My day with AMG Mercedes Benz Petronas F1 Team

harrower · 02-22-2012, 05:28 PM

Guys,

For those of you who have thought about joining the AMG Private Lounge http://www.mercedes-amg.com/privatelounge/homePage/ but simply have not gotten around to it, here is some motivation to join I won a free contest for 2 VIP passes to debut of W03 in Barcelona and brought a friend along. This was the most amazing experience.

Here is my report which I did for Private Lounge

Test Day

As promised by the team our passes were awaiting us in the morning at the hotel reception. We were asked to be at the team tent on the backside of the boxes by 8am so we headed off from hotel and arrived at tent by 7:30am or so. As you can see all the teams had their transporters and hospitality facilities set-up. We proceeded to the AMG/MB tent and walked into only to bump literally into Norbert Haug while we both were waiting for cafe machine to make our drinks. After some breakfast and a press briefing in the tent we were asked to make our way to the track for the car announcement. Now there were only about 20 of us VIPs with maybe 5 of us "regular" people and the others were sponsors like MIG Bank, Petronas etc. So pretty select group of people considering we hadn't spent $ millions on the team via sponsorships.

Promptly two new SL 63s made their way to the display stand which of course were driven by Michael and Nico. The car was released and promptly pulled back into the garage. Through-out the day the car was always pulled into box right away as there are some features on car that remain secretive and lots of eyes along pit row.

We were free to do as we pleased. The team had a hospitality suite above the pit boxes as well as the team tent behind the boxes and our passes allowed us anywhere we wanted to go. I can't stress how amazing this was. We literally would walk through the garage into the pit and have Michael blow by you on his way in to box no less than 3 feet away at 100kmph. What a sound and smell a hot F1 car is when it is so close. We had access to the complete pit row, grandstands, suites etc and were left to do what we wanted. No one escorted us anywhere nor were there the traditional guided activties. Hell Bedo even made his way for some time to the pit wall where team had their monitor set-up and where they lean through for driver signs and took videos/pics. When one of the team mechanics came out to flash a signal to Michael, Bedo apologized for been in his place and his response "no problem at all and stay where you are"

Only team not running was HRT - budget issues I think. There was only one yellow and that was for Lotus when Heikki had a chassis failure and parked it. This was the talk of the pit lane as they had issues with chassis #1 at Jerez and then chassis #2 broken which led them to pack-up and head home. Does not look good for Lotus fans for Australia as this has set them back.

The W03 was running in the same region of times as Red Bull but I got the sense they were not really pushing the car. Another interesting thing we learned is that with the new tires and more of a right-angled side-wall that this created aero issues and every team basically had to recreate hundreds of new aero parts to deal with new aero characteristics of the 2012 tire over the 2011 tire.

Running was from 8:30am right through to 5pm or so and we spent 95% of the time in the pit or in suite overlooking boxes. I have been to F1 races before and knew how loud they were, but what was a new experience was to be so close to the car the sounds were different and the smells. It was a vivid experience. It is also kindda surreal to literally bump into Ross, Michael, Nico, Norbert, Nick Fry and others through-out the day was we were all crammed into the same place. It made you feel like a part of the team literally.

Bedo was successful in mission in meeting the "great one" but i will let him tell this story.

Through-out the day we were treated very well by the team and they made us feel right at home. Around 4:30pm things started ton draw to a close and we made our way back to the hotel for dinner to re-live this great experience.

Depart from the hotel this morning was a full symphony send off by having F1 cars blowing down the front-stretch at full thottle...what a sound and what a great send off and closure to a great AMG experience.

I cannot say enough great things about this experience and how wonderful it was. I wish to thank AMG, AMG PL, AMG Mercedes Benz Petronas F1 Team and all others involved in making this day possible. THANK YOU!

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harrower · 02-22-2012, 05:29 PM

more pics

harrower · 02-22-2012, 05:31 PM

more pics

harrower · 02-22-2012, 05:33 PM

more pics

harrower · 02-22-2012, 05:35 PM

last pics for now.

Dave

mei35inted · 02-22-2012, 05:38 PM

meh

Merc63 · 02-22-2012, 05:46 PM

Nice, thanks.

harrower · 02-22-2012, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ryanc43amg

jealous times 3 zillion. was fortunate to fly to Canada GP with Ross Brawn MGP president last year and meet the team! Very wet race, but extremely fun. I've already booked again for this year in Canada, and everyone needs to go out to the Texas Inaugural GP this year in November. Booked that as well and I'm such a happy camper. This is there year I can just feel it!

GO MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS

Here you go...hanging with the man himself

NORTH 44 C63 · 02-22-2012, 05:51 PM

Doin the "Harrower"

Well done!!!

Roswell · 02-22-2012, 07:25 PM

Thx for posting ur experience Dave.. Only u can come up with such nice AMG stories.. Like this one or driving the SLS GT3.. U've been blessed, but u deserved it!

dre5373 · 02-22-2012, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ryanc43amg

jealous times 3 zillion. was fortunate to fly to Canada GP with Ross Brawn MGP president last year and meet the team! Very wet race, but extremely fun. I've already booked again for this year in Canada, and everyone needs to go out to the Texas Inaugural GP this year in November. Booked that as well and I'm such a happy camper. This is there year I can just feel it!

