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Pascal A. J. Maeter (Maeter)
New member
Username: Maeter

Post Number: 37
Registered: 11-2001
Posted on Thursday, March 06, 2003 - 1:52 pm:   

I have been to three GP events with the Paddock passes as well as two private test sessions at Silverstone. The experience is unique, especially as you get great access to the team and the paddock. You have paddock walks in the morning of every day and since your pass identifies you as a guest of Ferrari, the Ferrari PR person will let you through the rope and into the garage. You can also ask, nicely, for a private tour of the Ferrari pits where you will be taken in a very small group, usually four or five at a time, with the official FIA pass when the pits are not open to the public. I was at Silverstone last year, and came out when Michael and Rubens where coming out of the motorhome to get into the cars. The experience is unique, the catering top class and makes a great event to invite clients or guests you would want to impress. There is also a satelite link from the pits into the tent. In all cases one of the drivers came to speak, at least once, and on other days either Jean Todt or Ross Brawn. Autograph are hard to get because of the number of people in the tent and the drivers specifically being under extremely tight schedules.
Bruno (Originalsinner)
Intermediate Member
Username: Originalsinner

Post Number: 1029
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Thursday, March 06, 2003 - 1:49 pm:   

Last year at Indy I think the who's who place to be was a party at the hotel. Very exclusive.
Bruno (Originalsinner)
Intermediate Member
Username: Originalsinner

Post Number: 1028
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Thursday, March 06, 2003 - 1:48 pm:   

The drivers are not present. At least when I was there. Also in Indy if you are a season ticket holder to the paddock. And it is not that expensive, you get first crack at it. But it is way scaled back as far as meeting people and getting up close and personal in the pits. I know a buisness asociate of mine in Indy is a member of the paddockclub or some bs I am not sure what. He could get the info or just call the track. he is a red neck race fan and doesnt care much about F-1 but I love using his seats.
Dr Tommy Cosgrove (Vwalfa4re)
Member
Username: Vwalfa4re

Post Number: 680
Registered: 5-2001
Posted on Thursday, March 06, 2003 - 12:58 pm:   

Can you imagine how cool it would be to be him for just one day at a F1 event?
Andreas Forrer (Tifosi12)
Member
Username: Tifosi12

Post Number: 556
Registered: 10-2002
Posted on Thursday, March 06, 2003 - 12:50 pm:   

I'd be surprised if you get a real answer. Whether the drivers show up or not is really up to them and their schedule. Williams was hoping they could get them and eventually did, but would never have made promises.

I believe one of the Ferrari drivers was in that respective tent as well, but I'm not sure. I did see Irvine though (in Jag green of course).

Also got a chance to wave at Michael: He was on his Vispa behind the garages while I was in the Paddock stands. If I had brought along an autograph card on a string with a sharpie I bet he'd have signed it. He was very relaxed.
Frank (Fjt)
Junior Member
Username: Fjt

Post Number: 82
Registered: 10-2002
Posted on Thursday, March 06, 2003 - 12:46 pm:   

I will email Ferrari to find out.
Dr Tommy Cosgrove (Vwalfa4re)
Member
Username: Vwalfa4re

Post Number: 679
Registered: 5-2001
Posted on Thursday, March 06, 2003 - 12:37 pm:   

I wouldn't consider it unless I was guaranteed I get to meet, shake hands, and get an autograph from MS and RB. Really. That would be the only way for me. I can not meet them for free already.
Otherwise I can do like I did last year and stand across the track from the Ferrari pit with binoculars.
For $4K FNA should at least have their drivers meet their guests. You think you can find out for us, Frank?
Andreas Forrer (Tifosi12)
Member
Username: Tifosi12

Post Number: 552
Registered: 10-2002
Posted on Thursday, March 06, 2003 - 12:11 pm:   

Actually I kinda got that ticket a couple years ago at the US GP. I was a VIP guest of the Williams team (through one of the sponsors) and I'd say that pretty much offered the same opportunities as this ticket. The 4k price is indeed a discounted rate, the official price is more like $ 6k.

