A fighter jet screamed as it rattled buildings near Southern Cross Station. I was the only one to look up. Yep, I’m from out of town.
It was the weekend of the Australian Grand Prix 2017, and I was in Melbourne to experience my first Formula One.
I knew the big names – Vettel, Hamilton, Ricciardo. I’ve heard the cars are different. I knew that it was the first F1 race of the year. What I didn’t know about was the emotion and energy behind a big race day. It permeates the city like an unsubtle fragrance.
The locals know the scent – it’s eau de sport. Melbourne prides itself as one of the world’s sporting capitals, and on F1 weekend it’s front and centre on that map.
Hundreds of thousands of people attend the Grand Prix over its four days. Or more accurately, they attend Melbourne. Maybe it’s experience, but Melbourne is seemingly able to cater for all of them with ease. Extra trams are put on to get fans to and from Albert Park and with the city’s late-night transport systems, fans can have dinner in the CBD and get home safely at the end of the night.
This year’s Grand Prix, to take place March 22-25, coincides with the first round of the AFL.
There’s no animosity as varying sports fans gather and mingle at Flinders Street Station before they head to their match of choice. They prefer to let their blood rise in the stands.
As well as being spectators, visitors and locals can get involved in their own sporting thrills, especially in the centre of the CBD.
GETTY IMAGES
Eventual world champion Lewis Hamilton on track during practice for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix in 2017.
I was lucky enough to sample Melbourne’s participation sports last year ahead of my big day of watching. I kayaked on the Yarra. I went on a cycling tour of the hidden gems of Melbourne, including a miniature Tudor village in Fitzroy Gardens and the street art of Fitzroy.
The city idled as it waited for the green light. Melbourne knew what was coming, and the buzz was everywhere.
Melbourne’s excellent public transport allowed me to set a new lap record of my own: Southern Cross Station to Albert Park in 15 minutes. Let’s see Verstappen top that.
I got to the track, and was struck by how electric the atmosphere was. The park seemed alive. Just like the Porsche Carrera Cup cars on the track, my heartbeat went up a gear.
A flash of my wristband was all it took to go through to the viewing deck. This was top-gear decadence: Peroni on tap. Leather couches on the balcony. Chandeliers. Waiters. There were definitely no fan shirts here.
My host told me a wonderful story about one of her first experiences of the Grand Prix – she and a cousin snuck into Albert Park, walked around the entire track and got sprinkled with champagne by the winner.
Something about her story struck a chord. As much as I could get used to the opulence of the suite, I put my cider down and snuck out. I wanted to explore.
MARK THOMPSON/GETTY IMAGES
Race winner Sebastian Vettel celebrates on the podium.
The Grand Prix circus offers many forms of entertainment under its tent over the weekend, such is the size of Albert Park. Kids can play in a sports zone. Bigger kids can test-drive a new Jaguar. Many of these sideshows have packed it in by the time the lights flick from red to green.
I crossed over the race track to find where I first spotted the classic cars, just as the final laps were being completed. In all my exploring, I had forgotten that the race was on.
The need for speed had well and truly left the gate by the time the race was over: it was a 20-minute crawl to the exit. Vettel got showered in champers, I got a free iced tea.
It’s the anticipation that sells the F1. Vettel and friends are lucky – they got to experience the highs for the rest of the week. I had to be on a plane back home that night.
The drivers got to do it again for another 19 races. I’ll have to wait until 2018. See you then, Albert Park.
IF YOU GO:
STAYING THERE: Oaks on Collins is located in the heart of Melbourne’s business and financial centre, and only two blocks from Southern Cross Station. Offering cosmopolitan New York-style apartments and suites, Oaks is within walking distance of Southbank, Docklands and Etihad Stadium. Visit www.oakshotels.com.au
PLAYING THERE: The Australian Formula One Grand Prix, the first of the season, is held at Albert Park, a 15-minute tram ride from the CBD. The 2018 Grand Prix will be held from March 22- 25. Visit grandprix.com.au for more information.
Source :Stuff.co.nz
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