The "Flying Diaries" return with the trip to Barcelona being the first documented from 2017. The Spanish Grand Prix was held in May and I had the opportunity to fly down and experience the Hospitality of Emirates in the air all over again.

The outbound flight was on 10th May and the Return on 18th May.
 

Mumbai - Barcelona ( 10th May 2017 ) :

The Stunningly Beautiful Terminal 2, Mumbai :

The First and Business Class Lounge of GVK at Terminal 2. One of the best lounges in the world! A lavish buffet, Complimentary massage services and offering breath taking views of the Planes at Mumbai

I also got the opportunity to meet the Music Maestro A.R. Rahman! Fan Moment!

The First Class Suite to Dubai. Stunning and comfortable as ever!

Arabian Dates and Arabian Coffee for the First Class guests :

Taxiing to the runway :

Takeoff from Mumbai International bound for Dubai ( Video Link ) :




I am not much of a breakfast guy but never shy away from Chocolate Croissants and some Cappuccino!

A Beautiful morning beckons as we fly into Dubai :

Touchdown at Dubai International Airport :


Landing at Dubai International Airport ( Video Link  ) :




The First Class Lounge in Dubai offers boarding from the Lounge itself. There is a separate terminal to cater to Airbus A380s.

A Quick stop in the Lounge and it was time to board the flight for Barcelona!


Goodies galore in the suite. The basket is replenished also.

The Plethora of Emirates Airlines planes at Dubai :

FlyDubai, the low cost option flying out of Dubai and merged with Emirates now :

Taxiing to the Runway :

Up, up and away!! The Burj Khalifa visible in the distance :

Takeoff from Dubai International Airport bound for Barcelona ( Video Link ) :




Breakfast and Lunch menu onboard. Emirates offers "Food on Demand" for First Class passengers.


Lip Smacking Lunch :


A Well Stocked bar in front of First Class :

The Bar and Lounge behind Business Class :

Business Class seats in A380 :

I returned to my seat to find my bed made. Time for a nap along with the Do Not Disturb option!


I was woken up an hour before the flight was due to land for a shower appointment. Yes a shower at 40,000 feet!


I returned from the shower and we had already started our descent into Barcelona :

Touchdown at El Prat International Airport :

Landing at El Prat International Airport in Barcelona ( Video Link ) :




A Mercedes S500 sent to pick me for the drop off at Hilton Diagonal Mar in Barcelona :


Barcelona - Mumbai ( 18th May 2017 )

Emirates sent another S500 for the return pickup! This one came with a Panaromic Sunroof!

Driving to El Prat Airport :
A Quick check in and a brisk completion of all other formalities, it was time to enjoy the facilities the lounge had to offer! The Lounge is multi-airline and I wish they had a better spread on offer.

The First Class seat for the Flight to Dubai :

A Night Flight means an Emirates Night Suit, Amenity Kit, Slippers and Eye Shades are offered as Standard Issue.

Taxiing to the runway :

Takeoff from Barcelona bound for Dubai ( Video Link ) :




Dinner Menu :

Time for a movie while the food is prepared!

Dinner is served!

Well Stocked Bar and Lounge behind Business Class :

A Quick tour of the Shower Suite :

Video Link :




Starting our Descent into Dubai :

Nearing Touchdown :


Welcome to Dubai International Airport :


Landing at Dubai International Airport ( Video Link ) :




The Transit time was short in Dubai and I made a run for my connecting flight to Mumbai

The Final Leg of my Journey was on a Boeing 777-200LR, a flight nearing the end of its stint with Emirates.

First Class Seats, an old configuration this :


The Lunch menu for Dubai Mumbai leg :

Taxiing to the runway. Dubai Airport teeming with flights all around!

Bye Bye Dubai, until we meet again!


Takeoff from Dubai bound for Mumbai International Airport ( Video Link ) :




Lunch on the Final Leg of the Trip :

Nearing touchdown in Mumbai. The Vashi Bridge clearly visible :

Mumbai International Airport :


Landing at Mumbai Airport ( Video Link  ) :

 


The Return Pickup, the Mercedes C220 again.


Emirates have never faltered in maintaining the standards they have set. Every trip is a memorable one. There is more to come in the "Flying Diaries" - London next!

Apologies for the delayed posts, but then better late than never!

The Latest post in the "Gallery of Memories" comes in from the Legendary Track of Spa Francorchamps in the Ardennes region of Belgium. I got the opportunity of attending the Belgian Grand Prix in the final week of August and it was a great experience!

Once again I had the privilege of meeting celebrities and the tradition began from the day I flew out of Mumbai Airport bound for Brussels International.

A Quick trip down memory lane!

Bollywood Actress Parineeti Chopra :

Bollywood Music Director Anu Malik :

Bollywood Actress & Comedian Sugandha Mishra :

Marc Gene, Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team Development Driver :

Mattia Binotto, Chief Technical Officer of Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team :

Riccardo Adami, Sebastian Vettel's Race Engineer :

Federica Masolin, Sky Sports F1 Italia Hostess :

Jacques Villeneuve, Former F1 Champion and Expert on Sky Sports F1 Italia :

The Jovial trio, Martin Brundle, Damon Hill & Paul Di Resta of Sky Sports F1! Stay blessed guys!

