Sunday had arrived. The hard work on Friday and Saturday would come to naught if Sunday wasn't a fruitful day for teams and drivers. Sunday is the D Day in F1. A lot can happen on a Sunday. Sebastian Vettel in P2, Kimi Raikkonen in P6...how enjoyable was our Sunday? Time to have a quick recap.

Enroute to the circuit :

A lot of companies offer supercars or even race spec cars for track days at Spa, some were on display.

Supercars on display near the circuit :

A Misty start to the day :

The day begins with the GP3 Race 2. I had the opportunity of being at the end of the Pit Lane and witnessing some Practice Starts. 

Video Link :



GP3 Race 2 Start ( Video Link ) :



The second order of the day was the Formula 2 Sprint Race. 

Cars lining up on the Grid for the start of the F2 Sprint Race :

Race Start ( Video Link ) :



Shots from the F2 Sprint Race :

The Sprint race ended and it was time to welcome the team principal Maurizio Arrivabene and Sebastian Vettel to the Suite for Interviews.

Maurizio Arrivabene Q&A :

The Video Link to the Interview :



Sebastian Vettel in the Ferrari F1 Suite :

I missed Vettel's Interview since I was away in another area getting a photo with Bottas and Seb turned up before his allotted time.

Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes AMG F1 Team :

Meanwhile there was some activity happening ontrack too!

A Vintage Ferrari F1 car doing the rounds around Spa :

A friend of mine was kind enough to offer me a spot on the Gold Tour - The Paddock Club Truck Tour which follows the F1 Drivers' Parade Lap on Sunday. You must receive a Golden Ticket in the F1 Race Programme on Sunday to be eligible for the experience.\

Some great pics from the Sunday Paddock Club Truck Tour :

We made it back to the Club and there was still time for a final walk of the Pit Lane.

Shots from the Final Pit Lane Walk of the weekend :

The Drivers getting ready for the National Anthem at the front of the grid :

Counting down to the Formation lap :

Time to roll out for the Formation lap :

Formation Lap ( Video Link ) :



The Mechanics rushing back to their Pit boxes to prepare for any eventuality during the opening lap :

The 5 Red Lights illuminate and as they go out, the 2018 Belgian Grand Prix is a go!

The Video Link to the Race Start :



Safety Car Period ( Video Link ) :



Shots from the Race :

Kimi Raikkonen was one of those affected from the first lap shunt and suffered from the DRS Rear Wing Flap Failure. His car also had a lot of floor damage and he couldn't continue racing. Sebastian Vettel jumped Lewis Hamilton at the start and the latter could never mount any challenge after that. Ferrari took a deserved win, Lewis Hamilton in P2 and Max Verstappen in P3, leaving the Fans in the "Orange Stand" in a very joyous mood.

Parc Ferme and Sebastian Vettel takes the win, a comfortable win for the Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team :

Celebrations and Interviews before heading to the Podium :

Parc Ferme Celebrations ( Video Link ) :



Podium Celebrations :

Video Link :



Photo Session time :

Time to take the chariots back to their pens!

Friends..Family!

A Moment with the Hosts at Ferrari ( always smiling and welcoming ) and Julia from Red Bull :

I got an opportunity to head down to the Paddock post race and meet and interact with some F1 Fraternity!

Antii Kontsas, Sebastian Vettel's Physio :

Noemi de Miguel, Presenter for Movistar F1 :

Sir Franz Tost, Scuderia Toro Rosso Team Principal :

Mark Webber, ex F1 Driver and Channel 4 Co-Presenter :

Marcus Ericsson, Sauber F1 Team :

Charles LeClerc, Sauber F1 Team :

Pierre Gasly, Scuderia Toro Rosso F1 Team :

Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull Racing F1 Team :

Carlo Santi ( Kimi's Race Engineer ) and Carlos ( handling Engine Data ) from Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team :

The Paddock Packing up for Monza which was the weekend later. 

I made my way back to Aachen, thankful to the Lord for the experiences I experience in life. Yes I was massively disappointed with the result for Kimi but the day was very memorable nonetheless. 

Once again, Scuderia Ferrari had showered me with world class hospitality. Edge Global Events didn't put a foot wrong and ensured a hassle free weekend for me. There is nothing more that I could have asked for from these wonderful people!

