The Fast Lane
The Melbourne Grand Prix 2005
Date: 3-6 March
Venue: Albert Park
This year's Melbourne Grand Prix celebrates its 10th year anniversary. It was truly a birthday bash for all! I just could not count myself out from all the fun can I? This annual event kicks off the new Formula1 race season. It is usually held in early March every year. The full F1 season would last for about 8 months and I wonder if a another driver or constructor would take the top position this season, other than M. Schumacher with Ferrari.
Gates at Albert Park opens really early at about 7 or 8 am I think. The first event starts at 9am. Followed by Qualifying Session 2 at 10am. Shuttle trams are avaliable from Spencer St and Flinders Station which takes you straight to the race grounds. I reached the grounds at about 10am and yes I was really excited to be up close with the cars zooming past, from where I was standing, only 2m from the track. The engines from the cars were deafening, putting on your ear plugs / muffs is undoubtly recommended.
The Albert Park circuit is 5.3km long. Spectators (General Admission) have numerous viewing spots around the track. Mini 3 stepped grandstands are scattered around popular viewing grounds. To occupy the seats or to plant yourself near a corner or turn, you will have to scout round the track. My friends and I were only able to settle ourselves down by 12nn which is considered to be quite late. We got a pretty good spot actually, along the run, 2 turns before the finishing line. We did not get close to the grandstands or pits before the race.
Other events besides the main race include the Supercar V8s and a BMW celebrity race. There were also car exhibitions organised by Collectors' Club and BMW. So it isnt just about the F1s. Another 'highlight' which we missed out were the highly acclaimed Fosters Girls.
Anyway, perhaps some highlights of the race... the favourite M. Schumacher had a difficult first qualifying session because of wet weather, putting him on the 19th grid. Kimi Raikkonen had some problems with start up and had to beign the race from the pits. Renault's Fisichella led the race from start to finish, winning the checkered flag. Despite M. Schmacher's collision with Heidfield, which forced him to retire from the race, Ferrari's Barichello took podium with number 2. The Melbourne race was a fantastic start for the Renault team, taking both 1st and 3rd position by Fisichella and Alonso respectively. Hope they could keep that up with no major upsets for the rest of the season. Personally, Im a McLaren and BARHonda fan, but it is quite refreshing to see M. Schumacher out of the limelight for once. Australia's home boy Mark Webber was able to score points in his home ground, which is very encouraging for him. Jordan signed up 2 new drivers, one of which is an Indian national. Manardi met up with some legal issues but was able to make it to the qualifying in the end.
It had been really great fun to be able to experience an F1 race. Before going for the race, I was told that it is going to be boring, the cars just passes you like 'flies' and you just could not see anything. But they were all wrong, I was still able to follow the race, knowing the vital positions and by recognising the drivers' helmets. One recommendation is to occupy a spot where you could see both the cars on the track and the big screen to keep yourself updated with happenings at other parts of the circuit. Fosters will be continuing its sponsorship of the Australian Grand Prix so it could be here to stay for a period of time.
Look out for the next F1 race and be there to feel the speed!!
Date: 3-6 March
Venue: Albert Park
This year's Melbourne Grand Prix celebrates its 10th year anniversary. It was truly a birthday bash for all! I just could not count myself out from all the fun can I? This annual event kicks off the new Formula1 race season. It is usually held in early March every year. The full F1 season would last for about 8 months and I wonder if a another driver or constructor would take the top position this season, other than M. Schumacher with Ferrari.
Gates at Albert Park opens really early at about 7 or 8 am I think. The first event starts at 9am. Followed by Qualifying Session 2 at 10am. Shuttle trams are avaliable from Spencer St and Flinders Station which takes you straight to the race grounds. I reached the grounds at about 10am and yes I was really excited to be up close with the cars zooming past, from where I was standing, only 2m from the track. The engines from the cars were deafening, putting on your ear plugs / muffs is undoubtly recommended.
The Albert Park circuit is 5.3km long. Spectators (General Admission) have numerous viewing spots around the track. Mini 3 stepped grandstands are scattered around popular viewing grounds. To occupy the seats or to plant yourself near a corner or turn, you will have to scout round the track. My friends and I were only able to settle ourselves down by 12nn which is considered to be quite late. We got a pretty good spot actually, along the run, 2 turns before the finishing line. We did not get close to the grandstands or pits before the race.
Other events besides the main race include the Supercar V8s and a BMW celebrity race. There were also car exhibitions organised by Collectors' Club and BMW. So it isnt just about the F1s. Another 'highlight' which we missed out were the highly acclaimed Fosters Girls.
Anyway, perhaps some highlights of the race... the favourite M. Schumacher had a difficult first qualifying session because of wet weather, putting him on the 19th grid. Kimi Raikkonen had some problems with start up and had to beign the race from the pits. Renault's Fisichella led the race from start to finish, winning the checkered flag. Despite M. Schmacher's collision with Heidfield, which forced him to retire from the race, Ferrari's Barichello took podium with number 2. The Melbourne race was a fantastic start for the Renault team, taking both 1st and 3rd position by Fisichella and Alonso respectively. Hope they could keep that up with no major upsets for the rest of the season. Personally, Im a McLaren and BARHonda fan, but it is quite refreshing to see M. Schumacher out of the limelight for once. Australia's home boy Mark Webber was able to score points in his home ground, which is very encouraging for him. Jordan signed up 2 new drivers, one of which is an Indian national. Manardi met up with some legal issues but was able to make it to the qualifying in the end.
It had been really great fun to be able to experience an F1 race. Before going for the race, I was told that it is going to be boring, the cars just passes you like 'flies' and you just could not see anything. But they were all wrong, I was still able to follow the race, knowing the vital positions and by recognising the drivers' helmets. One recommendation is to occupy a spot where you could see both the cars on the track and the big screen to keep yourself updated with happenings at other parts of the circuit. Fosters will be continuing its sponsorship of the Australian Grand Prix so it could be here to stay for a period of time.
Look out for the next F1 race and be there to feel the speed!!
posted by Dough-Boy @ 00:29
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