Our F1 Blog

HRT Hopes To Test New Car Before Melbourne: New team boss Luis Perez Sala has admitted HRT might struggle to get its 2012 ready for preseason testing. With a change of ownership during 2011, the Spanish team has now split with boss Colin Kolles and installed former Minardi driver Sala as principal. In the background, HRT is also reorganizing its scattered headquarters and Sala admitted that it will be a tough winter for the former Hispania team. “Inevitably, we will be delayed by this reorganization,” he told Radio Marca. “Additionally, the FIA now requires us to pass the crash tests before we can test, which sets the bar even higher. I hope it is all done in late January and we make the preseason, but if it gets difficult then at least I hope we make the shakedown before Melbourne.”

Alonso Announces Split With Singer Wife: Fernando Alonso and his wife Raquel del Rosario have announced they are splitting. Then a Renault driver and reigning back-to-back World Champion, Spaniard Alonso married del Rosario — lead singer for the Spanish rock band El Sueno de Morfeo — in 2006. Earlier this year, 30-year-old Alonso — who now drives for Ferrari — moved from Switzerland to return to his native Asturias. “We are separating from marriage, but never as friends,” a joint statement issued by the couple said. “We ask that the media respects our personal lives which, as you know, we have always been keen to protect.”

Berger’s Nephew On Track For F1 Future: Gerhard Berger’s nephew is speeding down the road to follow his famous uncle into Formula One. Two decades ago, 10-time winner Berger shared the McLaren garage with Ayrton Senna, whose own nephew Bruno went on to race in F1 with HRT and Lotus/Renault. Now, 17-year-old Lucas Auer — the son of former BMW motor sport director and Toro Rosso co-owner Berger’s sister Claudia — is getting serious about his single seater racing. This year, he raced in the JK Racing Asia Series and was recently crowned champion. “It’s really important for my future,” he said of the title. “I had to win this season and now I can see what I will do in the future.” Last week, according to motorline.cc, the young Austrian tested a F3 Euroseries car at Valencia, with 52-year-old Berger looking on.

