Siverstone approaching.......

Wednesday.
Great anticipation as I approached the Wittlebury Hall Hotel close to the circuit, the Copse corner grandstands were visible. So many campsites dotted all around...300 thousand are expected this weekend!
Dropped off my luggage, then headed for the circuit to walk around the track..it's such a treat to do that, I found myself walking alongside the teams and drivers..some walk others cycle and run the track..the first thing that one notices is the new Pit complex called the wave, apparently looking at it side on it resembles the shape of a F1 car...not so sure myself ..but very impressive certainly has an imposing presence.
Also one sees the newly painted red and white apexes, actually they are sprayed..some colour gets onto the grass, something so natural alongside something so artificial....then some  sponsors logos are sprayed onto the grass too..great to see that close up.
The Formula 1 management offices are all new of course,smell of.fresh paint in the air..I think some parts of the complex are still in furbishment.
Back to the hotel where security is very intense indeed..big burly security guards with ear pieces!..always with one finger on the earpiece too!..prerequisite of the job that!...  Not known so much security at a race, perhaps because campsites are adjacent to the hotel.
Thursday
Weather not good!...driving rain and wind....forecast not good until Sunday.
I guess this is all quintessentially British....rain..long traffic jams...tents..and plenty of mud!.....oh and a plethora of beer tents!
I sense such a great buzz..very different from other races...a combination of knowledgeable crowds, and supporters that love the occasion.
Because the new pits and paddock are further away from the main gate..there were plenty of shuttle buses and buggies to ferry everyone around..the whole place resembles a mighty airport!
I even drove one of these golf buggies...great fun!...Went over to Jenson Button's hospitality tents...all for his charity, met Louise Goodman there who is the guest speaker..she remembers me from Australia..very nice!
I made contact with Richard Phillips CEO of the circuit..getting him to write on  Friday.
Apparently it's rumoured that some royals and celebs will attend the race...a place to be seen!..
Also they may be a chance I take to a helicopter for a few mins to take some Aerial pics...that would be great..a new perspective.
I had a driver for 3 hours to take me around the little villages skirting Silverstone..including Silversone village...beautiful cottages with lush gardens and very colourful floral hanging baskets.
Went to Stowe school were I occasionally go and teach as a visiting artist. Great pictures of the Neo-classical buildings and the beautiful Capability Brown landscaping with its lakes and follies.
In the big field to the right of the school. Team Marussia Virgin have taken it over..with masses of Military tents erected for their team personal..no hotels or guest houses for them...boot camp!!
I understand some the the BBC radio  are there too...from F1 correspondents to camping and mud correspondents....carry on camping!.
Took some great pics around these villages..looking forward to incorporating these in my work.
Went into the art dept at the school...found some old printing blocks I had left there some time ago..
Back to the hotel where crowds were gathering to get a glimpse of the drivers.
Friday.
I walked to the circuit through the fields, pass the campsites...8 -30 in morning ..drunk revellers!...I wouldn't expect anything less!  such a short 15 min walk to the circuit.
Big wide Paddock all shiny and clean...had booked in a meeting with Red Bull team principle Christian Horner, wrote a nice piece about the success being down to the whole team..and that this success just challenges them to work even harder to stay there.
Met the CEO, he wrote about the unique atmosphere the British GP has. The rain was very heavy, first and second practice not a true indication of what will happen over weekend, as the weather is expected to improve.  The circuit is massive!...I went through 2 hotel umbrellas!...not good quality for such a posh hotel!
No helicopter ride for me...hopefully another time.
Funny thing..went to the toilet twice today in the FOM offices..on both occasions Nigel Mansell was next to me....one picture I probably couldn't use in my artwork!
Been seeing a lot of Jackie Stewart in the Paddock..these guys can't walk more than 2 paces without stopping to greet someone
As I was waiting for Christian Horner in the Red Bull Motor home..or as they now call it...'Energy Station'..
Sebastian Vettel's father came in and sat on table next to me..overheard him talking about the Great British weather...even the Germans are fascinated!
Saturday...
What a great start to the weekend, Met my sister and and her partner Dick Bennetts who knows a thing or two about Motor Sport!..Managed to see them briefly in the new Paddock Club...very impressive indeed
Isabelle from Allsport asked me to check out the Chill-out lounge with a view to showing some of my work next year..happy about that!
Met a few of the CEO's from previous races in the paddock, Razlan from Malaysia and Ron Walker from Australia, both asking how the paintings were progressing.
Sunday..Race day..
Tens of thousands of people...amazing..arrived at the circuit around 9am and the grandstands were practically full!...lovely sunshine too...I must say the atmosphere was incredible..not experience anything like that...flags and air-horns ..and great support for Button and Hamilton..it seemed every other person was wearing a mclaren t-shirt.
A huge scrum of photographers one end of the Paddock...so many!  I thought it was the team principles going into the FIA Offices which was happening on a regular basis...Realised it was Prince Harry entering the Paddock with Damon Hill..absolutely increadible..he was mobbed not just by the Photographers and security  but also by the teams wanting to take a pic...all dashing out of the motor homes...I got some good pics of Harry's right ear!....but knowing I would get better pics of him on the Grid later..
.And I did manage that....the grid was amazing too..so many people...just as the girls were led to their blocks rain started to fall...then an amazing fly past from the red arrows...marching guards...More celebs than last weeks Hello magazine!...Prince Michael of Kent.....Patrick Stewart...3 England Cricketers..Swann, Cook and the tall Bowler who's name escapes me...another footballer from Man Utd, Wes Brown I was reliably informed....but the best was being introduced to Fatima Whitbread!!!..........as the Formula 1 Artist
She said she had just moved so would like some some art work on her wall...wants my details....I can throw the odd Javelin into my paintings!!
Then it just got better, Billy from FOM, was invited by Martin Brundle to join himself and DC in the Commentary box for the start of the race, I went with him....fantastic to be there in the Tiny box listening and watching  them start the race commentary...standing and very animated in true Murray Walker fashion.
Didn't think I could top meeting Fatima!!!!
Also great to see and photograph a new winner..not one the crowds wanted to see though!
A truly great day and race meeting...I will look forward to working on the Silverstone Panel
Germany next........

