German Grand Prix 2016

    Round 12 saw the F1 roadshow return to Hockenheim, which allowed our group to enjoy the historic city of Heidelberg as well as German hospitality again after a year’s break. Anticipation could not be higher, with Hamilton flying and leading the championship coming into the final race before the summer break.

    Our flight took us into Frankfurt and we swiftly began the coach transfer down to Heidelberg.  On arrival, we had the chance to wander around the beautiful old town or take the funicular railway up to the castle and be treated to one of the best views I have ever seen.

    After getting our bearings, the group returned for the official welcome drinks and discussion quickly uncovered a vast majority of Hamilton fans who were mostly confident of victory for the weekend to come.

    Being based at the 4* Crowne Plaza in Heidelberg was an ideal location for the Grand Prix, and it meant a leisurely start at 9am on Saturday and a quick transfer into Hockenheim to the coach park which was just a short walk to the Grandstands.  As the sun shone, some people decided to explore the track and find the Jim Clark memorial and pay their respects to the legendary Scottish driver who sadly lost his life in the late 60’s at the track – an event that went a long way to shaping the sport into the far safer form we know and love today.

    Qualification lead to a now familiar looking grid with Mercedes on the front row followed by Red Bull who now seem to have the upper hand on Ferrari.  After enjoying the rest of the action at the track - including the Porsche Super Cup qualifying - as well as the first GP2 & GP3 races.

    The old town and the Marketplatz were the places to be on Saturday night, spotting some of the celebs that had also made the trip and enjoying the odd glass of German beer while the sun went down.  I have to say that I am glad I took the sensible decision and avoided the shop dedicated to Absinthe!

    German Grand Prix 2016

    With clear heads (for the most part!), our group left for the track hopeful of a Hamilton win and an increased lead before a few weeks of rest.  We were not disappointed, with Lewis taking control at the first corner and not looking back as he eased to victory.  This left most of the action between Rosberg and the Red Bulls, with the Red Bulls coming out victorious and taking 2nd and 3rd - partly due to a five second penalty for an illegal move on Verstappen that was reminiscent of the German’s move on Hamilton in Austria, much to the displeasure of the locals.

    After navigating the traffic leaving the venue, we arrived back in Heidelberg in plenty of time to enjoy our last evening and a final chance to sample the food and drink on offer and mull over the result of the race and what the rest of the season holds after the summer break.

    After breakfast on Monday, we were all aboard the transfer back to the airport and without any delays we were heading back to London Heathrow and our onward journeys.  With a question mark over the future of the German Grand Prix, the weekend was a great experience and one that was thoroughly enjoyed by all our clients.  

    Ali H.

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