GO MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS

Can't wait, my younger brother only lives 45 minutes away!!!

OP,

what an experience it must have been! Any talk in the pits about the "W" duct?

Helms · 02-22-2012, 08:51 PM

very cool, thanks for sharing

MicheleC · 02-22-2012, 08:53 PM

Dave, thank you very much for posting this here!

Quick question - are you registered through the German PL or International? Just wondering if registering through German would limit access to the rest and the other way around?

Illusive · 02-22-2012, 09:33 PM

Looks like you had a great time! Definitely envious of your experience! Congrats and thanks for sharing your experience and pics!

Sincity · 02-22-2012, 11:44 PM

That is awesome, Dave!

1st amg · 02-22-2012, 11:45 PM

Holy crap Dave, how do you come back down to life after that...nice one for the bucket list!!

_AMG_ · 02-22-2012, 11:49 PM

Looks like you had a EPIC day!

Thanks for sharing Dave.

harrower · 02-23-2012, 12:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MicheleC

Dave, thank you very much for posting this here!

Quick question - are you registered through the German PL or International? Just wondering if registering through German would limit access to the rest and the other way around?

Hi,

I am reistered through International/US side. This giveaway was from this PL. There is no limitations and they have opened up PL to all AMG owners worldwide.

Dave

harrower · 02-23-2012, 12:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MicheleC

Dave, thank you very much for posting this here!

Quick question - are you registered through the German PL or International? Just wondering if registering through German would limit access to the rest and the other way around?

Hi,

I am registered through International/US side. This giveaway was from this PL. There is no limitations and they have opened up PL to all AMG owners worldwide.

Dave

MicheleC · 02-26-2012, 07:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by harrower

Hi,

I am reistered through International/US side. This giveaway was from this PL. There is no limitations and they have opened up PL to all AMG owners worldwide.

Dave

Thank you very much!

AMGC60-3 · 02-26-2012, 10:46 AM

Amazing!!! You are one lucky man and I cant wait till the racing season starts (F1 and DTM)

VaclavSV · 02-26-2012, 01:03 PM

Thats so sick!!! (Im SO jealous lol) Im a huge Mclaren fan but Mercedes has stepped their game up for sure this year. Hopefully they can be more competitive!

02-22-2012, 05:31 PM	#3
harrower MBWorld Fanatic! Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Prague, Czech Republic Posts: 1,191 Drives: 2009 C63, 2007 GL 450	more pics #2 more pics Attached Thumbnails __________________ 09 C63 Black/Black Kleemann K1 19" Volk GR2s ROW Airboxes Quaife LSD Carbonio Engine Cover Ext Mods - Carbon: front splitter, rear diffuser, roof spoiler, Vented hood. Blacked out rear lights and mirror signal indicators. Int Mods - DCT Steering wheel, shifter, trim, command console, CF seat back covers, vents, Euro console Pending installs: MHP LTH no cats Evo Power Pulley Tit brake shims KW K2 coilovers

02-22-2012, 05:33 PM	#4
harrower MBWorld Fanatic! Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Prague, Czech Republic Posts: 1,191 Drives: 2009 C63, 2007 GL 450	more pics #3 more pics Attached Thumbnails __________________ 09 C63 Black/Black Kleemann K1 19" Volk GR2s ROW Airboxes Quaife LSD Carbonio Engine Cover Ext Mods - Carbon: front splitter, rear diffuser, roof spoiler, Vented hood. Blacked out rear lights and mirror signal indicators. Int Mods - DCT Steering wheel, shifter, trim, command console, CF seat back covers, vents, Euro console Pending installs: MHP LTH no cats Evo Power Pulley Tit brake shims KW K2 coilovers

02-22-2012, 05:35 PM	#5
harrower MBWorld Fanatic! Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Prague, Czech Republic Posts: 1,191 Drives: 2009 C63, 2007 GL 450	more pics #4 last pics for now. Dave Attached Thumbnails __________________ 09 C63 Black/Black Kleemann K1 19" Volk GR2s ROW Airboxes Quaife LSD Carbonio Engine Cover Ext Mods - Carbon: front splitter, rear diffuser, roof spoiler, Vented hood. Blacked out rear lights and mirror signal indicators. Int Mods - DCT Steering wheel, shifter, trim, command console, CF seat back covers, vents, Euro console Pending installs: MHP LTH no cats Evo Power Pulley Tit brake shims KW K2 coilovers

02-22-2012, 05:38 PM	#6
mei35inted Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 98	meh Last edited by mei35inted; 04-06-2012 at 01:49 AM.

