Event date: 30 March - 2 April 2023

Between the 30 March and 2 April I walked 41km and lost over a kilo. I’d not started a new exercise program but was a volunteer at the Australian Grand Prix. Along with 950 other volunteers I was at Albert Park before dawn and didn’t leave until after dusk to help deliver an unforgettable experience for over 440,000 fans (and millions around the world).

BMWDCM members were represented across numerous roles at the event, including our own Graeme Bell. I was part of the 50 strong “Team 28” – Pit Lane and Grid – a role you’ll possibly have seen me in at events at Phillip Island, Sandown, and Broadford. It was great catching up with international and interstate friends I’ve not seen since last year, and making new ones.

Our job is to help control vehicles and people along the 500 metres of Pit Lane, and manage Pit Entry and Exit for both the F1 and Support lanes. We also set up the starting grid before each race, and manage the green and yellow flags, and grid light boards. We also man the radar to monitor speed in the lane, have a dedicated Safety officer, and when the F1 cars are out have people on standby wearing insulating gloves in case of problems. While we are literally everywhere in the lane, we also must be very careful to remain in the background, not distract the teams or drivers, and help ensure visitors to the lane have a great, but safe, experience. While it may sound glamorous, you’ve got to stay motivated and focused right to the end of very long, sometimes cold, or wet, days.

At the Support end of the lane are the Supercars garages, and this year the space was shared with the Porsche Carrera Cup teams so there was a fair amount of traffic and movement of cars, people, and support buggies to take care of. At the F1 end of the Lane, as well as the teams in garages we had to work closely with the F2 and F3 Paddock Team to manage those cars and their support in and out of the lane.

Just like at any Club or State event it’s still important to remember the basics – keeping the fast lane clear and ensuring a safe and fair environment – just with a lot more people, and higher speed limits! With three fires, a Formula 3 car stopping at Pit Entry, and of course the drama of the F1 race there was plenty of excitement!

If you’re interested in applying to any of the teams at the Grand Prix, the best starting point is www.motorsport.org.au/officials and between now and next year get as much experience as you can to help your application stand out.

Jeremy Cath 
BMW Drivers Club Melbourne

Photo credit: Bec, Revved Photography