Kimi Raikkonen had 2 successful years with the Lotus F1 Team and joined Ferrari in 2014. It was an awesome experience being a guest of the Lotus F1 Team for 2 years and it was time to switch to the Prancing Horse.
I had the privilege of being a guest of the Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team at the German GP held at Hockenheimring.
This was the First Race this season that I got to be at and I must say that I had 3 wonderful days.
The Friday Experience, Documented!
An early start to the day ensured that I would reach the circuit in time as I had to collect tickets enroute.
Tickets in hand, Ready for Hockenheimring!
It was quite a long walk to the Paddock Club from the Drop off Point and No Shuttle Service available. Piece of Advice to future visitors : Get a Parking Pass!!
The Scuderia Ferrari F1 Suite is called The Ferrari Formula 1 Club - Classy Name I must say.
The Ferrari Formula 1 Club :
My Table :
The View from the Suite - STUNNING!
The Friday First Free Practice is an early morning affair which starts at 10 am and no sooner did I settle into the Suite and it was time for FP1 to begin.
FP1 always comprises of teams running different setups and the order gets refreshed many times.
Shots from FP1 :
The Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team in action in FP1 :
Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton were the fastest in FP1.
Fernando Alonso stayed close in 3rd. Kimi Raikkonen was 8th Fastest.
We were joined by Ferrari Reserve Driver Marc Gene at the end of FP1. He reviewed the Season for Scuderia Ferrari F1 so far and commented on the prospects of the team for the weekend.
A great guy and very approachable, a moment with Marc Gene. What an Honour!
The Team was kind enough to take me downstairs for a quick tour of the Motorhome and the Garage. The Motorhome is the Weekend abode for Drivers and Mechanics and also entertains VIP Guests and Top Sponsors of the Team. It also houses the Engineers who study and analyze the data and telemetry and discuss strategies to be adopted for the drivers.
Shots of the Paddock!
Shots from the Motorhome!
Tyre Warmers readying the Tyres for Kimi Raikkonen's Car and the Mechanics hard at work to get the F14 T ready for battle
The F14 T being readied for FP2. Enjoy the Music!!
Video Link :
No Day is complete without Amazing Food! A Couple for the Foodies!
The 2nd Pit Lane Walk is always an interesting one. Many times have Driver Appearances in their pit-box and if you are fortunate, you might just get a few autographs!
Shots from the Pit Lane Walk :
Shots from the Scuderia Ferrari F1 Pit Garage :
It was soon time for FP2 and the teams would go out to do Race Simulations. FP2 is the most important session as it is representative of the times for teams running with both the Option and the Prime Tyres.
Shots from FP2 :
Scuderia Ferrari F1 in FP2 :
Chequered Flag bringing an end to FP2
The Team did a quick pit stop and both the cars made it back to the pits.
Video Link :
Lewis Hamilton was the Fastest this time with Nico Rosberg a close second. This weekend too would be a close contest between the 2 Mercedes AMG Petronas Drivers.
Kimi Raikkonen improved to 4th with Fernando Alonso ending the session in 9th.
The Day came to end and it was time to return home.
It was a productive day for the team and helped the team to make things better for the next 2 days.
A Big Thank you to the Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team for the fantastic hospitality and a great day! A Big Thank you to the Ferrari Formula 1 Club hosts too for entertaining us the whole day. Day 2 and Day 3 coming up soon, so watch this space!