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!
Day 3 of the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix. D Day. The Day that matters.
Ferrari had faltered in Qualifying but their Race Simulations showed good pace on Friday.
I was pretty optimistic!
Photos shot with Sony HX400V, GoPro Hero4 Black and Samsung Note 5.
Enroute to the Circuit :
I decided to stay outside the Paddock area and hoped to meet some more famous people. My wish was fulfilled!
Piero Ferrari, Son of founder of Ferrari, Enzo Ferrari :
I was then able to have a moment with the man I adore and follow with zeal. MR. KIMI RAIKKONEN!!
Marcus Ericsson, driver for Sauber F1 Team :
Soon I noticed commotion in a corner. I was wondering what was going on. Then I realized it was Lewis Hamilton! He had ridden to the circuit on his MV Augusta Brutale 800!
What a stunning bike!
A moment with the Triple World Champion :
Sergio Perez, driver for Sahara Force India F1 :
Nico Hulkenberg, driver for Sahara Force India F1 :
Daniel Ricciardo ( Red Bull Racing ) again!
Nico Rosberg, one of the fastest guys on the grid driving for Mercedes AMG F1 Team :
Valtteri Bottas, Williams Martini Racing Driver :
Felipe Massa, Williams Martini Racing :
Jolyon Palmer, 2014 GP2 Champion & Renault Sport F1 Team Driver :
Esteban Ocon, Reserve Driver of Renault Sport F1 :
Daniil Kvyat, formerly a Red Bull Racing driver and now a Scuderia Toro Rooso Driver ( felt he was wronged ) :
Jenson Button! McLaren F1 Team Driver and 2009 World Champion!
Double World Champion and McLaren-Honda F1 Racing Driver, Fernando Alonso!
Romain Grosjean from Haas F1 Team :
Esteban Gutierrez of Haas F1 Team :
The Trophy for the Race Winner :
The Paddock on Sunday Morning :
Michael Latifi, Nicholas Latifi's ( DAMS GP2 Racer ) Brother :
I made it to the Scuderia Ferrari F1 Club and we were joined by Paul Hembery, Motorsport Director of Pirelli :
We were soon joined by Maurizio Arrivabene, Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team Principal in the Suite :
Video Link :
A Moment with the Boss :
Arrivabene left and it was time for Sebastian Vettel to visit the Suite. His Helmet and Race Suit :
Sebastian Vettel :
Vettel Q & A in the Suite ( Video Link ) :
A moment with the Quadruple World Champion!
Time to binge :
I didn't have much time during the Pit Lane Walk and was more concerned with getting a good view for the start of the race :
The grid being set up :
Cars out on sighting laps :
Cars being rolled to their grid spots :
Shots of the grid :
Scuderia Ferrari F1 on the grid :
Selfies with the GoPro :
The Kids who sang the Spanish National Anthem :
Some more shots :
Drivers & Team Personnel getting ready :
Cars ready for the formation lap :
Formation Lap - 2016 Spanish GP Video Link :
Lining up for the Race Start :
The 5 Red Lights illuminate and the Spanish Grand Prix is a go!
2016 Spanish Grand Prix Start ( Video Link ) :
The race started and Nico Rosberg lead Hamilton into T1 but both had a shocking coming together and got taken out at lap 1 much to the delight of the crowd at the race; guess they knew we would see one of the best races ever!
Safety Car was deployed to clear the mess :
Safety Car Deployed ( Video Link ) :
Race Restart after the Safety Car ( Video Link ) :
Shots from the Race! Got loads this time. Ricciardo lead the way only to lose the lead to Max Verstappen due to an extra pit stop. He was running 4th after that. Vettel too had an extra pit stop and fell back to 3rd while Kimi Raikkonen moved up to 2nd.
Scuderia Ferrari F1 during the race :
The Pit Wall was busy with giving important info to the drivers :
Video Links of 5 Pit Stops ( Total ) for Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen ( in chronological order ) :
Kimi's 1st Stop :
Seb's 1st Stop :
Seb's 2nd Stop :
Kimi's 2nd Stop :
Seb's 3rd Stop :
Kimi Raikkonen was chasing down Max Verstappen throughout the race. However the Red Bull was fantastic out of the final turn so the DRS on the Start Finish Straight proved ineffective.
Daniel Ricciardo was catching Vettel after his third stop and he did try a bold move which didn't come out right. Unfortunately he picked up a puncture in the fag end of the race and had to pit on the penultimate lap.