Formula 1 will return from its second multiyear U.S. hiatus with a Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, next November. The first track in the nation that was built specifically to F1 specifications and amenity standards has invested $300 million in the facility and must pay a huge sanctioning fee — estimated at $25 million — to put the world’s highest priced and most technologically advanced race cars on the track.
History has shown making a profit with an F1 event in America will be difficult. Indianapolis made money from 2000 to 2004, was severely damaged by a tire fiasco in 2005 and lost money in its final two years. It had been the first track to hold an F1 race in the U.S. since 1991, when Phoenix’s street event folded after three years. Phoenix never made money.
For F1 to become successful in America, it must be sustainable long term and that requires profits. Those will come from American drivers, who will build the television audience and the fan base. It needs another Dan Gurney or Mario Andretti and it needs them both in F1 at the same time. One won’t do it.
With the Austin race in 2012 and the announced race in New Jersey, with the Manhattan skyline in the background, for 2013, the opportunity to lift F1′s profile and bring American drivers into the fold is greatly enhanced. F1 won’t ever equal the popularity of NASCAR and the two events will never grow larger than the Indianapolis 500, but it can prosper into a premier international sporting event in the States. Think Olympics. Think soccer’s World Cup. F1 plays on that stage every year, delivering the world’s largest television viewership.
There aren’t any American drivers in F1. Scott Speed was the last, driving in 28 races in the 2006 and 2007 seasons before switching to Sprint Cup. He was the first since Michael Andretti, who was released with three races remaining in his sole season of 1993.
Are there Americans interested in driving in F1? Absolutely. Established talent like Kyle Busch, Ryan Hunter-Reay, Marco Andretti and Graham Rahal are among those who would jump at the chance. Talented youngsters Alexander Rossi, Conor Daly and Michael Lewis are pursuing it by racing in the European development series.
The challenge is getting hired by an F1 team and proving they have the ability to compete with the best road racing drivers in the world. There’s been a stigma that has kept American IndyCar drivers from being considered since Andretti, who was a victim of adverse circumstances, and those who have gone the European route, which the F1 teams prefer, have run out of financial support before getting the opportunities they needed. Speed was the exception. He was funded by Red Bull’s program to develop an American driver for F1, but it gave up on him quickly when he got there. Sebastian Vettel, who replaced Speed, has won the F1 world championship the past two years.
“I don’t think Formula 1 can be successful in America without an American driver, but there are a lot of Ferrari fans who follow the sport everywhere and there are American Formula 1 fans,” Eddie Cheever, who started 132 F1 races between 1978 and 1989 before switching to IndyCars, said. “There would be a lot more success with American drivers.
“We were doing well at Indianapolis until they dropped the ball with the tire fiasco in 2005. The fans are very fickle and they didn’t come back.”
Certainly, the 2005 race at Indianapolis was a blow to the event. Michelin, which supplied 14 of the 20 cars, brought a tire that failed in the Friday practice on Ralf Schumacher’s car, putting him into the wall and out of the event. After taking the parade laps, the Michelin cars pulled into the pits and six cars running on Bridgestone tires raced. But even before that the event had seen steady declining attendance.
Cheever says there needs to be more Americans in the talent pool pursuing F1 and corporations to back them.
“Just having one driver won’t do it,” Cheever said. “Maybe having one in F1 would galvanize F1 in America so more young drivers wanted [to get involved]. It [multiple drivers] is a process that is going to take a long time, a five-year plan [backed] by a corporation or a car manufacturer to develop talent.
“Almost all of the young drivers in America want to be in NASCAR and we need more to want to get to F1.”
Jonathan Summerton raced in Europe for several seasons trying to make it to F1. He won a race in the prestigious Euro Formula 3 championship in 2006, but his funding ran out. He won races in Formula Atlantic and has raced in Firestone Indy Lights since returning to America. The 23-year-old from Kissimmee, Fla., also had a major victory for A1 Team USA in the disbanded A1GP Series; the only driver to win for the team out of a group that included Speed, Marco Andretti and Bryan Herta.
“I’d still love to get to F1,” Summerton said. “But IndyCar is a great option and I’m working on that for next year [2012].”
Rossi, a 20-year-old from Nevada City, Calif., is the American furthest along in the European development series. He won two races in World Series by Renault, a top-level development series in Europe, this year and tested with Team Lotus (renamed Caterham this week) in the F1 Young Driver’s test at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi in November. He won three races in GP3 in 2010 and was the Formula BMW world champion in 2008. Rossi will likely spend next season in the Renault or GP2 series, the final development steps on the climb into F1. It’s possible, if he continues to win races, that he could reach F1 by 2013.
Indianapolis-based Just Marketing International founder Zak Brown, who has done sponsorship deals with McLaren, Red Bull, Williams, Mercedes and F1 series organizer Bernie Ecclestone, believes F1 can succeed without an American driver.
“I think F1 can be successful in the U.S. without an American driver,” Brown said. “America is a pretty diverse place and many of its athletes aren’t American. That being said, an American driver would definitely help as would two successful races and more network television.”
Is it possible to build a successful F1 event in the U.S. without an American driver? Maybe, but not likely. Next year’s event in Austin will undoubtedly be well attended and publicized. Indianapolis started out in 2000 with a crowd of 225,000, the largest ever to see an F1 event, but it was down in the 150,000-range the next year and continued to fall. Austin will suffer the same fate without American drivers.

CAREERS IN MOTORSPORT MANAGEMENT FLAGGED FOR UAE NATIONALS

Abu Dhabi Motorsport Management at Tawdheef to double Emirati employees to 30 per cent of total workforce

Abu Dhabi, UAE, 21 December, 2011: Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management (ADMM) has announced a major emiratisation recruitment drive today, as they look to increase Emirati headcount in the company to 30 per cent of the total workforce.

A venture of the Abu Dhabi Government, ADMM oversees the running of the Yas Marina Circuit and hosts the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Established in 2008, and growing in their offerings, the company is expanding rapidly in the coming years, and is looking at Tawdheef recruitment show, taking place from 31 January to 2 February 2012 at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), as an important platform to source the most suitable professional Emirati candidates to fill required positions.

“Our main goal is to increase the number of national employees in our company to reach 30 per cent of the overall headcount,” said Richard Cregan, CEO of Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management. “Our vacancies are designated for UAE Nationals and we hope that we attract high calibre Emirati candidates for these positions at Tawdheef.”

Along with hosting several other high profile motorsport events, including the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East and the GP2 and GT1 series, ADMM has implemented other activities such as the Yas Racing School, Yas Drag Racing Centre and the Yas Kartzone.

