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| F1 Bahrain Blog: Sakhir Circuit for beginners |
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| Written by Kate Walker | |||
| Thursday, 11 March 2010 11:45 | |||
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Except Nick Heidfeld, and I'm not sure he really wants to be leapt upon by a journalist who's still wearing the clothes she slept in on the plane. But despite my nooblet status, people are being really friendly. Proper thanks must go to Autosport's Edd Straw, who took me under his wing at the airport, guided me to the media room, and helped me jump through all the signing-in hoops. I assumed that this was a cut-throat business, but first impressions show that whatever happens in pursuit of a story, the F1 crowd are willing to show debutantes the ropes. There have been disappointments already, I'm afraid. First, my press pass is green, not red. That means I can't go on to the pitlane or grid unless I steal the red pass of someone who looks just like me. Not sure that's an option, really... But walking the paddock is brilliant – as this is a flyaway, the teams haven't brought their motorhomes. Instead, they've all got a different villa in a terrace, and as I type the various teams are gathering on their verandahs and doing the lunch/strategy thing. In terms of celeb-spotting, it couldn't be much better. Within 30 seconds of entering the paddock I'd walked past both Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa, both of whom were very patient with the hordes of cameramen walking backwards in front of them at a snail's pace. Then I spied Heidi, looking a bit lonesome in front of the Mercedes villa. Got my camera out, and before I could put it away Jenson Button walked past with his girlfriend. Need to balance my desire to take eleventy billion photos with the need to appear professional. This is the downside to being both a fan and a member of the press. So, what can I tell you about Bahrain that you might not know already? Apparently the race is known amongst the media for being the most stress-free of the races. I'd anticipated making own my way through the airport and across to my hotel before missioning over to the circuit post-shower. Boy, was I wrong. Got off the plane and there was a man holding an 'F1 Media' sign. He then escorted us through a special fast-track immigration area set aside for F1 teams and media (probably the closest I'll get to feeling part of an F1 team...), before putting us on a minibus to Sakhir. I wanted to take photos of it all, but when I say fast-tracked, I mean it – we were on the minibus within 20 minutes of getting off the plane, probably less. Now I am in the media centre, downing free coffee till the cows come home. I need a nap, and a shower, and a clean set of clothes, especially if I want to go about making friends without acquiring the nickname 'Ms Stinky'. I think the reality is going to be a baby-wipe bath and lots of deodorant in the media centre loos. Life as an F1 journalist – it's all glamour, make no mistake! Kate Walker Girlracer Magazine http://www.girlracer.co.uk
Comments (3)
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| Last Updated on Thursday, 11 March 2010 11:53 |
ok.. so maybe not the best plan... 
enjoy and looking forward to your updates... GirlRacer Rules! Sophie
I would still trade places with you to have press access to F1.
Look forward to seeing your adventure unfold, I love it all, the sights, the sounds, the smells etc. And as for the actual start! Ah, makes me go all tingly.
Enjoy the experience,
Thank God for Wetwipes!
Mike
Brighton