Post-covid, airline travel has become an expensive affair. The prices shot up, thanks to fuel surcharges & other miscellaneous expenditures. It became a logical choice for travellers to have extended holidays.
2023 was a year where I travelled extensively ( domestically ) and had the opportunity to visit Europe twice, first for the Spanish Grand Prix and 24 Hours of Le Mans and then for the Belgian Grand Prix.
The two trips were less than a month apart & the second trip was for almost three weeks! Once again, I chose to fly to Brussels and use my friend's home as a base to explore the unexplored cities from the European continent!
My outbound flight was on 13th July and my return flight was on 2nd August. Thankfully, with my miles upgrade, I had the luxury of flying in First Class on both my journeys!
Time to revisit the memories from the past!
Mumbai - Brussels ( Emirates First ) ( 13th July 2023 ) :
Bags packed and ready!
The Chauffeur was ready to ferry me to the airport :
After a brisk check-in, security and immigration, it was time to relax in the lounge. The view was amazing as always!
The binge journey begins :
Not many guests in the lounge in the morning :
It was soon time to board the flight to Dubai.
Shots of the First Class Suite for the first leg to Dubai :
The pushback begins :
Taking off from Mumbai ( Video Link ) :
Bye Mumbai, see you in 3 weeks!
The menu onboard, quite diverse for a short flight :
Being selective about my dietary demands :
Coco Jalila chocolates always elevate the dining experience :
After 2.5 hours, we were hovering over Dubai, preparing for touchdown :
Welcome to Dubai, the hub of Emirates :
Landing at Dubai International Airport ( Video Link ) :
An escorted buggy service to make my transit through Dubai seamless!
After breezing through security, time for some unwinding in the First Class Lounge :
A two-hour layover and it was time to board the Game-Changer Boeing 777-300ER to Brussels!
My seat :
The pushback begins!
Taxiing to the runway :
Taking off from Dubai bound for Brussels ( Video Link ) :
Up up and away! Brussels here we come!
Time to watch Minions!
The menu for the flight :
Have always been a fan of movie snacks onboard Emirates :
An extensive fare for lunch en route to Brussels :
The views from above are so beautiful, all thanks to the Almighty!
Time for a quick nap! Love how comfortable the bed is!
Hovering over the city, as we make our final approach :
Touchdown Brussels :
Touchdown in Brussels ( Video Link ) :
Welcome to Brussels, the heart of Europe!
The Emirates Chauffeur was ready & set to drive me to my friend's home!
Brussels - Mumbai ( Emirates First ) ( 2nd August 2023 ) :
The Emirates Chauffeur service dropping me to the airport :
Brussels Airport, walking over to the lounge after a brisk check-in & security but immigration took an eternity!
Enjoying the treats in the lounge, one of the best in Europe :
It seems like the Airport staff at Brussels had to change a wheel on the Boeing 777-300ER :
Some Stills of Seat 1A onboard the First Class Game Changer Suites by Emirates :
The Pushback begins :
Taking off from Brussels ( Video Link ) :
The Menu for the flight to Dubai :
Movie-time snacks, from popcorn to sliders to hors d'oeuvres :
Enjoying a hearty dinner, on board Emirates, a guest is always well fed :
Coco Jalilla Chocolates anyone?
Time to get a few hours of sleep :
The Voyager app accurately shows the flight path :
Landing in Dubai, a beautiful morning :
Touchdown at Dubai International Airport ( Video Link ) :
The Emirates Ground Service for First Class passengers who are transiting through Dubai features an escorted service to the Departures section via a buggy :
Post the security checks, it was time to enjoy the treats on offer in the First Class lounge :
A quiet First Class Lounge at Dubai International Airport :
An old-gen seat for the final leg to Mumbai :
The pushback begins :
Take off from Dubai, until next time!
Takeoff from Dubai bound for Mumbai ( Video Link ) :
A healthy drink and a coffee for the final leg :
Circling above the city, awaiting clearance for touchdown :
Landing at Mumbai International Airport on a rainy afternoon :
Landing at Mumbai Airport :
A moment with a former Indian Cricketing Legend and T20 World Cup Winner Robin Uthappa!