Added Cregan: “Our expanded offerings mean that we will need candidates who will be assets when they join the company. UAE Nationals tend to feel that this industry is under-represented by the Emirati workforce, but when they see that we have Emiratis in the company, they feel a sense of empowerment and want to be a part of it.

“Motorsport is a very new type of career choice, but will increase in popularity and we encourage UAE Nationals to learn more about it. Eventually, they will be driving the responsibility of the efficient management of our organisation and the future growth of the industry.”

Organised by Informa Exhibitions, Tawdheef is the region’s leading recruitment show that supports Emiratisation – only companies with immediately available positions for UAE Nationals will take part.

These include platinum sponsors the National Bank of Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, the Abu Dhabi Police, and the UAE Presidential Guard, gold sponsors Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), and Etisalat, and silver sponsors Etihad, Telecoms Regulations Authority (TRA) and Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company (ADNIC). Abu Dhabi Airports Company has signed on as registration sponsor.

The first two days of Tawdheef is reserved for Emirati job seekers only, with the final day open to all other nationalities.

Move over, Monaco: Formula One to stage ‘spectacular’ road race in New Jersey after 40-year wait

Formula One is set to light up the East Coast of the U.S. for the next 10 years – with a spectacular road race course which is already being compared to the Monte Carlo Grand Prix.
Race boss Bernie Ecclestone is today expected to sign a deal for the world’s top drivers to speed along the streets of New Jersey’s Hudson shoreline – with the Manhattan skyline as a stunning backdrop – for the next decade.
It will be the realisation of Ecclestone’s dream to bring the race to New York – something he has tried, and failed to do, several times since the 1970s.
But event safety will be under the spotlight following the recent death of British driver Dan Wheldon in the Las Vegas IndyCar season finale.

Spectacular: The skyline of Manhattan will provide the backdrop for the Grand Prix of America in New Jersey in 2013
The June 2013 event, dubbed the Grand Prix of America, is expected to start at JFK Boulevard East in Weehawken – just across the Hudson River from Midtown Manhattan.
The 200mph cars will then head north, turn right in West New York, on a level with Central Park, and head back south of River Road to the finish line back in Weehawken.
West New York attorney Jose DeMarco said: ‘It will provide a very challenging course. They compare it to Spa in Belgium. But it will have the feel of Monte Carlo.’

More…
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Green light for plans to build new Formula One circuit in Mumbai
The U.S. has not hosted a Formula One race since 2007 in Indianapolis, which was won by Lewis Hamilton.
The event’s eight-year run came to an end when Ecclestone failed to agree new terms with the circuit’s owners.
But the body has also recently signed a deal to run an annual race on a new $250million track in Austin, Texas, starting in 2012.

Champion: Lewis Hamilton won the the last Formula One race to take place in the U.S. in Indianapolis, Indiana, in 2007

Celebration: Lewis Hamilton took the top spot in the Formula One Grand Prix of America in Indianapolis in 2007
The expected New Jersey announcement comes 30 years since Ecclestone’s last serious attempt to set up an event in the Garden State.
‘UNEASY RELATIONSHIP’
Formula One has endured an uneasy relationship with America.
The sport has failed to firmly anchor itself state-side since ending a 20-year association with Watkins Glen at the start of the 1980s.
Races at Long Beach, Las Vegas, Detroit, Dallas and Phoenix have all failed to become permanent fixtures on the calendar.
A move to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the 2000 season turned sour five years later when fears over tyre safety famously resulted in just six cars starting that year’s race.
The 2005 debacle caused a rift with many American fans from which the sport never fully recovered, and F1 departed the US scene two years later
And it is part of his quest to strengthen Formula One’s roots in the U.S., where its popularity comes a distant third to NASCAR and IndyCar.
But with IndyCar seemingly in decline, which started with its split from CART in 1994 and has seen dwindling viewing figures and raceday fan numbers in the past 10 years, it could be the perfect time for Formula One to expand into America and take on NASCAR.
And although Formula One’s safety record, and security checks, are widely recognised as better than its American rivals, it is a subject which will inevitably be scrutinised following the death of British driver Dan Wheldon in Las Vegas earlier this month.
Wheldon was killed in a 15-car pile-up. IndyCar came under fire as the two-time Indianapolis 500 winner had been enticed to begin the race from the rear of the grid, to entitle him to a share of a £3million bonus if he won.
Following the crash, and speaking before last week’s Indian Grand Prix, Ecclestone said: ‘In Formula One we do everything possible to secure the safety of the drivers and the spectators.
‘We would never have let that race take place in Las Vegas last week. With 34 cars racing on a 1.5-mile oval track, they were heading for disaster.’
Formula One’s arrival in New Jersey has been welcomed by officials hoping it will bring a significant economic and tourism boom to the state.

