Coming into Germany was a dream come true for me. The land where great legendary racers and new talented races are born into. And the way the country managed to support its drivers is jsut awesome.
After landing in Germany my first thought was to see the upcoming European grand prix. I soon stumbled upon a plan to go to Belgium as there was enough time to plan travels tickets and the race ticket itself. The German Grand Prix had already passed since I was in Germany just a few days before the race.
Belgium race that was going to be held at Spa-Francorchamps the historically important part of the F1 calendar was not be missed. After all all those racing I did in the Assetto Corsa simulator roaming the track lap and lap I locked into my mind the decision that this race was not be missed. And what was more exciting was the fact that I'd be just metres away from my heroes racing and battling on the track.
I thought for several days, the cost of the ticket and travel was a concern for me. I had costs to be covered back home in India for the construction of my home. But I knew in the back of mind that I might not get a chance again to come to Germany or Europe for that matter. I locked the decision to book tickets for the the Belgium F1 race clicked te buy now on the online web page and continued to enter my credit card details, it has been done, looks like I Am going to the Grand Prix.
In 2005 I saw my first F1 race. Narain Karthikeyan an Indian had made it to an F1 team. I was instantly hooked onto the race. Alonso and Kimi was battling hard that season, Kimi had the better race raw talent but his machine wasnt built to last and kept failing all along the season. Alonso won the championship. I had been a fan of the Iceman since that season. And Michael Schumacher driving had also inspired me.
14 years from that I never even once thought Id be going to see an F1 race live and now its happening. Everything has been booked. I all be going into a city within Germany called Dusseldorf. From here a new shuttle service that was launched this year for the GP will take me to the track on saturday and Sunday. I will have to start early as the bus begins at 6.30am. Its goes directly to the track.
Once on saturday when Im done with the Qualifying round, I will have to hop on to the bus which returns at 6pm from the track and back to Dusseldorf.
I ll be staying in Dusseldorf in a Dorm , the room will have 6 people in 6 beds. The price being very reasonable at 25 euro per night.
And sunday the same thing hop on early in the morning and watch the race. The race starts at 3.10pm and will finish around 5.10pm, and after the awarding ceremony I will have to run back to the bus stop or they'll leave without me.
They start sharp at 6pm from the info they shared to me by mail.
The Spa track is big, huge, I will have do a lot of walking to get to the good spots, its going to be really crowded from what I've heard. I hope I get a good spot to spot the V6 machines in full glory.
I'll keep you posted on the updates.
Ashwin