Dubai was the last destination I travelled to on Emirates Airlines in 2013.
I got the opportunity to attend the 2013 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and this time I had a co-traveller. My Mother got the first taste of Emirates' Hospitality and believe me, she was thoroughly impressed!
Mumbai - Dubai ( 30th October 2013 ) :
Shots from the Lounge :
Mum is all smiles :
The Flight to Dubai was a Brand New Boeing 777 - 300 ER and the seats were comfortable as always :
The Touchscreen Controller shaped as a Tablet adding to the Premium Feel :
Mum settled in her seat :
Breakfast time!
Time to rest :
In less than 3 hours, we had reached Dubai :
Fast Track Services meant minimal time at the Immigration and soon enough we were on our way to our hotel :
Dubai - Mumbai ( 8th November 2013 ) :
Enroute to the Dubai International Airport in a Volvo :
The Burj Khalifa towering above the Dubai Skyline :
Shots from the Lounge :
Mum relaxing after a good meal :
Boarding commenced from the Lounge and this time we were flying in the Airbus A330 - 200.
Taxiing to the runway :
The Beverage service on Emirates is always amazing :
Enroute to Mumbai in the Setting Sun :
Dinner :
This was the shortest journey during my association with Emirates. My mother was all praise for Emirates. The Hospitality shown to her was special and as a Gold Member, I always felt welcomed.
This was the last trip in 2013 but 2014 saw me completed 2 trips to the Americas with a trip to Germany in between.
There is more to come in the "Flying Diaries" Series, so keep visiting. God Bless and Take Care!
September 2013 saw me take the First Emirates Flight as a Gold Member on Skywards.
F1 travelled to Monza for the Italian Grand Prix and this gave me the opportunity to fly First Class on Emirates once again.
The Outbound journey was on 4th September 2013 and Inbound on 13th September.
Mumbai - Milan ( 4th September 2013 ) :
Shots from the Lounge :
The First Class Suite in the Boeing 777-300ER is one of the best in the Airline Industry. I also got a quick peep into the cockpit. Some stills of my seat :
Taxiing to the Runway :
The Breakfast Menu :
Breakfast. The Presentation excellent as always :
Time for some privacy and time to catch up on some sleep :
The Doors of the Suite shut to ensure complete privacy and also have a "Do Not Disturb" feature and believe me, no one disturbs :)
The Mumbai Dubai Leg is always a short flight and soon enough we were approaching Dubai International Airport :
Nearing Touchdown at Dubai :
Touchdown and we had the company of the famed Airbus A380 :
Shots from the Dubai International Airport :
The First Class Lounge offers A-la-carte dining to its guests and I helped myself to some lip-smacking Indian Starters and Delicious Desserts :
Shots from the Emirates First Class Lounge :
The 2nd Leg of the Journey wasn't as comfortable as the first as it was an older aircraft. However we only had 2 guests onboard in First Class and the crew left no stone unturned in ensuring a comfortable flight for me.
My Seat :
Taxiing for Departure :
So, What's for Lunch?
Time for a quick bite onboard :
The Flight to Europe offers some Picturesque views :
My Bed for the next few hours. Very Comfy and I immediately fell asleep
Nearing touchdown at Milan Mapensa Airport :
Touchdown at dusk :
My ride to the Hotel was a Mercedes Benz S 350.
Milan - Mumbai ( 13th September 2013 ) :
A Mercedes Benz S 350 for the pickup again :
Enroute to the Airport :
The sky looks stunning :
Milan Mapensa Airport :
A Brisk Check - in, Fast Track Security and Immigration and it was time to enjoy what the Lounge had to offer!
Dinner Time in the Lounge!
Boarding commenced from the Lounge and I quickly settled into my seat, no Suite on this flight either.
Night Flights always reward you with some amazing amenities. Who can forget the Goodie Basket!!
Dinner Menu onboard :
Time to have some dinner. The Options were brilliant and the food was really well made :
I chose to head to bed immediately after dinner and the Lie-Flat Bed does its job amazingly well.
