Raceday finally dawned and the big day had arrived!!
An early start to the day as usual, Sunday was going to be fantastic again!
Enroute to the Circuit :
I took a new route again on Sunday and this time I passed through camping sites.
Some shots enroute :
Enroute, I was pleasantly surprised to see the Vintage cars that were to be used for the Drivers' Track Parade :
I reached the Paddock club and we were soon joined by Paul Hembery, Pirelli's Motorsport Director.
He discussed the strains that the company faces in delivering the required number of tyres over a season and how each tyre compound is designed for varying conditions.
His departure was soon followed by the one and only KIMI RAIKKONEN!! Kimi discussed about his chances for the weekend and for Ferrari for the remaining part of 2014.
Video Link for Kimi Raikkonen's Interview :
Kimi Raikkonen left and we were joined by the Ferrari Test Driver, Marc Gene. Marc is a great human being and a very talented driver. It was a privilege meeting him!
Before the Final Pit Lane Walk I was taken downstairs for a quick Garage Tour.
Shots from the Paddock :
The Ferrari F14T Firing up and being readied for the race. Video Link :
I made a quick run back up to collect my Autograph Booklet and rushed back downstairs for the Final Pit Lane Walk of the weekend!
Shots from the Pit Lane Walk :
Scuderia Ferrari F1 getting ready for Battle :
A Moment with Andrea Stella, Fernando Alonso's Race Engineer :
The Track Parade was an amazing experience! The People dressed up in their Regional Clothing with their Regional Flags containing their Coat of Arms and marched to a melodious drum beat.
Video Link :
Sky Sports F1 getting ready for the Pre - Race Show!
I headed back upstairs and it was time for a Quick Lunch before the Race Start :
The Cars soon started rolling out of the Pit Lane as the Pit Lane opened to start preparations for the Grid for the Race!
Preparations in full swing for the Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team :
Mechanics make their way to the Grid to wheel the cars into their Grid Slots :
The Fans building up the traditional European atmosphere for an F1 Grand Prix.
A Big Rule Change came into effect :
Two weeks before the race, the FIA announced an immediate ban on the Front-and-Rear Interconnected suspension system (commonly abbreviated as FRIC), effective as of the German Grand Prix, arguing that the FRIC system qualified as a movable aerodynamic device under Article 3.15 of the technical regulations. ( Source - FIA )
There were some changes to the grid. Gutierrez qualified P14, but dropped three places for causing a collision at previous round. Lewis Hamilton opted for a gear box change and earned a 5 place grid penalty to start 20th.
Ericsson failed to meet 107% requirement but raced at stewards' discretion
The Formation Lap - 2014 German Grand Prix. Video Link :
The Cars line up for the 5 Red Lights and Race Start!
Race Start - 2014 German Grand Prix. Video Link :
A Huge Incident at the First Turn of the First Lap meant that the Safety Car had to come out. Kevin Magnussen got a good start but Felipe Massa turned into the him and the contact caused the Brazilian's Williams to flip over thrice. The Safety Car came out until the debris cleared.
Race Restart after Safety Car. Video Link :
Shots from the Race :
Some More Stills :
Scuderia Ferrari F1 during the Race :
I had the opportunity of going down into the Pit Garage and watching the Race Unfold. Post the Experience, I made it back to the Suite.
Fernando Alonso Pit Stop. Video Link :
Kimi Raikkonen Pit Stop. Video Link :
Kimi Raikkonen had damage to his front wing after 2 incidents. First Involving Hamilton and then the duo of Vettel and Alonso. The damage severely compromised his race and he could only manage 11th.
Fernando Alonso had a mighty battle with Daniel Ricciardo but came out on top. He finished 5th.
Chequered Flag at the 2014 German Grand Prix. Video Link :
Nico Rosberg took Victory and did his championship chances a world of good after disappointment at the British Grand Prix.
Valtteri Bottas did an amazing job to hold off a charging Lewis Hamilton to take 2nd. Lewis produced a stellar drive to take the final step on the podium after starting 20th.
Vettel, Alonso, Ricciardo, Hulkenberg, Button, Magnussen, Perez completed the top 10.
The different moods on the Pit Wall at the end of the Race. The Mercedes AMG Petronas team couldn't contain their joy!
James Allison ( Technical Director for Ferrari and Ex-Lotus ) enjoying a light conversation with Antonio Spagnolo ( Kimi Raikkonen's Race Engineer )
Scenes from the Podium Celebrations :
A Certain Footballer by the name of Lukas Podolski joined the celebrations in the Mercedes AMG Petronas Team's Garage :
Sky Sports F1 ( UK and Italy ) reviewing the race as it starts pouring on the circuit. F1 Greats Damon Hill, Johnny Herbert ( for UK ) and Jacques Villeneuve ( for Italy ) seen here.
A Moment with the Hosts at the Ferrari Formula 1 Club! Thank you for the amazing hospitality!
The Boys who drive the Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team Forward : Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen!
The Suite now bears a deserted look.
Its Goodbye to Germany for the Ferrari Formula 1 Club and onwards to Hungary!
The Teams Packing Up and getting ready to head out for the Next GP in Hungary.
Enroute to Frankfurt and I get to see the beautiful Mercedes SLS - AMG! ( Also the Safety Car in F1 )
Returning to Frankfurt :
The Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team had a mediocre weekend in Germany but they still were the most reliable team on the grid and with improvements coming in all the time, the Glory Days are not far.
It was an amazing weekend for me and an exciting experience with a different team! I would like to thank everyone at the Ferrari Formula 1 Club for being great hosts. Thank you for the wonderful gifts everyday!
Thank You to Scuderia Ferrari F1 for accepting me into the family and entertaining me throughout.
Kimi Raikkonen you were awesome as ever! Win or Lose, Always an Iceman Fan! Thank you for the memories and all the best for the upcoming races!
Fernando Alonso you amazed one and all with your amazing consistency and performing well against all odds!
Finally a Big Thank You to Exclusive GP for all the arrangements and ensuring that everything leading up to the Grand Prix was Hassle - Free :)
Next Race? - Austin Texas.
Mid Season Review coming up in the next few days,... so watch this space....