A.Albon | 656 (1%) |
C.Sainz,jr. | 354 (1%) |
Ch.Leclerc | 381 (1%) |
D.Ricciardo | 412 (1%) |
E.Ocon | 389 (1%) |
F.Alonso | 289 (1%) |
G.Russell | 366 (1%) |
K.Cunuda | 410 (1%) |
K.Magnussen | 263 (0%) |
Kuan-jü Č. | 266 (0%) |
L.Hamilton | 49773 (88%) |
L.Norris | 291 (1%) |
L.Sergeant | 254 (0%) |
L.Stroll | 406 (1%) |
M.Verstappen | 386 (1%) |
N.Hulkenberg | 247 (0%) |
O.Piastri | 269 (0%) |
P.Gasly | 372 (1%) |
S.Pérez | 416 (1%) |
V.Bottas | 364 (1%) |
The meeting this year in Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 was very dramatic at first. We had to set off on Thursday morning as the ceremony was planned for Thursday afternoon, however, the exact time wasn't confirmed. In the end, we got information on Wednesday 23 July 2014 at 5.10pm that it would happen on Thursday at 5.15pm. So, we had the team's invitation and could prepare for a 580 km long trip.
The drive on the one-way road we call the D1 - highway to Brno, was crazy. There were moments when we went 50kph. We saw only two places where the workers actually did something. It reminds me of the time before 1989 - 4 cars, 6 guys, 2 working and the rest just hanging around. It makes me quite angry, but there's nothing I can do about it. I would fire everyone, from the minister of transport to the last man working on the reconstruction, I don't think that reviewing the contracts would do any good now. No surprise the work on the reconstruction has been progressing so slowly and moreover, we have the most expensive highways in the world.
Having crossed the borders with Slovakia, everything went smooth and we almost failed to notice the Hungarian border. I don't thing we could make it through Budapest without the TOM TOM navigation. We arrived at Magyorod (a small town near the circuit) at 1pm, as was agreed. I hate being late and before we could find a parking place and get to the main gate, it was 1.30.
Miroslav and Petra in front of the main building, behind us you can see bags with presents from Nizbor's glassworks Rückl Crystal a.s.
The chief of communication Bradley Lord (who arranged everything) sent his colleague Ben to fit us with VIP passes and take us to the Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 motorhome. We were offered lunch and some refreshments, we had some water and rest. In that time we saw Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg and several other people of the team. Bradley and Ben informed us that the trophy would be handed over at 5pm and it would be received by the team's manager Paddy Lowe. Then, at 6pm the cups would be received also by Nico Rosberg. We were encouraged to help ourselves to any refreshments in the meantime, or wonder freely through the paddock.
And that was something for me, I poked my nose anywhere I could. I talked to the mechanics of Mercedes AMG F1 team preparing the wheels who explained a lot of things to me. They were absolutely open, even if my wife told me they had to be a bit off balance from all the questions I asked. Thank you guys!
At 5pm we presented the trophy Climber of the Year in F1, jubilee 10th year to the team's boss Mr Paddy Lowe who showed a great interest in the poll. We explained the history from the first Climber of the Year in F1 Jenson Button (BAR HONDA) to the 10th Nico Rosberg (Mercedes AMG Petronas). I also explained that there are two cups, one for the team and one for the driver. I also told him how the cups are manufactured, as they are custom hand made in Rückl Crystal a.s.
We took pictures in the garage of Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 under the logo of Mercedes Benz, which was a great moment for us, thank you Paddy! All was organized by Ben. He's the right man for his job.
Mr.Paddy Lowe, Miroslav Sanytrák, Ben...Mr.Paddy Lowe, Miroslav Sanytrák, Ben...
Hanging around the paddock we had enough time to look around, my wife had Canon G11 around her neck ready to take a snap shot at any time. The drivers went by to press meetings at their garages and motorhomes. We couldn't get it all but some photos came out nicely and we're very happy for them. After an interview I managed to jump Fernando Alonso to remind him of his Prague's visit. He clearly remembered me, how we met last year, he smiled and signed his photo. The next one was Lewis Hamilton who, when reminded that he's also The Climber of the Year said he remembered very well, that he was the fourth Climber and laughed. He was very nice and a moment later, when we were still waiting for Nico Rosberg he gave us a wink as he was passing by. Too bad we didn't have time to sit down with him, but there's always another day, isn't there?
I like to wath the grand prix at the RTL and the commenst of tier moderators.I met the RTL television modrator Kai Ebel.Our meeting last there years are regular an are we in connection every grand prix. The Nižbor glassworks sent him a little present.
The last one we met in the break was Felipe Massa, walking by with Valtteri Bottas and his assistants, I grabbed to get hold of him and he was a little taken aback from my spontaneity but in the end we took our photo together and his assistant handed me his signed photo.
All that happened in the break before presenting the trophy Climber of the Year in F1 to Nico Rosberg.
At about 6pm we all met with Ben in the Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 team motorhome, from where we were taken to the quarters of the drivers Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg. Here was the right time to hand over the trophy, which happened in a very friendly atmosphere.
The last photo was taken by the Mercedes AMG Petronas managing director Mr Andy Cowel, who, unfortunately, wasn't introduced to us in all the haste, and who was interested in the poll Climber of the Year in F1, thank you.
Having presented the trophy Climber of the Year in F1 we went back to the main gate, accompanied by Ben, once again - thank you Ben. Then we hopped in our Honda Civic and after a thirty-minute detour of off-road like driving around the circuit we set off home, slightly worried whether our car survived the potholes ok.
The way home went well, I remembered Clay Regazzoni who had the number 300 on his Ferrari. We were aiming at about half of that numeral with our speed, which increased the consumption from 5.9 to 6.5 l/100 km and speeding like this we got home in about 6 hours, including a delay on D1. In the end the trip was 1178 km from home, to the circuit and back.
Once again, I would like to thank to Mercedes AMG Petronas F1, Bradley Lord, Paddy Lowe, Andy Cowel, Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton for their friendliness, their hospitality and wonderful experiences. Thank you.
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