Pat Symonds, Ex Williams and Sky Sports F1 co-presenter :

Mark Webber, Fan moment here with the AussieGrit!

Jock Clear, Scuderia Ferrari F1 team :

Niki Lauda!

The Professor! Alain Prost! What a gentleman!

Pierre Gasly, Red Bull Racing F1 Team Reserve Driver :

Maurizio Arrivabene, Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team Principal :

Not the selfie I wanted but nonetheless, Kimi Raikkonen!

Gino Rosato, Scuderia Ferrari F1 :

A Moment with Seb's P2 Trophy :

Massimo Rivola, Scuderia Ferrari Academy Supremo :

Giuliano Alesi, Jean Alesi's son & Scuderia Ferrari Academy Driver in GP3 :

Mark Arnall and Kimi's Partner in Ice One Racing ( Motocross ) :

Silvia Hoffer, McLaren F1 Team PR and one of the oldest faces in the paddock :

MOKO!!

Daniil Kvyat, Scuderia Toro Rosso F1 Team :

Sir Franz Tost, Team Principal, Scuderia Toro Rosso F1 Team :

Carlos Sainz, Scuderia Toro Rosso F1 Team :

It was a memorable weekend in Spa and I would like to thank Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team for the Hospitality and the graciousness shown to me over the weekend. A big thank you to Edge Global Events for ensuring nothing was out of place and ensuring that I had an enjoyable weekend.

Apologies for the delay, Paddock Club Experiences coming thick and fast!

A glorious Sunday Morning, the weather seemed perfect for a day of Racing. I had a relaxed start to the day and I decided to skip the Paddock Club Truck Tour Opportunity! Need to train myself to be an early riser!

Love the view from my room!

Enroute to the Circuit :

The Paddock on Sunday Morning :

FIA Formula 2 Sprint Race is the second event on Sunday Morning after Race 2 for GP3. Shots from the Starting Grid.

FIA Formula 2 Sprint Race Formation Lap ( Video Link ) :

 

FIA Formula 2 Sprint Race Start ( Video Link ) :

 

Shots from the FIA Formula 2 Sprint Race on Sunday :

Safety Car - FIA Formula 2 Sprint Race ( Video Link ) :

 

Race Restart after Safety Car - FIA Formula 2 Sprint Race ( Video Link ) :

Maurizio Arrivabene visited us in the Ferrari F1 Club to share his expectations before the race. An amazing person! Great to have him as the Team Principal :

I won the Raffles Draw and got a Keyplate autographed by Maurizio Arrivabene! Finally I won in the Raffles!

Maurizio Arrivabene Interview in Ferrari F1 Club ( Video Link ) :

Ferrari preponed the Timing for Sebastian Vettel to visit the Ferrari F1 Club and I missed him! Huge disappointment for me!

Paul Hembery, Pirelli Motorsport Director comes in for a quick Q&A in the Ferrari F1 Club Suite :

Photos from the Pit Lane Walk on Sunday before the race :

Scuderia Ferrari F1 getting ready :

Photos with the GoPro :

Paddock Club Parking is never short of stunning Ferraris :

Lunch! A Quick bite, hard to eat as the tension rises!

Prepping up for the Grid Presentation :

Pit Lane Open and time for some sighting laps :

Team Personnel make it to the grid :

Celebrities on the Grid :

Drivers being interviewed as they make it to the grid :

Scuderia Ferrari F1 on the Grid :

Its Time to climb into your machines boys!

Counting down the Clock to the Formation Lap :

Team Personnel make a run for the pits as the cars head out for the Formation lap :

Formation Lap, Shot with Sony HX400V ( Video Link ) :

Formation Lap, Shot with Samsung Note 5 ( Video Link ) :

FIA Race Director Charlie Whiting getting ready to switch on the 5 Red Lights :

Cars line up on the grid for the Race Start :

Race Start, Shot with Sony HX400V ( Video Link ) :

Race Start, Shot with Samsung Note 5 ( Video Link ) :

Shots from the Race :

Sebastian Vettel Pit-Stop ( Video Link ) :

 

Sergio Perez Pit-Stop ( Video Link ) :

Chequered Flag :

Chequered Flag is waved ( Video Link ) :

TV Crews busy with Initial Reactions, Post Race.

Cars returning to Parc Ferme :

Kimi Raikkonen suffered retirement thanks to a shunt by Max Verstappen and Valtteri Bottas. Lewis Hamilton won an eventful race with Sebastian Vettel and Daniel Ricciardo completing the podium.

Post Race I got have a chat with the antagonist of Transformers Age of Extinction and Veteran actor Mr. Kelsey Grammer who was extremely friendly!

Hollywood Celebrity Kelsey Grammer!

Sebastian Vettel's 2nd place trophy, a pleasant surprise to bring Vettel's trophy upstairs!

Arjun Maini! GP3 Race 2 Winner and an Indian! It was a blessed time chatting with him and Michael Reedy, his driver coach!

