The next post in the "Gallery of Memories" Series is from the 2019 Belgian Grand Prix. I was privileged to be a guest of Alfa Romeo Racing F1 Team and had Paddock Access on all days.

Truly this was a special weekend! 

Antii Pyrhonen, Team Manager for Red Bull IceOne Husqvarna Factory Team in Motocross & one of Kimi Raikkonen's closest friends. Truly one of the nicest people you will ever meet in the Paddock 

Jos Verstappen :

Nico Hulkenberg, Renault Sport F1 Team :

Christian Horner, Team Principal, Aston Martin Red Bull Racing F1 Team :

James Allison, Technical Director, Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Racing Team :

Jehan Daruwala, Indian Racer in F3 racing with Prema Racing Team :

Ottmar Szafnauer, CEO and Team Principal, Racing Point F1 Team :

James Vowles, Chief Strategist, Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Racing Team :

George Russell, Rokit Williams Racing F1 Team :

Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team :

Daniel Ricciardo, Renault Sport F1 Team :

Max Verstappen, Aston Martin Red Bull Racing F1 Team :

Alexander Albon, Aston Martin Red Bull Racing F1 Team :

Kimi Raikkonen! Yes its Kimi Raikkonen!! The Weekend is made!

Beat Zehnder, Team Manager for Alfa Romeo Racing F1 Team :

Mr. Kimmo Virtanen, Minttu Raikkonen's Father and Kimi Raikkonen's Father-in-law :

Toto Wolff, Team Principal, Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team :

Fredric Vasseur, Team Principal, Alfa Romeo Racing F1 Team :

Alfa Romeo Racing F1 Team Reserve Driver and Indy Racer Marcus Ericsson :

Charles Leclerc, Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team!

Triple World Champion and F1 Legend, Sir Jackie Stewart!

Stoffel Vandoorne!

Juan Pablo Montoya, another F1 legend!

Pietro Fittipaldi, grandson of Double World Champion Emerson Fittipaldi :

Cyril Abiteboul, Managing Director, Renault Sport F1 Racing Team :

Dylan Pereira, Supercup Porsche Carrera Cup Racing Driver :

Masahi Yamamoto, Managing Director for Honda Racing in F1 :

Kimi Raikkonen's Race Engineer in Alfa Romeo Racing F1 Team, Mr. Julien Simon-Chautemps :

Pierre Gasly, Scuderia Toro Rosso F1 Team :

Sebastian Vettel! Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team!

Double World Champion in Formula E, ex F1 racer Jean-Eric Vergne :

Esteban Ocon, Reserve Driver for Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team :

The fighter Robert Kubica, Rokit Williams F1 Racing Team :

Daniil Kvyat, Scuderia Toro Rosso F1 Team :

Carlos Sainz Jr., McLaren Racing F1 Team :

Mark Webber and David Coulthard, highly successful Racers in F1 and beyond :

Heikki Kulta of Finnish Press :

Timo Glock, Ex-F1 and DTM Racer :

Brett Arnall, Mark Arnall's brother and my friend Kimi Raikkonen fan Jane Bleach : 

A Big Thank You to Alfa Romeo Racing F1 Team for their hospitality over the weekend!

This post is only a teaser to what follows..watch this space! Its the start of a new series in my Formula One Journeys!



The last day of the 2018 F1 Season had finally arrived. The Championships were decided, however there was still a race to be won. Everyone was really excited about the Sunday. The Season ender is really a spectacle to behold. Everyone was looking forward to seeing their families again, enjoying the winter break and spending Christmas and New Year. There were farewells as well with some moving on to greener pastures while some taking a sabbatical from the sport. This would be the last time we would see Fernando Alonso in a F1 Car ( probably ). Marcus Ericsson, Esteban Ocon, Brendan Hartley, Sergei Sirotkin, Stoffel Vandoorne would also not feature on the 2019 grid. Pierre Gasly would race for the last time for Toro Rosso, Charles LeClerc for Sauber & Kimi Raikkonen for Ferrari likewise.  

A lot happened over a Sunday..a lot..time to relive that day!

The Drive to Abu Dhabi :

The F1 Village. A lot has changed since Liberty Media took over...