Ricciardo coming in to pit ( Video Link ) :
Max Verstappen held on to take the chequered flag and victory on his debut race for Red Bull! Unbelievable! Spare a thought for Dany Kvyat who was demoted to Toro Rosso for the same weekend. Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel drove strong races and finished on the podium for Ferrari! A Highly Successful weekend considering the state of affairs on Saturday Evening!
Chequered Flag ( Video Link ) :
Team Personnel, media and the fans running towards the podium to celebrate :
Hosts from the Scuderia Ferrari F1 Club :
Red Bull Team Personnel Celebrating the win :
Final shots of the Paddock :
I left the Paddock Club and decided to hang around for sometime to see if I could get the opportunity of meeting some more people. I was happy that I stayed back!
Mark Arnall ( Kimi Raikkonen's Physio ) who obliged for a quick selfie with the packed trophy!
Spanish Arts Administrator & Podium Interviewer for the Spanish GP Placido Domingo :
Nicolas Todt, FIA President Jean Todt's Son :
Eric Boullier, Racing Director of McLaren F1 Team :
Britta Roeske, Sebastian Vettel's PR :
Pascal Wehrlein, Manor F1 Racing Driver & Mercedes Development Driver, a really nice guy!
Susie Wolff, Formerly Test Driver for Williams F1 Racing and Mr. Toto Wolff's wife :
Toto Wolff, Executive Director of Mercedes AMG F1 Team :
Susie and Toto Wolff were so kind to a young fan named Heilly :) The Couple are the nicest people in F1
Rio Haryanto, Race driver for Manor F1 Team :
Christian Horner, Team Principal of Red Bull Racing F1 :
Made New Friends over the weekend : Darren, Toni, Chris, Maurizio & Roberto
Returning to Barcelona :
It was a Fantastic Sunday at the Spanish Grand Prix. If the Two Mercedes AMG cars had not taken each other out, we wouldn't have seen Ferrari get a double podium. The Fans went home happy. Raikkonen had a great outing and I was so proud of the Iceman. The win still eludes him but I stay positive. His time will come! Verstappen won on debut for Red Bull Racing while Daniil Kvyat struggled post his demotion to Toro Rosso. Do feel for him.
However, for Many this was the best race up until that point.
I would like to thank Scuderia Ferrari F1 and the Hosts at the Ferrari F1 Club for all their Hospitality shown to me. The only disappointment was that the guests at the club didn't get a photo opportunity with the trophies ( unlike Lotus F1, now Renault Sport F1 ). I wish it was different.
A Big Thank You to Edge Global F1 for a hassle free, memorable experience! Flawless Service!
The Spanish Grand Prix experience doesn't end here, the experience at the First day of Testing still remains!
Friday at the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix was a memorable one. Saturdays start early with Team Pit-Stop Practice and then Free Practice 3 followed by the Qualifying Session. This just wasn't any other Saturday..
The Saturday experience starts now!
Photos from Sony HX400V Camera, GoPro Hero4 Black & Samsung Note 5.
Early Morning Start to the day, enroute to the circuit :
Reach the Circuit and walk straight to the Pit Lane for the First Pit Lane Walk of the day.
Shots from the Note 5 Camera :
GoPro :
Shots from the Scuderia Ferrari Garage :
The Pit Lane Walk ended and I came across a really expensive parking lot! DROOL :
Breakfast in the Paddock :
The View on Saturday Morning as the FP3 session goes green :
The Helicopter in Position for overhead shots :
FP3 features most cars running qualifying simulations. On some occasions drivers who had their Friday compromised run race simulation for a short time :
Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team in Free Practice 3 :
Shots of the GoPro :
Nico Rosberg, Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel had less than two-tenths of a second between them while Kimi Raikkonen was a second off the pace in 6th. It seemed like Mercedes had sold Ferrari the dummy again!
We were soon joined by Ferrari Reserve Drive Jean-Eric Vergne in the Suite :
A Quick selfie with the Flying Frenchman!
Pirelli's Racing Manager Mario Isola Interview in the Suite :
Video Link :
A moment with the man :
Pirelli showcasing Miniatures of all the Tyre Compounds used for the season :
Lunch :
Soon it was time for the Pit Lane walk before Qualifying. Some shots :
Guess who popped in for an interview with Sky Italia? Jorge Lorenzo! 2015 MotoGP Champion!
Shots from the Pit Lane walk with the GoPro :
Karun Chandok, ex-F1 Driver from India, now with Channel 4 :
The Track ready for battle!