The Hosts of Pirelli for the weekend :

The Hosts at the Ferrari F1 Club :

With my friends from Renault Sport F1 Team :

Walking around in the support area as I make my way to the Paddock Entrance :

Art Work, Murals of the Drivers :

Trucks make their way to the Paddock as they pack up and head out to Monaco!

I made my way to the Paddock Entrance and had the opportunity of meeting a lot of people from the F1 Circuit - Drivers, Principals, Team Owners, Senior Team Personnel

Sergio Perez, Sahara Force India F1 Team :

Damon Hill, 1996 F1 World Champion & Sky Sports F1 Presenter :

Susie Wolff, Ex-Williams F1 Development Driver & Presenter for Channel 4

Toto Wolff, Team Principal, Mercedes AMG F1 Team :

Felipe Massa, Williams Martini Racing F1 Team :

Felipinho Massa, Massa Jr. Love his smile!

James Allison, Technical Director, Mercedes AMG F1 Team :

Bernd Maylander, F1 Safety Car Driver :

Mats Hummels! Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich & German Defender :

Stoffel Vandoorne, McLaren F1 Team :

Peter Sauber, Owner of Sauber F1 Team and the man responsible for bringing so many drivers into F1 :

Monisha Kaltenborn, Team Principal, Sauber F1 Team :

Lance Stroll, Williams F1 Team :

Cryil Abiteboul, MD, Renault Sport F1 Team :

Nico Hulkenberg, Renault Sport F1 Team :

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

Aerodynamic Genius Adrian Newey, Red Bull Racing F1 Team :

Eliaquim Mangala, Manchester City, Valencia CF, France National Team Defender :

David Coulthard, Ex-McLaren F1 Driver, Red Bull Ambassador & Channel 4 Presenter :

Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull Racing F1 Team, A Fun Guy!

Gene Haas, owner of Haas F1 Team :

Jos Verstappen :

Esteban Ocon, Sahara Force India F1 Team :

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing F1 Team :

The Professor! Alain Prost!

Romain Grosjean, Haas F1 Team :

Martin Brundle, Ex-F1 Driver, Sky Sports F1 Presenter :

Paul Hembery, Motorsport Director, Pirelli Motorsport :

Guenther Steiner, Team Principal, Haas F1 Team :

Alan Permane, Sporting Director, Renault Sport F1 Team :

Yusuke Hasegawa, Head of Honda's F1 Programme :

Ayao Komatsu, Chief Race Engineer, Haas F1 Team :

Marcus Ericsson, Sauber F1 Team :

Bob Fernley, Deputy Team Principal, Sahara Force India F1 Team :

Carlos Sainz Sr.

Daniil Kyvat, Scuderia Toro Rosso Driver :

Sir Franz Tost, Scuderia Toro Rosso Team Principal :

Simon Rennie, Red Bull Racing Race Engineer :

Gino Rosato, Scuderia Ferrari F1 :

Kimi Raikkonen's No.1 Mechanic & Setup Engineer :

Jolyon Palmer, Renault Sport F1 Team :

Stefania Arrivabene, Kimi Raikkonen's PR in Ferrari :

Carlos Sainz Jr., Scuderia Toro Rosso F1 Team :

Britta Roeske, Sebastian Vettel's PR :

Moko!

Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes AMG Petronas :

The Security in the Paddock was lifted and I had the chance to roam and take some shots of the Motorhomes :

Returning to the Hotel :

Barring the disappointing result for Kimi Raikkonen, it had been a fantastic Sunday and a Fantastic Weekend! Spain is one of the best circuits that offers fan access to the Paddock and the possibility of interacting with the F1 fraternity up close and personal.

Liberty Media the new owners of  F1 deserve credit for the initiatives begun by them to liven up the Fan Experience at the races.

I would like to thank Edge Global Events for their Professional Service and help in organising the Paddock Club Passes.
I big thank you to Scuderia Ferrari F1 and the Hosts for the hospitality and the love shown to me!

Mid - Season Review and Driver Markets to follow soon! Watch this space!

Saturday, the day of Practice and Qualifying; also the day of Early Morning Starts!

I was in a rush to get to the circuit in order to be in time for the Paddock Club Truck Tour but was delayed at the circuit entrance thanks to the security checks.

I did have the opportunity to spend time in the pit lane and capture a lot of stills!

Photos Photos and more Photos from the Pit Lane Walk!

Romain Grosjean's Haas F1 being readied before FP3 ( Video Link ) :

Sebastian Vettel's Ferrari Systems Check ( Video Link ) :

Scuderia Ferrari F1 Garage :

Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team practicing their Pit-Stops.

Scuderia Ferrari F1 Pit Stop Practice ( Video Link ) :

With Andy Stobart, Renault Sport F1 Head of Communications :

Mattia Binotto, Scuderia Ferrari F1 Chief Technical Officer :

Massimo Rivola, Head of Scuderia Ferrari Driver Academy :

Some photos with the GoPro Hero 4 Black :

As we were being ushered back to the Paddock Club, the pitlane became abuzz with activity as the GP3 teams drove in before the start of their Qualifying session.

An Interactive Robot and Driver Cartoon Murals were the new things added to liven up the entrance to the paddock :

Kimi Raikkonen! BWOAH as ever!