The Paddock and the Yas Viceroy on a beautiful Sunday Afternoon :

Brother bonding between Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz mascots :

GP3 Race 2 Start ( Video Link ) ( was just in time for it ) :



F2 Sprint Race Formation Lap ( Video Link ) :



The F2 Sprint Race Start was aborted after a car stalled on the grid ( Video Link ) :



F2 Sprint Race Start ( Video Link ) :



Some Photos from the F2 Sprint Race :

The Elaborate Lunch Menu :

Food, food and some Mousse!!

Sebastian Vettel was the driver guest for Sunday and the team principal would follow shortly after.

Sebastian Vettel looking forward to a good race and an even better winter break!

Video Link to the Interview :



Maurizio Arrivabene, the Team Principal joined us shortly after Seb left and he was at his talkative best! Bless him.

Maurizio Arrivabene Interview ( Video Link ) :



My dear friend being honoured for her loyalty and love for the team. She attended 14 Races in 2018!! Quite a feat! 

My Friend and our Do&Co ( the Hospitality partner in F1 ) Host Nil Mas saying goodbye to the World of F1 and heading out to Hospitality at Moto GP. 

Believe me..a lot of tears were shed that day..tears of joy, tears of sadness..

The Accolades distributed, the Thank yous said, it was time to head down to the Pits for a quick visit to the garages before the teams get down to serious business.

Shots from the Final Pit Lane walk :

There were goodbyes between the mechanics as well..Abu Dhabi tends to be an emotional race for fans and personnel alike.

Jack Aitken! 

Final set of Photos with the GoPro Hero 5 from the weekend :

The cars roll out of their respective boxes for sighting laps before the race :

Scuderia Ferrari mechanics lining up as Kimi Rolls out of his box for the final time ( Video Link ) :



The Grid kids make their way through the Pit Lane :

Kimi Raikkonen in a light mood, enjoying some moments with the family before business commences :

Media and guests all engrossed at the grid :

The Drivers gather at the front of the Grid for the National Anthem as well as for meeting the FIA Delegates and Circuit Organizers :

The Iceman putting on his gear, donning the Scuderia Red..one last time :

Will Smith being briefed about the Formation Lap Start procedure :

The Final preps before the Timer runs out for the Formation lap :

Will Smith the man flagging off the cars for the Formation Lap :

Video Link : 



The Mechanics running back to the pits as the cars complete the Formation lap :

The Race Start ( Video Link ) :



Shots from the Race :

Safety Car Period ( Video Link ) :



Race Restart after Safety Car ( Video Link ) :



Max Verstappen Pit Stop during the Race ( Video Link ) :



Kimi Raikkonen suffered a mechanical failure, a complete shutdown on all systems on his car and came to a halt at the start finish straight. The Team ran through some system resets but to no avail. It was a disastrous end to the race, his stint with Ferrari and also left me absolutely gutted..

The Ferrari guests have their eyes affixed on the race proceedings.

I got to meet Steve Robertson, Kimi's Manager since his Formula Days..was an enlightening chat!

The top 3 finishers line up on Parc Ferme one last time in 2018. Lewis Hamilton took victory from Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen. Hamilton, Vettel and Alonso indulged in some doughnut display on the start finish straight after the race.

Presenting to the fans their Podium Finishers of the 2018 Abu Dhabi GP :

The Trophy Presentation :

Time for Champagne..oops..no its Rosewater!  

Photo Op time with the Top 3 finishers!

The Podium Celebrations ( Video Link ) :



The mechanics ready to take the cars out of Parc Ferme :

I said goodbye to my friends and hosts at the Ferrari F1 Suite, a few other goodbyes to mates from the Paddock Club and I headed downstairs to the Paddock for a final walk around before heading home..I was glad to meet more people from the world of Formula 1!

Victoria Verstappen, Max Verstappen's sister :

Tatiana Calderon! So nice to meet her..hope to see her next year at Alfa Romeo!

KIMI RAIKKONEN!! 

Pierre Gasly, all the best with Red Bull in 2019 :

FIA Steward and ex F1 Driver Alex Wurz :

Ex-Real Madrid Footballer and Spanish Footballer Michel Salgado!

Toni Vilander! Always a pleasure to meet him.