The Time advances and after a 3.5 hours of sleep, we were nearing touchdown at the Dubai International Airport :
Touchdown on a hazy morning in Dubai and a line of Emirates Aircrafts ready for Departure.
Shots from the First Class Lounge :
The wait at the Lounge was a longer one and I really enjoyed some sleep in the Quiet Room.
It was time to board the afternoon flight to Mumbai for the Final Leg and the Boarding commenced from the Lounge.
Settling into my seat :
Dubai International Airport is a big hub for various airlines and here are some sharing airspace with Emirates :
Various Emirates Flights leaving for different destinations across the world :
Takeoff from Dubai and bound for Mumbai :
Lunchtime :
No Mattress or Duvet onboard this flight :
Mumbai and we are home :
There is definitely a difference between the services offered in First Class and Business Class . However one must opt to fly First when First Class Suites are on offer.
Emirates Airlines strive to ensure that their guests have an enjoyable flight and it was nice to see the crew recognize my Gold Status. Offering Personalized Services is a hallmark of Emirates and I would like to thank them for all the Hospitality shown to me.
Next post? - Emirates Business to Dubai and this time I have a co-traveller. Watch this space!
July 2013 was my First Business Class Experience on Emirates Airlines.
I flew to Düsseldorf to attend the 2013 German Grand Prix.
The Outbound journey was on 4th July 2013 and the Inbound on 13th July.
Mumbai - Düsseldorf ( 4th July 2013 ) :
A Prompt Transfer service to the airport, a brisk check in and breezy completion of the formalities characterize the service of Emirates on-ground.
I quickly settled into my seat as we waited for pushback :
The Flight to Dubai was a Brand New Boeing 777-300 ER and the control console was a fantastic looking tablet. The Tablet has a plethora of functions from controlling the Personal TV Screen to activating the in-seat massager. Lighting Options and Seating options add other value additions.
ICE - Information, Communication and Entertainment, the award winning Inflight Entertainment of Emirates offering programs for all ages :
Business Class Seats :
The Menu Onboard :
Taxiing to the runway :
Breakfast time! Emirates pampers their Business Class Guests!
Keeping myself entertained during the journey :
Nearing Touchdown at Dubai International Airport :
A Journey of 1948 kms and we have arrived at Dubai!
Dubai International Airport boats of dedicated lounges for its Business and First Class passengers and numerous lounges are spread across the 3 different terminals.
Enroute to the Business Class Lounge :
View from the Lounge :
Shots from the Lounge, Boarding commences from the Lounge itself!
After a restful 3 hours in the Lounge, it was time to board the flight for Düsseldorf.
The 700-300 ER to Düsseldorf was an older aircraft but then this isn't the most frequented sector.
Personal TV Screen :
The Seat Console :
My Seat in Business Class :
Enjoying Apple Juice as I settle into my seat :
Waiting for Pushback :
2009 F1 World Champion Jenson Button and his partnership with Tag Heuer.
Takeoff for Düsseldorf!
Some Sprite and Assorted Nuts in the Beverage Service :
The Menu for Lunch!
The Lunch Service Commences :
After a fantastic 3 course meal, I chose to catch up on some sleep and the 3 hour nap was extremely comfortable in the Lie - Flat Bed!
6 Minutes to Touchdown :
Arriving at Düsseldorf. An Amazing City from the Sky :
Emirates Chauffeur Services in Europe are top - notch and I had a BMW M5 waiting for me in the arrivals hall to take me to Cologne!
Enroute to Cologne :
It was a very comfortable and smooth 1st leg of the trip and I was taken care of very well by Emirates!
Düsseldorf - Mumbai ( 13th July 2013 ) :
I always opt for the late evening flight and the return leg was no different.
Emirates never fails to impress me and this time they had a BMW 750 Ld waiting at the hotel to take me to Düsseldorf.
The Exquisite Luxury of the BMW 750 Ld!