The ride home :
I also made a Vlog on YouTube documenting my experience from Mumbai to Brussels ( the outbound journey )!
Vlog Experience from Mumbai to Dubai ( Video Link ) :
Vlog Experience from Dubai to Brussels ( Video Link ) :
The Gamechanger Suites remains the industry - leader when it comes to travelling luxuriously! The service on board Emirates was impeccable and one wonders what more will the carrier do to further elevate the experience!
The Flying Diaries will return in 2024, with itineraries already lined up for June-July-August!
2023 was a special year for motorsports lovers. Besides Formula 1 having its longest season, the World Endurance Championship celebrated the 100th year of racing in Le Mans. Also, later in the year, India would host the inaugural MotoGP of Bharat.
Ever since I received the news that it was the 100th year of Le Mans, I drew plans to be a part of the event. Considering how expensive it has become flying in and out of Europe, I also tried to merge an F1 weekend with the WEC event. Finally the itinerary got set and I would travel to Europe to attend both the F1 Spanish Grand Prix and the Centenary Edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in what would be one of my longest trips to the continent!
As always, Emirates was the choice of airline ( thanks to the perks of Skywards Gold ) and although its been an year since this travel got completed, this blog post is about revisiting those memories from this legendary trip!
My outbound journey was on 27th May and the return on 13th June. I upgraded myself from Business to First ( with miles ) for the Dubai - Brussels and Brussels - Dubai legs.
Mumbai - Brussels ( Emirates First ) ( 27th May 2023 ) :
The bags are packed and it's time to head to the airport!
The Emirates Chauffeur driving me to Terminal 2 in Mumbai :
After a smooth and seamless check-in, security and immigration, it was time to get some downtime in the Adani lounge. Since my Mumbai - Dubai leg was in Business class, I tried to find a quiet spot.
The view from the lounge! A glorious morning in Mumbai :
After a restful time in the lounge and a quick breakfast, it was time to board the flight to Dubai.
My seat :
With a view!
The pushback and taxi began :
Up and away, stunning visuals from the city above :
Takeoff from Mumbai ( Video Link ) :
The menu onboard :
Enjoying some Indian fare :
Dubai beckons :
Landing at Dubai International Airport ( Video Link ) :
Touchdown Dubai!
A selfie with Shriya Saran, a famous Indian Celebrity! She was so gracious!
After a swift security check, I headed down to the First Class Lounge :
The brilliant First Class Lounge, enjoying an ala carte spread!
It was time to board the flight to Brussels, time to experience the Gamechanger Suites!
Popcorn, Dates, Arabic Coffee and some stills of some other goodies :
Taxiing to the runway :
Bye Bye Dubai :
Takeoff from Dubai bound for Brussels ( Video Link ) :
Live TV is a great feature on Emirates and I had the luxury of watching the F1 practice session from Monaco :
Vitality Boost, Chips and some popcorn :
The dine-on-demand menu, one of the most elaborates in the Airline industry :
Enjoying the food onboard :
For me, the showstopper were these chocolates by Coco Jalila. An elaborate spread indeed!
After a hearty meal, a couple of hours later, it was time to watch the F1 Qualifying :
We still had a couple of hours before landing into Belgium and I decided to get some sleep :
The Voyager app sharing our exact location amongst the clouds :
Hovering over Brussels :
Landed!
Touchdown at Brussels International Airport ( Video Link ) :
Welcome to Brussels! The Emirates Chauffeur was ready to ferry me to my friend's home :
Brussels - Mumbai ( Emirates First ) ( 13th June 2023 ) :
Saying goodbye to friends and heading to the airport :
Some stills from Brussels International Airport :
Enjoying a meal in the well-spread lounge :
My seat for the journey to Dubai. The new-gen Boeing 777-300ER ran into a technical snag so Emirates didn't offer the Gamechanger Suite for the return journey. :(
Amenities galore onboard :
The aerobridge withdraws from the aeroplane :
The sun setting on yet another evening in Brussels as we prepare for pushback and departure :
Takeoff from Brussels ( Video Link ) :
The menu for the return flight :
A hearty dinner!
