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Posts for Tag: Saturday

Motorsport Weekends - 2023 MotoGP of Bharat - Saturday

After an eventful and hectic Friday, it was time for our entourage to prepare for all the action lined up forĀ Saturday!Ā Sadly, despite several attempts, my camera hardware failed and I was restricted to using myĀ Samsung S23 UltraĀ 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.Ā The incident ruled theĀ SpaniardĀ 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 BezzecchiĀ bagged the pole position fromĀ Jorge Martin and Francesco Bagnaia. Joan Mir and Marc MarquezĀ qualified P5 and P5 forĀ Repsol HondaĀ 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 theĀ Honda HospitalityĀ that we would be on a garage tour soon.


Visiting theĀ Repsol Honda garageĀ was very special for me. As a fan of the team for more than 2 decades, it was an emotional experience.Ā 

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 theĀ Marc Marquez'sĀ ride!


We were then escorted toĀ Marcquez'sĀ 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 theĀ HRC HospitalityĀ from the garageĀ we 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, theĀ FIM and DornaĀ 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 :



TheĀ Sprint is done and the riders return to the pit lane after receiving the accolades of the crowds :


Jorge MartinĀ won theĀ SprintĀ fromĀ Francesco Bagnaia & Marc Marquez. Joan MirĀ 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 thanĀ F1Ā ) at aĀ MotoGP Saturday!Ā The sprint race concept is much better than the ones witnessed at anĀ F1Ā event and track activities come thick and fast!Ā 


I also published a Vlog about my Saturday Experience on my YouTube Channel!


Video Link :Ā 



Thank you toĀ Repsol Honda RacingĀ for having us over the weekend and thank you to everyone who madeĀ MotoGP of BharatĀ a reality! The Sunday experience follows shortly!

Paddock Club Diaries - 2023 Belgian GP - Day 2

SaturdaysĀ on anĀ F1Ā weekend are the longest, mainly because of the number of activities lined up forĀ Paddock ClubĀ guests. AlthoughĀ AachenĀ is closer to the circuit thanĀ Hasselt,Ā it was still an early start to theĀ SaturdayĀ for me. Having left fromĀ AachenĀ at 730 am, my friend and I reached the circuit around 845 am, just in time forĀ Carlos Sainz Jr'sĀ visit to theĀ Paddock ClubĀ ( more on that later in the post ).


Lets revisit the memories from theĀ SaturdayĀ at theĀ 2023 Belgian Grand Prix!


En route to the circuit on Saturday Morning:


As soon as I entered theĀ Paddock Club,Ā I rushed across to reach theĀ FerrariĀ suite and thankfully,Ā Sainz JrĀ hadn't arrived yet!

Carlos Sainz JrĀ visits the guests in theĀ Ferrari F1 Club :


Video Link of Sainz' interview in the Paddock Club :



Shots of the Suite reserved exclusively for theĀ Scuderia Ferrari TeamĀ guests in theĀ Paddock Club :


And suddenly the weather changed atĀ 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 withĀ Esteban Ocon from Alpine F1 Team :


Soon enough, it was time forĀ Sprint Qualifying, better known as the Sprint Shootout!


Sprint ShootoutĀ gets underway :


Scuderia Ferrari F1 TeamĀ during theĀ Sprint ShootoutĀ :


Shots fromĀ Parc FermeĀ post Sprint Shootout :


Max VerstappenĀ was the quickest fromĀ Oscar Piastri and Carlos Sainz Jr.Ā whileĀ Charles LeclercĀ was P4 in the otherĀ Ferrari.


PostĀ theĀ Sprint Shootout,Ā I was hungry & wasted no time in having an early lunch.


Enjoying some lunch, the chocolates were so good!


Post theĀ Sprint Shootout,Ā the guests had the privilege of enjoying an interview with the team's newĀ Sporting DirectorĀ ( announced on the weekend of theĀ Belgian GPĀ )


The newly-appointedĀ Ferrari Sporting Director, Mr Diego IovernoĀ briefly joined us in theĀ Ferrari F1 Club :


Video Link of his interview :



The action was relentless as now it was time for theĀ Formula 2 Sprint raceĀ on the track!


TheĀ F2Ā cars line up on the gird for theĀ Sprint :


F2 Sprint Race Formation Lap ( Video Link ) :



Due to a car stalled on the grid, theĀ F2Ā cars had to go around for a second formation lap.


Video Link :



F2 Sprint Race Start ( Video Link ) :



Shots from theĀ F2 Sprint :


Some closeups ofĀ Jack Doohan!


& then we had a Safety Car period due to an incident!


Back to flat-out racing!


Celebrations in theĀ Parc FermeĀ forĀ Enzo Fittipaldi, Theo Pourchaire and Dennis Hauger. Jack DoohanĀ finished a fine P5.


After theĀ F2 Sprint Race,Ā I got some time to spend in the Paddock before theĀ 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 theĀ Ferrari F1 Club,Ā to prepare and grab myself a vantage spot for the start of theĀ F1 Sprint Race.


The grid being readied for theĀ F1 Sprint :


The mechanics rolling the cars & the drivers into the respective grid slots :


TheĀ FerrariĀ 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 theĀ F1 SprintĀ 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, theĀ Safety CarĀ 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 importantlyĀ VerstappenĀ ) 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 theĀ SprintĀ yielded dividends forĀ Oscar PiastriĀ who jumpedĀ VerstappenĀ after everyone pitted for intermediate tyres. However, a crash brought out theĀ Safety CarĀ again & the field got bunched up, negatingĀ Piastri'sĀ advantage built from the earlier stop.


Safety Car Deployed ( Video Link ) :



After the track got cleared racing resumed and as expected,Ā VerstappenĀ powered pastĀ PiastriĀ to retake the lead of theĀ F1 Sprint.