The "Paddock Club Diaries" from 2018 will conclude after the Abu Dhabi GP ( Season ender ) experience. So watch this space!

Spa - Francorchamps is one circuit where a spectator loves the early mornings. I love the mist that settles around the Ardennes offering a cold yet blissful view. I headed out from Aachen 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.

The Paddock Club 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 meet Paddy Lowe 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 the F2 Tour and visit the MP Motorsport Garage.

MP Motorsport F2 Car Systems check ( Video Link ) :

Some more shots of the F2 Paddock, a lot more access and easier to meet drivers and team personnel :

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 from Free Practice 3. 

Sebastian Vettel topped the timesheets from Kimi Raikkonen and Lewis Hamilton. FP3 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 to Ferrari and went for a stroll in the Paddock.

The local hero and 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 Force practicing for the Fly Past on Sunday :

Lunch :

It was soon time for Qualifying. I was able to capture shots only from Q1 since I spent the next two sessions in the garage.

Kimi Raikkonen was fastest in Q1 while Sebastian Vettel topped Q2. However the weather changed drastically and it started pouring in Q3. Shockingly Ferrari fueled Kimi 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! Lewis Hamilton took pole from Sebastian Vettel and Esteban Ocon! The latter was a huge surprise as Racing Point timed it right with their lap. Kimi was livid, distraught and going through a range of emotions. Ferrari had messed it up again :(

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

The Interview ( Video Link ) :

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

Kimi Raikkonen Q&A ( Video Link ) :

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

Time for the 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! 

Tadsuke Makino, Russian Time F2 Driver :

Time to head back to Aachen :

It was a great day at the Belgian Grand Prix. There was immense disappointment with the strategic error made by Ferrari with Kimi Raikkonen but all was not lost. Sunday is what mattered...

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

The second race I had the opportunity of attending in 2018 was the Belgian Grand Prix. Its become like an annual pilgrimage to be at Spa - Francorchamps simply because of how beautiful and amazing the track layout is. The weather is always impeccable not to mention the history of racing at this circuit.

Here is a small recap of how the weekend unfolded, starting with Friday.

My friend invited me over for dinner at the Radisson Blu in Spa on Thursday night. Scuderia Ferrari Team personnel stay there as well and my race passes were ready for pickup.

The Race Passes for the weekend :

I also had the opportunity of meeting 2 drivers at the hotel.

Sergio Perez, Racing Point Force India F1 Team :

The Professor! Alain Prost :

Friday morning was an early start from the Pullman in Aachen ( Germany ), a different destination to travel from. 

Enroute to the circuit. Friday Morning was really cold in Spa :

The Taxi service drops you a fair distance from the Circuit entrance, so be prepared to walk a bit : 

The Pit lane walk is the first event of the day for the guests since the Paddock Club doesn't open until 930 in the morning.

Shots from the Pit Lane Walk :

Scuderia Ferrari F1 Garage during the Pit Lane Walk :

Some teams also indulged in Pit Stop Practices.

The Pit lane walk done and it was time to enjoy the sessions from the comfort of our suite :

The Motorhomes neatly arranged on Friday morning, ready for the weekend!

Free Practice 1 underway :

Scuderia Ferrari F1 during FP1 :

Sebastian Vettel was the fastest from Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton in FP1. Kimi Raikkonen was P4.

The lunch menu!

Lunch is served!

Desserts! The Mousse is unbelievable!!

Marc Gene visits us in the Ferrari F1 Suite for a quick rundown of the session and the experience gained from it by the team.

Soon it was time for the 2nd Pit Lane Walk of the day!

I got a chance to meet Renault Sport Academy and Russian Time F2 Driver Artem Markelov!

Time for some GoPro Action in the Pit Lane!

It was then time to head back and get ready for Free Practice 2 :

Kimi Raikkonen was the Fastest in FP2 followed by Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas.

I was down in the garage for the second half of FP2 and had an opportunity of taking in the sights of the Paddock :

I was loitering around the Paddock when I suddenly spotted Kimi Raikkonen walking towards me! I requested for a selfie..this was followed by a pause and then an "OK" My Day was made!!!

It didn't end there. I met many other famous figures from the Racing world.

Christian Horner, Red Bull Racing F1 Team Principal :

Mika Salo, ex-F1 Driver and now a FIA Steward :

Claire Williams, Deputy Team Principal Williams Martini F1 Racing Team :

Karun Chandok, ex-F1 Driver and Presenter for Channel 4 F1 :

Juan Pablo Montoya! The Legend!