Kevin Magnussen of Haas F1 Team :

Pascal Wehrlein of Sauber F1 Team :

Kai Ebel, RTL F1 Presenter :

Free Practice 3 was due to begin and Scuderia Ferrari F1 were kind enough to take me down to the Garage for a quick peek into their preparation and setups :

Shots from FP3 :

Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team in FP3 :

Returning to the pits after session is over :

Kimi Raikkonen topped FP3, Sebastian Vettel, Lewis Hamilton & Valtteri Bottas were second, third and fourth respectively. It was looking promising for the Iceman!

The session ended and Ferrari's Reserve Driver Antonio Giovinazzi joined us in the Club for a quick Q&A :

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

A Selfie with Antonio :

I was about to grab some lunch when I met the new owner of F1. Mr. Chase Carey of Liberty Media. He was so gracious and hospitable. I thanked him for freshening up the sport with his efforts and thanks to him we are back on the road to set many things right!

Mario Isola, Pirelli Sporting Director :

The Second Pit Lane Walk of the day; a lot more people and before the pivotal session of Qualifying!

Sergei Sirotkin, Renault Sport F1 Reserve Driver :

Karun Chandok, Ex F1 Driver, Channel 4 Presenter and a Williams Official Driver for Heritage Division :

Jock Clear, Scuderia Ferrari F1 Senior Performance Engineer :

Anthony Davidson, Ex F1 Driver, WEC Champion and Sky Sports F1 Presenter :

The Pit Lane Walk ended and it was time to head back to the Paddock Club have some lunch and prep up for Qualifying :

Qualifying commences, Q1 :

Dave Greenwood guiding Kimi Raikkonen out of the Garage for Q1 ( Video Link ) :

Chequered Flag :

Lewis Hamilton was fastest in Q1 with Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel 2nd and 3rd respectively. Pascal Wehrlein made it to Q2 and that was a positive for Sauber F1 Team.

Q2 :

Chequered Flag :

Lewis Hamilton remained the fastest holding off Sebastian Vettel and Valtteri Bottas. Fernando Alonso got the loudest cheers after his McLaren made it into Q3 and the Final Shoot-out.

Q3 begins :

Chequered Flag and the Cars return to Parc Ferme :

Lewis Hamilton took pole from Sebastian Vettel. Valtteri Bottas beat Kimi Raikkonen in the Battle of the Finns in P3. Not a bad place to start for the Iceman but he could have been on the front row.

Post Qualifying Kimi Raikkonen joined us for a quick Q&A in the Ferrari F1 Club :

Kimi Raikkonen Interview in the Ferrari F1 Club ( Video Link ) :

It was also time for the Formula 2 Feature Race to begin and most of the guests stayed back to enjoy watching the youngsters battle it out for supremacy!

Formation Lap - Formula 2 Feature Race ( Video Link ) :

Race Start - Formula 2 Feature Race ( Video Link ) :

Formula 2 Feature Race ( Video Link ) :

Prema Racing Pit Stop for Broken Front Wing - Formula 2 Feature Race ( Video Link ) :

Chequered Flag - Formula 2 Feature Race ( Video Link ) :

Photos from the Formula 2 Feature Race :

GP3 had Race 1 after the F2 Feature Race.

GP3 Race 1 ( Video Link ) :

Final set of Images before heading back to the Hotel for the evening :

It was a fantastic day at the 2017 Spanish Grand Prix. Kimi Raikkonen would start P4 for the race on Sunday and although he could have done better, I was positive about his performance on the day that mattered!

I was also fortunate enough to attend the McLaren F1 Gala Dinner at the Hilton in Barcelona on Saturday Evening; the Experience documented here :

http://tech-know-crat.posthaven.com/mclaren-f1-team-gala-dinner-at-the-hilton


I would like to thank Scuderia Ferrari F1 for the Hospitality and also to Edge Global F1 for ensuring that I had a fantastic Saturday at the Races.

Sunday Post to follow soon!

Spain was a fantastic race to be at in 2016. I also had the opportunity of meeting F1 personnel in 2016 so returning to Catalunya in 2017 needed little persuasion.

It is one of the easiest tracks to get to and offers a lot of access for the fans.

Liberty Media, the new owners of F1 have also added a lot of experiences to the fans and guests of the Paddock Club and I shall be documenting some of them in the post.

The Spanish Grand Prix was held from 12th May to 14th May and this is Day 1 i.e. Friday Experience from the weekend.

The Passes arrived on time :

I got a chance to meet Fernando Alonso on Wednesday as he was launching the "Join the Pact" McLaren campaign for the upcoming weekend. McLaren were staying in the same hotel so it was nice to bump into F1 personnel on a regular basis.

A Selfie with Fernando Alonso!

Gavin Emmett of BT Sport; Gavin was present to interview Alonso for BT Sport and it was nice to have a chat with him.

Enroute to the circuit :

The Paddock Club doesn't open until 10 am. However the Pit Lane is open for the guests and Friday Morning is the best time to be in the pits as most teams allow guests to get close to the cars.

