Opening Race Ritual?

[Calman]

Hi Folks!

I'm simply curious as to how everyone enjoys the opening race of the season ...

1) At the Race in person (lucky so-an-so's)
2) Watching in the Pub on a TV the size of a Snooker table ... with likeminded fans & the beer flowing!!
3) In the comfort of your own home ... sitting in your favourite armchair with your pipe and slippers!
4) Watching on your giant PC monitor ... while you dabble around the web or deal with business commitments?
5) Grabbing as much viewing as you can, as you are at friends for dinner .. and are trying not to be rude!!

All the best,
Cal

[Robem64]

Love it to be number 1.....but alas number 3 for me

[lkjohnson1950]

+1 

[Dare]

in chat with various other members...join us
no dress code either

[Jericoke]

in chat with various other members...join us
no dress code either

I'm getting all dressed up for nothing?!

But, I second Dare:  I've been to a live F1 race, and being in the GPWizard chat is  VERY close second best way to watch.

And quite frankly, for those dull races, being able to chat with my friends here makes it far more interesting.

[Dare]

in chat with various other members...join us
no dress code either

I'm getting all dressed up for nothing?!

But, I second Dare:  I've been to a live F1 race, and being in the GPWizard chat is  VERY close second best way to watch.

And quite frankly, for those dull races, being able to chat with my friends here makes it far more interesting.

I usually wear a tuxedo but that's just me

[John S]

I usually wear a
tuxedo but that's just me

I prefer to watch races in the buff, it's why I never join you lot in race day chat room.   

[cosworth151]

Morning coats are a must for the Chat Room. 

Melbourne will start at 1:10 a.m. here where I live (southeast Ohio).

Seriously, stop by the Chat Room during the race. We have a great time.

[Alianora La Canta]

I plan to watch the qualifying replay on option 6): a treadmill at my local gym (provided nobody wants to watch the poker tournament on the other side!), as it's just the right length for a good all-round land-based cardio workout and I need to get in shape for the Silverstone 10 km in May. (I did the Run Like A Time Lord 5 km this week, which I hope helps me not be the slowest runner at the 'Stone for once...) They have 5 TVs, with two typically reserved for music channels (and music playing from them), but the three TVs that would show the F1 are at least 40 inches each, arrayed such that one is surrounded by the pictures.

I will probably opt for a quick swim afterwards, though not if Force India somehow gets pole! (Also, I must be careful if pole looks plausible: I was on the elliptical when Raikkonen and Bottas collided on the last lap of Russia 2015, and nearly fell off the machine in excitement as "my" driver came through to take a surprise podium...)

On race day, I will go to option 7): my parents' house, where we will all watch the race highlights with a hot bacon sarnie in one hand and some crisps in the other. I also tend to get through at least a litre of fruit squash over the course of the race, because Dad and I tend to talk to each other about the race as it happens (with occasional comments from Mum). I will probably be in my Force India hoodie and other appropriate support gear. Mum and Dad probably will wear something appropriate for working outside.

Option 1) is for Hungary, this year (first time at a F1 race since 2009)...

Option 2) is impossible here, except if one is really lucky at one specific pub and its three TVs, the race is at a time when said pub is open (it's a relatively "classy" establishment that shuts before the US/Canadian/Brazillian races finish, unlike its neighbours) and it hasn't been commandeered by the multitudes wanting to watch some other sport (I remember them having a packed house for Hungary 2015 qualifying, but apparently they couldn't get anyone interested after that year's football season got going...)

Option 3) isn't happening unless I get a TV licence.

Option 4) has happened sometimes with races I follow via BBC Radio and Twitter. I can find out what language my site's latest spam is in at the same time...

Option 5) doesn't happen - if I am out during a Grand Prix, I strictly avoid spoilers until I can see the race at my parents' house on catch-up. So if the friends aren't interested in motorsport, I prefer it if they're sufficiently uninterested that the whole visit is spent on other topics.

[lkjohnson1950]

We will, of course, expect a full travelogue and race report on Hungary in the unique La Canta style.   

[Calman]

...hot bacon sarnie in one hand and some crisps in the other

That quote alone has brought a tear to my eye!! ... memories!!! 

Edit:   As far as routine/ritual is concerned, I always start the race by cracking open one of these ... followed by a choice of local beers, accompanied by a couple of giant bags of crisps to get me through 3 hours of sporting bliss!!  (just don't let me anywhere near the BBQ at the end of the campaign, it's wouldn't be wise).



All the best,
Cal

[Ian]

Might just be waking up, it's around 6am in the UK when it starts, if I'm awake I'll maybe look for a stream.

[Scott]

Oz race ritual is usually on the couch by 6am (Swiss time) with a good coffee and some toast.  About 5min before the lights go out, log into GPW chat.  For the last 16 years, I have had to take off the minute the checker flies (sometimes before), but starting this year, I unless we go away for a weekend, I can't see why I can't hang out for the sometimes post-race chats and watch complete races all season. 

No pub in my area would dare show anything but soccer or skiing, so that option is out.

No race tickets planned for this season, at least until I find a job and know what my time off might be like.

I like a nice craft beer (or two, or...) during an afternoon or evening race, but forget about the Asian and Oz races, I need coffee.

Thankfully we have a new coffee machine, a new couch and a new TV.   

[Dare]

I usually wear a
tuxedo but that's just me

I prefer to watch races in the buff, it's why I never join you lot in race day chat room.   

Speaking for the gang you don't know how much we appreciate that

[guest3164]

Frantically remember to set up Sky+ to record the race the evening before, go to sleep and then wake up around 7 as usual.  Try to remember not to look online for any spoilers, come downstairs and try to fire up the recording in progress without seeing/hearing anything about the race.  Then sit there glued until the end before turning on any electronic device that could spoil the race result.