The bed is ready as I prepare to sleep for a couple of hours :
Nearing touchdown :
Touchdown at Dubai International Airport ( Video Link ) :
Landing in Dubai International Airport :
Spending some time in the Lounge and having a quick bite :
The seat for the final leg, an old-gen 777-300ER :
The menu for the final leg, I decided not to eat, was too stuffed!
The pushback and the taxi to the runway :
Goodbye Dubai, see you soon!
Taking off from Dubai International Airport ( Video Link ) :
Hovering over the city, waiting for clearance to land :
Touchdown at Mumbai International Airport ( Video Link ) :
To the disembarkation gate :
Heading home from the airport with Emirates Chauffeur :
It was a great experience on Emirates in the mixed class. Yes, the disappointment of not having the Gamechanger Suite on the return journey remained but the service more than made up for its absence.
The Flying Diaries makes a return soon, with another journey to Brussels, which was just 3 weeks later!
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 )!
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 garagewe 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!
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 MotoGPPractice. 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!
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 last day of the 2023 Belgian Grand Prix had finally arrived. Unlike, the rest of the weekend, Sunday saw better weather & clearer skies. I had an early start to the day as I tried to beat the morning traffic into the circuit.
Enroute to the circuit :
Walking over to the Paddock Club :
Starting my day with Cappuccino and Croissants as always!
Sunday morning views of the track. The F3 Race got underway with a rolling start :
F3 Feature Race Formation Lap ( Video Link ) :
The F3 Feature Race is a go & what a cracker of a race this was!
F3 Feature Race Start ( Video Link ) :
As the F3 race carried on, I decided to visit the fan village.
Walking over to the F1 Fan Village :
The F1 Fan Village, full of activity!
Shots of Raidilon from the Fan Village :
I returned to the Paddock Club and the Ferrari F1 Club Hosts arranged for me to go to the Photo Safari for the start of the F2 Feature Race.
We got escorted to the support race paddock which offered views of Eau Rouge and Raidilion :
The Safety Car comes into the pits and the F2 Feature Race resumes :
F2 Feature Race Restart ( Video Link ) :
Shots from the Feature Race :
Jack Doohan produced a stunning comeback to win the feature race from P11.
Shots from the celebrations in Parc Ferme :
While the celebrations carried on in Parc Ferme, we had Ferrari's star driver join us in the Ferrari F1 Club.
Charles Leclerc in the Paddock Club!
Charles Leclerc Interview in the Ferrari F1 Club ( Video Link ) :
Going down to the Paddock for some more selfies!
Nico Hulkenberg, Moneygram Haas F1 Team :
Papa Perez! Mr Antonio Perez Garibay :
Hannah Schmitz, Principal Strategy Engineer for Oracle Red Bull Racing F1 Team :
Frederic Vasseur, Team Principal, Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team :
The vintage cars getting ready for the Drivers' parade. My friend drove Leclerc around the track :
Shots from the final pit lane walk of the weekend :
The Scuderia Ferrari Garage before the race :
The Ferrari mechanics warming up with some pit stop practice :
Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team getting ready for the race with Pit Stop Practice ( Video Link ) :
Diego Ioverno, Sporting Director at Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team :
Jack Doohan! It is always a pleasure to meet him, he is a thorough gentleman & an even better racer :
Time for a quick lunch before gobbling down some chocolates as desserts :
The grid getting ready for the main event of the weekend :
The drivers emerge from the pits for their sighting laps :
The drivers getting rolled by their mechanics into their respective grid slots :
National Anthem time :
The F1 Grid before the start of the Race ( Video Link ) :
The Air Force giving the fans an acrobatic display :
The grid gets clear of all non-essential personnel :
Formation Lap time :
Video Link of the Formation Lap :
The drivers navigating the Bus Stop chicane on the Formation lap :
The five red lights illuminate and as they went out, the 2023 Belgian Grand Prix was a go!
Race Start ( Video Link ) :
Lap 1 ( Video Link ) :
Shots from the race :
The Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team working hard to extract the maximum from the weekend :
Max Verstappen won the race from Sergio Perez while Charles Leclerc was P3 for Ferrari. A mechanical issue caused Sainz Jr to retire from the race.