New York bound? Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel (left) and F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone (right) could be on there way to the East Coast if plans are unveiled today for a new Grand Prix in the Garden State
New Jersey governor Chris Christie said: ‘It’s incredible. This is going to be an economic boom for this whole region.’
And West New York Mayor Felix Roque added: ‘This is the top of the line in motor racing. It’s incredible. This is going to be an economic boom for this whole region.’
GRAND PRIX OF AMERICA
The race is expected to start at JFK Boulevard East in Weehawken – just across the Hudson River from Midtown Manhattan.
The 200mph cars will then head north, turn right in West New York – on a level with Central Park – and head back south of River Road to the finish line back in Weehawken.
It has been compared to the Monaco Grand Prix, where drivers career around the streets of Monte Carlo in what is one of Formula One’s most watched, most glamorous and most exciting events.
‘While political and public servants talk about creating jobs, the governor has put the pedal to the metal and delivered.’
The area is not foreign to motorsports, though it has been for a while. The Meadowlands Grand Prix was a CART IndyCar race held in East Rutherford from 1984-1991.
It was the first major race in the New York City metropolitan area since 1937, and the course twisted and turned around the original Giants Stadium.
The location would also offer fans and tourists easy accessibility to New York City lodging, restaurants and nightlife, though they could also easily stay in Hudson County.
Formula One currently has a 19-event calendar with events in Monte Carlo, Shanghai and Sao Paulo, among others.
The last Formula One drivers to be killed during competition were Roland Ratzenberger and three-times world champion Ayrton Senna, who died on the same weekend at Imola, San Marino, in 1994.
A press conference, where the event is expected to be launched, will be held today at 2pm EST in Weehawken, New Jersey.

Al Bateen Executive Airport gears up for F1 Grand Prix to showcase new DhabiJet FBO

28th September, 2011 – Abu Dhabi, UAE: Al Bateen Executive Airport, the Middle East’s first dedicated executive airport operated by Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC), is gearing up for the 2011 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix that will be held from 11-13 November. The executive airport is expecting a surge in aircraft traffic leading up to and during the Grand Prix, as last year the business aviation airport handled nearly 100 movements throughout the F1 week.

Al Bateen Executive Airport will provide landing and parking services free of charge to all Business Aviation customers flying into Al Bateen between 10th and 14th November 2010 as part of the airport’s commitment to develop and promote Business Aviation in the region.

Passengers and crew members landing at Al Bateen Executive Airport will be amongst the first to experience the airport’s newly enhanced facilities within its newly launched DhabiJet FBO. Crew members will be able to enjoy the new Crew Lounge and Flight Operations facilities, currently being completed and located alongside the executive terminal.

All F1 Grand Prix visiting crew will enjoy complimentary drinks and snacks in the garden seating area and have the opportunity to watch the live broadcast of the three day race event in the crew lounge.

Steve Jones, General Manager of Al Bateen Executive Airport commented: “The addition of our impressive DhabiJet FBO and the new crew lounge demonstrates our proactive stance on leading business aviation in the Middle Eastern region. The F1 event represents an excellent platform from which to demonstrate our service provision.”

With bookings already beginning to be secured from private jet operators from all over the globe transporting drivers, team bosses, F1 officials and VIP visitors, the executive airport is set to manage hundreds of international aircraft movements Providing a completely bespoke experience from booking to touchdown, Al Bateen Executive Airport will accommodate any special requests or last minute changes to travel plans for guests during the busy F1 weekend.

“We are accustomed to such busy periods and we are expecting a real buzz at the airport this time of the year. It is the culmination of months of careful preparation and the team spirit is infectious” added Jones.

The airport’s strategic location provides clientele with direct access to the central business district of the capital city and a short 15 minutes’ drive to the Yas Island F1 circuit.

Short transits and waiting times for the aircraft ensure F1 visitors can make the most of their time at the circuit. In addition, the VIP terminal at Al Bateen Executive Airport provides passengers with flexible and fast immigration and security services, thus enabling passengers to leave the executive airport within a few minutes of landing.

