On The Road Again - The Motorhome Returns

As with a lot of other things at this early stage in the Formula 1 season, Round 4 of the campaign in Turkey offers the first twist of what will be a long season. As has already been commented on, the Istanbul race is at something of a crossroads as the season turns its head towards Europe and teams bring a number of substantial car upgrades with them to this part of the world.

Another feature of Round 4 is the arrival of all the teams' motorhomes including our very own slick, black version which is looking in pristine condition (thanks not only to the team members, but also due to the heavy raindrops falling from the Turkish sky).

The motorhome is at the very heart of paddock life. In the LRGP's two motorhome structures, which sit side-by-side halfway down the paddock's path, you will find at any given time a combination of team members, management, sponsors, guests and a healthy number of media. The left hand 'home' is where the drivers and management are based, and the team eat. On the right is based the marketing and the press team upstairs whilst downstairs media await that crucial driver interview and sponsors enjoy the team's hospitality.

The motorhomes, making the first of their nine appearances throughout the F1 season, have made quite a journey to get here. It's interesting to think that all the pieces of the home – which is stored near Stuttgart in Germany – were transported to the circuit in five trucks in time for last Friday (five trucks is notably fewer than many of the other teams on the grid). With seven staff working non-stop, it takes two days to set-up the motorhomes and a further day to give them a good polish and to do justice to that splendid black and gold sparkle. Panels, windows, flooring, ceiling, tables, chairs and an endless number of nuts and bolts are all packed away only to be put together again for the next round of the season.

Following the race here, the much-loved homes will be packed up and taken to Trieste where they will travel by sea to Italy before continuing their journey by land to Barcelona in time for the next race. What a jet set lifestyle they lead!