Valencia race weekend

My computer died after Valencia...drowned on sangria!.. or maybe something to do with the fact it has to process upto 1000 pictures I take at each race,,,,.very late European GP Blog...
The weekend was memorable in so many ways..perhaps not the race..bit of a procession, but one cant blame red bull for that..they just power on.  The attention they receive is amazing..where ever Vettel is ..whatever he's doing there are a mass of camera's and reporters.
I've been taking pictures of the drivers feet..footwear, fascinating!...My camera was the only one trained on their feet in the Paddock....took a great pic of Schumacher's feet astride a crack in the paddock...now that says something......I'll post that pic.
The build up to the quali is a great time, . I walked down to the circuit from the hotel, it's great to join the crowds gathering..one gets a true sense of the event..and Ferrari flags...and Alonso t-shirts!....Barcelona revisited! Also wanted to walk off some dodgy local white wine from night before!...
I collected my photographers Tabard from FOM office, and walked the path around the circuit...it's an odd thing ..even though I have the correct photographer passes etc...some security see the size of my lens and don't take me seriously!...they see these huge long lens, that weigh half a ton ....I couldn't say in Spanish.. ...'It's not the length that's important'!
Got some great pictures of the cars with big boats in background...as I walked around the inner fence which is quite high 7 ft or so..the tiny marbles from the tyres manage to make there way to the path...they are tossed over the fence..amazing ...looks like flattened insects..
Had to rush back to see Natalia, assistant to the CEO.She was lining up all the relevant people to write in my book during the race on Sunday.  Her little office is just under the Podium next to the Pits..there was a GP2 race going on...not a great place for Management office....couldn't hear a thing she was saying!...I'm learning a form of GP sign language this year!
The heat and sun was so intense...beautiful dark blue sky.  I was able to find a local shopping mall for some typical Valencian fabric to place in my work..although the store assistant believed it was for me to wear...this very feminine floral fabric!..difficult to explain it was for an art project...
beautiful material..very happy about that.
Had dinner in lovely old town of Valencia..caught Mr E coming out of our hotel. I do keep seeing Vettel in hotel lifts I happened again..he must think I'm the phantom lift stalker!...
Sunday follows a regular patten for me, the grid was so busy... When the teams push the cars into place that a great time to look into the helmet of the drivers minutes before the off.  Mr E was with Placido Domingo and the Lady Mayor of Valencia showing them around the grid..the mayor was to write a nice piece up in the VIP suite. These people are so happy to write their thoughts and feelings about F1.
, ..another dash the the airport ...great everybody on the F1 JET arrived early...so the plane left early!...how refreshing ...
Next race ..British..can't wait...wont need my passport this time...

Valencia...beautiful...