02-22-2012, 05:46 PM	#7
Merc63 MBWorld Fanatic! Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 2,655 Drives: C63 AMG	Nice, thanks. __________________ Weistec stage 3 w/ built tranny. ---------------------------------------------- PARTING OUT ENTIRE 2009 C63 AMG! http://mbworld.org/forums/c63-amg-w2...-2009-c63.html

02-22-2012, 05:29 PM	#2
harrower MBWorld Fanatic! Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Prague, Czech Republic Posts: 1,191 Drives: 2009 C63, 2007 GL 450	more pics more pics Attached Thumbnails __________________ 09 C63 Black/Black Kleemann K1 19" Volk GR2s ROW Airboxes Quaife LSD Carbonio Engine Cover Ext Mods - Carbon: front splitter, rear diffuser, roof spoiler, Vented hood. Blacked out rear lights and mirror signal indicators. Int Mods - DCT Steering wheel, shifter, trim, command console, CF seat back covers, vents, Euro console Pending installs: MHP LTH no cats Evo Power Pulley Tit brake shims KW K2 coilovers

02-22-2012, 05:51 PM	#9
NORTH 44 C63 MBWorld Fanatic! 2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: 43°38'N / 79°52'W Posts: 1,723 Drives: EuroCharged 2012 C63 BS Coupè	Doin the "Harrower" Well done!!! __________________ ///EuroCharged C63 BS COUPÉ - DIAMOND WHITE/// + B25 http://www.youtube.com/user/c63me

02-22-2012, 07:25 PM	#10
Roswell MBWorld Fanatic! Garage is empty, add now Join Date: May 2010 Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Posts: 4,172 Drives: 2010 C63 AMG, 2009 ISF , 2002 L-Tuned IS300, 2011 ML350	Thx for posting ur experience Dave.. Only u can come up with such nice AMG stories.. Like this one or driving the SLS GT3.. U've been blessed, but u deserved it! __________________ 2010 Calcite White C63 - Vorsteiner CF rear diffuser - BOCA CF backseat covers & CF trunk spoiler - RevoZport CF sideskirts w/ VIP CF rear skirts - JBSPEED CF front lip & CF roof spoiler - Blacked-out roof, reverse light & front grill - AMG door pins & Hakimov CF trim kit - H&R springs (w/17mm rear spring pads) - 19's OEM V Multi-spokes w/ Yokohama tires (H&R spacers --> 10mm r & 12mm f) - 19's HRE P40 in brushed with tinted clear w/ Hankook V12 tires

02-22-2012, 08:51 PM	#12
Helms MBWorld Fanatic! Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Jersey Posts: 1,103 Drives: ML350	very cool, thanks for sharing __________________ *The Best Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Facebook Page for all the latest and best Pictures and News about the Amazing C63 AMG* :: http://www.facebook.com/Benz.C63.AMG

02-22-2012, 08:53 PM	#13
MicheleC Junior Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 17 Drives: NA	Dave, thank you very much for posting this here! Quick question - are you registered through the German PL or International? Just wondering if registering through German would limit access to the rest and the other way around?

02-22-2012, 09:33 PM	#14
Illusive Super Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Calgary, AB Posts: 567 Drives: 2012 C63 AMG	Looks like you had a great time! Definitely envious of your experience! Congrats and thanks for sharing your experience and pics! __________________ 2012 C63 AMG Sedan - Magnetite Black - Designo Black Single Tone Leather - Premium Package - Rear Seat PP - 19" AMG Multi-Spoke Wheels - AMG Wheels w/ Winter Tires - XPEL Front End Protection - Window Tint - Smoked Side Markers

02-22-2012, 11:44 PM	#15
Sincity MBWorld Fanatic! Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Vegas, baby! Posts: 5,461 Drives: '86 190e restoration project, '08 Acura RDX, '09 C63 AMG	That is awesome, Dave! __________________ "Unofficial Member" of the Vancouver Benz crew.

02-22-2012, 11:45 PM	#16
1st amg MBWorld Fanatic! Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,677 Drives: 2011 SLS Irridium silver,2011 GL350 BT Palladium, 2011 White Dodge RAM Hemi Quad	Holy crap Dave, how do you come back down to life after that...nice one for the bucket list!! __________________ Nick 2011 SLS Irridium Silver, 2011 GL350 BT Palladium, 2011 White Dodge RAM Hemi Quad

02-22-2012, 11:49 PM	#17
_AMG_ MBWorld Fanatic! Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 6,674 Drives: C63	Looks like you had a EPIC day! Thanks for sharing Dave. __________________

02-26-2012, 10:46 AM	#21
AMGC60-3 MBWorld Fanatic! Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: N.Jersey and New York, stationed in Germany Posts: 1,294 Drives: W164 ML500,SMART For two,1994 C280(5speed manual) 1999 C230k station wagon	Amazing!!! You are one lucky man and I cant wait till the racing season starts (F1 and DTM)

02-26-2012, 01:03 PM

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02-26-2012, 01:03 PM	#22
VaclavSV MBWorld Fanatic! Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 1,270 Drives: 2012 C63 AMG	Thats so sick!!! (Im SO jealous lol) Im a huge Mclaren fan but Mercedes has stepped their game up for sure this year. Hopefully they can be more competitive! __________________

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