I made it back to the Paddock Club and was admiring these racing beauties until it was time to head down for the Paddock Club Track Truck Tour!

bShots from the Track Truck Tour! 

Some more selfies with the GoPro!

It was then time to head back to Aachen Germany and the comfort of the Pullman! 

It was a great day at the Belgian Grand Prix and Ferrari looked strong for the rest of the weekend. 

Thank you to Scuderia Ferrari and their Hospitality team for a great Friday. Thank you to Edge Global Events for their flawless service as always.

Saturday and Sunday Experiences to follow soon!

The 2018 Belgian Grand Prix was the second race of the season that I had the opportunity of attending. The Circuit is in the beautiful town of Spa nestled in the Ardennes. The 3 day experience starts with the "Gallery of Memories" :

Sergio Perez, Sahara Force India F1 Team :

Alain Prost! 4 Time F1 World Champion and the man whose nickname is the "Professor" :

Artem Markelov, Renault Sport F1 Reserve Driver and Russian Time F2 Driver :

KIMI RAIKKONEN!! The weekend is made!

Juan Pablo Montoya! Ex F1 and Nascar Driver from Colombia. He was one fearless racer!

Karun Chandok, Ex F1 Driver from India and now with Channel 4 for F1 broadcasting :

Claire Williams, Deputy Team Principal of Williams Martini F1 Racing Team :

Mika Salo, now a FIA Steward :

Christian Horner, Red Bull Racing F1 Team Principal :

Paddy Lowe of Williams Martini F1 Racing Team :

Callum Illot, Scuderia Ferrari Academy Driver in GP3 :

Jean Alesi, ex Ferrari F1 Driver :

Stoffel Vandoorne, McLaren Renault F1 Team :

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

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

Tadsuke Makino, Russian Time F2 Driver :

Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team :

Antii Kontsas, Sebastian Vettel's Physio and Trainer :

Carlo Santi, Kimi's Race Engineer and Carlos, a part of Kimi's crew :

Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull Racing Team :

Pierre Gasly, Scuderia Toro Rosso F1 Team :

Charles LeClerc, Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team :

Marcus Ericsson, Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team :

Kevin Magnussen, Haas F1 Team :

Romain Grosjean, Haas F1 Team :

Jolyon Palmer, ex GP2 Champion, ex F1 Driver and co-presenter for Channel 4 :

Mark Webber, ex - F1 driver and Channel 4 Presenter :

Sir Franz Tost, Scuderia Toro Rosso F1 Team Principal :

Noemi de Miguel of Movistar F1 :

There is a lot to write about the Friday, Saturday and Sunday Experiences. I shall be posting about these soon! Apologies for the delay.

The Belgian Grand Prix was the second race in 2017 that I had the opportunity of attending. Emirates offers only service to Brussels so it was imperative to have bookings done on time. I decided on a Mixed Class Journey - First to Brussels and Business on Return.

The Outbound Journey was on 22nd August and the Return on 30th August

Mumbai - Brussels ( 22nd August 2017 ) :

Shots from the First and Business Class Lounge in Mumbai :

Midnight Binging in the Lounge!

They also have A-La-Carte on offer for Guests flying First Class :

Kathi Rolls, delicious as ever!

The First Class Suite, a new Airbus A380 this :

Mumbai - Dubai Breakfast Menu :

ICE - Emirates Award Winning In-flight Entertainment System :

Takeoff from Mumbai ( Video Link ) :



Enjoying some Yogurt and Poha for breakfast :

A Short Haul journey, so the Bar bears a deserted look in front of the First Class Cabins :

Dubai awaits our arrival!

Touchdown Dubai International Airport :

Landing at Dubai International Airport ( Video Link ) :



First Class Lounge at Dubai Airport :

The 2nd leg of the Trip was in a Boeing 777-300ER and the layout is slightly different to the Airbus A380. I feel the seats are slightly wider.

The Goodies Basket, Mini Bar and Arabian Dates with Arabian Coffee!

Taxiing to the Runway. Emirates Airlines all around us!

Enroute to Brussels!

Takeoff from Dubai bound for Brussels ( Video Link ) :



Lunch Menu :

Arabic Mezze, Prawn Machbous and Sticky Date Pudding!

