Bernie’s enclave of the rich and famous

At last. After 113 grand prix starts Jenson Button has finally won a Formula 1 Grand Prix. May we all hope that this opens the floodgates and is the first victory of many. To do so in the style he did was also a great achievement as Jenson started from 14th on the grid after a 10 place penalty for a blown engine and then battled through the field in horrendous conditions.

As a Formula 1 fan in Australia life can be very tough. The majority of races are in the middle of the night or in the case of Malaysia and Japan they often conflict with the Aussie V8 taxi racing which the local broadcaster gives preference to. So delayed telecasts are the order of the day and it is often 1 or 2am before the end of the races. Since 1996 I have always made the pilgrimage to Albert Park for the Australian Grand Prix. Although I have to admit it’s not my favourite circuit and compared to the circuits I have visited in Europe it all seems very clinical. It certainly lacks the history and passion you feel at places like Spa or Monaco.

However, I have often had the good fortune to experience some seriously good hospitality there. Last year I was in Bernie’s enclave of the rich and famous, the Paddock Club, courtesy of Pentax and this year I was the guest of Panasonic Toyota. Although the best was unquestionably when I was a guest of Tag Heuer and was given the full tour of the pits and their remarkable timing centre. Aside from that I have often just got a general admission ticket and wandered around the circuit.

Albert Park is one of those tracks where you can still find some great spots to sit and watch the pinnacle of motorsport without having to pay a fortune. In fact the action shot above of Jenson Button was taken last year in such a spot and no I’m not telling you where as it will be too crowded next year! Photography can be very difficult with such high fences but if you can get close enough and have long enough lenses it’s possible to some good shots.
Anyway back to the man of the moment congratulations Jenson on your first Grand Prix win and I look forward to your second, and third, and fourth and ……………..