Charles Leclerc patiently answering questions by Martin Brundle on Parc Ferme :
The Red Bull Duo having a mini post-race debrief :
Waiting for the top 3 to appear on the podium :
Leclerc, Perez and Verstappen are all smiles as they made their way to the podium :
The trophies being lifted by the Podium finishers :
Time for some champagne!
Podium Celebrations ( Video Link ) :
Mohammed Bin Sulayem, former Rally Driver and Current President of the FIA :
Some dear friends from Belgium, such a blessing to know them!
The Hosts at the Ferrari F1 Club, such amazing moments with them, so gracious and welcoming as always :
Selfie time in the paddock :
As I was walking around the Paddock, a gentleman and his grandson walked up to me and told me that they were at the race this weekend due to my Vlogs from 2022! They loved how well I had documented my experiences at the races and it helped their decision-making for a visit to an F1 race :
Jamie Chadwick, development driver at Williams Racing F1 Team & the triple-world champion in the now defunct W Series :
Daniel Ricciardo, Scuderia Alpha Tauri F1 Team :
Timo Glock, ex-F1 Driver and now a commentator for German TV :
Carlos Sainz Jr, Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team :
The Paddock is getting dismantled as the teams leave for the summer break :
Until next time, Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps!
I also made a Vlog about my experience from Sunday, sharing the YouTube link here :
It had been a memorable weekend at the Belgian Grand Prix. Thankfully, the FOM decided to extend the Belgian GP contract till 2025 and I hope to see this track on the F1 calendarfor several more years. Once again, a big thank you to the Paddock Club team for their hospitality over the weekend. A special mention to the hosts in the Ferrari F1 Club who always make me feel welcomed and a part of the team, whichever race I am at.
There is another special experience to come from 2023, so watch this space!
Saturdays on an F1 weekend are the longest, mainly because of the number of activities lined up for Paddock Club guests. Although Aachen is closer to the circuit than Hasselt, it was still an early start to the Saturday for me. Having left from Aachen at 730 am, my friend and I reached the circuit around 845 am, just in time for Carlos Sainz Jr's visit to the Paddock Club ( more on that later in the post ).
Lets revisit the memories from the Saturday at the 2023 Belgian Grand Prix!
En route to the circuit on Saturday Morning:
As soon as I entered the Paddock Club, I rushed across to reach the Ferrari suite and thankfully, Sainz Jr hadn't arrived yet!
Carlos Sainz Jr visits the guests in the Ferrari F1 Club :
Video Link of Sainz' interview in the Paddock Club :
Shots of the Suite reserved exclusively for the Scuderia Ferrari Team guests in the Paddock Club :
And suddenly the weather changed at Spa-Francorchamps :
Gloomy weather called for some hot breakfast!
Kick Starting the day with some coffee and croissants :
After my coffee, I went downstairs to spend some time in the Paddock but the rain played spoil sport. Nevertheless, I got a selfie with Esteban Ocon from Alpine F1 Team :
Soon enough, it was time for Sprint Qualifying, better known as the Sprint Shootout!
Sprint Shootout gets underway :
Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team during the Sprint Shootout :
Shots from Parc Ferme post Sprint Shootout :
Max Verstappen was the quickest from Oscar Piastri and Carlos Sainz Jr. while Charles Leclerc was P4 in the other Ferrari.
Post the Sprint Shootout, I was hungry & wasted no time in having an early lunch.
Enjoying some lunch, the chocolates were so good!
Post the Sprint Shootout, the guests had the privilege of enjoying an interview with the team's new Sporting Director ( announced on the weekend of the Belgian GP )
The newly-appointed Ferrari Sporting Director, Mr Diego Ioverno briefly joined us in the Ferrari F1 Club :
Video Link of his interview :
The action was relentless as now it was time for the Formula 2 Sprint race on the track!
The F2 cars line up on the gird for the Sprint :
F2 Sprint Race Formation Lap ( Video Link ) :
Due to a car stalled on the grid, the F2 cars had to go around for a second formation lap.
Video Link :
F2 Sprint Race Start ( Video Link ) :
Shots from the F2 Sprint :
Some closeups of Jack Doohan!
& then we had a Safety Car period due to an incident!
Back to flat-out racing!