Q1 underway :
Scuderia Ferrari F1 in Q1 :
Chequered Flag :
Returning to the pits :
Nico Rosberg topped the timesheets in Q1. Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel were 5th and 6th respectively.
Shots from Q2 :
Scuderia Ferrari F1 during Q2 :
Chequered Flag :
Jenson Button walking down the pit-lane after Q2 and after elimination.
Lewis Hamilton upped his game and topped Q2. Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel were 4th and 6th. Red Bull were in the mix. Q3 was going to be one big battle!
Q3 begins :
Scuderia Ferrari F1 in Q3 :
Chequered Flag :
Media getting ready on Parc Ferme :
Lewis Hamitlon grabbed Pole Position. Nico Rosberg and Daniel Ricciardo completed the top 3. Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel finished 5th and 6th, much to the disappointment of the tifosi.
Qualifying ended and we were soon joined by the man I was waiting to get a glimpse of : KIMI RAIKKONEN. Didn't get a decent picture with him though. Photos taken by the team host in the suite :
Kimi Raikkonen Q&A ( Video Link ), Kimi sharing about qualifying and the prospects for Sunday :
Kimi left and it was time for the GP2 Feature Race on Saturday!
GP2 Formation Lap ( Video Link ) :
GP2 Feature Race Start ( Video Link ) :
GP2 Feature Race Chequered Flag ( Video Link ) :
I decided to head to the Support Race Paddock during the GP2 Feature Race to see the preparations before Race 1 for GP3 teams and Mahaveer Raghunathan. Amazing Access and Exposure!
GP3 Race 1 Start ( Video Link ) :
The Paddock closing time neared and I made my way to the exit only to meet a host of F1 Fraternity. So who did I have the privilege of meeting?
Carlos Sainz Sr.
Federica Masolin from Sky Italia :
Antonio Boselli from Sky Italia :
Moko!
Jennie Gow from BBC F1 :
Sir Frank Williams, Founder & Team Principal of Williams F1 Team :
Alex Lynn, DAMS GP2 Racer and Williams F1 Development Driver :
I then decided to walk to the other Gate and I had the privilege of meeting Drivers and Senior Personnel of various teams.
Bob Fernley, Deputy Team Principal, Sahara Force India F1 Team :
Franz Tost, Team Principal, Scuderia Toro Rosso F1 Team :
Simon Rennie, Racing Engineer for ( Daniel Ricciardo ) Red Bull Racing F1 :
Carlos Sainz Jr., Scuderia Toro Rosso Driver :
The Honey Badger! Daniel Ricciardo of Red Bull Racing F1:
Monisha Kaltenborn, Team Principal for Sauber F1 Team :
John Booth, Scuderia Toro Rosso ( Formerly team principal for Marussia ) :
Paddy Lowe, Executive Director of Mercedes AMG F1 Team :
Felipe Nasr of Sauber F1 Team :
The Sky was overcast for quite a while and then the rain came pounding down!
Cyril Abiteboul, MD of Renault Sport F1 Team :
Alain Prost, The Perfectionist :
Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing in his debut weekend for his team :
Having a good laugh with Pascal Wehrlein, Manor Racing F1 Driver and Development Driver for Mercedes!
It was a brilliant and a very eventful Saturday at the Spanish Grand Prix. The Qualifying positions were far from ideal for Ferrari but Sunday is what matters and race pace has always been our forte!
I would like to thank Scuderia Ferrari F1 for all the hospitality shown to me and also to Edge Global F1 for ensuring a hassle free weekend!
Spain has produced some stunning races over the years. Circuit de Catalunya, a 40 minute drive from Barcelona is a highly technical circuit and it can lay bare all the shortcomings of a car.
A visit to Barcelona was long overdue ( after the footballing trip in 2012 ) and I am so glad I chose to do it this year. I was a guest of the Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team for the 3 days.
As always, I start off with Day 1 i.e. Friday, this being the First Post from the "Paddock Club Diaries" from Spain.
Photos from Sony HX-400V, Samsung Note 5 and the GoPro Hero4 Black.
Passes for the Weekend :
Enroute to the Circuit, getting in and out of the circuit is a breeze. If one can spend, taking taxis to and fro is the best way to travel.