The Bed is made, Time for a snooze!

Nearing touchdown at Brussels :

Brussels International Airport!

Landing at Brussels International Airport ( Video Link ) :



A Mercedes S Class to ferry me to the Hotel :

Brussels - Mumbai ( 30th August 2017 ) :

Mercedes E Class for the return pickup :

Enroute to the Airport :

The First and Business Class Lounge in Brussels. The Mousse was excellent :

My Business Class seat for the 1st leg of the return journey :

Live TV on offer onboard!

The Pushback and it was time for takeoff :

Goodbye Brussels :

Takeoff from Brussels ( Video Link ) :



Lunch Menu :

Lunch is served!

Touching down in Dubai :

Touchdown at Dubai ( Video Link ) :

The Business Class Lounge in Dubai :

I was boarding my flight for Mumbai when I got informed that Emirates had upgraded me to First Class! Well Thank you!

First Class Suite :

Breakfast Menu :

Making our way to the Runway :

Takeoff from Dubai bound for Mumbai ( Video Link ) :



Some Crisps, Pakodas and Cappuccino :

Descending into Mumbai :

A Lovely morning at Mumbai International Airport :

Landing at Mumbai ( Video Link ) :

Emirates once again ensured that I had a memorable trip. The Upgrade to First Class for the Final leg of the Trip was really appreciated since it was a Red Eye Flight from Dubai. Being a Gold Member on Emirates always has its perks!

Emirates First and Business Class Experience to Cape Town is up next!

Sunday had arrived! D day! The Day that mattered! Friday and Saturday's performances are meaningless if a team or driver can't perform on the Sunday!

Race Day beckoned and once again it was an early start to the day. The Commute from Hasselt could easily take a good 2 hours..so it was imperative to head out at 630 in the morning.

Enroute to the Circuit :

Croissants for Breakfast!

The Second Event of the day was the Formula 2 Sprint Race. I was busy shopping in the F1 Village hence missed Race 2 of GP3.

Formula 2 Sprint Race Formation Lap ( Video Link ) :

 

Formula 2 Sprint Race Start ( Video Link ) :

 

Lap 1 of Formula 2 Sprint Race ( Video Link ) :

 

Formula 2 ended and we were joined by Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team Principal Maurizio Arrivabene in the Ferrari F1 Club :

A Moment with the Man :

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

Kimi Raikkonen then visited the club for a quick Q&A!

I had to run behind him to click this. He did stop but my phone camera failed me! This was the best I could do! Next time..

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

 

A Quick lunch before heading down for the final pit lane walk of the weekend!

Shots from the Pit Lane Walk :

Mick Schumacher driving his father's Benetton!

Some Stills with the GoPro Hero5 Black :

Gino Rosato from Ferrari :

Time to return to the Paddock Club and grab a vantage point for the race!

Cars heading out for the sighting laps as the pit lane opens :

Team Personnel, celebrities make their way to the grid :

Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team readying their grid slots :

5 minutes to the Race Start :

Kimi Raikkonen doing a final run through with his strategists :

The Grid gearing up for the start of the Formation Lap..the tension mounts!

The Clock winds down and we are ready for the Formation Lap before the Start of the Belgian GP!

Formation Lap ( Video Link ) :

 

Race Start ( Video Link ) :

Lap 1 of the 2017 Belgian Grand Prix ( Video Link ) :

 

Shots from the Belgian Grand Prix :

Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team fighting it out in the Belgian Grand Prix :

Chequered Flag ( Video Link ) :




Lewis Hamilton took victory from Sebastian Vettel and Daniel Ricciardo. Kimi Raikkonen finished P4 while Valtteri Bottas had a race to forget in P5.


Cars returning to Parc Ferme :

The Podium Celebrations!!

Crowds allowed to run onto the track after the race and join in the celebrations

Mechanics rolling the cars back to the garages post race :

Lewis Hamilton decides to join his faithful and do some crowd-surfing.

Scuderia Ferrari were gracious enough to bring Vettel's P2 Trophy to the Paddock Club.

With Sebastian's P2 Trophy :

Some more pics with Friends over the weekend.

A Selfie with the Hosts in the Ferrari F1 Club :

Packing up to head to Monza which was only a week away, so the turnaround time was short.

