DAY 3 - SUZUKA, F1 RACE & MY BIRTHDAY IN NAGOYA

The rear wing on this guys helmet had a moving DRS flap and the rainlight flashed. Incredible.

Above: Prancing horse, Ferrari, Samuri's.
Below: Everyone seem to come well prepared, fixing matts to the floor first thing in the morning to reserve the space for the rest of the day.

Giant chips, made from what looked like deep fried instant mash. Not as good as they look, but helped ease the hangover!

Typhoon Phanfone had come in hard today, causing bad weather and heavy rain throughout the day.
After a delayed start, due to the weather the race got away under the safety car.

After 3 laps the race was red flagged due to the bad weather. After a short break and some serious sweeping from the stewards, the weather and track had improved enough for the race to restart. The Mercedes dominated the race, with Lewis Hamiliton eventully passing Nico Rosberg to take the win.

By the time the race finished the weather had cleared up, with day quickly turning to night. As we were unable to understand the Japanese commentary, we were unaware of the terrible accident involving Jules Bianchi.

In an effort to avoid the massive queues for the train (the only real way back), we went back to the main grand stand for a couple of drinks and to have a final look at the stalls. Including this collection of classic McLaren Hondas.

As mentioned above, the train is the only way out of Suzuka and back at Nagoya station we literally bumped into David Coulthard, Martin Brundle and Alan McNish. But we weren't the only ones to see some celebs. Our Australian friends saw Vettel in McDonalds at Nagoya station, as well as meeting Daniel Ricciardo again, and two other English guys we were talking to were sat next to Jenson Button and Jessica Michibata on the train.

By the time we got back to our hotel it was late, and we were tired and hungry after a long couple of days. It was still my birthday though and at about 10pm we headed out for some food. However finding somewhere open at that time on a Sunday night still serving food was easier said than done. We eventuly stumbled across this little tapas place, meeting up with Homer our Mexican friend from the day before.

After some food and a few drinks, we went in search of some more drinks and ended up in this basement bar with a bit of Cheers type vibe and the amazing till below. I don't think I was much company by this point, struggling to keep my eyes open. Jetlag and excitement getting the better of me.