Anyway as far as the experience goes: Priceless! Sure it is alot of $$$, but you get some uncomparable access: You get to visit the Paddock Club area, which is like an oasis amidst a crazy and turbulent F1 weekend. Once in you're supposed to only stick with your team, but there isn't much stopping you from going into other teams tents. When I say tent, that gives the wrong impression: It is more like a mobile version of a hotel dinner room. All wonderful and classy and they spoil you with the best of food and drinks. The Williams team had several chefs, the chief from Germany and the food was out of this world. The 'tents' also have monitors if you want to catch some action (like during the practice sessions) as normally you want to be ready for when your driver(s) show up for a brief interview session. We had Ralf and Montoya. Both were very pressed for time and had no intention of given autographs, but I 'attacked' Ralf before he hit the tent so I got my trophy.

In the center of the paddock are also cafe style bars with food etc. Very nice. But of course the best is the access to pits: Paddock guests get to wander down pit lane AFTER the training. So you won't see the drivers in the cars, but you will get to see the cars fairly close. Some teams also invite you into the garage for a photo op. We did that with Williams.

Last but not least as a Paddock guest you have different seats. In the case of Indy you get to sit on top of the pit roofs, which again gives unique perspectives: You can look straight down during practice and see the cars from above. If you look straight out, you'll see the cars racing by, but now with the spectacular Indy grandstand as its background. Simply amazing.

Bottom line: If you have the $$$, go for it, you won't regret it!
Bruno (Originalsinner)
Intermediate Member
Username: Originalsinner

Post Number: 1024
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Thursday, March 06, 2003 - 12:04 pm:   

Thats a rip. If u r in the know all u need is a paddock pass which in the past 2 years in Indy hasnt been hard 2 come by. The 1.st year was tight. Also it is not a walk through like the old days. It's all roped off and hidded. I remember about 10 years ago I did one in Montreal and it was the real deal. drivers,mechs.ferrari reps, etc talking to you etc. And that was in all the pits for all the teams.
Frank (Fjt)
Junior Member
Username: Fjt

Post Number: 81
Registered: 10-2002
Posted on Thursday, March 06, 2003 - 11:54 am:   

I think its a once in lifetime experience. I just have to convince my wife that it is worth attending than having diamond earings.
Mark Collins (Markcollins)
Junior Member
Username: Markcollins

Post Number: 161
Registered: 7-2002
Posted on Thursday, March 06, 2003 - 11:54 am:   

Frank

I havn't actually attended but for 16 years have marshalled at the British GP. IMHO I do not believe it offers value for money,certainly not at Silverstone where you are just in a different tent in a different muddy field. As for meeting the drivers I can't recall the exact details but the Secretary of the UK FOC attended a few years ago and it consisted of something like Eddie Irvine arriving on his Scooter, having a chat with his PR person then riding off again, no sign of MS and no actual meet with Eddie. I suppose you do get to be herded down the pitlane for 15 minutes to stare into the garages.

Maybe after all these years I've become a bit cynical but I believe F1 offers very poor value for money even with a $450 3 day ticket let alone nearly 10 x that.
Frank Parker (Parkerfe)
Intermediate Member
Username: Parkerfe

Post Number: 1885
Registered: 9-2001
Posted on Thursday, March 06, 2003 - 11:42 am:   

Thats a better price than you can get direct from FIA and you get to hang out in the Ferrari hospitality area rather than the FIA area. That price includes food and alcohol. I think that is a good price and i am considering doing it myself at the 2003 USGP.
Dr Tommy Cosgrove (Vwalfa4re)
Member
Username: Vwalfa4re

Post Number: 678
Registered: 5-2001
Posted on Thursday, March 06, 2003 - 11:31 am:   

For $4000 I would expect them to let me at least drive the spare car for a lap or two before the race.
Frank (Fjt)
Junior Member
Username: Fjt

Post Number: 80
Registered: 10-2002
Posted on Thursday, March 06, 2003 - 10:12 am:   

The owners site has the tickets for sale at approx $4000 each. It includes a race ticket for the race, a chance to meet the drivers and walk the pits. Can anyone comment on the experience and value? Thanks

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