Enroute to Düsseldorf, spotted my personal car, the Passat on the Autobahn :
Düsseldorf Airport :
Brilliantly built Airport :
Shots from the Emirates Lounge in Düsseldorf :
A Lavish Buffet spread in the Lounge :
Boarding commenced from the Lounge and I quickly settled into my seat. This time the Boeing 777-300 ER was the new aircraft!
The Sunset nearing at Düsseldorf Airport and we wait for the pushback :
Taxiing to the Runway :
Takeoff Time :
Video Link of the 777-300 Takeoff :
Enroute to Dubai in the setting sun :
The Console for Seat and the Joystick to make calls :
Dinner Service on-board. I had my fill in the Lounge but the spread on-board is too much to resist. Gluttony!
Emirates replicates the Constellations seen in the sky within the plane during a night flight. They leave no stone unturned in ensuring that you sleep under the stars :
A 4 Hour Nap and it was time to land into Dubai. Emirates AV welcoming their guests into Dubai International Airport :
The Business Class Lounge next to the gate :
Buffet Spread for Breakfast :
The Last Leg was in an Airbus A330-200 and this plane seemed to be a generation old.
Pushback :
Takeoff Time :
I chose to sleep the final leg of the trip and returned home after a refreshing trip.
A Big Thank you to Emirates Airline for all the Hospitality showered on me. The Business Class on Emirates Airline is a fantastic product offering but once you have travelled First.. you will forget all else.
The Next Update would feature the First Class Experience to Milan in the month of September ( 2013 ).
Sunday was the Big Day!! The Final day of the Paddock Club Diaries for this Season! The last of the 4th and Final Paddock Club Experience for me.
Well, Lets relive it!
UAE is known for its fancy cars and I came across a couple on my way to Yas Island.
Enroute to Yas Island :
I reached the Paddock Club and the First event of the day was the GP2 Sprint Race :
Kimi Raikkonen joined us in the Suite to oblige the guests with autographs!!
Eric Boullier talking about the Team's Performance so far
Lunch!!!
A quick lunch and it was time to go down for the Final Pit Lane Walk of the weekend and the Final one for me to be at. I wanted to make the most of it.
Shots from the Pit-Lane Walk :
A Moment with Steve Robertson ( Kimi Raikkonen's Manager ). He is a very approachable man and very humble.
The Pit Lane Walk ended and preparations were in full swing for the race.
Cars doing installation laps :
Lotus Boys taking sighters of the Track :
The Grid Preparations :
The Etihad Airways Fly-Past :
The Cars rolled out for the Formation Lap and the Mechanics had to run back to the pits!
Video Link :
The Cars lined up on the Grid and Expectations were high. Kimi Raikkonen started at the back of the grid after the disqualification on Saturday and I was praying for a strong result.
Race Start Video Link :
The Race began and Kimi jumped the Marussia but ran a bit wide on the kerb. The Resulting imbalance caused contact with the Caterham and damaged the front suspension rod. It was a First Lap retirement for the Iceman and a good weekend that went from bad to worse for me :( A Rare Retirement for the Iceman...
There was still a race to be won and here are some shots from the Race :
McLaren Mercedes during their Pit-Stop
Video Link :
The Lotus F1 Team in the Race :
Lotus F1 Team Pit-Stop Video Link :
The Chequered Flag came out and it was Sebastien Vettel again who took victory! Mark Webber finished 2nd while Nico Rosberg held off a late charge by Romain Grosjean to hold onto 3rd place. Kimi Raikkonen was the sole retirement in the race.
Video Link ( Chequered Flag ) :
Fireworks display :
Parc - Ferme :
It was time to say goodbye to my friends at Lotus F1 Team and as I headed out, I saw the Yas Marina Hotel shining in all its glory!!
Some more exotics on the way back :
It was a good weekend from a neutral point of view but very disappointing as a Kimi Fan.
I was sad to see it end like this. This was the last race in 2013 that I would be at and it turned out to be the last one for Kimi too as he decided to go in for Back Surgery.