For more information on our Abu Dhabi packages see here

http://www.exclusivef1experiences.co.uk/abu-dhabi-grand-prix-2011-current-offers/

http://www.exclusivef1experiences.co.uk/monaco-grand-prix-yacht-charter-2012/

http://www.exclusivef1experiences.co.uk/singapore-grand-prix-race-blog/

A Yacht Charter at the Monaco Grand Prix offers a great and private venue for you to entertain friends, clients and colleagues alike. We are very experienced in running large projects in Monaco and are currently taking bookings for next years event which takes place towards the end of May. A Yacht Charter at the Monaco Grand Prix offers a great and private venue for you to entertain friends, clients and colleagues alike. We are very experienced in running large projects in Monaco and are currently taking bookings for next years event which takes place towards the end of May.

http://www.exclusivef1experiences.co.uk/monaco-grand-prix/yacht-charter/

A Yacht Charter at the Monaco Grand Prix offers a great and private venue for you to entertain friends, clients and colleagues alike. We are very experienced in running large projects in Monaco and are currently taking bookings for next years event which takes place towards the end of May.

We can guarantee very sought-after “Zone 1″ trackside berths and project manage every aspect of your charter including logistics, catering, evening entertainment, staff and so on. We can also include Flights, Transfers, Accommodation and exclusive access to VIP F1 Parties.

MY LITTLE VIOLET
http://www.mycharter.com/MY-LITTLE-VIOLET/index.asp?pass=132991
This Yacht would be such a superb choice – this yacht has been in G Prix almost every year, the crew are exceptional and very experienced. An option to charter this yacht following the Grand Prix is also possible
Charter Fee £166,700 for 5 day GP period + expenses

IONIAN PRINCESS
http://www.mycharter.com/Ionianprin/index.asp?pass=132991
Charter Fee £133,300 for 5 day GP period

ANCORA – 43m Baglietto with 5 ensuite cabins and 8 crew
http://www.mycharter.com/Myancora/index.asp?pass=132991
This yacht is stunning, it is like walking into a floating masterpiece. Beautiful and very high quality interiors – gold, silver and crystal mixed with leather, exclusive African woods and marble, the design is by Art Line who are one of the most famous and best interior designers (the result is a great combination of both modern and classic).
Charter fee £132,500 for the 5 day G Prix + expenses

DIANE – 43m Benetti
http://www.mycharter.com/MYDIANE/index.asp?pass=132991
Another great choice, this type of yacht is always so popular for G Prix, offers massive deck space and volume – as and you can see, very modern and state of the art. The crew are also top notch – fantastic Swedish Captain, they are all very experienced with G Prix and other events
Charter fee £133,500 for the 5 day G Prix + expenses

ARETHUSA – 47m Nereids
http://www.mycharter.com/ARETHUSA/index.asp?pass=132991
Our partners know this yacht very well and have booked her before, and know they are keen for G Prix charters, they were in the G Prix last year and are fine with up to 70 guests on deck.
Charter fee £133,500 for the 5 day G Prix + expenses

PERFECT PERSUASION
http://www.mycharter.com/Perfect-Persuasion-/index.asp?pass=132991
Charter Fee £100,000 for 5 day GP period + expenses

KATYA
http://www.mycharter.com/KATYA1/index.asp?pass=132991
Charter Fee £151,700 for 5 day GP period + expenses

ONE MORE TOY
http://www.mycharter.com/ONE-MORE-TOY-(155)/index.asp?pass=132991
Charter Fee £105,000 for 5 day GP period + expenses

OUT
http://www.mycharter.com/MY-OUT/index.asp?pass=132991
We have several clients already keen to book this yacht and the Owner has made it clear that he wants a FULL WEEK (not just the standard 5 days) – one of the main reasons is that the dates coincide with Film Festival next year (as is so often the case of course) and any Film Festival client would book at least a full week so he doesn’t want to ‘sell it short’ for G Prix as it were
You would get a full 7 days use – which does mean you can actually have the bonus of 2 days cruising before or after the G Prix
Charter Fee £133,000 for 5 day GP period + expenses

Notes:
Full Event Management is included in the Charter Fee. We use a full concierge team in-house and there is no additional fee for that service, it’s part of the GP package we offer and means you have a bilingual team on the ground throughout your stay in Monaco.
Above rates are subject to expenses & berth fees – please contact us for further details.
Other yacht sizes available on request.
As part of your Monaco Grand Prix Yacht Charter package we can also offer ultra vip guests Jay-Z, Rihanna, Rod Stuart, Sting, Usher, Westlife, Duffy, Jessie J and so on to perform aboard.
We would hope to negotiate with the yacht owners to secure a discount on the above rates