Esteban Ocon..hope to see him on the grid in 2020 :

Marcus Ericsson, all the best in your future endeavours :

Sergio Perez, Racing Point Force India F1 Team :

Fernando Alonso, the Matador! We will miss him in 2019.

Minttu Raikkonen! Such a pleasant lady to speak to!

Peter Sauber, the supremo of the Sauber F1 Team :

The Fastest Pit Stop Award being awarded to the boys at Red Bull Racing F1 Team :

Taking in the sights of the F1 Paddock one last time in 2018 :

Good bye Yas Marina and Yas Island...until next time.

It was a great experience being at the 2018 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. It wasn't the ideal farewell for Kimi Raikkonen with the car's mechanical failure but nonetheless he had a really decorated career at the Scuderia. He still remains Ferrari's Last Champion!

My loyalties shift to the Alfa Romeo Racing F1 Team now and I would like to thank the folks at Scuderia Ferrari from the bottom of my heart for all the love and hospitality showered upon me since the past 5 years. I have made some great friends and the experiences that I carry with me, I shall cherish until my last breath. A big thank you to Edge Global Events for giving me a memorable 2018 and always ensuring a hassle free and professional experience with them. I hope to continue the association going forward. 

This brings me to the end of the Paddock Club Diaries in 2018. 2019 promises to be equally exciting and I can't wait to get back on my travels to the races!

It was a relatively early start to the morning from Dubai since the Pit Lane Walk on a Saturday is always an interesting affair. Some teams indulge in pit stop practice while some spend time in setting up cars for FP3. The crowd turnout for the first pit lane walk of the day is also pretty low.

Enroute from Dubai :

Shots from the Pit Lane Walk :

Scuderia Ferrari Mechanics warming up and doing their practice pit stops :

Scuderia Ferrari Mechanics warming up ( Video Link ) :



Scuderia Ferrari Team Pit Stop Practice ( Shot with Nikon B700 ) :



Shot with Samsung Note 9 :

Some more shots :

Time to take the GoPro out and indulge in some selfie love :

The Stands and the atmosphere building up for the Qualifying. It was also time for the First Race of the Weekend for the GP3 Series :

GP3 Race 1 Formation Lap ( Video Link ) :



GP3 Race 1 Start ( Video Link ) :



A New Addition to the Hospitality experience in the Paddock Club was the GO Karting Faceoff. The Yas Marina Circuit has a karting track and guests could sign up for a session of karting and have a piece of racing themselves. I finished P5.

I headed back in time for a hearty meal.

The Menu for today :

Lunch, lets dig in :

Photos from FP3 :

Chequered Flag :

Practicing Grid Starts :

Daniel Ricciardo's stricken Red Bull returning to the pits..

Lewis Hamilton was the fastest from Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel. I also had the opportunity to be downstairs in the garage at the end of the session and roam the paddock after that.

The Paddock :

I also had the opportunity to meet people from the F1 Fraternity!

Gerhard Berger, ex F1 Driver :

Former Team Principal Flavio Briatore :

Lando Norris, McLaren Renault F1 Reserve Driver :

Reigning F2 Champion George Russell :

The Boss, CEO of Formula One Group :

Rami Raikkonen, Kimi Raikkonen's elder brother :

7 Time Nascar World Champion Jimmie Johnson!

Billy Monger :

I returned to the Paddock Club and it was time to get ready for Qualifying!

Shots from Qualifying :

I spent a lot of time in the Garage and after Q3 had the opportunity to visit Parc Ferme!

Lewis Hamilton grabbed pole from Valtteri Bottas who ensured a front row lockout for Mercedes. Sebastian Vettel was P3 and Kimi Raikkonen P4...not a bad place to start for the Iceman.

The Post Qualifying Interviews underway : 

The Media, Photographers and the FIA Personnel taking up their positions for the Parc Ferme formalities :

The Mechanics taking the cars to the FIA Weigh Bridge for Scrutiny Post Qualifying :

The Top 3 Finishers posing on Parc Ferme :

The Pole Position Award presented to Lewis Hamilton :

My Favourite place!

We made our way back to the Suite and the time of Kimi Raikkonen visiting the guests there was nearing!

Some great artwork of the Iceman :

The Iceman Kimi Raikkonen is in the House!

