September Silverstone Test

By Alison & Alex
September 18 2005

In hindsight it was probably not the most sensible thing to do three days after an operation but then whoever said F1 supporters were sensible?

On a damp and dreary Thursday morning I packed a wheelchair into the back of my car, stuffed my damaged daughter into the front seat and headed up the road for the 30 minute trip to Silverstone.

Living so close we do try to get there whenever possible for testing, joining the “normal” fans on the outside of the track to get a fix of the screaming engines as they flash pass.

 

This time it was different, this time we didn’t have to park near the entrance, this time we were waved through the gates, drove over the famous Bridge and headed to the centre. We parked and settled Alex into the wheelchair, both of us ridiculously excited by where we were parked and where we were going to go.

I pushed her through the gates to the paddock, past the regimented lines of trucks, past the very swish hospitality suite of Williams and headed for the distinctive Red Bulls. Not for us the perfect lilies and silver service waiters next to a team motorhome – we were actually allowed into the real world, greeted by Russell Banks we made our way to a table next to where real team people were eating – feet away from where Christian and Tonio were finishing their breakfast. I am absolutely certain that we had the same silly grins on our faces as the other fans already there!

 

 

Then a face appeared that we instantly recognised – Crazy Caz from the message board – definitely without paint on her bum from Turkey! After chatting, drinking coffee and eating our breakfast we headed off to the garage. What can I say? How can I describe how it felt to be standing six feet away from a racing car being prepared to head out for a lap around Silverstone.  It’s not only the sound of the engine starting up that is so special – it’s the smell! You can see from the pictures just how close we were and that will have to satisfy you because I can’t explain just how good that was!

We spent most of the morning just watching the cars going out, coming back in, having changes made, getting new tyres put on, going out, coming back………. We also went out into the pit lane and watched the other teams, Williams, Toyota and Jordon doing much the same. One thing that added interest was the red light going on and the rescue vehicle going out to collect one of their drivers which had suffered some misfortune out on the track. Waiting for the car to be brought back on the back of a truck, swathed in covers held down by team members.  At least CK and VL managed to keep it on the black stuff!

We went over to the Brooklands suite to watch the cars round the complex from the first floor balcony. It was nice to be that close but the garage was better – something that we’ll probably not experience again so back we went. By the way Silverstone may look flat but when you are pushing a wheelchair you discover that it really isn’t!!!!

The rain then started in earnest so we went back to the motorhome along with most of the other fans and both the drivers who were really nice and happily posed for photos and signed autographs. We had a very enlightening conversation with Tonio about the coffee!

After lunch we were able to walk along the pit lane. Again the difference between Red Bull and the other teams was very obvious. Other teams put up the screens and discouraged too much interest whereas RBR was open to viewing and team members happy to answer questions.

Back in the paddock we saw Yamamoto at Jordon not looking too happy and Anthony Davidson walking away from Jordon looking rather happier. We had a very interesting chat with a member of the Williams team about the future. He was very upbeat about the next season and enthusiastic about the Cosworth engine. He also said quite a few other things that are probably best not mentioned here!!!!!

The afternoon session was drier than the morning but poor old VL didn’t get out as much as CK. He was wandering around looking rather lost for sometime before he eventually managed to go out for a few laps. When he started playing with the jack at the front of his car a few people got rather worried!!

Christian Horner appeared in the garage and smiled at us!!!!! Apparently he had been in the motorhome talking to other fans and signing autographs – what a nice chap!

At half past four we decided that enough was enough, the knees were beginning to complain. We had a fantastic time, been made to feel very welcome, taken very good care of, fed, watered, and generally had a extraordinary opportunity to see the team at work.

 

Thanks very much to all involved for looking after us and putting up with us and yes we will bear in mind what you told us – “ test is best”!

P.S. People are really nice to you when you are driving a wheelchair! (They're quite nice to occupants too)