shanghai grand prix 1/2

yesterday i went to see my first formula one race, the shanghai grand prix. despite having family friends involved in racing and having done some of it myself, i'd never had the opportunity to see a formula one race. the only time i had seen the cars in action was by accident one time when we stopped by the paul ricard circuit in france to find a formula one practice session underway.


our van was stopped some ways outside the track where a security guard told us that we weren't allowed closer without a parking sticker- to get to the track we'd need to take either a bus or taxi. we abandoned the van and queued up for a bus.


the bus picked us up but at first it seemed to be headed in the wrong direction. there weren't any announcements (in english) so we couldn't be sure we were going to the circuit. after a while some foreigners boarded the bus which was reassuring in that if we were lost at least we weren't the only ones.


the bus eventually found its way to the circuit and dropped us off. we were immediately pounced on by a large group of binocular and ear plug salespeople. i had brought binoculars but didn't think it was worth buying ear plugs- later i'd find out why so many people were buying them.


we passed through a quick security check and entered the track area only to find that we were about a 30-minute walk from where we were supposed to be, at turn 13. as there weren't any other stops for our bus and as it was (fortunately) a nice day we walked to the main grandstand.


coca-cola and fosters clearly were the drink sponsors with plenty of opportunities to buy both.


the larger teams had very large booths selling official team and driver merchandise. the ferrari fans were easily spotted, walking around in their bright red gear.


mclaren had probably the nicest selection of clothing, though their booth was incredibly crowded due to the mercedes cars parked inside. it was impossible to stand in one place without constantly being bumped back and forth by people.


we had walked in from the far side of the track, but at the front entrance there were a lot of people milling around near the center of the main grandstand.


at the podium there were several drivers signing autographs though i couldn't recognize who they were. the closest one was wearing a formula bmw hat so i thought they might be part of the supporting races.


between the various shops, booths, and exhibitions there was a huge mass of people walking around. can you spot the ferrari fans?


coca cola had a booth at which a punter could get his or her (mostly his) photo taken with a race queen, holding up a cup.


the photo shoot was proving so popular that a second coca cola girl was brought in.


the toyota booth sported a few interactive exhibits and some cars including this formula one chassis. i'm not 100% sure, but i don't think those are the two 2006 drivers.