Kimi Raikkonen Interview ( Shot with Nikon B700 ) :



Shot with the Samsung Note 9 :



Raikkonen left to return to the comfort of the Team Building while we prepared to see the start of the Formula 2 Feature Race. 

Nicolas Latifi got taken out at the start, his car badly damaged. Indian Racer Arjun Maini was the driver that drove into him unfortunately.

Safety Car Period in F2 Feature Race ( Video Link ) :



F2 Feature Race Restart ( Video Link ) :



F2 Feature Race Pit Stop ( shot with Nikon B700 ) :



Shot with the Samsung Note 9 :



I made my way to the shared Hospitality Area as the Suite shut for the night and there were some great sights to behold

The Yas Viceroy Hotel..glittering in the Night sky :

Veg Panini anyone?

Time to head back..what an amazing sight to behold :

It was a great Saturday Experience at the Yas Marina Circuit and hopes of a strong end to the season by the Ferrari duo was high. I made my way back to Dubai thankful for the opportunity and privilege of being a guest of Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team. 

Sunday Experience to follow soon...

Kimi Raikkonen said Farewell to the Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team at the end of 2018 as he headed to Sauber F1 Team up until 2020. The news broke out in September and there was enough time to plan for being at the final race of the Iceman with the team. 

I was at Abu Dhabi when Kimi did his final race with Lotus F1 and would repeat the feat again. Here is a quick look at how the Friday experience panned out.

The Race Passes for the weekend :

Enroute to the Circuit. I was staying in Dubai, so the drive to Abu Dhabi was about 90 minutes :

The best way of entry into the circuit is through the Yas Viceroy Hotel and then through the Water Taxi service which drops you near the tunnel which goes under the circuit to the Paddock area :

2 Cars from the Pirelli Hot Laps experience. A man spent 25000 GBP for a Hot Laps Experience with Max Verstappen on Thursday! Wow!

The Stands quite empty on a Friday Afternoon :

The Ferrari F1 Suite with a slightly different layout, this one was Air Conditioned and thankfully so :

The first order of the day was Free Practice 1.

Red Bull Racing Team practicing Pit Stops ( Video Link ) :



The Pit Walls busy during FP1 :

Chequered flag to signal end of FP1 :

Practice Starts at the end of FP1 :

Returning to the Pits :

Max Verstappen was the fastest in FP1 from Daniel Ricciardo and Valtteri Bottas.

Lunch service :

We were joined by Scuderia Ferrari Development Driver Marc Gene during lunch for a quick Q&A :

Video Link to the Interview :



Pit Lane walk on Friday :

Charles LeClerc!

Emilia Bottas, Finnish Olympian Swimmer and Valtteri Bottas' wife.

We returned to the Paddock Club and it was time for Free Practice 2 :

Chequered flag :

Time to do some practice starts :

The boys returning to the pits :

Max Verstappen returns to the Pits after FP2 ( Video Link ) :



Valtteri Bottas was fastest from Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo.

FP2 ended and it was time for Qualifying for the Formula 2 Feature race :

Post Qualifying, all those who had signed up for the Paddock Club Track Truck Tour made their way downstairs for a tour of the track :

Taking in the sights with the GoPro Hero 5 Black :

A Final Walk of the Pit Lane in the evening before heading back.

It was a great day at the Abu Dhabi GP and I would like to thank Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team for the Hospitality extended to me. A Big Thank you to Edge Global Events for organizing the passes and ensuring an enjoyable weekend.

The 2016 Spanish Grand Prix produced a great result for Ferrari. There was still work to be done and there was no better way to test some new upgrades then at the In-Season Tests in Montmelo after the Grand Prix. The Test was held on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Scuderia Ferrari Club of Denver ( of which I am a member ) offered the chance to attend the sessions as a team guest and I decided to attend Day 1. Sebastian Vettel was testing for the team on day 1 and this is a small write-up of the experience.

Enroute to the Circuit :

Many of the Trucks had left for their next destination i.e. Monaco and the Paddock felt so silent on a Testing day. Security was still strict about access but the atmosphere was a lot more relaxed.

