Shanghai F1 Press Pass?

We're looking to get behind the scenes to take photos for a new section being launched on the site (Ed's Adventures).


Any idea how one would go about applying for a press pass for the upcoming SH F1?

Ed:


I've had press passes before for Rally, Champ cars, F1 and other big sporting events. Generally for an event like that there are two classes of press pass. The first is a general press pass that allows access to the site and specially designated trackside areas as well as the media tent and other 'non-public' areas. The second type of press pass encompasses all of the above as well as the pit area. Sometimes there are time of day limits placed on the pit passes. Pit passes are often hard to come by, for obvious reasons. One time I got one, but was told that I had to work 'pool' and share everything with other outlets - pretty standard practice for some events.


In order to get a pass, well you usually need to work for a noted media outlet (newspaper, press agency, magazine etc). Freelancers are usually required to supply a letter from a noted media outlet that states that the freelancer will be working exclusively for them etc. If you worked for a dedicated F1 website you'd stand a better chance of getting a pass. I'm not sure how they'd feel about giving one out for a site like this (no real link to F1 - no upside for them) I suppose if you hit them with readership stats it may help. But there are often only a limited number of passes, and preference goes to agencies that will cover a number of races etc etc. Somewhere down the list is local press and others. I know that some events also have VIP passes - these act like press passes, but you're usually treated with more respect by security.


Have a look here for starters


http://www.fia.com/mediacentre/Accreditation/F1/2007/f1_procedure.html


But, I'd say that with the Shanghai race set for 7 Oct, you may be too late to get a pass - unless you know someone. Usually these things are wrapped up well in advance. Mine were always organised for me by the company I worked for as we'd have a number of passes for various people - journos, photogs, editors, techies etc. But don't be too upset - in my experience, the 'back of house' stuff is usually not really that much better than what a savvy spectator can do. All you'll miss are the driver interviews in the media tent (usually far enough away from the track that you can hear yourself think) and a small forest of press releases and lots of free stuff from the different companies that want you to write and say good things about them.

Thanks for this - I am told there that a few bucks to the gatekeepers will get me where I want to be :)