Enjoying the Track Walk after the Race!

Massimo Rivola, Scuderia Ferrari Academy Supremo :

Carlos Sainz, Scuderia Toro Rosso F1 Team :

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

Daniil Kvyat, Scuderia Toro Rosso F1 Team :

Moko!

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

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

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

Returning to Hasselt from Spa :

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. Of course Kimi Raikkonen just missing out on the podium was a disappointment but the team had a great weekend nonetheless. A big thank you to Edge Global Events for ensuring nothing was out of place and ensuring that I had an enjoyable weekend.

Sadly this marks the end of the Paddock Club Diaries for 2017. The Diaries shall return in the 2018 Season!

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 (  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 Link  ) :





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..

The Latest post in the Paddock Club Diaries comes in from the 2017 Belgian Grand Prix. The Event was held from 22nd August to 24th August at the iconic Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps.

I had the privilege of being a guest of Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team in the Paddock Club and as always, the first post is from what I experienced on Friday.

I stayed at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Hasselt. Hasselt is the birthplace of Red Bull Racing Driver Max Verstappen and about an hour's drive from the circuit. An early morning drive from Hasselt is recommended as the traffic was atrocious going into Spa.

Enroute to the Circuit :

The Race Passes picked up from Radisson Blu Hotel in Spa :

Walking to the circuit :

The Scuderia Ferrari F1 Club :

The View from the Ferrari F1 Club :

I didn't have the opportunity of making it to the First Pit Lane walk of the day and as soon as I settled in the Suite, it was time for Free Practice 1.

Shots from FP1 :

Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team during FP1 :

Chequered Flag :



Kimi Raikkonen was the fastest in FP1 with Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel completing the Top 3. Only a tenth of a second separated the trio.

Marc Gene visits the Ferrari F1 Club for a quick Q&A :

Video Link of the Interview :

A Moment with Marc Gene :

Friends, Scuderia Ferrari Family!

Prior to the Pit Lane Walk, I signed up to go downstairs and join other guests on a truck which would take us around the track for an amazing tour. Its a part of the F1 Experiences, a new initiative by the new owners of F1 to bring the sport closer to its fans.

I got the Chance to do the Paddock Club Track Truck Tour. The Best Experience ever!

Video Link of the Track Truck Tour :

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

The Scuderia Ferrari Garage :

Sebastian Vettel's Ferrari being readied for FP2 ( Video Link ) :

Lunch!

I had a hearty lunch and it was time to settle in for Free Practice 2. FP2 saw limited running after an hour thanks to rain belting down on the track. Only Daniel Ricciardo and Fernando Alonso volunteered to venture out but the conditions got treacherous really quickly.

Shots from FP2 :

Free Practice 2 saw Lewis Hamilton set the Fastest time. Kimi Raikkonen and Valtteri Bottas not too far behind.

The track was then thrown open to the 2 Seater F1 Cars from the F1 Experiences.

2 Seater F1 cars offering those with deep pockets a couple of laps around the circuit. A new venture called F1 Experiences.

Formula 2 cars then took to the track for the Qualifying Session.

Qualifying Session of F2 :

The Session over, it was time to head back to the hotel, get some dinner, rest and be ready for Saturday Morning!

Returning to Hasselt :

It was quite an eventful Friday. I got the opportunity to be in the garage when it was raining in FP2 and the Ferrari cars up close!


Thank you to Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team and the hosts for hosting me over the weekend. Thank you to Edge Global Events for ensuring everything was arranged for and I was not found wanting anything.

Saturday and Sunday experiences to follow soon. Watch this space!

The 2nd Race I had the privilege of attending in 2015 was at Spa Francorchamps in Belgium. Spa is a fair distance away from Brussels, the capital of Belgium but closer to the German Town of Aachen & Dutch Town of Maastricht. I had to make a choice and chose Maastricht as my resting place for the First 4 days of my trip.

I flew out of Mumbai on 20th August 2015 bound for Brussels. Maastricht was an hour away from the airport. The return pickup was form the heart of Brussels and on 28th August 2015.

Mumbai - Brussels ( 20th August 2015 ) :

A brisk check-in, not so brisk Security and Immigration check and it was time to relax in the lounge.

Shots from the Lounge :

The Boarding commenced and I received a big surprise. I had been upgraded to First Class due to the Flight being overbooked. I had Bollywood Celebrity Akshay Kumar and I wasn't complaining.