A 2 lap run in a Formula Minardi 2 seater is one of the newest offerings for Paddock Club Guests :

Shots from the Pit Lane Walk :

Haas F1 Firing up before FP1 ( Video Link ) :

Kimi Raikkonen's car Systems check before FP1 ( Video Link ) :

Shots with the GoPro Hero4 Black from the Pit lane:

We were ushered into the Paddock Club and the Club had a new vibe and feel to it. A freshness, unlike the same old same old. Show Cars at the entrance, music, dance, simulators, it just felt different.

Shots of the Paddock Club :

Photos with the Display Cars from 2016 outside the Paddock Club :

As Always, Ferrari had their own suite and like 2016 Pirelli shared the suite with Ferrari. 

Shots of the Ferrari F1 Club shared with Pirelli.

I took some time to take in the sights before the session began and was happy to see the same set of fans with their flags showing their support for Kimi Raikkonen and his Physio Mark Arnall

Kimi Raikkonen Fans showing their support :

Stands empty on Friday morning but the numbers increase considerably by afternoon :

It was time for Free Practice 1 to begin :

Scuderia Ferrari F1 in FP1 :

Pit Walls busy :

Chequered Flag to mark the end :

Lewis Hamilton was fastest with Valterri Bottas, Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel hot on his heels.

It was time to have a quick lunch before heading down to the second pit lane walk of the day :

I spotted Pascal Wehrlein having his lunch while walking towards the pit lane!

Mark Sutton, Ace Photographer!

Shots from the Pit Lane Walk :

Renault Sport F1 Getting ready for FP2 ( Video Link ) :

Shots from the Scuderia Ferrari F1 Garage :

Photos with Kevin and Paul, New Friends!

Mark Arnall, Kimi Raikkonen's Physio and a thorough gent!

Dave Greenwood, Kimi Raikkonen's Race Engineer :

Max Verstappen Fans in attendance :

We made it back to the Paddock Club and it was time for Free Practice 2!

Shots from FP2 :

Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team in FP2 :

Chequered Flag :

Drivers returning to the pits after FP2 :

Lewis Hamilton was the fastest again. Valtteri Bottas, Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel were within half a second of his best time.

Post FP2 we were joined by Scuderia Ferrari F1 Development Driver Marc Gene who shared his views on the team's chances for the weekend and the setup required for a track like Circuit de Catalunya

Marc Gene in the Ferrari F1 Club ( Video Link ) :

I also got a chance to interview him!

A Moment with Marc Gene!

Formula 2, formerly known as GP2 and F2 in short have their qualifying session in the evening.

Shots from the F2 Qualifying Session :

 

Desserts!

It was time to go downstairs after F2 Qualifying and experience the newest offering by Liberty Media for the Paddock Club Guests - a tour of the F2 Paddock and an interactive session with Russian Time Racing and a tour of the track on the Parade Truck.

Some more shots of the Display Cars outside the Paddock Club.

Part 1 of the Paddock Club Guests' Experience was a tour of the F2 ( formerly GP2 ) Paddock and an interactive with Russian Time Racing. Our Host was an ex-Porsche Carrera Cup Driver Sam Power. He is an absolute star! Knowledgeable, Technical, Humorous he has it all! It would be criminal to not be with him on tour!

Part 2 of the Paddock Club Guests' Experience was the Paddock Club Parade Truck Tour - A Tour of the Track on the Drivers Parade Truck. We were joined by Driver Coach Michael Reedy who is training Haas F1 Development Driver and Jenzer Motorsport Racer ( from GP3 ). He talked us through the entire circuit and the various challenges a driver faces; not to mention the hillarious exhange and banter with Sam Power throughout the tour. The track's gradient changes were eye-opening. It definitely isn't  as easy as it looks on TV.

Selfies and more Selfies!

Photos taken with the GoPro Hero4 Black on the Paddock Club Parade Truck tour.

Video Link of the Track Truck Tour :

The Tour ended and it was time to head back to the Hotel.

Returning to the Hotel

Reached the Hotel and was overjoyed to see Hilton hosting McLaren F1 Team.

What a day it had been! Kimi Raikkonen and Ferrari looked strong and the signs of a strong Sunday seemed certain. Credit to Liberty Media for freshening up the Paddock Club Experience for the guests.

A Big Thank you to Edge Global Events for arranging the Passes and ensuring a hassle-free weekend, Thank you to Scuderia Ferrari F1 and Pirelli for their Hospitality!

Saturday and Sunday Experiences to follow soon! Watch this Space!

2016 Hungarian Grand Prix was the last GP I had the privilege of attending. There was a lull in my travel plans but as soon as the 2017 Season kicked off, I shortlisted Spain, Belgium & Abu Dhabi for this year. Spain since meeting the F1 Fraternity is very easy and I really enjoyed myself in 2016, Belgium cause I wanted to see Kimi Raikkonen race there one last time ( should he retire ) and Abu Dhabi would be Raikkonen's Farewell Race.

The Canadian Grand Prix remains on the to-do list and is delayed for an year since I am travelling to the UK to attend the Champions' Trophy ( Cricket ).


"A Gallery of Memories" my Blog Post Series which showcases all the famous people I had the privilege of meeting at the Circuit kicks off the 2017 Spanish Grand Prix Experience!