ļ»æļ»æVideo Link :



The drivers battling it out in theĀ F1 Sprint :


The cars returning to Parc-Ferme after theĀ F1 Sprint :


ļ»æļ»æThe Chequered Flag is waved at the end of the F1 Sprint & the drivers return to the Pit Lane ( Video Link ) :



ļ»æMax VerstappenĀ ļ»æwon theĀ ļ»æF1 SprintĀ ļ»æfromĀ ļ»æOscar Piastri and Pierre Gasly. Gasly,Ā ļ»ælikeĀ ļ»æPiastri,Ā ļ»æbenefitted from the early stop and jumped theĀ ļ»æFerrariĀ ļ»æduo ofĀ ļ»æCarlos Sainz Jr & Charles LeclercĀ ļ»æwho finished 4th and 5th, respectively.


With theĀ ļ»æF1 SprintĀ ļ»ædone, the organizers decided to entertain the remaining crowd with a display of someĀ ļ»æF1Ā ļ»æcars from the yesteryears. Loud, uncensored and still brutally quick!


The classicĀ F1Ā cars doing some track time!


After the classic cars show, it was time for the final activity of the day - theĀ ļ»æPaddock Club Pit Lane walk!


Selfies from theĀ SaturdayĀ evening pit lane walk :


Shots from the evening pit lane walk :


Stills captured with theĀ Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra :


Stills from theĀ Scuderia Ferrari F1 TeamĀ garage on aĀ SaturdayĀ 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!Ā 


Jason Cozzetto, one of the senior mechanics at Alpine F1 Team :


Tiffany Cromwell, Australian Road & Gravel Cyclist & Valtteri Bottas' partner :


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 aroundĀ La SourceĀ and enjoying the views from the tarmac!


After spending some time in and aroundĀ ļ»æLa Source,Ā ļ»æI walked over to theĀ ļ»æF2 PaddockĀ ļ»æand then further on to the makeshift garages set up for theĀ ļ»æF1 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 withĀ Pietro Fittipaldi, Reserve Driver for Moneygram Haas F1 Team :


Goodbye fromĀ Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps :


As I walked back to the Taxi stand to take my ride back to the hotel inĀ ļ»æAachen,Ā ļ»æmy 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, aĀ ļ»æBig Thank you to the Hosts of the Ferrari F1 ClubĀ ļ»æfor all their love and hospitality on theĀ ļ»æSaturday.Ā 


TheĀ ļ»æSunday experience follows soon!

Paddock Club Diaries - 2023 Spanish GP - Day 2

It was an early morning start to theĀ SaturdayĀ at theĀ 2023 Spanish Grand Prix.Ā Although the circuit is close to the city ofĀ Barcelona,Ā the access roads to the circuit suffered from massive traffic jams. Eventually, I had to ditch my cab and walk more than a mile to make it to theĀ Paddock ClubĀ entrance.

Enroute to the Circuit :


The Views on Saturday morning :


The decision to walk turned out to be the right one as I made it in time for theĀ Charles LeclercĀ interview in theĀ Ferrari F1 Club.


Video Link to the Interview :



A Selfie withĀ Charles Leclerc!


Post the interview, I went downstairs to spend some time in theĀ F1 Paddock :


I got the opportunity to meet some icons from the motorsport world!


2016 F1 World Champion and now a presenter, Nico Rosberg!


Ex-F1 Driver and Dakar Legend, Carlos Sainz Sr :


Mr Peter Sauber, the man who was instrumental in bringing some iconic drivers into the sport with his team Sauber F1 :


Spanish Racer Carmen Jorda :


I spent most of my time in theĀ Scuderia Ferrari GarageĀ duringĀ FP3Ā but witnessedĀ SargeantĀ suffer a retirement in the session.


VerstappenĀ was the quickest inĀ FP3,Ā fromĀ Perez and Hamilton. Sainz and LeclercĀ were P4 and P7 forĀ Ferrari,Ā respectively.


Lunch! Again, an amazing spread and the desserts give one a sugar rush!


Post-lunch, it was time for theĀ Formula 2 Sprint Race. Jack Doohan'sĀ car had to go through some urgent repairs on the starting grid.


The drivers and cars are ready for theĀ F2 Sprint :


F2 Sprint Race Formation Lap ( Video Link ) :



F2 Sprint Race Start ( Video Link ) :



Shots from the Sprint Race :


The track dried and the drivers switched to the Dry Tyres for the remainder of the Sprint.


Isack Hadjar Pit Stop ( Video Link ) :



Safety Car Period ( Video Link ) :



Race Restart after Safety Car ( Video Link ) :



Frederik VestiĀ won theĀ F2 SprintĀ fromĀ Theo Pourchaire and Victor Martins. Jack DoohanĀ finished in P5.


Chequered Flag ( Video Link ) :



The Sprint Race ended and it was time forĀ theĀ Formula 1 QualifyingĀ session.

The teams and drivers inspecting track conditions before the start of Qualifying :


The cars line up at the end of the Pit Lane as the light goes green for Qualifying :


Shots from Q1 :


The session got red-flagged due to an excursion across the gravel forĀ Albon, but soon enough, the track was fit for racing again. The Drivers lined up at the end of the Pit Lane to wait for the lights to go green :


Shots from the final attempts inĀ Q1 :


TheĀ Scuderia FerrariĀ Drivers return to the garage :


HamiltonĀ was the quickest inĀ Q1Ā fromĀ Norris and Russell. SainzĀ was P4 butĀ LeclercĀ got eliminated, which was a shock for everyone atĀ Scuderia Ferrari.


Some Stills fromĀ Q2 :


Chequered Flag to signal the end ofĀ Q2 :


VerstappenĀ toppedĀ Q2Ā fromĀ Norris and Sainz. Perez and RussellĀ were the two shock eliminations in that session. TheĀ MercedesĀ duo also had a coming together, which resulted in some damage toĀ Hamilton'sĀ car.


Shots fromĀ Q3 :


VerstappenĀ bagged pole position fromĀ Carlos Sainz Jr and Lando Norris.Ā 


Cars coming into Parc-Ferme postĀ Qualifying :


The Top 3 Drivers giving Interviews post Qualifying :


TheĀ Paddock ClubĀ closed shortly afterĀ QualifyingĀ but likeĀ FridayĀ evening, the guests had the option of doing anotherĀ Pit Lane WalkĀ or being a part of theĀ Paddock Club Track Truck Tour.Ā I chose the latter as the expert hosts of theĀ Paddock ClubĀ took us around for a lap of theĀ Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.