Well, who doesn't enjoy an upgrade! My First Class Suite!

Shots of the Suite from the GoPro Hero4 Black :

The Best Piece of News I received on boarding the flight. Ferrari had retained Raikkonen for 2016! YES!

The Menu onboard :

Taxiing to the runway :

Video Link to the Airbus A380 taking off from Mumbai International Airport :

Breakfast service :

I decided to sleep during the flight and was awakened when the flight was nearing touchdown at Dubai International Airport :

Video Link for the Emirates A380 landing at Dubai International Airport :

A quick transit and it was time to relax in the Business Class Lounge :

Business Class enroute to Brussels :

Taxiing to the Runway :

Spoilt for choice when it comes to food!

Video Link for the 777-300ER takeoff from Dubai :

Up in the air, Brussels beckons!

Live TV on ICE, Emirates' entertainment system :

Kimi Raikkonen sounds so happy about his contract renewal at Ferrari :

Food, food and more food!

Flying over different European Cities :

Nearing touchdown at Brussels :

Video link of the Emirates 777-300ER landing at Brussels :

Mercedes E Class for pickup at Brussels, nicely done!

Enroute to Maastricht, Netherlands. Emirates chauffeur drive are allowed to cross borders.

Brussels - Mumbai ( 28th August 2015 ) :

My Pickup was a Mercedes Minivan again :

Enroute to Brussels International Airport :

The formalities complete, time to enjoy the Hospitality in the Lounge :

Business Class onboard Boeing 777-300ER :

Heading towards the Runway :

Video Link for the Takeoff from Brussels Airport :

Up in the Air :

Flight Path :

Lunch Service onboard :

Time to have a nap :

Video Link for the landing at Dubai Interantional Airport :

Business Class Lounge at Dubai :

The return flight was also a 777-300ER and a red-eye flight.

The Menu Onboard :

Bye bye Dubai :

Video Link of the takeoff :

Breakfast Service :

Touching down at Mumbai Airport on a very rainy morning!

Video link to the touchdown at Mumbai Airport :

It was the first time that I had to travel in the afternoon on a return flight since Emirates only operates one flight to Brussels. I landed at 9 in the morning which was pretty bizarre and personally I would still prefer a night flight for my return.

Nevertheless the service onboard was impeccable. Only one post remains in the Flying Diaries series ( Mumbai - London ) but rapid updates coming your way. The latest being the F1 Season preview.

Watch this space!

The Big Day had arrived! It was the day of the 2015 Belgian Grand Prix! Saturday was a disaster for Ferrari and Kimi but Sunday was the day that mattered and with renewed hopes I set out early in the morning hoping to catch up on some action before the race!

Enroute to the circuit :

Walking to the circuit from La Source. There are driving experiences available at Spa Francorchamps :

La Source from the Paddock Club :

GP2 grid being readied for the Sprint Race :

Shots of the Ferrari F1 Club with the GoPro Hero4 Black :

1 Minute to Formation Lap :

Video Link to the GP2 Sprint Race Formation Lap :

GP2 Sprint Race Start ( Video Link ) :

GP2 Sprint Race Lap 1 ( Video Link ) :

Shots from the GP2 Sprint Race :

GP2 cars going around Blanchimont and into the Bus Stop Chicane :

Shots of the GoPro!

A Quick Selfie of Sorts with Lewis Hamilton :

Maurizio Arrivabene later joined by Kimi Raikkonen in the Ferrari F1 Club :

Video Link to Arrivabene and Raikkonen Interview. Apologies for the poor sound quality :

Both looking in different directions. EPIC SELFIE FAIL :

Maurizio Arrivabene being gracious as always :

Lunch before the final Pit lane walk of the weekend :

Shots from the Pit Lane Walk :

Trackside photos before the grid fills up!

Photos from the Pit Lane Walk with the GoPro Hero4 Black :

Drivers returning from the Track Parade :

A Moment with Kevin Magnussen. Hope to see him return to the grid.

Grid Girls making it to the Grid :

Some Photos with the GoPro! We all had to pick our places!

Martin Brundle's Grid Walk :

Kimi Raikkonen and other drivers make it to the front of the grid for the national anthem :

Some More Shots of the Grid Preparations :

Ferrari's Race preparations in full swing :

Final Minutes of Preparation :

Kimi Raikkonen had to undergo a gearbox change but due to the numerous penalties around him, his effective grid position was 14th.

