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BMW Drivers Club Melbourne

Australian F1 Grand Prix

20 Mar 2019 4:35 PM | Anonymous
Australian F1 Grand Prix
15 - 17 March 2019

Well, I think its official - Melbourne is in drought.  A quick Google search confirms what we all knew,  that we haven’t had any decent rainfall for over 3 months.

If the realisation of the big dry hadn’t already hit home, it certainly did at the picturesque Albert Park race track, for the running of the 2019 Rolex Formula 1 Grand Prix.

I, like many hopefuls, was luckily enough to have one of my cars chosen to represent the BMWDCM in our display at the Grand Prix Circuit.  The number of clubs represented this year was reduced from previous years but there were still hundreds of cars on show, with Marques and models from all over the world, suiting all manner of different tastes.

We were positioned on the grounds of the Albert Park golf course.  If it wasn’t for the pristine putting greens sprinkled around the site (all thoroughly fenced off to avoid damage to the perfect green grass by the throng of Grand Prix spectators) you wouldn’t have guessed that we were parked on one of the fairways.  The distinct lack of moisture was painfully apparent, with dead grass and fine dust our nemesis for the four day event.

Of course, we weren’t the only car people battling with the issue of dust.  Spare a thought for the new car salespeople, who had their work cut out for them, constantly dusting of the fine new (and very expensive, mostly) beauties on show, including McLaren, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati and Porsche.  Personally, my heart skipped a beat at the Aston Martin stand where I renewed my love affair with a DBS Superleggera,  resplendent in Gun Metal Grey.  Luckily for me, and my bank balance, the Minister for War and Finance (AKA “the wife”) said no.

Undeterred, the event was a huge success with massive crowds attending on all days, even Thursday and Friday, which last year was much quieter.  Media reports have quoted the event attracted its highest attendance figures since 2005. 

Even people who don’t have an interest in cars could enjoy the experience that an F1 event has to offer, with so much to see and do, with massive choices of food and beverage vendors,  (although HEINEKEN was the drink of choice, being one of F1’s major sponsors).  Music and other entertainment was constantly on offer, and who couldn’t help but be in awe of the F/A-18 Fighter Jet as it roared overhead.

Our Club had 20 road cars lined up in history order with informative signs for all to read and delight the masses.  My White E34 M5 was strategically placed next to its Great-Grandson, a new F90 M5 Competition Pack, also in crisp White.  I had a lot of people speak to me, many saying the same thing – that they once owned an E34, and they all said that they would have their old car back in a heartbeat, such is the love and adoration of this (now 30 year old) model.

But, there was a race that had to be run and won.  I, like most others I am sure, was hoping for great things from Daniel Riccardo, in this new season with a new team.  But, his race start was less than ideal, with one of the few bits of green grass causing big problems only seconds into the race.  The guy really could do with a bit of luck, something that seems to constantly elude him.  I am certain that race officials will need to do something about that now infamous tuft of grass that surely cost him dearly.

Although the race was relatively uneventful and Valterie Bottas drove to what seemed like an effortless victory, it capped off yet another great weekend, and a fantastic event by our BMWDCM organisers.

Thanks must go, yet again, to Lawrence, Jo, Graeme, and anyone else I have neglected to mention, for organising such a wonderful event.  I had a great time, and look forward enthusiastically to the next one.

Steve Garth | Member #40
BMW Drivers Club Melbourne




In case you missed it, the Australian F1 grand Prix was on again last weekend.

Characterised by traffic snarls due to blocked roads surrounding Albert Park circuit and seas of the Ferrari faithful (ok not only Ferrari, but they stand out with their oversized flags), this yearly spectacle also tantalises with the sounds of exotic machinery howling away beyond the Albert Park treeline.

As you can tell, it was my first time attending.

I was given the opportunity thanks to the club display organised by the BMW Drivers Club Melbourne. Having the car onsite to store a picnic hamper and some camping chairs prompted a family outing to the F1 on Saturday.  My car mad five year old insisted on watching each race as it came on, but the downtime in between races prompted us to walk around Albert Park and see what the GP has on offer.

Having watched the Formula 4, Supercars and the Carrera Cup, it was time for the Formula 1 practice session.

The anticipation was overwhelming.  Sure, the cars don’t sound like they used to, the echoing high pitched wail of a redlining 8 cylinder screamer replaced with a more subdued and almost dignified bellow and whistle from a turbocharged mill.

Having returned to our vantage point at the entry of turn 9, I was awestruck by the sheer speed of entry, massive braking and effortless turn in these technological marvels exhibited.  Sure I’ve watched F1 on TV previously, but that doesn’t do justice to actually experiencing them in person.  What’s more, this was only a practice session.  I wanted more. 

Come race day Sunday, we got in nice and early.  Walking past the stares on envious fans waiting for the gates to open, we set up our viewing spot on the hill between turns 9 and 10. The record breaking crowds of the previous day were a distant memory, as Albert Park was just waking up.

Suddenly, the influx of fans, indicating the gates were open, arrived in droves, looking to score that perfect spot.  Looks like our hill was a poorly kept secret, as it was the first to fill up.

The racing action started early, meaning we stayed in our spot for the entire day, only leaving to grab a bite to eat and an occasional cheeky Heineken.

The fans kept pouring in, and it slowly became apparent that our spot was the new temporary residence of the Dutch cheer squad, resplendent in orange, matching nicely with their sunburnt arms and face, cheering on young Max.

First was the classic racecar parade lap, book ended by a seemingly frustrated ex Group C Porsche, with the demonstration lap speed being just above idle speed, and a plucky little Fiat 500 racer practically at race pace.

Following outstanding close racing sessions by the Australian GT, Carrera Cup, Supercars and Formula 4, it was time for the main event.

Heralded by flying demonstrations by a very skilled and somewhat unhinged pilot in a F17 jet, the pre-race fanfare was the perfect excuse to grab some lunch and a refreshing beverage (or two).  We worked our way back through the crowd to our viewing spot, fending off envious stares at our plates of heaped Brazilian barbecue.

Just in time, the F1s were out on their parade lap, darting nervously to warm their tyres for clean getaway when the flag finally drops.

So this was it; the hype and fanfare of the weekend leading up this very moment.

The stage was set, and the cars were off.  Almost immediately there was a collective gasp and sigh as the crowd favourite Danny Ricciardo ripped off pieces of his car in an overly enthusiastic start.  He went off to retire early, much to the disappointment of local fans.

However, we had a new crowd favourite; Max Verstappen, who had worked his way up to third spot. The atmosphere was intoxicating, this was real racing fan action, something you’d unlikely find in the ultra-exclusive lounges and cocktail parties overlooking the main straight.

We had enjoyed every minute.

We had shared snacks and yarns with our neighbours, celebrated with the Dutch cheer squad and experienced the emotional roller coaster that is a Formula 1 Grand Prix race.

This level of excitement can only be experienced in the thick of the action, surrounded by passionate F1 fans, enjoying the best weather Melbourne had on offer.  In fact, I’d say we were having more fun than some of the drivers.

Big thanks to Jo, Graeme and Lawrence, together with everyone who helped organised and make this weekend possible.

When the circus comes to town again next year, you can bet I’ll be there.

Igor Kay | Member #151
 
BMW Drivers Club Melbourne



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