Thursday morning...
Flew in yesterday lunchtime on the F1 Jet 146 from Biggin Hill. Amazing.... arrived at biggin hill..departures, one room with a cafe and a tea lady called Betty!....so relaxed walked onto the plane,  such a lovely small jet..very comfortable too. Seat near the front , the cockpit was all open so had a great view of take off and landing..didn´t seem real. felt like I was in a simulator!....as we were about to land I took a pic of the cockpit ...thought I had turned the flash off!...could have been tricky landing!
FOM technicians and management were on the plane..in flight food..bag of crisps and a kitkat..
From landing , it took 10 mins to the car to drive me to the hotel..what a treat!
Hotel Westin, beautiful relaxed Hotel near the old part of the city...apparently many drivers are here too...maybe catch some in the lifts again...incidentaly the lift manufactures are called Schindler....Schindlers lifts!!
Last evening I was invited to see the new Cirque du Soleil in town with some guys from F1 management. The founder Guy Laliberte gave us tickets in Montreal..what an unexpected marvel!...fantastic..I would run out of superlatives to describe the experience...pure art!...beauty ..drama..theatre..colour...caressed all the senses!
So many layers..all what I want to achieve in my paintings...what a great start to Valencia..
Off to take pics around the city now..a great pleasure!.....then to the circuit later...

Five hour race!...No Sun in Sunday...

Well what a day ...Sunday in Montreal. Apologies for delay.
So many firsts for me and indeed the teams, heavy rain was forecast..and as the Montreal folk are obsessed with the weather they dare not give out an incorrect forecast...
 The rain stayed away in the morning but with each hour that passed it look ominous, the rain clouds were gathering.  The teams hadn't used extreme wets in a race this season, I noticed more activity in the Paddock, more team meetings than usual..all focused on the tyres...Pirelli were at the centre of all this of course.
As were the TV crews all wanting inside information..the paddock is so tiny...chaos ensued for a while!
 The rain came down in torrents before the race. As the grid girls were led to their positions, it spitted with rain..enough for them to hold up umbrellas in the beginning.
I was fascinated by the teams driver rain packs!....chamois leathers...dainty little rubber shoes for the drivers as they dismounted keeping their racing shoes dry...lots of towels ..its a military operation keeping everything dry..amazing to watch close hand.
Apparently there were still masses of water on the track..so a rolling start behind the safety car was expected.
Actress Julia Roberts was due to come..I waited to see her on the Grid, but subsequently learnt that a car was waiting outside her hotel but she didn't want to leave as it was raining!.....never rains in Hollywood!
I did see Colin Farrel getting a lot of Attention, I also saw Manchester United footballer Michael Carrick getting No attention....
Just as the National Anthem started and sung by Canadian singer Ima, I quickly moved the the front of the grid to take pics of her singing flanked by 2 beefy Mounties.  She would later write a piece in my book for the artwork.
The grid became very busy, but left a little early because I had to go to the  Circuit  President's suite in the Paddock Club....and wow...they had lined up literally all the important dignitaries to write their pieces for my artwork.... Government minister of Tourism.... Minister of Finance....Mayor of Montreal...President of Canadian Motor Authority..and the Charming Ima, who gave me her new CD.....Big fan now!!!
By this time heavy rain was falling...2 hour delay...so I stayed a while in the suite chatting to the Ministers and their families...giving out posters of my work.
I then donned my Photographers tabard and and took a position at the first chicane....I needed to take some pics of the cars in the rain with the dramatic spray...I wasn't disappointed.
When the rain finally ceased there were many laps with the cars behind the Safety car...much to the annoyance of the crowd...they were getting fairly vocal showing their frustration, feeling the cars should start racing....
 An exciting race indeed, although as I've been doing each race,  with around 5..6 laps to go queueing up with the snappers for the Podium shots. We were waiting at the gate behind the Podium...I noticed that the German flag had been put in the first place position..already!...so confident they were that Vetell would win...well we know what happened.... then a frantic rush to switch over the Union Flag...very funny!
A tower was erected for the photographers ..so we were all in line with the podium..great shots
Beneath me was Lewis Hamilton watching on....penny for his thoughts!
The race finished at 5 ..so no time to hang around, straight to the Airport.

Valencia next week....Travelling on the F1 Jet...146. Looking forward to that. Leaving from Biggin Hill.