Paddock Walkthrough ( Video Link ) :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LjlBWlcESo

Dani Clos, Driver of now Defunct HRT Racing F1 Team :

Shots of the Pitlane from the Ferrari Garage :

Cars roll out for the First Half of the Tests :

Lynn and Ricciardo returning to pits ( Vieo Link ) :

Gasly, Ocon and Rosberg returning to the pits ( Video Link ) :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdwhAS4_asg

Scuderia Ferari F1 in the Session :

Sebastian Vettel being interviewed before Lunch :

Start of the Post - Lunch Tests :

This was the Paddock Club on Sunday. Everything is dismantled and gone by Tuesday.

Shots from the Pit Lane Level :

Scuderia Ferrari F1 continuing the tests :

On the way back to the Hotel :

It was quite a different experience being at the Race Track on a Testing day. The Paddock is very relaxed and one enjoys a closer view of the cars entering and leaving the Pit Boxes. However I would still prefer a Race Weekend over a Test Day.

A Big Thank you to Scuderia Ferrari Club of Denver for arranging the passes for the day!

Hungarian Grand Prix Posts to follow soon!

2015 Belgian Grand Prix was the 2nd race of the season that I had the opportunity of being at. Austria had been brilliant barring the result for Kimi and I was really looking forward to Belgium. Kimi Raikkonen has won here 4 times and I was really hopeful for  a better outing here.

I stayed at the Novotel in Maastricht, Netherlands. Spa Francorchamps was only 45 minutes away by car.

I Start of with the Friday ( Day 1 ) experience in the Ferrari F1 Club.

Enroute to the circuit :

I had to enter the town to pick up my passes and I must admit, it was a beautiful detour!

Shots from Spa, the Town :

Ferrari F1 Club Passes for the weekend :

After the drop off, it was quite a long walk to the Parking Lot. A message to those planning a visit. A Parking Pass is a MUST here. The Walk can be very confusing and its very easy to get lost.

Walking up to the circuit :

I reached the parking lot after a 20 minute walk and hopped into one of the Paddock Club Shuttles to the Paddock Club entry.

The Time for the first pit lane walk was over and I head straight to the Suite.

The view from the Ferrari F1 Club :

Shots of the GoPro Hero4 Black :

I had a quick coffee and a croissant before getting ready for Free Practice 1.

Shots from Free Practice 1 :

Scuderia Ferrari F1 in Free Practice 1. I also got to visit the garage during the session :

Shots from FP1 from another angle :

The Pit Walls busy during the session :

Chequered Flag - FP1 :

Nico Rosberg topped the practice session with Lewis Hamilton a close second. Kimi Raikkonen & Sebastian Vettel were P4 & P5 respectively. A great session for Scuderia Ferrari.

With FP1 over, we were joined by Ferrari Test Driver, Marc Gene

Marc Gene in the Ferrari F1 Club :

Marc Gene discussing about the team's chances in the Ferrari F1 Club. Video Link :

Marc Gene on the new start procedures. Video Link :

Marc Gene left and it was time for the GP2 practice session.

The GP2 Practice Session in progress :

I was soon ushered down to the Paddock for a visit to the Paddock area and the Team Garage.

Shots from the Paddock Tour :

Ferrari completes 900 GPs in F1 and had their Motorhome adorned with the signs :

Shots from the Paddock :

Scuderia Ferrari Mechanics working ( from the Garage Tour ) :

Shots with the GoPro Hero4 Black from the Garage Tour :

I returned to the club and I was famished. Thankfully it was time for lunch!

A Quick lunch and it was time for the 2nd Pit Lane walk of the day!

Shots from the Pit Lane Walk :

Shots with the GoPro Hero4 Black :

I was walking back from the Pit Lane Walk and got to meet Johnny Herbert again!

Free Practice 2 followed shortly after :

Scuderia Ferrari F1 during FP2 :

Shots with the GoPro during FP2 :

Kimi Raikkonen's Engineer holding the Pit Board for him :

Nico Rosberg suffered a high speed rear-tyre failure and it halted FP2 for sometime.

The Helicopter Cam doing its rounds :

Cars coming into the Bus Stop Chicane :

Kimi Raikkonen & Sebastian Vettel into the Bus Stop Chicane!

Some more shots from FP2 :

Chequered Flag :

Nico Rosberg stayed on top in the session. However he lost out on some valuable time for race simulations. Raikkonen was P5 and Vettel P10.