Some stills from theĀ Paddock Club Track Truck Tour :


Video of the Tour of the Circuit :



F1 Academy Driver and an Expert Host in the Paddock Club, Nerea Marti :


Shots from the 2nd Pit Lane Walk of the day :


Met some more stars, from Motorsports and beyond!


Latvian Basketball Players - Kristaps Porzingis, Zanis Peiners and Rihards Ozolnieks :


Portuguese and Barcelona FC Footballer, Joao Felix!


Manchester United and English Footballer, Mason Mount :


Portuguese and Benfica FC Footballer Hugo Felix :


Logan Sargeant, Williams Racing F1 Team :


World Number 3 in Tennis, Daniil Medvedev :


Serge Gnabry, Bayern Munich FC and German Footballer :


Kevin Magnussen, Moneygram Haas F1 Team :


Mick Schumacher, Reserve Driver for Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team :


Chelsea FC and England Footballer Ben Chilwell :


Martin Whitmarsh, Aston Martin Group CEO & a man who accomplished so much in the 2000s with McLaren Mercedes :


Ex-F1 Driver and 2012 Spanish GP Winner Pastor Maldonado :


George Russell, Mercedes Petronas AMG F1 Team :


Arthur Leclerc, F2 Driver for DAMS Racing and Charles Leclerc's brother :


I bid goodbye to the Circuit but it was time to head for dinner with some friends, who would be joined by some mechanics from theĀ Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team.


En route to a dinner with friends, both new and old!


An evening to remember, La Familia! It was great catching up with the ones who actually worked so hard to bring success to drivers and teams over the years. The mechanics are the true heartbeat of any team and it was amazing to interact and share a meal with the trust legends ofĀ F1.


It had been a long but memorableĀ Saturday.Ā My day began in the early hours of the morning but ended equally late at night. I also did a Vlog on my YouTube channel documenting my experience onĀ Saturday.


Video Link :



Thank you to theĀ Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team and the Hosts at the Ferrari F1 ClubĀ for an action-packed, memories-filledĀ SaturdayĀ at theĀ Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.Ā There was joy in seeingĀ Carlos Sainz JrĀ end up on the front row of the grid for the race but also sadness about the mechanical issues thatĀ Charles LeclercĀ suffered, which hampered his progress inĀ Qualifying.


However, SundayĀ was a new day and the day that mattered! TheĀ Sunday ExperienceĀ follows soon!

Paddock Club Diaries - 2022 Belgian GP - Day 2

SaturdayĀ ļ»æisĀ ļ»æQualifyingĀ ļ»æday on anĀ ļ»æF1Ā ļ»æweekend and when the feeder series likeĀ ļ»æFormula 2 and Formula 3Ā ļ»æhave theirĀ ļ»æSprint Races.Ā ļ»æAn action-packedĀ ļ»æSaturdayĀ ļ»æļ»æļ»ætranslates into an early morning start and it isn't easy to get out of bed after a lateĀ ļ»æFridayĀ ļ»ænight.


Thankfully, I had rested well and was able to stick to my schedule for the day!


Enroute to the circuit :


Good morning,Ā Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps :


Taking theĀ PolestarĀ shuttle to theĀ Paddock Club :


The view of theĀ PaddockĀ on a cloudyĀ SaturdayĀ morning :


Overcast conditions to begin theĀ SaturdayĀ proceedings :


Some Coffee and Croissant to kickstart the day :


Carlos Sainz JrĀ visits theĀ Ferrari F1 ClubĀ for an interview onĀ SaturdayĀ morning :


Video Link of the Interview :



The menu for today :


Oliver BearmanĀ took the win in the firstĀ F3Ā race of the weekend. Shots from the Parc Ferme :


Video Link of the Parc Ferme Celebrations :



The Podium celebrations followed shortly after :


Video Link of the Podium Celebrations after the F3 Sprint Race :



Lunch is served :


The first pit lane walk on Saturday :


Some shots with theĀ Samsung S22 Ultra :


TheĀ Scuderia Ferrari F1 TeamĀ garage, looking regal as ever :


Felipe Drugovich,Ā theĀ MP MotorsportĀ driver who eventually became theĀ F2 ChampionĀ this year :


A Selfie withĀ Arthur Leclerc, Prema Racing!


Emerson Fittipaldi, Double World Champion and a legend of F1 :


Caio Collet, MP Motorsport F3 Driver and Alpine Driver Academy :


Theo Pourchaire, Sauber Driver Academy and ART Grand Prix Formula 2 Driver :


Walking through the support Race Paddock and you discover some classics :


Time to capture some stills fromĀ ļ»æFP3,Ā ļ»æjust after theĀ ļ»æLa SourceĀ ļ»æhairpin :


Shots fromĀ ļ»æFP3,Ā ļ»æfrom the comfort of theĀ ļ»æFerrari F1 Club :


TheĀ ļ»æScuderia Ferrari F1 TeamĀ ļ»ærunning its program inĀ ļ»æFP3.Ā ļ»æWithĀ ļ»æCharles LeclercĀ ļ»æstarting at the back of the grid due to engine penalties, all hopes were onĀ ļ»æCarlos Sainz JrĀ ļ»æto deliver inĀ ļ»æQualifyingĀ ļ»æas well as onĀ ļ»æSunday.


PostĀ ļ»æFP3,Ā ļ»æthe drivers lined up on the grid to practice their race starts :


Practice Starts at the end of FP3 ( Video Link ) :



The cars and the drivers return to the pit lane at the end ofĀ ļ»æFree Practice 3 :


PostĀ ļ»æFP3,Ā ļ»æļ»æļ»æI decided to visit the garages housing theĀ ļ»æF1 Classic CarsĀ ļ»æand what a treat it was to behold these beauties, up close and personal!


It was then that I spotted a famous racer fromĀ ļ»æColombiaĀ ļ»æchatting outside theĀ ļ»æF2Ā ļ»ædining area.

So happy to see Tatiana Calderon back in F2 with Charouz Racing :


Soon enough, it was time to head back to theĀ ļ»æPaddock ClubĀ ļ»æfor the start ofĀ ļ»æQualifying.