I arrived in my Emirates Transfer on Wednesday Afternoon to the Hilton Diagonal Mar and was amazed to Fernando Alonso signing off the "Join the Pact" Movement by Johnnie Walker!

I couldn't miss the Opportunity and Fernando happily obliged. I told him I believe he is the Best Driver on the Grid and he gave me a cheeky smile.

Fernando Alonso, McLaren F1 Driver & Double World Champion!

Gavin Emmett, BT Sport Presenter in MotoGP :

Mark Sutton, One of the best F1 Photographers!

Mark Arnall, Kimi Raikkonen's Physical Instructor

Mark Greenwood, Kimi Raikkonen's Race Engineer :

Marc Gene, Scuderia Ferrari F1 Development Driver :

Marc Gene's message for Fans in India :

Andy Stobart, Head of Communications, Renault Sport Racing :

Mattia Binotto, Chief Technical Officer, Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team :

Massimo Rivola, Head of the Scuderia Ferrari Driver Academy :

Kevin Magnussen, Haas F1 Team :

Pascal Wehrlein, Sauber F1 Team :

KIMI RAIKKONEN, Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team!

Kai Ebel, RTL Presenter for F1 :

Antonio Giovinazzi, 3rd Driver for Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team :

I was standing outside the Ferrari Suite when I saw the new boss of F1 pass me. Soon followed a quick photo, an excellent chat and as a F1 Fan, I was so glad to see the new boss as passionate as anyone can be, not to mention the fact that he was roaming in the Paddock Club without any security! 

Chase Carey, CEO & Chairman of Formula 1, the new boss of F1 :

Mario Isola, Pirelli Racing Manager :

Sergey Sirotkin, Reserve Driver for Renault Sport F1 Team :

Karun Chandok, Presenter for Channel 4 :

Jock Clear, Senior Performance Engineer for Scuderia Ferrari F1 :

Anthony Davidson, Ex-F1 Driver & Presenter for Sky Sports F1 :

I got back to the Hotel and had the Invitation to attend the Mclaren F1 Gala Dinner at the Hilton.

Read all about it here :

http://tech-know-crat.posthaven.com/mclaren-f1-team-gala-dinner-at-the-hilton

Eric Boullier, Team Principal, McLaren F1 Team :

Stijn Bastiaens, Sr. Director, Loyalty Partnerships, Hilton Hotels :

Sunday Morning and I won the Raffles Draw and got a Keyplate autographed by Maurizio Arrivabene!

Maurizio Arrivabene, Team Principal, Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team :

Ferrari preponed the Timing for Sebastian Vettel to visit the Ferrari F1 Club and that was a huge disappointment for me!

Post Race I got have a chat with the antagonist and Veteran actor Mr. Kelsey Grammer who was extremely friendly!

Hollywood Celebrity Kelsey Grammer!

Sebastian Vettel finished P2 in the race and Ferrari were gracious enough to bring the trophy upstairs and allow us a Photo Opportunity!

With Sebastian Vettel's P2 Trophy :

I got to meet Arjun Maini, GP3 Driver for Jenzer Motorsport and Development Driver for Haas F1 Team! Arjun is making India proud in the racing circuit with his performances and Won Race 2 in the GP3 series on Sunday Morning!

Sergio Perez, Sahara Force India F1 Team :

Damon Hill, 1996 F1 World Champion & Sky Sports F1 Presenter :

Susie Wolff, Ex-Williams F1 Development Driver & Presenter for Channel 4 :

Toto Wolff, Team Principal, Mercedes AMG F1 Team :

Felipe Massa, Williams F1 Team :

Felipinho Massa, Massa Jr. Love his smile!

James Allison, Technical Director, Mercedes AMG F1 Team :

Bernd Maylander, F1 Safety Car Driver :

Mats Hummels! Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich & German Defender :

Stoffel Vandoorne, McLaren F1 Team :

Peter Sauber, Owner of Sauber F1 Team and the man responsible for bringing so many drivers into F1 :

Monisha Kaltenborn, Team Principal, Sauber F1 Team :

Lance Stroll, Williams F1 Team :

Cryil Abiteboul, MD, Renault Sport F1 Team :

Eliaquim Mangala, Manchester City, Valencia CF, France National Team Defender :

Nico Hulkenberg, Renault Sport F1 Team :

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

Aerodynamic Genius Adrian Newey, Red Bull Racing F1 Team :

David Coulthard, Ex-McLaren F1 Driver, Red Bull Ambassador & Channel 4 Presenter :

Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull Racing F1 Team, A Fun Guy!

Alan Permane, Sporting Director, Renault Sport F1 Team :

Guenther Steiner, Team Principal, Haas F1 Team :

Gene Haas, owner of Haas F1 Team :

Jos Verstappen :

Esteban Ocon, Sahara Force India F1 Team :

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing F1 Team :

The Professor! Alain Prost!

