a trip to Cape Town to participate in the World Championships in December 2017. We qualified and were invited to be one of the 32 teams playing the Tournament. 

Thankfully Emirates flies to Cape Town. Tickets were booked, the outbound trip on 8th December 2017 and return on 18th December 2017.


Mumbai - Cape Town ( First Class ) ( 8th December 2017 ) :

Beautiful Architecture in the First and Business Class Lounge at Mumbai International Airport :


Enjoying some of the spread on offer :


The Real Deal :


The First Class Suite for the Flight to Dubai :


The Breakfast Menu :


Arabian Coffee and Arabian Dates, a special feature of the First Class onboard Emirates :


Making our way to the Runway :


Takeoff from Mumbai bound for Dubai ( Video Link ) :



Watching Dunkirk on ICE - Emirates Inflight Entertainment System :


Breakfast time, some fruits and poha, a regional dish from Maharashtra :


Hovering above Dubai :


Landing At Dubai International Airport ( Video Link ) :



I chose to have a quick slumber in the Lounge and it was time to start boarding.


The First Class Suite in the Boeing 777-300ER :


Goodies galore :


A Busy Morning at Dubai International :


Ready for Takeoff!


Adios Dubai!


Takeoff from Dubai bound for Cape Town ( Video Link ) :



Somewhere over North Africa. Stunning views!


Lunch menu enroute to Cape Town :


Lunch is served!


Post Lunch, its time for siesta :


Woke up just before we started our descent into Cape Town :


Touchdown Cape Town!


Landing at Cape Town International Airport ( Video Link ) :



Our Ride to our Hotel in Waterfront :


Enroute to our Hotel :


Cape Town - Mumbai ( Business Class ) ( 18th December 2017 ) :

A VW Minivan to the Airport again :


Enroute to the Airport :


The First and Business Class Lounge in Cape Town :


Quick a nice spread in the Lounge :


My Business Class Seat for the Return Journey :


The Menu :


Taxiing to the Runway :


Bye Bye South Africa :( you were Fantastic!


Leaving Cape Town bound for Dubai ( Video Link ) :



Dinner Service!


We were served breakfast just before landing :


Landing at Dubai International Airport ( Video Link ) :



Business Class Seat for the last leg of the Trip :


The Menu :


Taxiing to the Runway :


Bye Bye Dubai :


Takeoff Bound for Mumbai ( Video Link ) :



Up in the Sky :


Just a Dessert for Lunch :


Nearing Touch down in Mumbai


Back home in Mumbai!


Landing at Mumbai International Airport ( Video Link ) :



I had an amazing time in Cape Town and the Journey was as good as the Destination. Well done Emirates! 

Flying Diaries will return later in the year once the European Season kicks off and God willing I can be a guest at a couple of races.

The Flying Diaries : BOM - BRU - BOM ( Emirates First & Business )

The Belgian Grand Prix was the second race in 2017 that I had the opportunity of attending. Emirates offers only service to Brussels so it was imperative to have bookings done on time. I decided on a Mixed Class Journey - First to Brussels and Business on Return.

The Outbound Journey was on 22nd August and the Return on 30th August


Mumbai - Brussels ( 22nd August 2017 ) :

Shots from the First and Business Class Lounge in Mumbai :


Midnight Binging in the Lounge!


They also have A-La-Carte on offer for Guests flying First Class :


Kathi Rolls, delicious as ever!


The First Class Suite, a new Airbus A380 this :


Mumbai - Dubai Breakfast Menu :


ICE - Emirates Award Winning In-flight Entertainment System :


Takeoff from Mumbai ( Video Link ) :




Enjoying some Yogurt and Poha for breakfast :


A Short Haul journey, so the Bar bears a deserted look in front of the First Class Cabins :


Dubai awaits our arrival!


Touchdown Dubai International Airport :


Landing at Dubai International Airport ( Video Link ) :




First Class Lounge at Dubai Airport :


The 2nd leg of the Trip was in a Boeing 777-300ER and the layout is slightly different to the Airbus A380. I feel the seats are slightly wider.


The Goodies Basket, Mini Bar and Arabian Dates with Arabian Coffee!


Taxiing to the Runway. Emirates Airlines all around us!


Enroute to Brussels!


Takeoff from Dubai bound for Brussels ( Video Link ) :




Lunch Menu :


Arabic Mezze, Prawn Machbous and Sticky Date Pudding!


The Bed is made, Time for a snooze!


Nearing touchdown at Brussels :


Brussels International Airport!


Landing at Brussels International Airport ( Video Link ) :




A Mercedes S Class to ferry me to the Hotel :


Brussels - Mumbai ( 30th August 2017 ) :

Mercedes E Class for the return pickup :


Enroute to the Airport :


The First and Business Class Lounge in Brussels. The Mousse was excellent :


My Business Class seat for the 1st leg of the return journey :


Live TV on offer onboard!


The Pushback and it was time for takeoff :


Goodbye Brussels :


Takeoff from Brussels ( Video Link ) :




Lunch Menu :


Lunch is served!


