10:30am.
We are earlier than we envisioned and we've driven straight into the circuit but the main car park's already full. Tens of thousands have got up even earlier than us and are ramming the grandstands and spectator banks as the MotoGP riders finish their final un-timed practice session.
We've been directed into the South Car Park (we didn't even know there was such a thing) which is so far south that it is even further south than Club Corner. Blimey. Never had to park here before.
All our carefully planned…..um….plans for the day have been thrown into disarray.
All our carefully planned…..um….plans for the day have been thrown into disarray.
Now we'll have to make it all up as we go along (gulp).
Howard is ready for his breakfast but there's no time to stop and smell the coffee - we've got to get to Brooklands corner.
10:55am.
Luffield Corner (just passing through) and the Scott Redding fans are in situ.
Exactly the same place as last year but with different flags.
Distance walked so far: 1 mile.
10:57am.
Brooklands corner: the Moto2's are on track and guess who's the first one out?
Yep, it's Tito Rabbat - a man who's only happy when he's riding his 'bike.
25 riders trying to keep up with him in order to get a tow and a fast time, sadly, just out of shot.
11:15am.
Moto2 practice is entertaining but we need to get our second cuppa tea of the day to wash down a chicken and mushroom pastie that we share between us (not much change from a tenner for hardly anything at all). There are so many fans here that places to sit down are at a premium.
These steps leading to nowhere will do just nicely.
11:40am.
We're on the east side of The Wellington Straight now and the Moto2 practice is finishing and riders are waving to the marshals and fans.
This is Alex Rins (40) and Hafzih Syahrin.
11:55am.
It's lunchtime and we are now in the 'Silverstone 6' grandstand and enjoying the warm sunshine.
Vicky's got the factor 30 out. It's on her nose and all over the shop.
Distance walked so far: 1.5 miles.
12:35pm.
Lunch passes quickly and the Moto3 qualifying soon arrives.
Danny Kent leads the riders through The Loop and into Aintree and, guess what? A million riders are following him trying to get a tow and a fast time.
13:25.
Moto3 is over and MotoGP qualifying is about to start.
We quite like this 'Silverstone 6' grandstand.
You can see 6 corners (hence the name) although you are a long way from the track (apart from this bit of Maggots).
On a clear day you can see The Chilterns (probably) as it's the highest point for miles around.
On a clear day you can see The Chilterns (probably) as it's the highest point for miles around.
13:35.
MotoGP qualifying has begun.
Tomorrow, this stand will be designated for Marc Marquez fans.
Quite a few of 'em are already here and practicing their flag waving.
13:45.
Moved back to the east side of The Wellington Straight now to get a bit closer to the action.
The media would have you believe that MotoGP is all about 'The Aliens' and 'The GOAT' (God help us) but that is a load of…ahem…tosh.
So, as a tribute to all the riders you never see on TV, here's a shot of Eugene Laverty doing his stuff.
So, as a tribute to all the riders you never see on TV, here's a shot of Eugene Laverty doing his stuff.
Nice one, Eugene.
14:10.
We have now walked over to the west side of The Wellington Straight and the breaks within the MotoGP qualifying give us a nice opportunity to get a much needed drink of tea.
Sound of Vicky 'oohing and arghing', as the red hot plastic cups burn her fingers, unfortunately, not available on this blog.
She's requesting that I help her as a matter of urgency but I can't 'cos I'm taking this photo.
It's all a matter of priorities.
Distance walked so far: 2 miles.
14:45.
Marc Marquez flies down The Wellington Straight and sticks it on MotoGP pole.
15:45.
Sat in the Village Grandstand now and the very exciting Moto2 qualifying session is nearly over.
Tito Rabbat, determined to wrestle the provisional pole position from our very own Sam Lowes, bins it at The Loop along with Dominic Aegerter.
15:50.
Sam Lowes is on pole and celebrates with his adoring public.
Taking a photo and clapping is not easy. (Just thought I'd mention it.)
16:35.
We're on the way to Copse now to join the queue for The Pit Lane Walk.
The Red Bull Rookies race has started and they are up to their usual tricks already.
You gotta love 'em.
16:40.
We have joined the back of the queue for The Pit Lane walk. It's long and lies between the paddock and BT Sport's enclave (for want of a better word).
Note BT Sport commentator, Julian Ryder, is on the right taking a well earned breather from shouting 'Ahn-drey Eee-an-noh-naay' at the top of his voice.
Distance walked so far: 2:75 miles.
16:50.
We are not in the paddock but it is surprising how many riders wander past.
This is French young-fella Fabio Quartararo - one of Danny Kent's chief rivals in Moto3.
17:00.
Cal Crutchlow signing stuff for fans in the Pit Lane Walk queue.
17:10.
Colin Edwards walks past and says hi from within the BT Sport 'enclave'.
Talking of the BT Sport enclave. This is a shot Vicky took a short while ago of all the gubbins that power the smoke and mirrors utilised to convince viewers with that TV coverage is better than reality
(it isn't and they wont).
(it isn't and they wont).
17:30.
Small but beautifully formed: Danny Kent's Moto3 Honda in Pit Lane (note treaded tyres; do they know something about tomorrow's weather that we don't?).
17:35.
Red Bull KTM Moto3 'bike with rider, Brad Binder, on the right.
17:40.
Pramac Ducati MotoGP 'bikes.
17:45.
This Pit Lane Walk is rammed - most we have ever seen on any PLW.
Not so much a 'walk' as a claustrophobic shuffle.
Most folk are heading for the Yamaha garages in search of Valentino Rossi. We are merely trying to pass through. You gotta be tall like that balding olde bugger on the left to stand any chance of getting a decent shot.
Not so much a 'walk' as a claustrophobic shuffle.
Most folk are heading for the Yamaha garages in search of Valentino Rossi. We are merely trying to pass through. You gotta be tall like that balding olde bugger on the left to stand any chance of getting a decent shot.
17:50.
We've managed to fight our way past the commotion around Rossi's garage
but can't resist a shot from this alternative angle.
It's hysteria, basically.
17:55.
Vicky, grateful to be away from the Rossi scrum, can now get to see something close up at last.
18:00.
Moto2 rider Thomas Luthi.
18:05.
Man of the moment, Sam Lowes, with fans of all ages.
18:10.
Vicky takes a shot of the classic 'bikes coming to the grid for their race.
18:20.
We could have stayed in the Pit Lane until 18:50 but, to be honest, it is very busy and we are now dog-tired so chose to make a gettaway and head back to the car past the Fan Zone on the Luffield 'infield'.
By the time we get back to the car we must have walked almost 5 miles.
It's been a fantastic day and worth every step.
We leave the circuit at 19:00 get home at 20:30 and are relieved that Emlyn is fine.
He's eaten loads of biscuits but, as usual, hasn't sussed that there was food in his 'timer'. So we give him that food plus the last of his pig's liver.
He's eaten loads of biscuits but, as usual, hasn't sussed that there was food in his 'timer'. So we give him that food plus the last of his pig's liver.
By 10:00pm, all three of us are fast asleep (although not all of us in the same room).
None of us are as young as we were!
None of us are as young as we were!