FP2 finished and it was time for Esteban Gutierrez, Ferrari's Reserve Driver to visit the guests in the Ferrari F1 Club :

To commemorate 900 GPs, Scuderia Ferrari had a twitter campaign with the handle #redseason and it was a pleasant surprise to see my post on the Ferrari Wall.

The models of all the Tyre Compounds used by Pirelli for the 2015 Season

GP2 Qualifying Session :

The Ferrari F1 Club in the evening :

As I left the club, I chose to stop by and take some shots of Paddock from the Club :

GP3 cars negotiating the latter half of Eau Rouge into the Kemmel Straight :

Trying a hand at the Simulator in the General Hospitality area :

Returning to Maastricht :

It was a great Friday for Scuderia Ferrari and hopes were high for Saturday and the rest of the weekend.

I enjoyed the Hospitality extended to me by the Hosts of the Ferrari F1 Club and Scuderia Ferrari.

A Big Thank you to Edge Global Events for making all the arrangements for the weekend.

The GoPro Hero4 Black with the Smart Remote and the LCD BacPac is a brilliant piece of equipment be it selfies or videos.

The Sony HX400V never disappoints in capturing stunning shots of F1 Cars at High Speeds.

The Saturday Experience coming soon, so watch this space!

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 :

Shots from the Garage :


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....

Saturdays are always an early morning start for the teams. It wasn't any different from me. A quick breakfast and it was time to hit the road.

Enroute to the Circuit :

An Hour drive and then the walk to the Paddock again, this time a different route :

The Early Morning Pit Lane walk is a pleasant one.. Few visitors and ample time to roam.

Shots from the Pit Lane Walk :

The First Hour of Activity is reserved for Teams to practice their pit stops.

My Friends at Lotus F1 Team showing their skills with their Pit Stops! Video Link :

Shots from the Scuderia Ferrari F1 Garage :

The Pit Lane walk ended and everyone were getting ready for the final practice session before the Qualifying.


Scuderia Ferrari F1 shared their suite with Official Tyre Suppliers for F1 - PIRELLI!

Pirelli showcasing all the Tyre compounds for this year - 4 Types of Slicks ( Dry ), the Intermediates and the Full Wets.


Pirelli also conducted a test with the Lotus F1 Team to test their 18" Wheels at Silverstone the previous week. Showcased here :


The View from the Suite, GP 2 Teams getting ready for Qualifying and then the F1 Teams getting ready for FP3 :


The end of the Qualifying for GP2 marked the Start of the Final Practice Session. FP3.

Team Bosses taking their places on the Pit Wall :


The Scuderia Ferrari F1 decision makers take their places :


FP3, the final practice session before Qualifying sees the Teams do Qualifying Simulations.

Shots from FP3 :



Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team in FP3 :


Chequered Flag in FP3 :


Kvyat, Vergne and Kobayashi returning from the FIA Centre after FP3 :

Nico Rosberg outclassed Hamilton to be fastest in FP3. Fernando Alonso was 3rd Fastest while Kimi could only manage 8th.


It was time for a quick lunch and then getting ready for Qualifying :


We were soon joined by Mario Isola, Pirelli's Racing Manager who discussed which tyre compounds had been selected for the weekend and the amount of effort that goes into the manufacturing of these engineering marvels.


No sooner did he leave and we were joined by the Double World Champion Fernando Alonso!! Fernando discussed the chances for the team and the fact that they were improving slowly.


A Mega Selfie by Fernando Alonso!


Alonso gave us a quick farewell and it was time to go down and watch the teams make their final preparations before Qualifying

Shots from the Pit-Lane Walk :

Sky Sports F1 Boys Damon Hill and Johnny Herbert getting ready for the Pre - Qualifying show.

Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team completing the Final Setups for Battle!

A Moment with the Red Hot Wings :)


The Pit Walls are ready for Qualifying:

Shots from Q1 :


Scuderia Ferrari F1 in Q1 :

However the Session had to be Red Flagged as Lewis Hamilton's car suffered brake failure and caused him to crash out of Q1. The Session was delayed for the car to be cleared out of the gravel trap.

The Stage was set for Rosberg to go on pole and gain a massive advantage at his home race!