Touching down in Dubai :


Touchdown at Dubai ( Video Link ) :



The Business Class Lounge in Dubai :


I was boarding my flight for Mumbai when I got informed that Emirates had upgraded me to First Class! Well Thank you!

First Class Suite :


Breakfast Menu :


Making our way to the Runway :


Takeoff from Dubai bound for Mumbai ( Video Link ) :




Some Crisps, Pakodas and Cappuccino :


Descending into Mumbai :


A Lovely morning at Mumbai International Airport :


Landing at Mumbai ( Video Link ) :




Emirates once again ensured that I had a memorable trip. The Upgrade to First Class for the Final leg of the Trip was really appreciated since it was a Red Eye Flight from Dubai. Being a Gold Member on Emirates always has its perks!


Emirates First and Business Class Experience to Cape Town is up next!

The Flying Diaries : BOM - LHR - BOM ( Emirates First ) ( June 2017 )

The ICC Champions Trophy was held in the UK in June 2017. I was blessed with the opportunity of attending 3 games. This would be my first experience of watching a cricket match overseas.
The Match Seats were reserved, flights booked and I was off to London Heathrow with Emirates in First Class.

I chose EK029 this time instead of EK 01. This allowed me more time in the Lounge and I was the only passenger in First Class!


The Outbound Flight was on 6th June and the return on 20th June.


Mumbai - London ( 6th June 2017 ) :

The GVK First and Business Class Lounge :


A-La-Carte dining on offer in the First Class Section :


The Buffet Spread :


Kathi Roll and the Molten Chocolate Cake, an absolute delight!


A Warm Welcome to the A380 Suite :


My Seat for the 3 hour flight to Dubai :


The Breakfast Menu :


Taxiing to the Runway :


Taking off from Mumbai ( Video Link ) :



Emirates' In-Flight Entertainment System - ICE i.e. Information, Communication & Entertainment offers a wide array of options for flyers


A Cappuccino will suffice please!


A Beautiful Sunrise beckons on the Horizon!


Flying into Dubai :


Nearing Touchdown into Dubai :


Landing at Dubai International Airport :



Beautiful morning at Dubai International Airport :


A spacious and relatively empty First Class Lounge in Dubai :


An elegant First Class Suite enroute to London. I was the only flyer in First Class!


Goodies Basket, Arabian Coffee and Dates to start the journey with!


Taxiing to the Runway :


Takeoff!


Taking off from Dubai bound for Heathrow ( Video Link ) :



The Menu for the journey!


Lunch Service!


A Well Stocked Bar in the First Class Section :


The Emirates Insignia proudly displayed onboard


An Empty First Class :


A Quick tour of the First Class Suite ( Part 1 ) :



A Tour of the First Class Suite ( Part 2 ) :



After a hearty lunch, I decided to head down to the Business Class Lounge.

Some shots of the Lounge Seating Area, offering some stunning views of the sky.


Shots of the Lounge bar :


Business Class seats, 76 in all :


I returned to my seat and my Bed was set! It was time for a siesta before going in for a shower before landing into Heathrow :


Some Shots of the Shower Suite offered onboard, yes a shower at 40,000 feet!


A refreshing shower and we were nearing our destination :


Hovering over London :


Heathrow Airport!


Landing at Heathrow International Airport ( Video Link ) :



Heathrow the busiest airport in the world catering to numerous airlines!


Well hello Emirates!


A Mercedes Benz S500 to ferry me to my friend's home!


Enroute to Stanmore :



London - Mumbai ( 20th June 2017 ) :


The Return pickup too was in an elegant Mercedes S500 :


Driving to Heathrow :


A Brisk Check-in, Fast Track Security Check and Immigration and it was time to unwind in the Lounge :



The Spread :


Some views from the Lounge :


Heathrow is one of the few airports ( other than Dubai ) that offers boarding from the Lounge :

Shots of the First Class Suite :

Making our way to the runway :

Bye Bye London...until next time :


Takeoff from Heathrow International Airport ( Video Link ) :




The Dinner Menu to Dubai :

Mocktail, Nuts and Crisps kick off the Dinner Service!

Hors D'oeuvres, Light Bites and some catching up in the Business Class Lounge onboard A380 :

The Bed set for the Night.

As always, the Flight Steward woke me up an hour before the flight landed to enjoy the Shower Service on-board :


A Tour of the Shower Suite ( Video Link ) :




Descending into Dubai :


Dubai International Airport :


Landing at Dubai International Airport ( Video Link ) :




The First Class Lounge, oozing class as always :


The Boarding was offered from the Lounge and I soon settled into my First Class Suite :


Taxiing to the Runway :


The Final leg of the trip begins :


Takeoff from Dubai bound for Mumbai ( Video Link ) :




The Lunch Menu :


Lunch Service. Quite a good meal :


Nearing Touchdown in Mumbai :


Mumbai!


Landing in Mumbai ( Video Link ) :




Once Again, Thank you Emirates for memorable Flights!

The buck doesn't stop here! Trips to Brussels and Cape Town to follow shortly!