We started off Thursday night as VIP guests to the brilliant Dedikato tribute evening run by Team Honda Gresini. Pushing our way through the thronging masses lined up to see their heroes come in; we experienced that brilliant “I’m a VIP moment” as we flashed our passes and were admitted to the inner sanctum. (One customer joked he stopped to sign a few autographs!) The mega star of the night was home town boy Marco Simoncelli who required 4 burly bodyguards to get through the crowd!
Friday was action at the track for those who made it up there. All our Team Experience customer were there of course to take advantage of their unique access. We catch Ross with his elusive girlfriend...
Saturday we get up to the track for the qualifiers. The weather is perfect - reminding us just why this is always such a brilliant weekend! We catch the final race of the 2011 MotoGP Red Bull Rookies Cup. Our own sponsored rider, South African Brad Binder has engine trouble and cannot finish the race costing him two places in the championship (but not denting his prospects for 2012 which are good!) Australian Arthur Sissis looks like he might pull a rabbit out of the hat and make up a 6 point deficit to take the cup; but with a couple of laps to go he is pushed off track and loses his chance... He is still one to watch in future, as of course will be the champion, italian Baldassari.
That evening a group stay on for dinner and full MotoGP access with team Honda Gresini and a brilliant private pit tour from LCR Honda, delivered by superb host Fabio Alberti.
We get off to our traditional early start for Race Day Sunday... We don’t cover the results in these reports; but a great show in all classes!
The weekend is not over just yet however, as we do a great (sold-out) tour of the Ducati factory, San Marino and Rossi’s home town of Tavullia. Just not to be missed!
And just to make THIS year exciting, Italy threw a general strike on Tuesday so many of us couldn’t get home! (sadly a free day on the beach...) With about 80 guests, 2 coaches and all these activities, it was a pretty full weekend! (Thank you Italian unions!) San Marino is just an event you have to love.
(MORE PHOTOS & VIDEOS TO COME...)