Some stills fromĀ ļ»æQualifying.Ā ļ»æI had the privilege of being in the garage forĀ ļ»æQ2 and Q3.


Despite a mistake on his final run,Ā ļ»æCarlos Sainz JrĀ ļ»æļ»æļ»æinherited the pole position, thanks toĀ ļ»æVerstappen'sĀ ļ»ægrid penalty. WhileĀ ļ»æVerstappenĀ ļ»ægot bumped down to P14,Ā ļ»æLeclercĀ ļ»æstarted P15.


As I walked back to theĀ ļ»æPaddock Club,Ā ļ»æI bumped intoĀ ļ»æZhou GuanyuĀ ļ»æfromĀ ļ»æAlfa Romeo F1 Orlen.Ā 

Zhou Guanyu, Alfa Romeo F1 Orlen Team :


ļ»æPost Qualifying,Ā ļ»æthe guests in theĀ ļ»æFerrari F1 ClubĀ ļ»æhad the opportunity to meetĀ ļ»æMattia Binotto,Ā ļ»ætheĀ ļ»æTeam PrincipalĀ ļ»æfor a quickĀ ļ»æQ&A :


Mattia Binotto Interview in the Ferrari F1 Club ( Video Link ) :



AsĀ ļ»æMattia BinottoĀ ļ»æsaid goodbye to us, it was time to enjoy theĀ ļ»æF2 Sprint RaceĀ ļ»æand post that I had the opportunity of seeing a couple of the podium finishing cars up close :


Once again, just like ļ»æin Hungary, ļ»æI met my hero, the Legend!Ā Mick Doohan, 5-time Moto GP World Champion, again!Ā 


Meeting those from theĀ ļ»æF1 FraternityĀ ļ»ædidn't end there. From there on, met a plethora of people!


Jack Doohan, Mick Doohan'sĀ son, who finished P2 in the F2Ā Sprint Race :


Stoffel Vandoorne, Reigning Formula E World Champion :


Nyck De Vries, reserve driver for Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team :


Andrew Shovlin, Trackside Engineering Director, Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team :



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


Nicholas Latifi, Williams Racing F1 Team :


Jost Capito, CEO and Team Principal, Williams Racing F1 Team :


Frederic Vasseur, MD, CEO and Team Principal of Alfa Romeo F1 Orlen Team :


Andreas Seidl, Team Principal, McLaren F1 Team :


Otmar Szafnauer, CEO and Team Principal, Alpine Racing F1 Team :


Lando Norris, McLaren Racing F1 Driver :


Peter Bonnington, famously known as Bono, Lewis Hamilton's Race Engineer :


Time to say goodbye toĀ Spa FrancorchampsĀ and head back to the hotel. It had been a long day!



TheĀ Saturday VlogĀ from theĀ Belgian Grand PrixĀ on myĀ Youtube Channel :



I headed back toĀ ļ»æHasseltĀ ļ»æaround 10 pm. This was the longest that I had ever been at a race track. It was a fulfilling day meeting drivers andĀ ļ»æF1Ā ļ»æpersonnel, besides interacting with fellow fans during those hours.Ā 


WithĀ ļ»æCarlos Sainz JrĀ ļ»æstarting in P1, things looked encouraging, most of us hoped to see him secure his 2nd win of the season.Ā 


Thank you toĀ ļ»æEdge Global EventsĀ ļ»æfor organizing the race passes, as well as to the hosts of theĀ ļ»æScuderia Ferrari F1 ClubĀ ļ»æfor giving me yet another memorableĀ ļ»æSaturdayĀ ļ»æat the races!


TheĀ ļ»æRacedayĀ ļ»æexperience follows shortly after this, so watch this space!

Paddock Club Diaries - 2022 Hungarian GP - Day 2

TheĀ Hungarian Grand PrixĀ gets held atĀ Hungaroring,Ā close to the capitalĀ Budapest.Ā Although it isn't too far from the city, hailing a taxi to the circuit is a cumbersome process and I learnt my lesson the hard way onĀ SaturdayĀ morning. After several attempts, I could finally hop into a taxi with a couple of Dutch friends, but the delay meant that I would miss out on meeting Carlos Sainz Jr in the Ferrari F1 Club when the Spaniard visited.

Ā 

Enroute to the circuit onĀ SaturdayĀ morning :


I finally reachedĀ HungaroringĀ and it was already time for the Pit Lane walk.

Shots from the first pit lane walk of the day :



As I made my way back to theĀ Paddock Club,Ā I had the opportunity of meeting a couple of people from theĀ F1Ā fraternity.



F2 Driver and Reserve for Williams Racing, Roy Nissany :



David Coulthard, ex-McLaren F1 Driver and Presenter :


The skies were overcast and rain was a certainty.

The Paddock and the drivers getting ready for action on a wet Saturday!


The view before the Final Practice session of the weekend :


Shots fromĀ Free Practice 3 :


AsĀ soon asĀ FP3Ā got over, I headed to the food stations to grab some lunch.

The menu for Saturday :


Time to enjoy some goodies on offer in the Paddock Club :


With lunch done, it was time to get prepped forĀ Qualifying.

The Pit Walls get ready for the start ofĀ Qualifying :


Drivers roll out of their pit boxes to get on the track for the start of Qualifying.



Shots fromĀ Q1 :


TheĀ Scuderia FerrariĀ drivers pushing hard inĀ Q1.


Yuki Tsunoda, Alexander Albon, Sebastian Vettel, Pierre Gasly and Nicholas LatifiĀ got eliminated at the end ofĀ Q1.


Shots fromĀ Q2 :


Leclerc and SainzĀ at it inĀ Q2 :


Sergio Perez, Zhou Guanyu, Kevin Magnussen, Lance Stroll and Mick SchumacherĀ were the next lot of drivers to drop out ofĀ Qualifying. Perez'sĀ failure to make it intoĀ Q3Ā was a major upset.


The final top-ten shootout, time forĀ Q3 :


Will theĀ FerrariĀ duo come out on top?