We are now ATOL Approved

Exclusive F1 has been serving VIP F1 Fans for many years and is now fully ATOL protected so anyone booking a flight based package with us is fully protected. ATOL protects you from losing money or being stranded abroad if the tour operator goes out of business. If a company with an ATOL goes out of business, the CAA will refund the people who have not traveled and arrange for people on holiday to fly home. We’ve created this factsheet to help you get a better understanding of ATOL protection together with the benefits of booking with a ATOL holding travel company such as Exclusive F1

What does ATOL stand for?
Air Travel Organisers’ Licence (ATOL), which is managed and overseen by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Are Exclusive F1 ATOL holders?
Yes, our ATOL number is 10404. Exclusive F1 is an ATOL holder therefore your flight based package holiday is fully protected.

What are the benefits of booking with a ATOL protected travel company?
• Under the Package Travel Regulations, package holiday providers are responsible for all services and
• facilities offered as part of the package holiday.
• If there is a problem with any of the suppliers involved in the package holiday the provider is
• responsible for resolving the issue.
• If the package holiday provider goes out of business before you have travelled the CAA will give you
• a full refund of all money you have paid.
• If the package holiday provider goes out of business whilst you are holiday the CAA will arrange for
• you to complete your holiday and organise your flight home.
• If an airline fails and you have booked your package holiday with a tour operator, the tour operator
• will make alternative arrangements so customers can travel on holiday or get home.

Are all types of holidays protected under ATOL?
No, ATOL is only applicable to holidays and flights where the company providing your travel arrangements holds an ATOL. Some holidays, where the flight and accommodation are arranged or sold separately (“dynamically packaged”) may not be ATOL protected. Similarly where flights are booked direct with an airline they will not be ATOL protected if the airline should cease trading.

What is ATOL Protection?
• ATOL protection is scheme that protects consumers booking package holidays from losing their money
• or being stranded abroad.
• The CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) does this by carrying out financial checks on tour operators and
• travel organisers to ensure they are financially able to support the business they do.
• ATOL licensed companies pay a contribution of £2.50 per passenger to the Air Travel Trust Fund which is
• administered by the CAA so if a tour operator goes out of business, you will refunded and if you’re
• abroad they will arrange for you to finish your holiday and fly home.

Can I check if a travel company has ATOL protection?
Yes, you can check if the company holds an ATOL search here.

What should I ask to ensure my holiday is ATOL protected?
• Does the company with which I am booking my holiday stand behind the products it is selling (“act as a
• principal”) and will it be responsible for all parts of my holiday?
• Is the whole holiday that is being booked ATOL protected and will I receive a full refund or be brought
• home if the holiday company fails?
• Do I have full rights as a consumer under the Package Travel Regulations if anything goes wrong before
• or during my holiday?

What type of bookings are covered under the ATOL protection scheme?
• Package Holidays including a flight & Flight only arrangements booked directly with a tour operator who
• hold an ATOL licence.
• Package Holidays & Flights booked through a travel agent with a tour operator holding an ATOL licence.

What type of bookings aren’t covered under the ATOL protection scheme?
• Flights booked directly with an airline.
• Flights booked directly with scheduled airlines and low cost airlines.
• Bookings where a travel company / travel agent book flights and accommodation from separate
• suppliers and create a package themselves (“dynamic packaging”).

Can I get written confirmation of a company’s ATOL protection?
Yes. When you make a booking the tour operator or travel agent should provide you with an ATOL receipt that gives the name and ATOL number of the licensed operator you are booked with.

Exclusive F1 are pleased to offer one special client the chance of the finest Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Yacht Charter possible. This 95 metre megayacht can be chartered for the 2011 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix which includes a trackside berth at the Yas Marina Circuit, Catering, 30 Crew and so on. We can make your Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Yacht Charter extra special with the option of entertainment by “A List” superstars such as “Rod Stuart” “Sting” “Rihanna” “Jay-Z”, in fact we can arrange almost any star to be aboard this yacht with you and your party making your Abu Dhabi Grand Prix the ultimate vip experience.

