Race Day

30.01.09 Booked ticket for the A1GP at Brands Hatch looking forward to the meeting. This is what F1 would look like if the proposals put forward by the FIA had their way with cost cutting. However that is not criticise it as we can have both which is excellent. Brands Hatch is a very good circuit, camping is right next door and for a weekend ticket it is very reasonable costing only about £80 including camping and grandstand.
04.05.09 Had a great weekend at the A1GP arrived Friday afternoon at 16.00 should have arrived earlier but was late leaving the office; traffic was terrible getting across the river etc. But it was sunny and warm which are two things we do not take for granted. Set up the tent and within an hour I was walking around the track, caught the FPA qualifying I particularly wanted to see how Josef Newgarden the 18 year old American would perform as he did so well in October last year at the FF Festival run on the Indy circuit. He only got 4th on the gird which was not too bad seeing as he had only just got in the car that week to test. Then there was the A1GP safety car exercise which gave me the first time to see the A1GP cars in action plus the support vehicles making sure all safety procedures are in place for tomorrow. I would have liked to be at the free practices in the morning and earlier in the afternoon but that's how it goes. Got back to the tent and after a few beers had a chicken curry and rice, the curry was a can from Lidl it’s a bit lazy I know but I just can't be bothered to barbeque when I am on my own. The guy next door was far more conscientious and did himself a barbeque. The guy on the other side me had brought his two young boys and they were having a great time. Motor racing has to one of the best value leisure activities with an weekend entrance ticket with camping is around £60 and kids under 12 are free. That’s got to be hard to beat especially if the weather is good. There was a strong overseas contingent with at least 25% of the campers from Holland some of whom was very noisy, but very well behaved inviting all to their party with posters by the shower block.
Saturday morning slept in and didn't get down for a shower until 8.00am bit of a queue and resolved to get up a bit earlier. By 9.30am had breakfast muesli and two beef burger sandwiches then it was over to the track. Just a few minutes from the camp site and what a lovely day it was, so I watched the morning’s action from the track side doing a complete circumference of the track and stopping as I felt like it. The GP course really is great with woods, changes in elevation and at 2.3 miles a reasonable length too. The MSV organisation really has control over the basics trackside neatly cut grass, plenty of litter bins; good toilet facilities well priced food franchises. The program started with the GT Cup qualifying, Lotus Elsie Trophy race, FPA race, A1GP practices, Sport 2000 race & the FIA Lurani Trophy qualifying all before the lunch break. The FIA Lurani Trophy races were really interesting as the trophy was for formula junior cars which dated from 1957 to 1963 which witnessed the transition from front engine to rear engine race cars. So the field was a mix of the two layouts with the rear engine mostly Lotus the fastest. The first FPA race was won by the American who did really well to come 1st from 4th on the grid a very good result. Back to the camp site for a cup of tea and refreshed I returned to the races.
The A1GP qualifying sessions were OK it was good to see the cars but there were two sets of two ten minute sessions with qualifying for first the sprint race and second for the feature. The times being a combination of each drivers two fastest times from each set. The problem being that there was a boost feature on each car which was only able to be activated once during qualifying so it means that the drivers had to prioritise for either the sprint or the feature. Personally I would have preferred have the same system as F1 with grid positions being decided by the results of the sprint race. If you wanted to mix it up a bit then do a grid reverse according to draw as the BTCC. I watched from the grandstand which was reasonably full, the grandstand at Paddocks gives you an excellent view of one the best corners at Brands and maybe the best overtaking opportunity of the track. But it was good to see the cars performing in anger, I was surprised to note how quiet they were compared to the F1 & DTM cars, they push out 600 bhp so they are not much shy of the F1 but with a capacity of 4500cc they are much less stressed and must rev a lot lower. Then the GT Cup Race and the Heritage GT Car race but I was waiting for the FPA 2nd race of the day so it was another circumnavigation of the track whilst I waited for the 2nd FPA race of the day. I watched this from the viewing bank just after Clark Curve, a terrific race with Newgarden starting 4th on the grid after winning the last race they must have a grid reversal draw. I didn't hear any mention of it but then I wasn't listening that hard to the commentators. By the first corner Newgarden was in 2nd and after 6 or 7 laps took first at Paddocks super move by out braking the leader Richard Plant. Who received a 10 second penalty anyway for jumping the start. Great race and really enjoyable it would help if for the junior categories a bit more info was available in the program. For those who really interested we get all this stuff from Autosport, but for the casual observer it might help to get them interested in the junior categories. Had to buy a hat today as the sun was so hot and I had forgotten my panama. So bought the cheapest one I could find as I have 2 good hats at home, unfortunately this was bright yellow and grey with red trim. But hell what do you expect for a quid.