Celebrations in the Parc Ferme for Enzo Fittipaldi, Theo Pourchaire and Dennis Hauger. Jack Doohan finished a fine P5.
After the F2 Sprint Race, I got some time to spend in the Paddock before the Formula 1 Sprint.
Walking through the paddock, the sun was out again!
Thankfully, I was able to meet more drivers during this time!
Valtteri Bottas, Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake :
Sophia Floersch, Van Amersfoort Racing, Formula 3 :
Oscar Piastri, McLaren F1 Team :
Lando Norris, McLaren F1 Team :
Jerome d'Ambrosio, Development Driver at Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team :
I made my way back to the Ferrari F1 Club, to prepare and grab myself a vantage spot for the start of the F1 Sprint Race.
The grid being readied for the F1 Sprint :
The mechanics rolling the cars & the drivers into the respective grid slots :
The Ferrari mechanics doing the same :
Building up to the formation lap :
Drivers returning from their loo breaks, game face on!
As the cars got readied on the grid, the heavens opened and a downpour hit the track.
The teams had to bring out their gazebos to cover the cars on the grid. The race start got delayed.
Video Link :
The rain relented and it was time to go racing!
The Grid ready for the Formation Lap ( Video Link ) :
The track was quite damp and the stewards decided to begin the F1 Sprint behind the Safety Car.
Video Link ( shot with Sony RX10 IV ) :
Video Link ( shot with Samsung S23 Ultra ) :
Video Links of the Cars running behind the Safety Car
Shot with Sony RX10 IV :
Shot with the Samsung S23 Ultra :
Finally, the Safety Car got called into the pits and it was time to go racing. However, by then, many drivers deemed it safe to switch to the intermediate tyres. Several drivers pitted at the Race start while some ( most importantly Verstappen ) chose to do one full lap on the wet tyres before making a decision.
Video Link of the F1 Sprint Start :
The move to pit on the opening lap of the Sprint yielded dividends for Oscar Piastri who jumped Verstappen after everyone pitted for intermediate tyres. However, a crash brought out the Safety Car again & the field got bunched up, negating Piastri's advantage built from the earlier stop.
Safety Car Deployed ( Video Link ) :
After the track got cleared racing resumed and as expected, Verstappen powered past Piastri to retake the lead of the F1 Sprint.
Video Link :
The drivers battling it out in the F1 Sprint :
The cars returning to Parc-Ferme after the F1 Sprint :
The Chequered Flag is waved at the end of the F1 Sprint & the drivers return to the Pit Lane ( Video Link ) :
Max Verstappen won the F1 Sprint from Oscar Piastri and Pierre Gasly. Gasly, like Piastri, benefitted from the early stop and jumped the Ferrari duo of Carlos Sainz Jr & Charles Leclerc who finished 4th and 5th, respectively.
With the F1 Sprint done, the organizers decided to entertain the remaining crowd with a display of some F1 cars from the yesteryears. Loud, uncensored and still brutally quick!
The classic F1 cars doing some track time!
After the classic cars show, it was time for the final activity of the day - the Paddock Club Pit Lane walk!
Selfies from the Saturday evening pit lane walk :
Shots from the evening pit lane walk :
Stills captured with the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra :
Stills from the Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team garage on a Saturday evening :
I got to meet some more people from the Motorsports Fraternity during the Pit Lane walk.
Friends and mechanics from the Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team!
Jason Cozzetto, one of the senior mechanics at Alpine F1 Team :
With the Pit Lane walk done, we were allowed access to walk on the track and get some selfies. Meanwhile, the parade was practicing for the pre-race ceremony.
Walking around La Source and enjoying the views from the tarmac!
After spending some time in and around La Source, I walked over to the F2 Paddock and then further on to the makeshift garages set up for the F1 vintage cars.
The classic racecars from yesteryears, so beautiful!
As I walked back to the entrance of the Paddock Club, I met a charismatic and very elderly gentleman who is as passionate as any of his younger colleagues!