Overall it was a satisfactory 2013 for me. It all started with an All Expenses Paid trip to the Malaysian GP thanks to Tourism Malaysia. Then the German GP, Italian GP, Indian GP and the Abu Dhabi GP to make it 5 races for the season. I was with the Lotus F1 Team in the Paddock for the 4 races and I must say it was a great experience. I shall cherish every moment.
A Special Thank you to Oliver Anderson, Anne-Charlotte Remy, Sophie Stapleton, Anna Pamin, Fleur Foster, Francois Puentes, James Robinson, Gaby Mills, Anita Nyers, Fred Garcia and Luca Mazzocco for all the Hospitality shown to me.
I made some really dear friends in this season and I am thankful to God that I got a chance to meet such wonderful people!!
A Big Thank you to YOU my followers and readers on various social platforms who have been patient enough and enjoyed reading everything that I have shared over the past year.
2014 will have its own experiences and I pray that I get a chance to be at a couple of races... Fingers Crossed.
Saturdays normally start early for the teams but the Abu Dhabi GP being a twilight race meant that the teams could have a slightly later start to the day.
Saturdays would see the Teams do Qualifying Simulations in FP3 and prepare themselves for Qualifying.
Enroute to the Circuit :
The First Pit Lane Walk sees the team practice their Pit Stops.
Shots from the Pit Lane Walk :
Video Link of the Lotus F1 Team practising their Pit Stop :
The Paddock Club was open and I made it to the Terrace to indulge in some snacks prior to lunch
The GP2 Feature Race was the First Event of the Day and it was quite a start.
Video Link :
Lunch!!!!
FP3 was a very important session for many teams. The Lap times were close and this was a precursor to an awesome Qualifying Session
Shots from FP3 :
Lotus F1 Team in action in FP3 :
Sebastien Vettel was the Fastest in FP3. Romain Grosjean was 5th and Kimi Raikkonen 9th.
Alan Permane and Eric Boullier in a very engrossing conversation :
We were soon joined by Sir Jackie Stewart in the Suite and he shared about his career in F1 and his role in the team now.
The time for the Final Pit-Lane Walk of the day had come and it was time to see the Teams prepare for Qualifying up-close.
Shots from the Pit-Lane Walk :
A Moment with Mark Arnall - Kimi's Physical Instructor!
The Pit Lane was then vacated to make way for the start of the Qualifying Session!
Q1 saw the elimination of the slowest 6 drivers.
Shots from Q1 :
Lotus F1 Team in Q1 :
Lewis Hamilton was fastest in Q1. Kimi Raikkonen was 3rd fastest and Romain Grosjean 8th fastest.
The Lull before Q2 :
Q2 decided the final 10 drivers for the Final Shoot-out ( Q3 )
Shots from Q2 :
Lotus F1 Team in action in Q2 :
Nico Rosberg was the Fastest in Q2. Romain Grosjean was 8th Fastest while Kimi Raikkonen was 9th Fastest.
Fernando Alonso was shunted out of Q2 in 11th Place.
Q3 would be a closely fought session and once gain it was a duel between the Red Bulls and the Mercedes AMG Petronas teams.
Shots from Q3 :
Lotus F1 Team in Q3 :
A Red Bull was on pole and it was Mark Webber! The Australian pipped his team-mate to finish fastest in Q3.
Kimi Raikkonen did well to qualify 5th while Romain Grosjean qualified in 7th Place. It was a great session for Lotus F1 Team until a couple of hours later news emerged that Kimi Raikkonen was Excluded from the Qualifying Session!!!!
Kimi's car had floor damage and failed a floor deflection test. The Result was his 5th Position being snatched from him and the Finn had to start last. So much effort down the drain...
Post Qualifying, Romain Grosjean joined us in the Suite for a Quick Q&A and Autograph session
A Moment with Romain Grosjean :
His departure also signaled the closure of the Paddock Club for the day.
The Yas Marina Hotel at night :
The F1 Village at Night :
It would have been a great day had it not been for Kimi's Disqualification from Qualifying.
Nevertheless, I would like to thank the Lotus F1 Team for all the Hospitality shown to me.