So another day over at the track, the Dutch boys are a bit quieter today, not surprising after last night’s party and I saw a few of them at the track this evening and they looked like they had been on the beer all day. So as usual a few beers for me and just for a change beef curry tonight.
Up at 7.00am to make sure no queue for the showers, but hey there were 4 in the queue already. Not to worry its reasonably fine today and it could turn out to be a great day like yesterday.
Got about 1/2 packed up before going over to the track wandered round as usual and made my place in the grandstand for the A1GP Sprint Race good race with Ireland winning from pole the driver and the car were a class ahead of the rest winning with ease and style. The Great Britain car just didn't look as sharp as it should have been. However with all the financial turmoil surrounding the team I am surprised that they did as well as they did. As between Rounds 5 and 6 of this season A1 Team Great Britain entered administration. From Round 6 onwards, the car was run by mechanics and engineers employed by the series itself, with pit stops carried out by the German team. So Dan Clarke did a good job especially in the feature race improving by 6/7 positions on his start, he is obviously no mug as he did 2/3 seasons in Champ Cars in the USA. So this performance in a car that probably had minimum preparation wasn't bad at all.
but I was waiting for the FPA race which was immediately after the A1GP Sprint I was hoping that Newgarden would make his hat trick but it was not to be with a starting position of 2nd on the grid he finished 4th it was the start that was his undoing loosing 2 positions by Paddocks and slipping further as the race progressed. He maintained 4th but was never in touch with the leading trio who just powered away. Not sure whether the car just wasn't up to it Sunday or having made a poor start he decided to bank the result and just drove within himself.
After the A1GP feature race wandered back to the camp site as it had suddenly looked like rain and nothing much worse than packing up in the rain and also having to dry out the tent next week. Although I had wanted to catch the GT Cup race with Porsche, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Viper, Marcos, Morgan, BMW, Aston Martin, Lotus, Ginetta & TVR big field but it was good seeing them go round. So I passed on that and the final Heritage GT Race and hit the road. As it happened there was no traffic and got back in good time. A superb weekend and tomorrow it’s a bank holiday so if the weathers good there is grass cutting and hedge trimming to be done.

Bought tickets for the race and camping 2 weeks ago (end December) for perhaps the last British Grand Prix at Silverstone. Hopefully the weather will be a bit better for the weekend. Although the poor conditions did make for a fantastic race and even better result. I find it very difficult to believe that the Donnington track will be ready. It has taken 20 years to get Silverstone where it is and commercially they will be better off with the Moto GP. So what is Donnington's objective? They cannot make money from a GP and it is further from London, the parking is nonexistent and being so close to the airport how will the helicopters get in. Also what about the Red Arrows? Can't see that the display will be workable.
I am not sure what is best the planning and expectation of the event or the event itself. However the British GP 2009 was excellent, Silverstone does have its flaws but every year it gets better a new grandstand here, an extra toilet block there. I would say that all it needs now are more toilets; I know the problem is that the track only uses these facilities once or twice a season. But it is not good enough having queues 50 yards for the gents, it definitely put me off swilling ale.
Arrived at the Cavalier Fields campsite Thursday at around 18.30 got set up and had a few beers and phoned home. The only problem was the self igniting charcoal didn't and had to fry the lamb on calor gas cooker.