George RussellĀ took an unlikely pole fromĀ Carlos Sainz Jr and Charles Leclerc. Max Verstappen,Ā theĀ Championship Leader,Ā could only manage P10. It seemed likeĀ Red BullĀ was on the back foot. This wasĀ Ferrari'sĀ race to lose.


Post Qualifying, Mattia Binotto,Ā theĀ Team PrincipalĀ joined the guests in theĀ Ferrari F1 ClubĀ for a quickĀ Q&A :


Video Link of the Interview :



Mattia Binotto, Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team Principal :


I decided to walk to the Paddock Club entry and enjoy a moment with some trophies on display!

Take some photos with the Race Winning, Drivers' and Constructors' Championship Trophies!


I signed up for the Photo Safari that tookĀ Paddock ClubĀ guests to turn 5 to allow the latter to have a closer look at the cars. We had the opportunity of visiting the spot during theĀ Formula 2 Sprint Race.


Some Selfies taken at the Photo Safari :


TheĀ drivers battling during theĀ F2 SprintĀ race :



Video of the view from turn 5 at the Photo Safari :




Returning to theĀ Paddock ClubĀ and taking more stills from theĀ F2 SprintĀ race :


TheĀ Paddock ClubĀ shut shortly after theĀ F2 Sprint RaceĀ but there was still a pit lane walk on offer for those wanting to visit the garages onĀ SaturdayĀ evening.

Shots from the 2nd and final pit lane walk of the day. It bore a deserted look as most of the guests had left the track. All the cars were under wraps, waiting for Raceday.


As I bid adieu to theĀ Paddock Club,Ā I went down to theĀ Support Race PaddockĀ in the hope of meetingĀ Mick Doohan, Jack Doohan'sĀ father.Ā Mick DoohanĀ had been my first Motorsport hero and I didn't want to miss the opportunity of meeting him.Ā Jack,Ā anĀ Alpine Academy and Uni Virtuosi DriverĀ had won theĀ F2 SprintĀ race and it was befitting to wish MickĀ on his son's success.


I waited for his arrival and was surprised to bump into the podium finishers from theĀ ļ»æF2 Sprint Race.


Enzo Fittipaldi and Juri Vips after finishing on the podium in the F2 Sprint Race :


Jack Doohan, the Winner of the F2 Sprint Race! I got to meet the son too!


After a long wait, night fell on theĀ ļ»æF2Ā ļ»æpaddock and distraught, I finally gave up the hope of meetingĀ ļ»æMick Doohan.Ā ļ»æAs I headed back up the bridge, I made one final glance to the entry. To my surprise, I saw the outline of a man in a white t-shirt walking with three people towards theĀ ļ»æPaddock ClubĀ ļ»æparking. I couldn't follow their route since they went through the race track. I decided to leg it to the parking and as he was entering his vehicle, I shoutedĀ ļ»æ"Mick Mick!"Ā ļ»æIt was reallyĀ ļ»æMick Doohan! ļ»æ

What followed was a brief and amazing exchange, followed by a picture clicked byĀ ļ»æJack Doohan!Ā ļ»æThis truly was a dream come true. I am still getting goosebumps as I type this!Ā 

Meeting my hero, the man who made me fall in love with Motorsport. Got me hooked on Moto GP. Mick Doohan!


It was finally time to head back to my hotel and process all that had transpired on theĀ ļ»æSaturday!


ļ»æļ»æLike the Friday Experience showcased in a Vlog on Youtube, here is the link for the Saturday experience :



ļ»æļ»æA big thank you toĀ ļ»æScuderia Ferrari F1 TeamĀ ļ»æfor hosting me over the weekend and being a part of these memorable days of my life.Ā ļ»æļ»æTheĀ ļ»æRacedayĀ ļ»æexperience follows suit shortly, so watch this space!!

The Paddock Weekends - 2019 Belgian GP - Day 2

Saturday on aĀ Grand PrixĀ weekend features the last Free Practice Session, FP3 and Qualifying for F1. Its shortly followed by the Feature Race inĀ F2.Ā This was aĀ SaturdayĀ that we can never forget..

An early start to the day helped us beat some traffic to the track.

Enroute to the Circuit from Hasselt :


We were also in time for the Saturday Morning Pit Lane Walk.

Shots from the Pit Lane Walk :


TheĀ Alfa Romeo Racing F1 Team GarageĀ :


Kimi Raikkonen's Alfa Romeo being Fired up before FP3 ( Video Link ) :



A beautiful morning in the Paddock :


Healthy Breakfasts anyone?


It was then time forĀ Free Practice 3Ā and I found a nice place to shoot some pictures of cars going up Raidillon :


I made my way back to Turn 1 ( La Source ) and met Porsche Carrera Cup Drivers on the way while going through the Support Race Paddock.

Dylan Pereira, Supercup Porsche Carrera Cup Racing Driver :


Some more shots of the cars coming out ofĀ La Source Hairpin :


Alfa Romeo Racing F1 TeamĀ duringĀ FP3 :


Charles LeclercĀ was fastest in FP3 fromĀ Sebastian Vettel and Valtteri Bottas. Kimi Raikkonen and Antonio Giovinazzi were P8 and P9 respectively.


A Quick Lunch in the Motorhome :


Timo Glock, Ex-F1 and DTM Racer :


The Motorhome, a busy place during Lunch :


Heikki Kulta of Finnish Press :


It was also time for the 2nd Pit Lane walk of the day.Ā 

TheĀ Alfa Romeo Racing F1 Team Garage!


I headed out to the La Source hairpin stand after the Pit Lane Walk to meet my friend andĀ long timeĀ Kimi Supporter Zakria!


Qualifying got underway soon after. Shots from Q1 :


Alfa Romeo Racing F1 Team during Q1 :


Charles LeclercĀ was the fastest in Q1 fromĀ Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen. Both the Alfas made it into Q2!


Shots from Q2 :

Antonio Giovinazzi's carĀ suffered a mechanical failure in Q2 and couldn't set a time. He would eventually start the race in P18 after serving the penalties incurred for the parts change.Ā Charles LeclercĀ was the fastest fromĀ Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton. Kimi Raikkonen made it into Q3.


Shots from Q3 :

Charles Leclerc took Pole from Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton. Kimi Raikkonen qualified a commendable P8 ( effective P6 after Ricciardo's and Hulkenberg's penalties ).