A Big Thank you to Oliver Anderson, Anita Nyers, Francois Puentes, Anne-Charlotte Remy and Fleur Foster for taking such good care of me.
The Sunday too was very different. Experience coming soon...
The Abu Dhabi GP was one race I really wanted to attend. Kimi Raikkonen's Victory in 2012 meant that a 2013 race could not be missed.
The Abu Dhabi GP was my 5th and the Final Live Race in 2013. One must say that the track and the atmosphere is awe-inspiring.
Not everything went as planned but nevertheless let us relive those memories and as usual the Day 1 Experience First!!
I was staying in Dubai so travelling to the circuit meant that it would be a 2 hour journey ( approx ). However with a nice set of wheels, its a breeze!
Enroute to the Circuit :
The Drive to the Circuit entrance was smooth but it is highly recommended that you get the Parking Pass for all 3 days. Intra-Circuit shuttles do run but they drop you at odd locations and you still end up walking quite a distance. The Security Checks are Airport-grade which is nice.
However the Staff needs to be well informed about exits and routes to help visitors. Many were listless and offered poor advice which meant many were left going round and round in circles. A Big Let down for a circuit with such fantastic facilities.
The F1 Village Area :
The Yas Marina Hotel !
The Lotus F1 Team had their own suite at the race :
The View of the Track from the Suite :
It was soon time for FP1.
Shots from FP1 :
Chequered Flag for FP1 :
Lotus F1 Team in action during FP1 :
Romain Grosjean was the Fastest in FP1 !!! Kimi Raikkonen was 6th Fastest ! The Signs looked good for the team..
An Early Dinner!!
As always it was time for the Pit Lane Walk!
Shots from the Pit Lane Walk :
The Lotus F1 Team readying the Cars for FP2 !
Ciaron Pilbeam, Mark Slade, Rob Cherry and Jamie readying the Iceman's Car - SWEET!
We were soon joined by Davide Valsecchi in the Suite. As usual the Italian was all smiles and chirpy as ever. He Truly deserves to be driving for a F1 team.. Is anybody listening??
It was soon time for FP2 to start and the Twilight session looked absolutely beautiful!!
Team Pit Walls from FP2 :
Shots from FP2 :
Lotus F1 team in FP2 :
Sebastien Vettel was Fastest in FP2. Kimi Raikkonen was only 3 Tenths off the Pace in P4 which was a great sign. Romain Grosjean struggled in P12...
Sundays are always hectic be it any Grand Prix. Everyone waits expectantly as the tension mounts for the main event to get underway.
The Result on Sunday is what matters. All the mistakes made earlier in the weekend are forgiven.
So how was the Sunday at the 2013 Indian GP? Lets find out!
Enroute to the Circuit :
Waiting for the Paddock Club to open :
The Paddock on Sunday Morning :
The Circuit in all its glory!
Shots from the Lotus F1 Garage ( Pit - Lane Walk ) :
The Lotus E21 Firing Up :
More Shots from the Pit Lane Walk :
The Mercedes AMG Petronas Team firing up their Mercedes 2.4 L V8 Engine! Sweet Music :
The Pit Lane Walk ended and we were visited by Romain Grosjean in the Suite!!
Lunch!!
It was imperative to finish one's lunch quickly else you would miss standing in the best places and capturing all the activity happening below :
Raikkonen and Hulkenberg do reconnaissance :
Mechanics rush to prepare the Grid Slots :
Kimi being rolled into his grid-slot :
Preparations in full swing for the Race Start :
Media interviewing Bottas, Alonso and Lauda :
Moments before the Formation Lap :
The Formation Lap :
Mechanics rushing back to the Pits :
The Race Start :
Video Link :
Shots from the 1st Half of the Race :
Lotus F1 Team in action :
More Stills from the Race :
Romain Grosjean and Kimi Raikkonen moving up the grid :
I was taken downstairs for the final part of the race and had the privilege of witnessing the Podium Celebrations up close.