So following morning Friday up early and off the shops at Trowbridge to buy same barbeque lighters then it was off to the track, also bought a rather smart barbeque lighter made by BIC bit expensive but what a good gadget. Missed the first F1 free practice but got there for the GP2 practices watched these at Becketts, quite impressed these machines they lap around 10 secs slower than a F1 but at probably 1% of the cost over a season. But isn't that the fascination with F1, I know diminishing returns etc but that’s what it cost to be at the cutting edge. Then there was the air display by the Red Devils parachute team. Then F1 practice at 14.00 which I watched from Farm where I would watch the race Sunday decided the seat I had got was rubbish but that’s how it goes. Although the engines were only restricted by 1000 revs this season they are demonstrably quieter, although still very loud. There was quite a strong chilly wind which was going to feature all weekend. Slight optimism regarding the McLarens and was curious as to why the Brawns were a little less fast compared to normal maybe they were doing set ups or going heavy we would have to see. Stayed in Farm to watch the GP2 qualifying and then it was a stroll back to the gate round at Maggots taking in the Porsche Super Cup practices on the way round. Then through the merchandising area F1 village impressed that Brawn had 3 large concessions and bought a cap. Sorry Lewis that how it goes and there is the thought in small way I was helping to fund a rising English team. Could not believe there was a large Fernando Alonso concession selling Renault merchandise but specific to Fernando. Did no body tell these guys that he is not the most popular over here? Anyway the poor schumucks were stuck there all weekend with little action; they appeared to be Spanish so maybe they thought he was a popular guy. Even my daughters who only have a passing interest in motorsport boo whenever they see him on the TV, shouting he's the guy who was nasty to Lewis (I try to explain that Lewis can look after himself).
So the day was over at the track and it was time to stroll back to the campsite this takes about 60 minutes, you can do it in 45 mins but after a day at the track I can't be bothered walking fast. Anyway there are usually some great cars in the car park to have look at. Few beers got the barbeque working and it was grilled lamb, Greek salad and Turkish bread for supper.
Woke up around 4.00am as there was really heavy rain for about an hour, I thought oh no I do hope it's not going to be as bad as last year. Anyway went back to sleep and woke around 8.00 jumped up and dashed for the shower block as if you leave too late there is a massive queue. But the weather was great, looked like being a really nice day.
Off to the track around 10.00 and arrived just as the Black Cats RN display team were starting their display which was really skilful & interesting but not entertaining. Had a stroll round the track as the Porsches were qualifying for the Supercup race thinking where would be best to watch the qualifying for the F1? I decided on Club grandstand, as if you have a grandstand ticket for race day you can sit in any other grandstand Friday & Saturday. So if you are a bit of a geek you can try them all, which I normally do. The qualifying went according to form with the only surprise being how slow Button was but then it was pretty chilly due to the strength of the wind. I was surprised at how slow Lewis was in relation to Heikki, on radio 5 that morning they were saying that Heikki was running KERS and Lewis wasn't so maybe that was it. But then after I read neither were so am not sure on that count. The most interesting thing was to me that Brawn, Red Bull and Williams outperformed their engine suppliers teams, with Red Bull out performing Torro Rosso by a mile, so either Ferrari are supplying poor engines this year to Torro Rosso or the Ferrari engine is poor or maybe the others have moved on. As the Red Bull and the Torro Rosso are essentially the same cars with different engines. The Red Bull is much better than the Renault car but shares the same engine and as for the Mercedes engine the Brawn is at least a lap faster than the McLaren per race and they are even being beaten by the Force India. This demonstrates what a poor car the McLaren car is this year.
I then strolled around the track to Woodcote to catch the GP2 race from there great spot to spectator from but I prefer the open grandstands to the covered ones (don't know why) and was really surprised how good the racing was. The formula is a good one and defiantly is worth watching in Woodcote the spectators were very knowledgeable and followed the racing closely. Applauding every good move and cheering quite loudly at the finish.