Mr Fritz van Amersfoort, the founder, Team Principal & F3 Team Manager for Van Amersfoort Racing :
Finally, it was nice to get a selfie with Pietro Fittipaldi, Reserve Driver for Moneygram Haas F1 Team :
Goodbye from Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps :
As I walked back to the Taxi stand to take my ride back to the hotel in Aachen, my heart was full of joy. Although I had a physically tiring and body straining day, I didn't experience any mental fatigue! It was just a wholesome Saturday, difficult to describe in words.
Once again, a Big Thank you to the Hosts of the Ferrari F1 Club for all their love and hospitality on the Saturday.
Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, home to the Belgian Grand Prix, is my favourite track on the F1 calendar. Ever since Mika Hakkinen and Kimi Raikkonen delivered stunning victories at this vintage F1 track, visiting this circuit nestled in the Ardennes forest has become an annual pilgrimage for me. Having attended this race on six occasions, I can now declare myself as half-Belgian :)
Spa-Francorchamps is one of the few classic F1 tracks that remain on the calendar, and I hope the contract extends beyond 2025.
The Paddock Club Diaries begin with the Friday Experience, and although I am six months late, it is amazing to relive the memories through these blog posts!
Pictures taken with the Sony RX10 IV and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra.
En route to the circuit on a rainy Friday morning:
I had to pick up my race passes from the Radisson Blu Hotel in Spa and luckily, I got myself parking passes too!
Race Passes for the weekend :
The walk from the Taxi Drop-off to the Paddock Club completes my cardio workout for the day!
Walking to the Paddock Club :
The Ferrari F1 Club, the home of the Scuderia Ferrari F1 Guests for the weekend :
Coffee and Croissants to kickstart my day!
Thanks to the team, I got myself some time to visit the Paddock but unfortunately, a downpour began.
Walking through a wet and rainy Paddock :
The rain let up soon and I had the opportunity of getting selfies with some famous faces from the F1 Paddock.
Davide Brivio, ex-Yamaha, ex-Suzuki in MotoGP and Racing Director in Alpine Racing F1 Team :
Pierre Gasly, Alpine Racing F1 Team :
Alexander Albon, Williams Racing F1 Team :
Reigning World Champion, now a Triple World Champion, Max Verstappen, who races for Oracle Red Bull Racing F1 Team :
Sergio Perez, Oracle Red Bull Racing F1 Team :
Charles Leclerc, Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team :
It was then time for the first pit lane walk of the weekend and I walked across to the Pits to behold the cars up close!
Shots from the first pit lane walk :
Stills with the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra :
Williams F1 Team Practicing their Pit Stops ( Video Link ) :
Meeting Beat Zehnder, Sporting Director, Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake ( in the pit lane ) :
Lunch is served! A great spread indeed :
The Belgian Grand Prix was a Sprint-Race weekend in 2023, so the drivers had only one Practice session before the Grand Prix qualifying that gets held on a Friday evening.
Free Practice gets underway!
The Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team working hard in FP1 in inclement weather :
The chequered flag brings to an end an FP1 which was battered by rain :
Drivers practising their starts from various grid slots :
Video Link :
Carlos Sainz Jr topped the timesheets from Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. Charles Leclerc was P4 in the other Ferrari.
Post Free practice, Marc Gene visited the Ferrari F1 Club for a quick Q&A :
I decided to spend some more time in the Paddock before Qualifying and as I walked through the Paddock Club, I met an ace ex-cricketer!
1983 Cricket World Cup Winner, Indian Cricket Legend and now an ace commentator, Ravi Shastri :
The Media pen in the Paddock, abuzz with activity after a session :
The trip to the Paddock was fruitful as I met more drivers.
Liam Lawson, Reserve Driver for Red Bull Racing F1 :
Zhou Guanyu, Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake :
Tom Kristensen, WEC Champion & Record winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans :
Soon enough it was time for Qualifying and I headed back upstairs.
Q1 underway :
The Ferrari Drivers in Q1 :
Shots from Q2 :
Scuderia Ferrari F1 fighting it out in Q2 :
The sun came out before the start of Q3. Glorious views!
The final shootout commences :
Leclerc and Sainz go full send :
The Parc-Ferme after Qualifying :
Max Verstappen was the quickest at the end of Qualifying from Charles Leclerc and Sergio Perez. Carlos Sainz Jr was P5 in the other Ferrari.