FerrariĀ were ecstatic after locking out the front row!

Post Qualifying celebrations :


Taking the Cars to Parc-Ferme :


I made it back to the paddock to unwind for a bit before heading home.

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


Brett Arnall, Mark Arnall'sĀ brother and myĀ friendĀ Kimi RaikkonenĀ fanĀ Jane BleachĀ :


During theĀ F2 Feature Race,Ā a massive crash happened just afterĀ Raidillon. Young DriversĀ Anthoine Hubert and Juan Manuel CorreaĀ were involved in the incident. The Race was red-flagged and later cancelled. Both were rushed to the Medical Centre.Ā 

Inspite of their best efforts,Ā Anthoine HubertĀ didn't make it. We were shocked and shaken after hearing the news. True Motorsports is dangerous but a talent who was only 21 was taken away from us, in the cruelest way possible. Words fall short to describe the mood in the Paddock. Everyone rallied around the near and dear ones of thisĀ Renault ProgramĀ young driver. It once again showed how closed knit the Racing Community.Ā JuanĀ is still under treatment and after a couple of critical surgeries is on a rough road to recovery.Ā All of us shed tears, all of us were one...all of us..

As we head back to Hasselt, our hearts were heavy, our senses numb, we still didn't want to believe this to be true..but such is life..


This incident reminded us that racers sacrifice their all to live their dreams, to race, to enthrall, to entertain, to give us memories that will be etched in the hearts of us fans forever and yet, all it takes is a moment, one instance to end it all. This Sport unites us..as one big family..fans and racers alike..we race as one, we win as one....and in the times of mourning we mourn as one..There is an old saying "life goes on"..forĀ Anthoine'sĀ Family, life would never be the same again..

May his soul rest in peace..


The legacy ofĀ Anthoine Hubert livesĀ on..


The Sunday experience follows next..Ā 

Paddock Club Diaries - 2019 Canadian GP - Day 2

Its an early start on Saturday for the teams with Pit Stop Practice followed by the final free practice of the weekend and Qualifying. Qualifying determines the starting order / grid for the race on Sunday.Ā ļ»æAlfa RomeoĀ ļ»æhad a tough Friday. Did their fortunes improve on Saturday? WereĀ ļ»æFerrariĀ ļ»æable to capitalize on their pace advantage and come out on top on Saturday?

The organisers had built a new Paddock Club facility for the circuit ( spending around 20 million Dollars! ), so it was nice to be a part of this inaugural weekend.

Lets have a quick recap of how the day unfolded.


Enroute to the Circuit :


The Boat Ride to the Paddock Club :


The Boat drops the guests right outside the entrance of the Paddock and sure enough you meet a lot of famous faces inĀ ļ»æF1.

Nicholas Latifi, Rokit Williams Racing F1 Team Reserve DriverĀ 


Brendan Hartley, Reserve Driver for Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team :


Lance Stroll, Driver for Racing Point F1 Team :


Coffee & Croissants anyone?


Shots fromĀ FP3 ;


Alfa Romeo Racing during FP3 :


The Pitwalls of all teams hard at work :


ļ»æļ»æCars returning to the Pits after FP3 ( Video Link ) :



ļ»æSebastian Vettel was fastest from Charles LeClerc and Lewis Hamilton in FP3. Antonio Giovinazzi and Kimi Raikkonen were P15 and P16 respectively.


Shortly after FP3 it was time for Lunch and the Pit Lane walk of the day.

Lunch, truly a global affair!


The Pit Lane Walk before Qualifying :


Selfie time with theĀ GoPro Hero 7 Black :


ļ»æļ»æAlfa Romeo Racing F1 Team Pit Stop Practice ( Video Link ) :



After a quick visit to the Pit Lane, I rushed back upstairs to be in time for the Podium visit. F1 Experiences takes its guests behind the scenes for a quick visit to the Cool Down Room ( a place where the top 3 Drivers are weighed and unwind after a gruelling race before heading out onto the Podium ).

The winner on the Top Step of the Podium. Since the Paddock Club has been revamped in Montreal so no one else has stood here before. We were among the first.


The View from the Podium. The area would be packed by Photographers, team members and fans after the race on Sunday!


Time for Qualifying! Shots fromĀ ļ»æQ1 :


ļ»æAlfa Romeo Racing F1 Team during Q1 :


Chequered Flag :


ļ»æKimi RaikkonenĀ ļ»æwas knocked out in Q1 :( a big big disappointment. TheĀ ļ»æAlfaĀ ļ»æjust wasn't quick enough.Ā ļ»æGiovinazziĀ ļ»æscraped through in 15th.Ā ļ»æSebastian VettelĀ ļ»æwas fastest in Q1 fromĀ ļ»æCharles LeClerc and Valtteri Bottas.


Q2 underway :


ļ»æAntonio Giovinazzi during Q2 :


ļ»æKevin MagnussenĀ ļ»æcrashed on his final run in Q2. He did go through Q3 but would take no further part.


ļ»æGiovinazziĀ ļ»æfinished in P13.Ā ļ»æMax Verstappen didn't make it to Q3 either and that was a big surprise. Lewis Hamilton was fastest in Q2 from Valtteri Bottas and Sebastian Vettel.Ā 


Q3 underway :


And that is the end ofĀ Qualifying :


Sebastian Vettel grabbed pole from Lewis Hamilton and Charles LeClerc. Finally Ferrari had something to cheer about on Saturday.

Cars returning to Parc-fermeĀ Ā for Post-Qualifying Interviews :


Sebastian Vettel in great mood at the Scuderia Ferrari F1 Suite :


Pierre Gasly, Aston Martin Red Bull Racing F1 Team :


Nice to see Memorabilia, Posters,Car displays and even Ice Hockey in the Paddock Club. Adds to the Ambience and brings a different kind of freshness and vibe.


Some Stills from the Porsche Cup :


It was time to say goodbye to the Paddock Club and hang around for a bit downstairs. The decision turned out to be quite fruitful, evident from the pictures that follow!