Wet race day in Montreal

Firstly , just corrected some errors from Previous Blog...thanks Tommy!
It's a cool wet day...looks like heavy rain and thunder expected during the race...first use of the wet tyres ...should be eventful and exciting.
Yesterday the rain didn't materialise, although overcast it stayed dry throughout qualifying.
Lots of Activity in the Paddock...took a great picture (I'll post it on Blog) of little Hamilton with a 7ft basketball player!...hope Lewis didn't strain his neck!..apparently Ice T with with them too.
Ex F1 driver Jean Alesi was talking to Emerson Fittipaldi who is a  race Steward, I was told that lots of ex drivers love to come to Montreal. There were a delegation from the new Texas circuit taking a look around...although they didn't ask me any questions!...missed a trick there!
During quali I went for another walkabout in my photographers tabard..great access trackside..I was stationed at the first chicane, behind me was a huge packed grandstand full of vocal supporters, seems most were supporting Ferrari, I guess from the Villenerve days.
Had a brief meeting with Francoise, Circuit Chairman about him penning his piece. 1-30 today during the race. Also the Mayor and a government minister, also apparently there are some celebrities coming ..all very secretive..watch this space ..as they say....

Montreal big race weekend sat

Sat morning just about to catch the media shuttle to the Gilles Villeneuve circuit. its a great short journey..as the circuit looms closer you see more people  slowly making there way... like the pilgrims approaching mecca..thousands!....racing is certainly a religion here...street parties everywhere...TV companies can't get enough...more popular than Spain, didn't think I would say that.
Yesterday, first and second free practices, in my very humble opinion I believe too much emphasis and importance is put on the team placings....I think the teams tend to play mind games too...holding back a little as Ive said before, this was more evident yesterday, although Vettel crashing as is customary in practice wasn't planned I'm sure.
Such a hot humid day yesterday, I arrived at the circuit picked up another photographers tabard to wear as it's another street circuit; it's difficult to navigate....but with tabard  I was able to follow the path around the track...I must say the path in some areas is so narrow with little space between the track and the St Lawrence seaway...quite an adventure..  saw a beaver too!....
The grandstands were almost full, amazing for quali...these French Canadians are devoted followers and very knowledgeable too. 
The circuit is built around the old Olympic park used for water based events, rowing etc. There was also a big Expo there, what remains is a huge Bio-Sphere built by the Americans as their pavilion..this is now part of the Montreal skyline...it's a thing of Beauty, will deffo go into my painting.
Back in the Paddock, because it's so narrow, one can hear all the conversations between TV commentators ..teams...There was a lot of excitement around Sauber when Pedro de la Rosa appeared as a new driver....moving from Mclaren...I followed 'Crofty'... David croft from BBC 5 live as he managed to interview De la Rosa walking down the paddock....a remarkable feat considering there were so many people in the way...these commentators have developed a way of clearing the path ahead with their arms...I like to photograph them do this...it's a sport within a sport!..

Montreal Magic....

Thursday June 9th
Here I am in French Canada..Quebec.   It really is all French. I must say I wasn't expecting everyone to speak French and not much English...I like it..North America meets Europe....even the morning bacon is laced with maple syrup!...
I arrived last night into a storm..quite literally..apparently the worst storms..rain..thunder and lighting in 50 years...the airport was closed for 3 hours...which in Canada is most unusual. given during the winter a million tons of snow is dumped and the airport stays open!
The plane couldn't land for a while, but not much of a delay..the hotel was around 20 mins from the airport.
This morning I went straight to the track, there are regular shuttles to the track..only 10 mins away, really close and parallel to the port and St Lawrence seaway. Tiny Paddock very narrow, met the President of the circuit and Montreal  motor federation, Francoise. He had received a letter from Mr Ecclestone so he knew all about my project and requests...he already has himself lined up to write as well as the Mayor of Montreal. and a government minister. and a beautiful singer for the National Anthem...great!..so with that taken care of I headed downtown to take pictures....fantastic that I could walk everywhere.these days I spend taking pics of the City..I've never walked so much...on my 3rd pair of trainers!..lovely old quarter...lots of Jazz...like a mini New Orleans..may go back there later...not sure about the beers here.....Bud Light...they are a sponsor of the race so all the hotel staff are decked out in the Bud colours!...not sure about that!...guess it's good business for the Hotel Delta.
The people of Montreal absolutely love F1..they turn up in their thousands even today ..non race day..just for the driver autographs.....
And Mr Ecclestone arrives this evening into another storm so to speak....more Thunder and Bahrain!!!
Looking forward to getting a good view of the circuit tomorrow...from first brief viewing an attractive track...lots of water and trees ...