However, Leclerc inherited Pole Position since Verstappen had a five-place grid penalty due to new engine components.
Post-Qualifying, the Paddock Club guests had the privilege of going on a track tour on trucks!
Ready for the tour!
Shots from the Paddock Club Track Truck Tour :
Video Link of the Paddock Club Track Truck Tour :
As I got off the trucks, I got to meet Jakey Benham, Dani Bereznay, Jarno Opmeer & Marcel Kiefer, Sim racers for Mercedes F1 E-Sports Team :
The tour was the last activity of the day and it was time to head back to my hotel in Aachen.
Goodbye Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps :
I also compiled a Vlog about my Friday Experience on my YouTube Channel!
Video Link about the Friday Experience :
A big thank you to the hosts at the Ferrari F1 Club and the Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team for their hospitality and for making my Friday Experience a memorable one. The Saturday Experience follows shortly!
The Belgian Grand Prix held at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps is my favourite race on the F1 calendar. Every year, I make an effort to be present at the Grand Prix and a trip to this beautiful circuit in the Ardennes has become like an annual pilgrimage. The 2023 Belgian Grand Prix was the second F1 race that I attended in the year.
As always, I kickstart my experience from the weekend with "A Gallery of Memories" post, where I share my memories with all the famous and well-known people from the motorsport world and beyond!
Davide Brivio, ex-Yamaha, ex-Suzuki in MotoGP and Racing Director in Alpine Racing F1 Team :
Pierre Gasly, Alpine Racing F1 Team :
Alexander Albon, Williams Racing F1 Team :
Reigning World Champion, now a Triple World Champion, Max Verstappen, who races for Oracle Red Bull Racing F1 Team :
Sergio Perez, Oracle Red Bull Racing F1 Team :
Charles Leclerc, Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team :
Beat Zehnder, Sporting Director, Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake :
1983 Cricket World Cup Winner, Indian Cricket Legend and now an ace commentator, Ravi Shastri :
Liam Lawson, Reserve Driver for Red Bull Racing F1 :
Guanyu Zhou, Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake :
Tom Kristensen, WEC Champion & Record winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans :
Jakey Benham, Dani Bereznay, Jarno Opmeer & Marcel Kiefer, Sim racers for Mercedes F1 E-Sports Team :
Esteban Ocon, Alpine F1 Team :
Valtteri Bottas, Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake :
Sophia Floersch, Van Amersfoort Racing, Formula 3 :
Oscar Piastri, McLaren F1 Team :
Lando Norris, McLaren F1 Team :
Jerome d'Ambrosio, Development Driver at Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team :
Jason Cozzetto, one of the senior mechanics at Alpine F1 Team :
Friends and mechanics from the Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team!
Pietro Fittipaldi, Reserve Driver for Moneygram Haas F1 Team :
Mr Fritz van Amersfoort, the founder, Team Principal & F3 Team Manager for Van Amersfoort Racing :
Nico Hulkenberg, Moneygram Haas F1 Team :
Papa Perez! Mr Antonio Perez Garibay :
Hannah Schmitz, Principal Strategy Engineer for Oracle Red Bull Racing F1 Team :
Frederic Vasseur, Team Principal, Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team :
Diego Ioverno, Sporting Director at Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team :
Jack Doohan! It is always a pleasure to meet him, he is a thorough gentleman & an even better racer :
Mohammed Bin Sulayem, former Rally Driver and Current President of the FIA :
Some dear friends from Belgium, such a blessing to know them!
The Hosts at the Ferrari F1 Club, such amazing moments with them, so gracious and welcoming as always :
Jamie Chadwick, development driver at Williams Racing F1 Team & the triple-world champion in the now defunct W Series :
Daniel Ricciardo, Scuderia Alpha Tauri F1 Team :
Timo Glock, ex-F1 Driver and now a commentator for German TV :
Carlos Sainz Jr, Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team :
An eventful and inclement weather-filled weekend!
A big thank you to the Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team and the hosts at the Ferrari F1 Club for having me over the weekend.
Although this was the last post of "A Gallery of Memories" from an F1 weekend, there remains a surprise, from a new event that I had the opportunity of attending in 2023. More on that later, so watch this space!