Sebastien Vettel won the race comfortably and was crowned champion for the 4th Time!Red Bull Racing secured the Constructors' Championship too! Congratulations to them for a fantastic season!
Sebastien Vettel's elaborate doughnut celebrations following the chequered flag earned himself a reprimand and Red Bull Racing were given a €25,000 fine, for failing to go straight to parc ferme.
Nico Rosberg finished 2nd for a very satisfying afternoon for Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team.
Romain Grosjean produced a stellar drive to finish 3rd after starting 17th on the grid!
Kimi Raikkonen ran 2nd and then 3rd for a major part of the race but a disastrous decision to prolong his 2nd stint meant that his tyres went off the cliff and the Finn had to eventually pit from 7th Position on the Penultimate Lap and finish the race in 7th.
Alan Permane ( Lotus Trackside Operations Director ) came under fire for his controversial and abusive radio message ( we heard the uncensored version on the Team Radio ). Romain was already suffering from loss of air pressure in his engine ( in the last 15 laps ) and caught Kimi whose tyres had lost all life. Kimi didn't yield at the corner that the team expected him to and Alan shot off a harsh message to him. Kimi responded quite bluntly that it wasn't possible for him to let his Team-mate pass him at that corner. Permane had to bear the brunt on social media and some Kimi fans went over the top in their criticism. The matter is now doused though and everyone accepted that it was in the "Heat of the Moment" Nevertheless it was good day for the Lotus F1 Team!!
The Mechanics are all smiles!
Sebastien Vettel, Triumphant once again!
Podium Celebrations and Trophy Presentations!
Video Link :
David Coulthard performing the Podium Interviews :
Video Link :
Celebrations in the Lotus F1 Team Garage :
Romain's Mechanics are all smiles!!
James Robinson mobbed by the crowd!!
A moment with the Trophy :
The teams frantically packing all up. The 2013 Abu Dhabi GP was in 7 days time!!
Debriefing :
What a Home Race this was. Its Sad that F1 doesn't return to India in 2014. The Fan Following is great out here and I shall always miss being at my home race.
3 Fantastic Days!!
A Big Thank you to the Lotus F1 Team for all the Hospitality! A Big Thank you to Anne-Charlotte Remy, Oliver Anderson, Fred Garcia and James Robinson for all the kindness shown to me.
Saturday at the Grand Prix is always a busy affair. An early start to the day as teams perform Pit-Stop Practice followed by Third Practice and then the Qualifying to decide the grid on Sunday.
Lets see how it all unfolded on Saturday!!
Enroute to the Circuit :
The Paddock Club was yet to open so got some shots from above :
Shots from the First Pit-Lane Walk of the Day :
The Saturday Practice started with a slight delay due to poor visibility.
Shots from FP3 :
Lotus F1 Team in Action in FP3 :
Sebastien Vettel topped the Timesheets again! Romain Grosjean was 5th Fastest and Kimi Raikkonen was 11th.
A Sumptuous Lunch was served!
I finished my lunch hurriedly. It was time to go down for the 2nd Pit-Lane Walk of the day and meet the ICEMAN KIMI RAIKKONEN again!!!!!
KIMI RAIKKONEN!!
Shots from the 2nd Pit-Lane Walk :
We made our way back to the Pit Building and it was time for the Qualifying to start!
Shots from Q1 :
Lotus F1 Team in Q1 :
Jenson Button Topped Q1. Kimi Raikkonen was P6 and Romain Grosjean was eliminated in Q1 in 17th!!! Bad Strategic call by the Team not to run the Option Tyre!
Shots from Q2 :
Lotus F1 Team with Kimi in Q2 :
Sebastien Vettel was Fastest in Q2. Kimi Raikkonen was 4th Fastest!
It was now time for the Top 10 Shootout in Q3! The Top 10 Places would be decided for Sunday's Race!
Shots from Q3 :
Lotus F1 Team in Q3 :
Sebastien Vettel was on Pole again! Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton completed the Top 3!
Kimi Raikkonen could only manage P6 but a strong grid to start from nonetheless.