I then wandered round the F1 village (merchandising area) and was impressed by the fact Brawn had arranged a PA with not only Button & Barrichello but Ross Brawn as well. This was really good luck as I was just going through the F1 village and stayed to hear the drivers and Ross. Usual stuff signed autographs and answered a few questions from the presenter, but the important thing was that they took the time trouble to do it. Both the drivers and Ross across as nice guys focused but genuine fellows. Must have shifted a few caps too, the Ferrari stands were deserted and as for the Fernando stand don't ask.
Missed the Formula BMW race whilst all the was going on and walked round to Maggots to watch the Historics qualifying and at 18.00 it was a gentle walk back to the camp site.
The wind must have been strong that day as my neighbour’s gazebo was wrecked and they were chucking it in the rubbish when I got back. However my tent and wind break were still good so I gave myself a pat on the back for camping skills.
Few beers and this time the barbecue did work so after half a dozen Marston’s it was time for bed.
Woke up early (7.00) and got down the shower block whilst in the queue was deciding whether to stay the night after the GP and then I could go to the after race party. Weather was looking good so I thought that’s it I'm going to the party.
So set off as usual around 10.00am and got to the track just in time to catch the end of the GP2 second race but wasn't sure who won as it was packed, I thought this must be a modern day record attendance. When I got back Autosport reported that 310,000 had attended over 3 days with 131,000 on race day, around 85,000 on Friday and 95,000 on Saturday. Not bad eh, sure beats Turkey and all the other Mickey Mouse venues. Also note it was only a week after Le Mans in the same pay month so awesome support from the British public.
Took in the Porsche Supercup from Hangar Straight and continued round target to be in seat for the start of the Red Arrows, saw the driver’s parade at club and just got to my place in time. As it was so crowded progress was slow, but no complaints from me that’s just how it should be on race day. My seat was absolutely the worst you could get in Farm, I like Farm but this seat was crap, B1 so right near the front and against the standing enclosure so these guys were all standing and restricted the view to the screens and track but that’s how it goes. Caught the Red Arrows display in full and loved every minute there’s no way that they can hold this display at Donnington unless they shut the airport down. Nice guy next to me with his son from Scotland or North England but he had quite a strong accent. This coupled with my partial deafness and the cars going round made it bit difficult to follow. But good company and very knowledgeable within 2 laps he had spotted the lead Vettel was building up and said it's Vettel’s race now and it was. Some might say it was a bit boring but you have to remember that F1 is both and engineering and endurance exercise coupled with driver’s ability. There always is this argument is it the driver or is the car, the answer is both it's a bit like horse racing where the best jockeys end up on the best horses.
Some tussles in mid field and a good race overall I enjoyed it and said goodbye to my Scots friend as he had to make a move up north. Stayed at Farm for the remaining race the Historics but was able to move place as around 1/2 the spectators made a move to try to get out before the traffic.
Straight after the last race there was another air display this time it was the new RAF fighter the Typhoon terrific action, 4 air displays in 3 days so a real treat for the spectators.
Around 16.15 started to make a move round to the tunnel at Copse and after a slow walk round and a big queue got through to the middle of the track. Silverstone really do go to great efforts and there was a large covered stage with a compare who was interviewing guests great to see how many of the drivers took time out to attend. Rosberg, Piquet, Webber, Nakajima, Hamilton, Button also former drivers and owners Derek Warwick and Eddie Jordan really great fun. Eddie Jordan was the first band up and by now the audience was mostly geeks and the drunk but a terrific atmosphere although more 50% were really plastered there was no trouble at all. I was going to have a few drinks myself but there wasn't a great deal of toilets and the queue were 40/50 yards so I thought I'ii wait until I get back. Eddie was a little cheesed off, but took it all in good grace when 3 numbers into his set he was yanked as Lewis had just come on stage. Lewis would have only had 10/15 minutes free as I would imagine he had sponsors & Mercedes duties straight after the race. After all the bills have to be paid somehow. But he was great Jenson was great and now feeling a bit weary it was time to head on back.
So as usual few drinks, bit of a barbeque around 1/2 the campers had cleared off so early night and I resolved to visit the Canal Museum in the morning after packing up and on the way home.