Richard Washbrooke Photography Blog

FIA WEC / ELMS Favourite Shots from the 2014 Season – Blog

By richardwashbrooke on January 9, 2015

Its nice to take time to reflect on the journey I have taken over the last 4 months. Covered many air miles. travelled all over the world. USA, China, Japan, Bahrain, Sao Paulo. Great time, great opportunity enjoyed every minute of it, even through the difficult times. When you away you do miss your family which is not easy.

My journey started when I was talking to my friend John at Adrenal Media about how things were going, he had secured the contract to be the official agent for FIA WEC and the ELMS 2014. He had covered most of the races in Europe and was soon to be embarking on the long haul races. He mentioned during a conversation he might be looking for a photographer to help out. I said to him I will help out if I can let me know the dates. A few phone calls later and after he had passed my details and website on the FIA to have a look at my bio. The call came through they had agreed I would attend the races at Austin, Fuji, Shanghai, Estoril, Bahrain and Sao Paulo. September to end of November was going to be a busy 3 months.

I use Canon camera’s and lens have done for many years and I use ThinkTank to carry all my equipment. I have found ThinkTank offer a great range of bags depending on your situation. The UK agent is Snapperstuff and Helen has been a great help

First race 6 Hours of the Circuit of the Americas was very humid and hot in September and you had to take in to account when you leave the media room it takes about 10 minutes for the camera’s to de-fog. The race was very wet and really tested the camera equipment. One of the highlights was capturing the rainbow at the top of the observation tower.

Next race was early October Japan at the 6 Hours of Fuji. One of the highlights of this trip was capturing Mount Fuji in the background of the circuit. The weather conditions were pretty good for the race.

Then we switched codes and covered the ELMS   European Le Mans Series at Estoril, Portugal towards the end of October 2014. Estoril is a very famous and old circuit and offers some great views round the track to look down on to the cars on the circuit.

Next is China the 6 Hours of Shanghai end of October 2014.  This is a big circuit with a massive grandstand. The weather was overcast and a torrential downpour during the practice caused some damage to my camera. Good job I have insurance. On race day heading off to the track its was windy and wet but it soon cleared and as the race started it was clear and dry great conditions. The grid walk before the race was amazing with dragon dancers and the colour etc they know how to put on an event.

Next is Bahrain mid November 2014, the conditions were warm and dry, Perfect. I enjoyed this race it was at night and offered something different. The Circuit of the Americas was a night time race but Bahrain with the setting sun and conditions was better. Fernando Alonso made an appearance which had the media speculating what his next move would be.

The last race of the season was held at Interlagos Circuit at Sao Paulo, another old and famous race circuit. The weather was dry and warm and do the fans love their racing. This was Tom Kristensen the legend 9 times a Le Mans winner last race. I was very pleased to capture him crossing the line with all the mechanics from the other teams celebrating his achievements. The after party was a party to remember even if I was on duty.

So what will 2015 bring not sure but we will see what happens. Its been a lot of fun made some great friends and the FIA WEC team have made it a lot of fun.

Richard Washbrooke Photography

Adrenal Media

FIA

ELMS

Snapperstuff