Romain Grosjean, Haas F1 Team :

Martin Brundle, Ex-F1 Driver, Sky Sports F1 Presenter :

Paul Hembery, Motorsport Director, Pirelli Motorsport :

Marcus Ericsson, Sauber F1 Team :

Bob Fernley, Deputy Team Principal, Sahara Force India F1 Team :

Carlos Sainz Sr. :

Daniil Kvyat, Scuderia Toro Rosso F1 Driver :

Yusuke Hasegawa, Head of Honda's F1 Programme :

Sir Franz Tost, Team Principal of Scuderia Toro Rosso F1 Team :

Simon Rennie, Race Engineer, Red Bull Racing F1 Team :

Gino Rosato of Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team :

Filippo, Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team :

Stefania Arrivabene, Press Officer at Scuderia Ferrari F1 :

Britta Roeske, Sebastian Vettel's PR Manager :

Moko!

Ayao Komatsu, Chief Race Engineer, Haas F1 Team :

Jolyon Palmer, 2013 GP2 Champion & Renault Sport F1 Driver :

Carlos Sainz Jr., Scuderia Toro Rosso F1 Driver :

Lewis Hamilton! Mercedes AMG F1 Driver and Triple World Champion!

Friends from Renault Sport F1 Team. Miss them so much!


Hosts of Pirelli in the Ferrari F1 Club, Great bunch :


Hosts in the Ferrari F1 Club who ensured it was a memorable weekend!

Sebastian Vettel finished P2 in the race, Kimi Raikkonen however was taken out in Turn 1 on lap 1 after being tagged by Valtteri Bottas. Obviously I was gutted about it but the fact that I got to meet so many people from the F1 circuit more than made my day.

A Big Thank you to Edge Global Events for arranging the Passes and ensuring a hassle-free weekend, Thank you to Scuderia Ferrari F1 and Pirelli for their Hospitality!

Paddock Club Diaries return soon on the blog. Friday, Saturday and Sunday Experiences are in the Pipeline. I am travelling to the UK for the Champions' Trophy ( Cricket ) for a fortnight and request your patience till then.

Once again, Thank you all for supporting the Blog and I promise to do my best to better it each year!

Stay Safe and God Bless!

There are trips that one remembers for a long time to come. There are experiences that stay with us for lifetime. 13th May 2017 was one such date.

I was busy attending the Spanish Grand Prix with Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team when I got to meet Mr. Wright, the co-host in the Pirelli Suite. Mr. Wright, a very gracious man invited me to attend the McLaren F1 Team Gala Dinner happening at the Hilton Diagonal Mar in Barcelona, the hotel I was staying at!

I started watching F1 in 1998 and have been a fan of McLaren & Mika Hakkinen since. 2007 saw Kimi Raikkonen leave for Ferrari so my loyalties became divided but McLaren are a team I always want to see do well.

It was impossible to resist such an offer. I rushed to the Hotel, got ready & down I was ready to attend the event! Hilton, sponsors for McLaren definitely know how to host events.

The event was attended by Sponsors viz. Hilton, Logitech, Reuters, Chandon & open to Fans & Guests of the team.

Logitech also tied up with McLaren to announce the latter's entrance into the e-sports arena, announcing World’s Fastest Gamer – the world’s most intense and demanding competition for virtual racers. It’s a contest that will see the winner offered the best job in esports – a role with the Formula 1 team as one of its official simulator drivers!

Time to give you a quick tour of how McLaren hosted its guests for the evening :

The Pre-dinner meet :

Cocktails, Hors d'oeuvres, Paella, Conversations & more!

The Host for the evening welcoming us ( Video Link ) :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3Vo6Qni5Dg

The Host soon announced that we would be joined by a Former McLaren Driver & 2 Time World Champion MIKA HAKKINEN!

FAN MOMENT!

Mika Hakkinen Q&A ( Video Link ) :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGm5cta0aJo

Mika Hakkinen wished us well for the evening and he was soon followed by Fernando Alonso! The Evening just got better!

Fernando spoke at length about McLaren's chances for the weekend after his brilliant qualifying result which saw end up in P7 and also the preparations for Indy 500 which was to be held on the Monaco GP weekend. Fernando would head to the airport after the race to get onto a Private Jet to head to Indianapolis for the Practice Session.

Fernando Alonso Q&A ( Video Link ) :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HepeePy6VQU

I got the chance to get quick selfies with the McLaren Team Principal Mr. Eric Boullier & a rushing Fernando Alonso!

We were now invited into the Ball Room for dinner. The Ball Room in all its glory!

Dinner Service commences! Lip-smacking! One of the best Desserts I ever had!

Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren joined us over dinner for a quick interview. The new boss has an elaborate plan to bring the team back to the sharp end of the grid and I like it!

Video Link of the Interview :

While we were enjoying our dinner, Mr. Pedro de la Rosa, Ex-McLaren Driver, Movistar TV Presenter & a thorough gentlemen entered the Ballroom to entertain the guests with his stories! What an amazing human being! He even handed out the latest gear of Logitech - G29 Gaming Wheel & Joystick to a lucky draw winner!

Video Links of his Interview ( Part 1 & 2 ) :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NhS32n94Ms

McLaren's hospitality didn't end with the Gala Dinner. The team were gracious enough to offer Signed Caps, Signed T Shirts & a Mega Prize of a 3 day 2 Night stay at any Hilton Property of the winner's choice! The audience were asked the questions, hands were raised & prizes won! I couldn't win any though :( :(

Mr. Stijn Bastiaens, Sr. Direction Loyalty Parternships for Hilton Hotels giving out the prizes :

I had the privilege of meeting Mr. Stijn who was so happy to meet a Gold Member on HHonors!