Sergio Perez, Sportpesa Racing Point F1 Team :


Matia Binotto, Team Principal for Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team :


Mr. Lawrence Stroll, Billionaire & Lance Stroll's Father :


Daniel Ricciardo, Renault Sport F1 Team :


Alexander Albon, Scuderia Toro Rosso F1 Team :


Cyril Abiteboul, Team Principal for Renault Sport F1 Team :


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


Adrian Newey, The Guru of Aerodynamics and Chief Technical Officer for Aston Martin Red Bull Racing F1 Team :


Otmar Szafnauer, Team Principal for Sportpesa Racing Point F1 Team :


Nico Hulkenberg, Renault Sport F1 Team :


Francois, a dear friend from Renault Sport F1 Team :


Paul Ripke, Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team official photographer :


Robert Kubica from Rokit Williams Racing F1 Team :


Guenther Steiner, Team Principal, Haas F1 Team :


Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing F1 Team :


Back to the Hotel :


It was an enjoyable Saturday in the Paddock Club ( barring the Qualifying result for theĀ ļ»æAlfa RomeosĀ ļ»æofcourse ). It would be a Long Sunday Afternoon forĀ ļ»æKimi & AntonioĀ ļ»æbut all hope wasn't lost for a good points finish. Once again thank you toĀ ļ»æEdge Global EventsĀ ļ»æfor organizing the passes.Ā 


Sunday Experience up next!

Paddock Club Diaries - 2018 Abu Dhabi GP - Day 2

It was a relatively early start to the morning fromĀ DubaiĀ 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 MechanicsĀ warming up and doing their practice pit stops :


ļ»æļ»æScuderia Ferrari Mechanics warming up ( Video Link ) :

ļ»æļ»æ


ļ»æļ»æScuderia Ferrari Team Pit Stop Practice ( Shot with Nikon B700 ) :

ļ»æļ»æ


ļ»æļ»æShot with Samsung Note 9 :



Some more shots :


Time to take theĀ GoProĀ 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 theĀ ļ»æGP3 Series :


ļ»æļ»æGP3 Race 1 Formation Lap ( Video Link ) :

ļ»æļ»æ


ļ»æļ»æGP3 Race 1 Start ( Video Link ) :

ļ»æļ»æ


A New Addition to the Hospitality experience in the Paddock Club was the GO Karting Faceoff. TheĀ Yas Marina CircuitĀ 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 :


ļ»æDaniel Ricciardo's stricken Red BullĀ ļ»æreturning to the pits..


ļ»æļ»æļ»æLewis Hamilton was the fastest from Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel.Ā ļ»æI 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 forĀ ļ»æQualifying!

Shots from Qualifying :


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


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


The Post Qualifying Interviews underway :Ā 


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 toĀ Lewis Hamilton :


My Favourite place!


We made our way back to theĀ SuiteĀ and the time ofĀ Kimi RaikkonenĀ visiting the guests there was nearing!

Some great artwork of theĀ Iceman :


The Iceman Kimi Raikkonen is in the House!


ļ»æļ»æKimi Raikkonen Interview ( Shot with Nikon B700 ) :

ļ»æļ»æ


ļ»æļ»æShot with the Samsung Note 9 :

ļ»æļ»æ


ļ»æRaikkonenĀ ļ»æleft to return to the comfort of the Team Building while we prepared to see the start of theĀ ļ»æFormula 2 Feature Race.Ā 

Nicolas LatifiĀ ļ»ægot taken out at the start, his car badly damaged.Ā ļ»æIndian Racer Arjun MainiĀ ļ»æwas the driver that drove into him unfortunately.


ļ»æļ»æSafety Car Period in F2 Feature Race ( Video Link ) :

ļ»æļ»æ


ļ»æļ»æF2 Feature Race Restart ( Video Link ) :

ļ»æļ»æ


ļ»æļ»æF2 Feature Race Pit Stop ( shot with Nikon B700 ) :

ļ»æļ»æ


ļ»æļ»æShot with the Samsung Note 9 :

ļ»æļ»æ


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

TheĀ 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 theĀ ļ»æYas Marina CircuitĀ ļ»æand hopes of a strong end to the season by theĀ ļ»æFerrariĀ ļ»æduo was high. I made my way back to Dubai thankful for the opportunity and privilege of being a guest ofĀ ļ»æScuderia Ferrari F1 Team.Ā 

Sunday Experience to follow soon...

Paddock Club Diaries - 2018 Belgian GP - Day 2

Spa - FrancorchampsĀ is one circuit where a spectator loves the early mornings. I love the mist that settles around theĀ ArdennesĀ offering a cold yet blissful view. I headed out fromĀ AachenĀ at 630 in the morning to behold this.

Enroute to the Circuit :


The Sun breaking through the morning mist...this is the Beauty of Spa!


I missed the early morning Pit Lane Walk thanks to the traffic coming into the circuit.

TheĀ Paddock ClubĀ opened its doors for the guests and it was time to look forward to an exciting day ahead of Practice and Qualifying!

Coffee and Croissants to start the day :


I decided to head down to the F1 Village for some shopping and had a chance to meetĀ Paddy LoweĀ briefly.

Paddy Lowe of Williams Martini F1 Racing Team :


The F1 Village, one of the Best Villages in the year. There is such buzz about the place :


I returned from my shopping spree and I had the privilege of being on theĀ F2 TourĀ and visit theĀ MP Motorsport Garage.


MP Motorsport F2 Car Systems check ( Video Link ) :



Some more shots of theĀ F2 Paddock,Ā a lot more access and easier to meet drivers and team personnelĀ :


I also had the chance of meeting fraternity from GP3.

Callum Illot, Scuderia Ferrari Academy Driver in GP3 :


Jean Alesi, ex Ferrari F1 Driver :


The tour ended and I rushed back just in time for FP3.

Shots fromĀ Free Practice 3.Ā 


Sebastian VettelĀ topped the timesheets fromĀ Kimi Raikkonen and Lewis Hamilton.Ā FP3Ā ended and it was time for the second pit lane walk of the day.

The second Pit Lane walk of the Day :


I also got a Paddock Pass thanks toĀ FerrariĀ and went for a stroll in the Paddock.