Post Qualifying I had the opportunity of going down to the Motorhome thanks to the graciousness of Oliver Anderson again!
With Eric Boullier and Romain Grosjean!
I couldn't get a moment with Kimi Raikkonen but got as close as possible to my Favourite Driver!
Kimi Photos!
Shots from the Motorhome :
Stills from the Paddock :
Returning from the Circuit :
It was a pleasant day 2 at the Indian GP but I never thought that a big drama would unfold the next day!! It will be revealed soon!
A Big Thank you to the Lotus F1 Team for all the Hospitality and Once Again a Big Thank you to Oliver Anderson for being so gracious in allowing me to roam through the Paddock on a Saturday evening!!
The Sunday experience coming soon. God Bless everyone!!
2013 has been an amazing year for me!! It would be criminal to not attend your Home Race after travelling all across the world for F1!
The Buddh International Circuit is the 2nd fastest circuit on the calender and boasts of some State-of-the-art Facilities!
It is a shame that F1 does not return to India next year. There have been some great races in the past couple of years and this year's event too wasn't a downer.
As usual Photos and Experiences from DAY 1!!
The Passes ( 3 day pass as usual :P )
Enroute to the circuit :
The View of the Paddock from above :
Jules Bianchi and Giedo van der Garde walking to the Garage :
The Hospitality Suite :
The First Friday Practice was already upon us!
Shots from FP1 :
The Lotus Boys Strutting their Stuff!
Sebastien Vettel was the Fastest in FP1. Romain Grosjean was 4th and Kimi Raikkonen 17th!
Oliver Anderson was gracious to take us downstairs post FP1 for a quick tour of the Garage!
The Time came for the Pit-Lane Walk and meeting Davide Valsecchi!
Shots from the Pit-Lane Walk :
Davide Valsecchi!!
Lunch as always was Sumptuous!!
After a filling lunch, it was time to engross yourself in FP2! Teams would be doing Race Simulations as well as some Low-Fuel Runs!
Shots from FP2 :
Lotus F1 Team in action during FP2!
The Cars Rolling back to the Garage :
Sebastien Vettel led the Timesheets again! Romain Grosjean and Kimi Raikkonen were 3rd and 8th respectively.
The Mechanics busy washing the Tyres Post the Practice Sessions!
The Paddock in the Evening!
Kimi Raikkonen and Romain Grosjean debriefing on Friday Evening!
Team Principals after the Friday Press Conference and Answering the media :
Returning Home!!
All in all a great Friday at the Indian Grand Prix. The Lotuses looked good on the Long-Run Settings!!
Couldn't wait for the Saturday and Sunday!!
More Coming from the Indian Grand Prix Weekend. So watch this Space!!
It was a good year with another 5 races ticked off the calender. I am not sure if I can repeat this feat next year... so really Thank God for this experience.
Last Year it was 4 - Malaysia, Silverstone, Singapore and India.
This Year I went one better - Malaysia, Germany, Italy, India and Abu Dhabi!
It wasn't such a great weekend in terms of results but a unique experience nevertheless.
The Gallery of Memories for this seasonreaches its finale! Hope you have enjoyed the journey. I thank you for being so patient with me as have been super busy!
So, here goes!
Davide Valsecchi, Lotus F1 Reserve Driver!
Sir Jackie Stewart!! The Legend!
Mark Arnall, The man who keeps Kimi Fit!! ( Kimi's Physical Instructor )
Romain Grosjean, Lotus F1 Driver!
Kimi Raikkonen the Iceman!!!!!
Eric Boullier, Lotus F1 Team Principal!!
Steve Robertson, Kimi's Manager!! A Very Humble Guy and extremely approachable. Such a Pleasant experience!
All in all 3 amazing days. The Full Report shall be up shortly.
I would like to thank Oliver Anderson, Francois Puentes, Anne-Charlotte Remy, Fleur Foster,James Robinson for all the Hospitality and Help!
A Big Thank you to the Lotus F1 Team for entertaining me and being so hospitable!!