Parting Shots from the night :

Saturdays on a Race Weekend are pretty quiet for me when I travel - head to the hotel, hot meal and a shower, get the gear ready and have a good night's sleep. 13th May was really special and I had no intention of making it an early night. I did try my hand at the Simulator which had the Logitech G29 Wheel and I must say its far better than my ageing G25 at home. The ergonomics, buttons' layout, feel, force feedback feels just about right and no I am not trying to flatter anyone. I highly recommend this wheel for gamers.

It was a pleasure meeting F1 loyalists who shared the table with me. It was great to connect with people who are as passionate as a F1 fan can be!

I would like to thank McLaren F1 Team for their hospitality and a memorable evening. A big thank you to Mr. Stijn and the team from the Hilton Diagonal Mar for ensuring top class service throughout the evening. Hatsoff to Logitech for kick-starting the campaign which could open up new opportunities for gamers in the real world.

Finally a thank you to Mr. Wright from Right Formula for inviting me to this wonderful event.

I wish McLaren F1 & its Sponsors all the best for the season ahead! Onwards & Upwards from here!

The First Race of the 2016 F1 Season that I had the privilege of attending was the Spanish Grand Prix. The Race was held on 15th May. I decided to opt for a Mixed Class Experience on Emirates since both the legs to Barcelona were Airbus A380 and the Return legs on the Boeing 777-300ER, so First Class on Outbound, Business Class on Inbound.

My Travel Dates : 12th May 2016 to 20th May 2016.

Mumbai - Barcelona ( 12th May 2016 ) :

Shots from the First Class Lounge :

The Spread in the Lounge :

First Class Suite onboard Emirates :

Aero Bridge retracting from Airbus A380 ( Video Link ):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KETtYVIxj4E

Taxiing to the Runway :

Takeoff from Mumbai International Airport ( Video Link ) :

The Menu enroute to Dubai :

Croissants and Yogurt for Breakfast :

The Airbus A380 has a Lounge behind the Business Class and one must not miss the chance to visit it :

Nearing touchdown at Dubai International Airport :

Landing at Dubai International Airport ( Video Link ) :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=543O6kDVW_4

Dubai International Airport :

Shots from the First Class Lounge :

After a quick nap it was time to board the flight to Barcelona.

My First Class Suite :

Taxiing to the Runway :

Takeoff from Dubai International Airport bound for Barcelona ( Video Link ) :

The Goodies Basket :

The Menu for Flight to Barcelona :

Savoury Snacks to start the journey :

Lunch Service commences :

Spending some time in the Onboard Lounge :

76 Business Class Seats :

A Mini-bar in First Class :

A Quick Walk-through the Business Class ( Video Link ) :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yY5ofM45dKI

A Quick Walk-through First Class ( Video Link ) :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BvKkMto_VY

The Bed ready and set for the nap :

My First Class Suite ( Video Link ) :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2rUKmEDEyo

I always choose to have a shower an hour before landing. The Washroom doubles up as a Shower Facility onboard the A380 :

Video Link for Shower Spa :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhvUx6oowK4

Some fruits before landing :

Approaching Barcelona. The Compass Feature is beautiful on ICE :

Nearing Touchdown :

Landing at Barcelona Airport ( Video Link ) :

Barcelona El Prat International Airport :

A quick exit from the Airport Formalities and a spanking new BMW 7 Series was waiting for me to drop me at Novotel Barcelona City.

Enroute to the Hotel :

Barcelona - Mumbai ( 20th May 2016 ) :

The Mercedes Viano Van for return transfer :


Driving to the Airport :


All formalities complete in record time, it was time to relax in the lounge, common for First and Business :


My Business Class Seat to Dubai :


Ginger Ale, not anything else ;)


Dinner Options on-board :


Taxiing to the Runway :


Takeoff from Barcelona ( Video Link ) :




The English Premier League Show. Fairy Tale Story of Leicester City FC :


Dinner :


Such a comfortable looking bed :


"Hitting the Apex" a Fantastic Presentation about Moto GP riders :


Approaching Dubai International Airport :


Landing at Dubai International Airport ( Video Link ) :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bmYFMPjrbY


Touchdown at Dubai International Airport :


A Very Comfortable Bus Ride to the Airport Terminal :


Business Class Lounge in Dubai :


Business Class seats on final leg :


The Menu for the Final Leg :


Really? A Watch this expensive?!!


Goodbye Dubai, until next time :


Takeoff from Dubai International Airport ( Video Link ) :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQb0ayaPOrs


Lunch Service :


Touching down in Mumbai :


Landing at Mumbai Airport ( Video Link ) :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qzli7HRoPLA



Mumbai International Airport :


Being picked up by a Mercedes C Class from Mumbai :

A very relaxing journey, lip smacking food, luxurious transfers, what more can an airline do to pamper you! Thoroughly impressed by the service by Emirates and I can't think of flying with any other airline.

The next trip will feature the Mixed Class Travel to Budapest. Thank you for being patient.