A General Description of Motor Yacht INDIAN EMPRESS
This motor yacht INDIAN EMPRESS is a 95 metre 312 (ft) important steel ship which was built at Oceanco Yachts (Alblasserdam Yachtbuilding) and her design is by Oceanco. A important full displacement yacht INDIAN EMPRESS is a very high quality Dutch built yacht which was launched to accolade in 2000. Sleeping 32 passengers and 42 crew, motor yacht INDIAN EMPRESS used to be Al Mirqab. She is a modern full displacement yacht. This gracious superyacht has been brought about with a naval architect called Oceanco. Richard Hein / The A Group produced the interior design.

The massive superyacht Indian Empress is owned by Indian business baron Vijay Mallya of Kingfisher Airlines. She was previously owned by a Qatari Royal Family member. Mallya also owns Indian Princess, a 55m (181 ft) motor yacht built by Sterling Yacht and Shipbuilders in 1986 in Japan. The yacht has hosted many famous celebrities at the Monaco Grand Prix.

FIA confirms calendar reset

Although the farce surrounding the on-off-on-off Bahrain Grand Prix ended ahead of last weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix, F1′s governing body has finally confirmed that the 2011 calendar will return to its previous form.

Having decided to reinstate Bahrain following Carlos Gracia’s flawed report on the state of the nation following recent public uprisings and pro-democracy demonstrations – which, according to other reports, continue to lead to fatalities and human rights abuses – the FIA moved the inaugural Indian Grand Prix from the end of October to early December, usurping Brazil as the season finale.

However, following Bahrain’s own decision to withdraw its bid for reinstatement, a fax vote by the FIA World Motor Sport Council has led to the unanimous – and frankly unsurprising – decision to ratify the remaining dates on the calendar as originally proposed, returning India to its previous October slot and confirming the trip to Interlagos on 27 November as the final one of the campaign.

The confirmation will again throw the spotlight onto construction work at Buddh International Circuit, which many felt had been handed a lifeline by the decision to move the Indian Grand Prix to December, but organisers continue to insist that the venue will be ready on time.

The remaining 2011 F1 calendar resumes in Valencia next week and continues as follows:

June 26 Grand Prix of Europe

July 7 British Grand Prix

July 24 German Grand Prix

July 31 Hungarian Grand Prix

August 28 Belgian Grand Prix

September 11 Italian Grand Prix

September 25 Singapore Grand Prix

October 9 Japanese Grand Prix

October 16 Korean Grand Prix

October 30 Indian Grand Prix

November 13 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

November 27 Brazilian Grand Prix

Considered by many as the only true Grand Prix After Party, and quoted in Billionaire Magazine as ‘F1’s best kept secret’ the VIP nightclub that is Amber Lounge Monaco once again entertained a party crowd of celebrities, dignitaries and models who flew into the Principality from all around the world.
Friday’s Amber Lounge Fashion Show supported by Tag Heuer kicked off an epic three night weekend with 10 immaculate Formula One drivers – Adrian Sutil, Felipe Massa, Heikki Kovalainen, Jamie Alguersuari, Jerome d’Ambrosio, Nico Rosberg, Paul di Resta, Sergio Perez, Vitaly Petrov & Vitantonio Liuzzi – on the catwalk modelling bespoke Shipton White alongside headlining Brit designer Matthew Williamson’s latest collection of famed feel good prints and kaleidoscopic colour. This glittering charity event under the high patronage of HSH Prince Albert II and his future wife Charlene Wittstock raised over half a million US dollars for the Special Olympics.
Notably, Sir Philip Green’s wife Tina paid EUR 250,000 for the opportunity to Support the Special Olympics European Swimming Tournament 2012, and the incredible ‘Evening in Florence’ – a pendant by Bykov’s Jewelry House became centre of a bidding battle between Miss Charlene Wittstock and Mr. Javed Fiyaz. Winning the battle with the bid of EUR 80,000, the gallant Mr Fiyaz then presented the 290 diamond pendant to Miss Wittstock as a present for her upcoming wedding.
Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries appeared together in public showing off her 20.5 carat diamond ring for the first time since announcing their engagement; Princess Beatrice of York, Jason Statham, Lewis Hamilton and Nicole Scherzinger, Richard Branson with his daughter Holly, Taio Cruz, Michael Johnson, Esther Canadas, Liam Cunningham, Alain Prost, Fernando Alonso and Eddie Irvine were among the celebrity guests who partied over the epic 3 night weekend.
As Lewis Hamilton commented, “Amber Lounge is the best party to be at during the Grand Prix weekend! It’s the one everybody most looks forward to because they know it’s going to be a blast!”
Saturday’s fantastic live performance by pop sensation Taio Cruz singing his smash hits ‘Break Your Heart’ ‘Higher’ and ‘Dynamite’ drew screams of applause and encores from the crowd as DJ Laura kept this legendary Girls Night Out wild til dawn.
Epitomizing the legendary glamour of Monte Carlo and the Grand Prix, and fuelled by free flowing Cristal and Dom Perignon, Amber Lounge’s After Party is where the F1 fraternity and celebrities come to celebrate the races. VIP guests lounging on the huge white sofas with their glossy black tables laden with Champagnes, Vodka and Jose Cuervo’s Tradiconal and Platino, witnessed the famous party unwind as official Black Eyed Pea’s DJ Motiv8 and our own Resident DJ Micky had the dance floor heaving to the beat of the beautiful in this most glamorous and iconic of GP destinations.
Amber Lounge returns to rock Singapore, India and Abu Dhabi later in the F1 Grand Prix series calendar!

