Marlboro M.Scape – Experience of a Lifetime at the Malaysian Formula One Grand Prix 2014

[Special Feature]

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I’ve been a fan of Formula One for over 10 years so I was very delighted to be invited to the M.Scape – Experience of a Lifetime VIP lounge at the Malaysian F1 GP 2014. This year was the first year that the cars would be using the new powertrain and energy recovery systems so I was really curious to hear what they would sound like. Also an invite from M.Scape is always to something that’s luxurious and exclusive so I was definitely excited to see what was in store this time round!

We gathered at the meeting point in KL city on race day then boarded some coaches which brought us over to the Sepang International Circuit. I took the opportunity to catch up some sleep as I was out the previous two (2) nights attending events (F1 week is always pretty happening). Eventually we made our way there and entered the special M-Scape VIP lounge in the Paddock Club.

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Inside the VIP lounge there were lots of activities awaiting us like games and contests where we could win prizes and even a photobooth where we could take a photo with a virtual reality Fernando Alonso!

Ferrari merchandise for all guests including caps and bags!

Henry Golding was the host for the event and girls were queuing up to take pics with him

Lots of pretty M-Scape brand ambassadors to look after us

There were games including a multiple choice question quiz and being a F1 and Ferrari fan I managed to get second runner up winning myself a pair of racing gloves autographed by Kimi Raikonnen! — There were games including a multiple choice question quiz and being a F1 and Ferrari fan I managed to get second runner-up winning myself a pair of racing gloves autographed by Kimi Raikonnen!

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Kimi Raikonnen dropped by to visit us and answer some questions about Formula One and take some pics with some lucky fans

After which a delicious lunch was served! Great food and everyone was tucking in happily!

After lunch we headed down to the pits for the pit walk and to visit the Ferrari garage

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A closeup look at the front wing. The wing can be adjusted to generate less or more downforce depending on the circuit's requirements and this little piece of the car spends a lot of time in the wind tunnel for testing to ensure it delivers the best possible performance on track! — A closeup look at the front wing. The wing can be adjusted to generate less or more downforce depending on the circuit’s requirements and this little piece of the car spends a lot of time in the wind tunnel for testing to ensure it delivers the best possible performance on track!

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The mechanics and pit crew getting the car ready for the race

Then it was back up to watch the race in the comfy and cool M-Scape lounge

We even had additional screens like this one showing where the drivers were on track

As I had the Sony Alpha 5000 with me that day, I decided to test out its Shutter Priority Mode and as we were right above the Ferrari garage I managed to shoot a pit stop.

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The race was won by Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes followed by his team mate Nico Rosberg, with Red Bull Racing’s Sebastian Vettel in third place. Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso came in fourth while Kimi Raikonnen came home in 12th position.