The local hero andĀ McLaren F1 Driver Stoffel Vandoorne :


Toni Vilander, Cmore F1 co-presenter and a close friend of Kimi Raikkonen :


Felix Rosenqvist, Mahindra Formula E Racer and Porsche GT Racer!


Belgian Air ForceĀ practicing for the Fly Past on Sunday :


Lunch :


It was soon time for Qualifying. I was able to capture shots only fromĀ Q1Ā since I spent the next two sessions in the garage.

Kimi RaikkonenĀ was fastest in Q1 whileĀ Sebastian VettelĀ topped Q2. However the weather changed drastically and it started pouring in Q3. ShockinglyĀ FerrariĀ fueledĀ KimiĀ for only one timed lap and as the rain eased off towards the end of the session, the Iceman was stuck in the garage and dropped from P2 to P6 on the grid!Ā Lewis HamiltonĀ took pole fromĀ Sebastian Vettel and Esteban Ocon!Ā The latter was a huge surprise asĀ Racing PointĀ timed it right with their lap.Ā KimiĀ was livid, distraught and going through a range of emotions.Ā FerrariĀ had messed it up again :(


Post Qualifying,Ā Ferrari's Reserve driver Antonio GiovinazziĀ came for a quick Q&A :


The Interview ( Video Link ) :



Kimi RaikkonenĀ followed soon after. He was not in a very good mood and understandably so..


Kimi Raikkonen Q&A ( Video Link ) :



Formula 2 Feature RaceĀ follows soon after qualifying and is one of the most exciting support races of a F1 weekend.

Time for theĀ Formula 2 Feature Race :


Feature Race Start :



I decided to walk back to the Taxi Stand and as I passed through the Support Races Paddock, I saw a couple of interesting things.

Now that is one way to deck up a Segway!Ā 


Tadsuke Makino, Russian Time F2 Driver :


Time to head back to Aachen :


It was a great day at theĀ Belgian Grand Prix.Ā There was immense disappointment with the strategic error made byĀ FerrariĀ withĀ Kimi RaikkonenĀ but all was not lost.Ā Sunday is what mattered...

Once again thank you toĀ Scuderia Ferrari and Edge Global EventsĀ for the amazing hospitality. The Sunday Experience follows soon!

Paddock Club Diares - 2017 Belgian Grand Prix - Day 2

Saturday Mornings mean an early start when one attends a Formula One Race Weekend. The Day begins with a Paddock Club Track Truck Tour, followed by the morning Pit Lane Walk where Paddock Club Guests can see teams practice their pit stops up-close. Free Practice 3 takes place in the morning where teams run their Qualifying setups followed later by the Qualifying in the Afternoon.

So how did the Saturday at the 2017 Belgian GP pan out? Time to take a peek :

Enroute to the Circuit :


Walking to Spa Francorchamps Circuit via La Source Hairpin :


Photos of the Paddock Club Track Truck Tour :


Some Photos with the GoPro Hero 5 Black :


The First Pit Lane Walk of the Day :


Scuderia Ferrari F1 Garage during the Pit Lane Walk :



Romain Grosjean's Haas being readied for FP3 ( Video Link ) :




Saturday morning also see the teams practicing their Pit Stops.


Williams Martini Racing F1 Pit Stop Practice ( Video Link ) :


Sahara Force India F1 Pit Stop Practice ( Video Link ) :




We had the Opportunity of visiting ART Grand Prix in the Formula 2 Paddock :


The Final Practice session of the Weekend FP3 :


Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team during FP3 :


Chequered Flag :


Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel were the fastest in FP3 with Lewis Hamilton a close third.


An Early Lunch before heading down for the final Pit Lane Walk of the Day :


Shots from the 2nd Pit Lane Walk of the day :

Shots of the GoPro Hero 5 Black from the Pit Lane Walk :

Sebastian Vettel's Car being readied for Qualifying ( Video Link ) :




It was then time for the Qualifying Session to commence.

Shots from Q1 :

Lewis Hamilton was fastest in Q1, Sebastian Vettel & Max Verstappen were P2 & P3 respectively.




Shots from Q2 :

Q2 saw Mercedes Flex their muscles and Lewis Hamilton dipped into the 1:42s and was fastest again. Valtteri Bottas and Kimi Raikkonen completed the top 3.

Q3 was the top 10 shootout.

Shots from Q3 :

Lewis Hamilton took pole. Kimi Raikkonen had to back out of his flying lap due to a mistake and a tow to Sebastian Vettel helped him to snatch P2 from Valtteri Bottas!


The Top 3 parked on the Grid for the Post - Qualifying Interviews :

Top 3 Driver Interviews ( Video Link ) :




Vettel and Hamilton inspecting each others' machinery :


Marshalls fortunate to have their suits autographed by Vettel and Hamilton.

We were then joined by Antonio Giovinazzi, Reserve driver for Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team :

Antonio Giovinazzi Interview in the Ferrari F1 Club (Ā  Video Link ) :




Sebastian Vettel visits the Ferrari F1 Club post Qualifying.

Sebastian Vettel Interview ( Video Link ) :




Vettel left and it was time for the start of the Formula 2 Feature Race!

Shots from the Feature Race :

Arjun Maini on the grid for Race 1 in GP3 :

GP3 Race 1 Formation Lap ( Video Link ) :




Formation Lap done for GP3 :


GP3 Race 1 Start ( Video LinkĀ  ) :





Shots from Race 1 :

Post race I walked down to the other end of the Paddock Club to experience the F1 Simulators on offer.

F1 Simulators in the Paddock Club :

Got a sneak peek of the Podium!

Williams Crew sitting and watching the movie on "Sir Frank Williams" and the team of yesteryear.


Returning to Hasselt from Spa :


Kimi Raikkonen's mistake in his final run in Qualifying cost him a chance to be on the Front Row. Arjun Maini also narrowly missed the podium in Race 1 in the evening. Barring these disappointments, it was a great Saturday at Spa Francorchamps! The Highlight for me was the Track Tour early in the morning.

A Big Thank you to Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team and their hosts for their hospitality throughout the day. Thank you to Edge Global Events for ensuring everything was in place for the Saturday.

Sunday Experience to follow soon..