I am told that someone purchased the last 1500 Paddock Club passes yesterday (we suspect government officials for vip guests).

So for a limited time we can offer you a complementary upgrade to “Lotus/Renault F1 Team Paddock Hospitality” – you spend the weekend with Lotus/Renault F1 Team as a VIP guest with suites directly above the Lotus/Renault garage with a host of great extras (also see attached info).

Some popular package choices are as follows;

5* Traders Hotel F1 Abu Dhabi From £4399pp
5* Shangri-La Hotel F1 Abu Dhabi From £4499pp
4* Crowne Plaza Yas Island From £5099pp
4* Aloft Hotel F1 Abu Dhabi From £4199pp
Yas Hotel & Paddock Club From £9999pp

Other options we can offer you are;
Luxury Airport Transfers
Amber Lounge F1 after party
Lotus or Ferrari Paddock upgrades
Flights from any international airports (this service is not available until July 2012)

We also offer a very exclusive upgrade to the Paddock Club which is “Ferrari Team hospitality”, you spend the weekend with Ferrari as a VIP guest with suites directly above the Ferrari garage with a host of great extras such as F1 Driver meets, Ferrari Memorabilia etc
If you would like F1 Team Hospitality with Ferrari please add £1200pp to the prices above. Subject to availability.

Contact us asap!

Monaco Grand Prix 2011

Wow what a great trip we had this year at the Monaco Grand Prix. This year our team stayed in a beautiful village just outside of Nice called Villefranche, what a stunning place. The drive to Monaco (work) each day along the coast-road was as always simply and enjoyable pleasure
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Above Villefranche – Stunning!

Many great F1 Hospitality Clients enjoyed our services and venues this year. Not to mention the countless Hotel Rooms, Helicopter Transfers, S Class Transfers, Paddock Club passes, Ferrari Team Paddock, Lotus Team Paddock, Yacht Hospitality, Private Jets, Balcony Guests – all it seems very much enjoyed by our clients.

To keep up-to-date on clients comments please review our Testimonials Page via the following Link which will be updated daily as and when reviews come into us http://www.exclusivef1experiences.co.uk/testimonials/

Would like to thank our team for there great efforts in ensuring the week went smoothly regardless of the foot pain endured. The Monaco Grand Prix is quite a task logistically normally meaning a short journey takes longer than predicted particularly when the roads are closed to traffic etc. This of course means many late nights and early mornings for our crew so thanks again.
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Picture above taken of car park outside our favourite hotel – MetroPole Hotel Monaco 2011

Our catering teams performance was fantastic this year with nothing but good comments received – our clients were even tipping the catering staff this meaning the service must have been excellent! Thanks to Laurene and her team for a seamless efforts.
Babs and Adrian were nothing but a god-send this past week, the Monaco Grand Prix is a great spectacle for clients if only they knew all the hard work that goes in behind the seines.

Would also like to thank our key partners for making a number of things happen at the 2011 Monaco Grand Prix these include Nigel, Debbie, Koji, Clare, Lynden, Pete, Paul, Brett, Yann and so on.

Ok on to planning for the 2012 Monaco Grand Prix, we have already taken a number of bookings for next years 2012 Monaco Race Weekend – our clients don’t hang around!