2011 Melbourne F1 GP - 24-27 March

[munitalP]

Hey all

Who's in for the F1 GP this year? Qantas are offering some reasonable packages such as: Grand Prix

I propose an AFF meet at the Qantas Hub (Refuel at the 'Qantas Hub'
Looking to refuel in comfort at the Grand Prix? Platinum, Gold and Silver Qantas Frequent Flyers are welcome at the exclusive Qantas Hub. Purchase barista coffee, bar refreshments and all day snacks without missing the action on GPTV.
Platinum, Gold and Silver Frequent Flyers can invite a maximum of three guests per person. The Qantas Hub will open at 10.30am on all four days of the Grand Prix. Don't forget your membership card to gain entry. Capacity restrictions apply.) on maybe qualifying day (Sat) as we would have more chance of all getting in at one time...

Anyone else up for it?

 

[nlagalle]

I'll be working there, but will have time to come and meet up in the hub!

 

[samh004]

Family friends from Hong Kong had been talking about going and taking my sister out with them (as she’ll be studying in Melbourne come then), and I just checked the dates last night and realised it’s when I’ll be in Fiji (or on my way), but will be in town on Friday night (however arrive on QF631) so it’s a bit late for F1 action or the Qantas Hub (which sounds pretty cool) I think.

I might be in town for dinner and drinks that night (25th) though with aforementioned family friends.

 

[KLN]

i'll be in the GP Advantage Bar

 

[straitman]

Anyone else up for it?

I would love to BUT will be in Singapore :!:

 

[KLN]

i'll be in the GP Advantage Bar

and the infamous Pete's Bar of course.

 

[Alanslegal]

I need a break sometime then so I'll go through to travel motions and see if the dates + prices work out for me. I'll be back to report.

 

[drmikki]

All booked, I will be there! In Fangio stand, JASA/JetFLex SC run there and back, and staying at the Rendezvous. The painful part of being an F1 fan is realising how much the hotels hike prices on race weekend... :shock:

I'll also be at the KL race 2 weeks later if any one else is headed there, although it will be another 36 hour flying visit for race and qualifying. Air Asia (due to flight times) and PanPac KLIA, and sitting at Turn 1 in the front row. If you spot 2 blonde girls armed with a Finnish flag reading "KOVALAINEN" that looks like it's seen better days (+/- middle aged brunette with a "Jenson" British flag - mum is coming to KL) say hi and introduce yourself!:mrgreen:

 

[nlagalle]

All booked, I will be there! In Fangio stand, JASA/JetFLex SC run there and back, and staying at the Rendezvous. The painful part of being an F1 fan is realising how much the hotels hike prices on race weekend... :shock:

I'll also be at the KL race 2 weeks later if any one else is headed there, although it will be another 36 hour flying visit for race and qualifying. Air Asia (due to flight times) and PanPac KLIA, and sitting at Turn 1 in the front row. If you spot 2 blonde girls armed with a Finnish flag reading "KOVALAINEN" that looks like it's seen better days (+/- middle aged brunette with a "Jenson" British flag - mum is coming to KL) say hi and introduce yourself!:mrgreen:

lol!! I'll PM you my details as I will be there most days...

I won't be doing the KL race - but i am hoping to go to one of the Euro races this year - with a media pass again!

 

[Must...Fly!]

The savvy among us stay using points that weekend...

 

[KLN]

All booked, I will be there! In Fangio stand, JASA/JetFLex SC run there and back, and staying at the Rendezvous. The painful part of being an F1 fan is realising how much the hotels hike prices on race weekend... :shock:

I'll also be at the KL race 2 weeks later if any one else is headed there, although it will be another 36 hour flying visit for race and qualifying. Air Asia (due to flight times) and PanPac KLIA, and sitting at Turn 1 in the front row. If you spot 2 blonde girls armed with a Finnish flag reading "KOVALAINEN" that looks like it's seen better days (+/- middle aged brunette with a "Jenson" British flag - mum is coming to KL) say hi and introduce yourself!:mrgreen:

In Fangio too, but with a large group of friends. also KL. might see you at Turn 1 on Friday as it's all open then, but down the end at the mushroom on the last corner for Sat/Sun. then off to China midweek.

 

[Yokel]

Yes.... two old wrinklies from the UK will be there ( as part of our honeymoon!).

We shall be in Fangio & might well find ourselves in the GP advantage bar

 

[KLN]

GP advantage bar is air-conditioned too, so it does have some advantages.

 

[nlagalle]

Ok second day here and I walked over to look at the Qantas Hub.

Will take some more tomorrow! Nothing to rave about inside. Usual GP prices too!

 

[nlagalle]

Just met Alan Joyce in the pit paddock..

 

[markis10]

And your the one in orange

 

[TonyHancock]

Just met Alan Joyce in the pit paddock..

I hope you complained about the removal of ATA and the other recent "enhancements".

 

[Austman]

Just met Alan Joyce in the pit paddock..

Alan looks so short!! OMG even the 31" economy pitch might seem generous to the Qantas CEO. Heaven help us!

 

[straitman]

1 Alexandra Ave, South Yarra VIC 3141, Australia

Currently sitting down by the Yarra and we can hear the F1 cars loud & clear.


Sent from my iPhone using AFF Mobile

 

[Mal]

Will take some more tomorrow! Nothing to rave about inside. Usual GP prices too!

It was a great idea, but somewhat limited in execution. Some of the issues I noticed:

- Entry was not labelled with who were allowed entry. Door staff spent half their time shooing people away.
- Not enough bar staff on Fri&Sat.
- Coffee and food is a great idea, but please create a separate queue for that.
- Door staff didn't always know who they were supposed to let in. I saw several Bronze +hang-ons being allowed in and even saw one person show a "Qantas Club complimentary pass" and being allowed in (!!!)
- Being told "At capacity" at one entry, then being allowed in through the other gate!
- The flooring. Nice try, but not suitable really as the ground below wasn't level.

Now the good points:
- Beer in Bottles! (fantastic).
- Prices same as around the track (neither good or bad).
- The free programs being handed out at various times during the day.
- Some of the fantastic bar staff. One lady in particular was very professional.
- Decent range of food choices.
- An attempt by Qantas to provide something back to their loyal FF'ers.