Shots from the First Pit-Lane Walk, early in the morning. Very Few Guests and one can get a lot closer to the cars during this time :
Shots from the Ferrari Garage :
I also got a chance to have a great conversation with Mr. Nick Chester, Renault Sport F1 Team's Technical Director :
Here are some Video Links of various engines being Fired up before the start of Free Practice 1 which immediately follows the Pit-Lane walk :
Jenson Button :
Daniil Kvyat :
Fernando Alonso :
Kimi Raikkonen :
A Quick Systems Check on Kimi Raikkonen's Car ( Video Link ) :
Post the walk, it was time to enter the Paddock Club building and here is a view of the Paddock from there :
Ferrari F1 Club, the Hospitality Suite of Ferrari :
View from the Club :
Kimi Raikkonen Supporters! C'mon Kimi!!
The Standings Board :
The Pit Walls getting busy for Free Practice 1 :
I had the opportunity of being in the Garage for a short period of time during Free Practice 1. Ofcourse Photography is banned in the Garage.
Shots from FP1 :
Scuderia Ferrari F1 in Free Practice 1 :
Chequered Flag :
Sebastian Vettel tried to leave the pit lane before the session ended. However the Pit Lane lights turn red and he had to stop at the end of the Pit Lane only to be wheeled back by the mechanics :
Enjoying FP1 ( GoPro Shots ) :
The Ferraris were flying at the end of FP1. Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen led the standings, only a tenth separating the two. Rosberg was another 0.5 second away.
We were soon joined in the Suite by Marc Gene, Test / Development Driver for Ferrari. He was pretty optimistic about our chances.
Video Link of the Interview :
I was invited by my Italian Friend and Trainer in the GP2 / GP3 series to visit the Support Race Paddock and meet Mr. Mahaveer Raghunathan, the First Indian entrant in GP3. Frankly, it was my first time in the Support Race Paddock and feel like kicking myself for not going on previous occasions.
Mahaveer Raghunathan & his Father. RESPECT the man who has made so many sacrifices to fulfill his son's dream :
My Friend Federico Stirpe :
The Menu for lunch :
Lunch!
I didn't get much time as I got late from the Support Race Paddock and apologies for only a few photos from the 2nd Pit Lane Walk :
Jock Clear ( Ex-Mercedes ), Senior Performance Engineer for Ferrari :
Romeo Bonucchi of Ferrari :
Shots with the GoPro :
Free Practice 2 began in full earnest, the First Half of which Drivers ran Qualifying Simulations followed by Race Simulations.
Photos Galore from FP2, ENJOY!!
Scuderia Ferrari F1 during FP2 :
GoPro doing a brilliant job again in FP2 :
Chequered Flag :
FP2 ended with Nico Rosberg topping the timesheets for Mercedes. Kimi Raikkonen was only two-tenths off his time. Lewis Hamilton & Sebastian Vettel completed the top 4.
The Stands bearing a deserted look at the end of FP2 :
Post FP2, it was time for GP2 Qualifying :
I decided to head down to the F1 Simulator with my friends in the Paddock Club. The Simulator now features the Oculus Virtual Gear, quite a nifty piece of equipment :
It was soon time to head back to Barcelona after an eventful Friday :
Ferrari had a strong Friday and the gap to Mercedes seemed pretty small but everyone was wary and rightly so. Mercedes have sold Ferrari the dummy many times on Friday so Saturday would give us the true story.
I would like to thank the Hosts at the Ferrari F1 Club and Scuderia Ferrari for their Hospitality.
A Big Thank you to Edge Global Events for ensuring all arrangements were in place and I didn't face any hassles.
Saturday and Sunday to follow, thanks for your support!
2016 is the longest season in F1 with 21 Races. Plans were drawn early in the year for me and Spain, Monaco & Hungary remained the European Circuits that I still needed to be at. Spain & Hungary were the ones chosen for this year and I couldn't wait to be at the Circuit De Catalunya in Montmelo, a 40 minute drive from Barcelona.
First Up, The Circuit is a must do for every fan. Its easiest to get to in terms of access and I got to meet practically everyone from the grid!
This should be the longest "Gallery of Memories" to date.
Photos shot with GoPro Hero4 Black, Samsung Note 5 by a new Friend Mr. Toni Mengibar!
Ok so here goes!
Nick Chester, Renault F1 Team Technical Director :
Mahaveer Raghunathan! The First Indian to be racing in GP3, the Support Series :
Jock Clear, Senior Performance Engineer at Scuderia Ferrari :
Romeo Bonucchi of Scuderia Ferrari :
Jean-Eric Vergne, Reserve Driver for Scuderia Ferrari :
Mario Isola, Pirelli's Racing Engineer :
Karun Chandok :
Carlos Sainz!
