Lesley Weston

Melbourne Formula One Grand Prix

// April 1st, 2009 // Formula One

Me - On the starting Grid!

The Formula One Grand Prix day was awesome. When I got there, the V8 Supercars 15 lap Challenge had just started. Dad came and found us at the entrance gate, handing us corporate passes sneakily, and we were so excited we jogged over to the track to see some of the action.

The V8s were loud, and made a gun sound when they drove past, which I think is gear-change. Although, I have NO idea!

As we made our way over to the Fangio stand, we walked right along the track, the noise was vibrating through my body and it was exhilarating!

After the driver photo, and the fire engine lap, it was time for the race to get started. The drivers were waving to the crowd, and all of the Ferrari fans near us were yelling “LOSER” to Lewis Hamilton! How rude!

As the race started, the first bend, as usual, held the end of the race for some drivers. And in true form, Aussie Mark Webber was in the thick of it. Webber should have backed off to not be hit, but was too headstrong and landed himself into the pits, luckily escaping his race-end.

Lewis Hamilton started 18^th due to qualifying 13^th, then dropping 5 places for changing his gear box. Jensen Button started on the grid in pole position, in his brand new car, the Brawn.

The race saw Crash-a-jima bow out, living up to F1 fan expectations, whilst the Ferrari’s both did not finish the race, to my own enjoyment. They got their just desserts.

Brawn’s Jenson Button led home his team-mate Rubens Barrichello , but that wasn’t before a stupid crash between 2^nd and 3^rd placed Vettel and Kubica which saw their cars written off with 3 laps to go. The safety car come out for the third time during the race, with Vettel crossing the line in third. However, due to a yellow flag for driving on three wheels, Vettel received a penalty, and Lewis Hamilton was bumped up from 4^th to 3^rd!

This was a great end to the exciting race, as Lewis Hamilton showed he’s the best driver in the championship. Started 18^th, finished 3^rd. Pretty awesome!