The Countdown to the Start of the Formation Lap ( in Minutes ) :

Cars roll out for the Formation Lap :

Blanchimont to the Bus Stop Chicane onto the Start Finish straight. The final leg of the Formation Lap :

Formation Lap Video Link ( GoPro Hero4 Black ) :

Kimi moves into his grid slot :

Hulkenberg suffered a power unit failure and tried to limp to the grid for the start of the race. However his engine gave up the ghost on the grid. As a result, the start had to be abandoned for another Formation Lap

2nd Formation Lap :

2nd Formation Lap Video Link :

Mechanics rolling Hulkenberg from the grid back to the pits ( Video Link ) :

Video Link for the Start of the Belgian Grand Prix ( GoPro Hero4 Black ) :

Video Link for the Start of the Belgian Grand Prix ( Sony HX400V ) :

Video Link for Lap 1 of the Belgian Grand Prix ( Sony HX400V ) :

Video Link for Lap 2 of the Belgian Grand Prix ( Sony HX400V ) :

Shots from the Grand Prix :

Scuderia Ferrari F1 during the race :

Daniel Ricciardo suffers a retirement and brings out the safety car period :

Mechanics moving Ricciardo's car to safety :

Shots after the Race Restart :

Scuderia Ferrari after the Race Restart :

Mark Sutton the famous photographer busy at his work. Daniel Ricciardo returns to the pit wall to monitor progress of his team mate :

Chequered Flag :

Video Link for the Chequered Flag :

Lewis Hamilton took victory from Nico Rosberg and Romain Grosjean. Sebastian Vettel looked set for a 3rd place finish but a tyre blow out just after Eau Rouge on the penultimate lap brought about his retirement. Kimi battled his way to P7. It was nice to see him finish the race after the disaster at Austria.

Cars returning to Parc Ferme ( Video Link ) :

Track Marshalls taking Daniel Ricciardo's stricken car to safety after the race :

Track Invasion. Love Europe for this!

The Podium Finishers ( Video Link ) :

Podium Interviews underway :

Video Link :

Sky Sports F1 Crew :

Post Race Interviews by various drivers :

Track full of Fans!

Some more photos of Fans on Track :

Fans of the Iceman and they weren't less in number :

Its always nice to have a chair next to the track and who doesn't love superheroes and minions for company :

Panaromic Photos :

Mechanics wrapping up to head to Italy :

The Hosts as the Scuderia Ferrari F1 Club :

The gate was open and the fans had track access!

A Selfie with the Shell Logo!

Relaxing at the La Source Hairpin :

Time to put on the Ponchos as the rain beats down!

Final Shots from Trackside :

The heavy traffic and the inability of my transfer service to make it to the circuit for the return pickup on Sunday meant that I had to meet it in a new place in the track vicinity. Radisson Blu in Spa was the meeting point. I was switching cars when I spotted Kimi Raikkonen in the Hotel Lobby and rushed to get a quick photo with him.

Barring the Rain at the end of the weekend and the loss of a podium for Scuderia Ferrari, it was a brilliant 2015 Belgian Grand Prix.

Spa Francorchamps, nestled in the beautiful Ardennes mountains is a must visit for every F1 Fanatic! Breathtaking views!

I was really happy to see Lotus F1 return to the Podium with Romain Grosjean. Refreshed memories of the 2013 Indian Grand Prix.


Edge Global Events were professional in arranging everything for the weekend and making it a memorable one.

The GoPro Hero4 Black with the Smart Remote and the LCD BacPac was a brilliant piece of equipment and I learnt the lesson of removing it from the waterproof case if I wanted good audio from a distance.

The Sony HX400V lived upto its reputation of being a brilliant camera with a mega super zoom! Captured Cars in its frame with relative ease.

Finally a Big Thank you to the Ferrari F1 Club Hosts and More Importantly Scuderia Ferrari F1 for hosting me throughout the weekend and being so gracious!

This might be the last of the Paddock Club Diaries for 2015. The Diaries might return this year, if not 2016 will be better I promise!

Thank you to YOU too for all the support shown to me.

Flying Diaries have some updates coming! SOON!

God Bless you all!!