Federica Masolin from Sky Italia :
Antonio Boselli from Sky Italia :
Bob Fernley from Sahara Force India :
Moko, one of Kimi's Closest Friends :
Jennie Gow from BBC F1 :
Sir Frank Williams, Founder & Team Principal of Williams F1 Racing Team :
Alex Lynn, DAMS GP2 and Williams F1 Development Driver :
Franz Tost, Team Principal of Scuderia Toro Rosso :
Simon Rennie, Racing Engineer for Red Bull Racing F1 :
Carlos Sainz Jr., Scuderia Toro Rosso Driver :
The Honey Badger! Daniel Ricciardo of Red Bull Racing F1 :
Monisha Kaltenborn, Team Principal for Sauber F1 Team :
John Booth, Scuderia Toro Rosso ( Formerly team principal for Marussia )
Paddy Lowe, Executive Director of Mercedes AMG F1 Team :
Felipe Nasr of Sauber F1 Team :
Cyril Abiteboul, MD of Renault Sport F1 Team :
Alain Prost, The Perfectionist :
Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing in his debut weekend for his team :
These were photos from Saturday Evening. Now for those from Sunday!
Piero Ferrari, Son of founder Enzo Ferrari :
Does this man need an introduction? Kimi Raikkonen! Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team!
Marcus Ericsson, driver for Sauber F1 Team :
Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes AMG F1 and 3 time World Champion!
Sergio Perez, driver for Sahara Force India F1 :
Nico Hulkenberg, driver for Sahara Force India F1 :
Nico Rosberg, one of the fastest guys on the grid driving for Mercedes AMG F1 Team :
Valtteri Bottas, Williams Martini Racing Driver :
Felipe Massa, Williams Martini Racing :
Jolyon Palmer, 2014 GP2 Champion & Renault Sport F1 Team Driver :
Esteban Ocon, Reserve Driver of Renault Sport F1 :
Daniil Kvyat, formerly a Red Bull Racing driver and now a Scuderia Toro Rooso Driver ( felt he was wronged ) :
Jenson Button! McLaren F1 Team Driver :
Double World Champion and McLaren-Honda F1 Racing Driver, Fernando Alonso!
Romain Grosjean from Haas F1 Team :
Esteban Gutierrez of Haas F1 Team :
Michael Latifi, Nicholas Latifi's ( DAMS GP2 Racer ) Brother :
Paul Hembery, Motorsport Director of Pirelli!
Maurizio Arrivabene, Team Principal of Scuderia Ferrari F1 :
Sebastian Vettel, 4 time World Champion and Scuderia Ferrari F1 Driver :
Ferrari achieved a double podium with Kimi Raikkonen finishing 2nd & Sebastian Vettel 3rd. However we couldn't get photo opportunities with the Trophy.
However I bumped into Mark Arnall ( Kimi Raikkonen's Physio ) who obliged with a quick selfie with the packed trophy!
Spanish Arts Administrator & Podium Interviewer for the Spanish GP Placido Domingo :
Nicolas Todt, FIA President Jean Todt's Son :
Eric Boullier, Racing Director of McLaren F1 Team :
Britta Roeske, Sebastian Vettel's PR :
Pascal Wehrlein, Manor F1 Racing Driver & Mercedes Development Driver, a really nice guy!
Susie Wolff, Formerly Test Driver for Williams F1 Racing and Mr. Toto Wolff's wife :
Toto Wolff, Executive Director of Mercedes AMG F1 Team :
Christian Horner, Team Principal of Red Bull Racing F1 :
Rio Haryanto, Race driver for Manor F1 Team :
Hosts from the Scuderia Ferrari F1 Club :
Dani Clos, Driver of now Defunct HRT Racing F1 Team :
Made New Friends over the weekend : Darren, Toni, Chris, Maurizio & Roberto
It had been a great weekend at the Spanish Grand Prix. Ferrari getting a double podium was the Icing on the cake! Ofcourse there is the disappointment of not being able to hold the Trophies like the Podiums in 2013 for Lotus F1 in Nurburgring & India but Kimi is performing well and that is important.
I would like to thank Scuderia Ferrari for their Hospitality in the Scuderia Ferrari F1 Club and a Big Thank you to Edge Global Events for all the arrangements made for the weekend!
This was by far the Best weekend ever as I got to meet so many from the F1 Fraternity. This post is just the beginning. There is more on the way!