Chequered Flag ending Q1 :


Hamilton, Sutil, Bianchi, Maldonado, Kobayashi, Chilton, Ericsson could not make it out of Q1. Ericsson could not set a time within the 107 % rule ( 107 % of the Fastest time in Q1 ) but was allowed to race at the stewards' discretion.

Nico Rosberg was fastest in Q1. Fernando Alonso was 8th Fastest and Kimi Raikkonen was 11th Fastest for Ferrrari.


Q2 began without any delay.

Shots from Q2 :


Scuderia Ferrari F1 in Q2 :


Chequered Flag :

Nico Rosberg proved his mettle again in Q2 and was the Fastest. Scuderia Ferrari F1 had a very disappointing Q2 as Kimi Raikkonen could only manage P12 and was thus eliminated from further participation. Fernando Alonso was 7th Fastest.

Button, Raikkonen, Vergne, Gutierrez and Grosjean were eliminated from Q2.


Q3 was the Final session and the Top 10 shootout which would decide the Top 10 Grid for Sunday.


Shots from Q3 :


Scuderia Ferrari F1 in Q3 :

Chequered Flag :

Nico Rosberg was going to have a cake-walk to pole with Lewis Hamilton eliminated but the Williams Mercedes duo didn't make it easy for the German. Rosberg would start on pole. Bottas and Massa would complete the top 3 with the former only a couple of tenths slower than Rosberg.

Magnussen, Ricciardo, Vettel, Alonso, Kvyat, Hulkenberg, Perez completed the top 10.

So the Ferrari duo had their work cut out starting in 7th and 12th.

Post Qualifying, I had the opportunity of being the part of another Garage Tour!


Shots from the Paddock :


Tyre Warmers doing their job again :


Some Stills from the Ferrari Garage :

The Garage Tour ended and it was time to head back to the Suite and enjoy the GP2 Feature Race.

GP2, a feeder series and a support event at almost all F1 Races is a great spectacle in itself featuring youngsters who want to showcase their skills to make the final jump into F1. 2 Races are hosted, the Feature Race on Saturday and the Sprint Race on Sunday with the Reverse Grid ( Driver finishing 8th on Saturday starts on pole with the one winning starting 8th )

 


Feature Race Start Video Link :



End Of Lap 1 Video Link :



The end of the race also marked the end of the day and it was time to leave the Paddock!


Enroute to my pickup point :


Returning to Frankfurt :


It was a great experience with the Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team. We didn't have the best qualifying session but upgrades were trickling in every week and progress could be seen.

I would like to thank the Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team and the Hosts at the Ferrari Formula 1 Club for all their Hospitality and treating me with utmost care and affection. Its great to be a part of this family.

The Sunday Experience coming soon.. so watch this space!!!

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!

2014 hasn't been the best year for Kimi Raikkonen. The Finn has struggled to get to grips with the updated rules this year. One good thing though is that he has been reunited with his Old Team Scuderia Ferrari F1.

My First Race this year was again in Germany albeit at a different track - Hockenheim.

Welcome to the Gallery of Memories, Part 7..

The Tickets as usual were on time and it was time to roll!

Marc Gene in the Suite :


A moment with Marc Gene :

Mario Isola, Pirelli's Racing Manager :

We were soon joined by FERNANDO ALONSO :

Post his Interview, I was a part of an EPIC SELFIE!!

I also got the privilege of meeting some drivers outside the Paddock and getting autographs.

A Selfie with Nico Rosberg!

Paul Hembrey, the Motorsport Director of Pirelli joined us in the suite on Sunday to talk about the Tyres and the possibility of Rain in the Race.


KIMI RAIKKONEN was the next one to pay us a visit! I still wait for a good photo opportunity..


Andrea Stella - Fernando Alonso's Race Engineer

The Ferrari Formula 1 Club Hosts - They were amazing!

Fernando and Kimi, The Soldiers of Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team

Thank you for coming to the Scuderia Ferrari F1 Club at Germany!

The Race Result wasn't the one desired but I had a wonderful time with the Team.

I want to thank the Ferrari Formula 1 Club for the amazing hospitality! Next Race? - Austin.

More to come.. Detailed Experiences as always, so watch this space!