Through the guidance of Renault Japon and Bell & Ross Japan, I was able to explore the paddock at Suzuka Circuit. My visit spanned from the morning to the evening of Friday, October 11, 2019, the day of testing for the F1 Japan Grand Prix 2019. Even though it was a test day, the race had already begun. Final adjustments were being made to mechanics and tires for qualifying, and even during these test races, the number of usable parts is strictly determined. This means not a single element can be wasted, even for testing. Naturally, the garage was enveloped in a palpable tension.

In F1, the paddock is a restricted area inaccessible with general admission tickets. It's where team personnel, including drivers, spend their time at the circuit, and where drivers and team members give interviews or have meals and meetings.

Here, tents for each team were lined up, each serving as their own restaurant.

To the right, as you face them, are the garages for each team. This time, I was able to get a look inside these garages.

The garages are painted in team colors. It would be impossible to get lost. And lining the walls were headphones and transceivers. These are for communication between mechanics, or between mechanics and drivers, amidst the intense noise, including the roar of the car engines and the sound of drills and screw guns used for fitting tires.

While observing the test laps, they apparently adjust the balance of engine conditions and change tires according to track conditions. Although the speed of the mechanics' work isn't scrutinized during test runs, the garage still becomes a hub of activity when the car returns from the track, with mechanics and engineers intensely focused on their tasks.

It's said that the number of mechanics and engineers on-site per team is limited to 60. For Renault, the front lines are supported by approximately 600 engineers in Oxford, UK, and another 300 engineers in the suburbs of Paris. They analyze data sent from the track in real-time and send the results back to the race venue. In other words, what you see here is just a fraction of the team. I was surprised to hear that nearly 1,000 engineers support them behind the scenes.

I finally understood why F1 is called a battle of wits, and it sent a shiver down my spine. I wondered how much money was involved? Yet, the data obtained from F1 eventually contributes to society by improving the driving performance and safety of products. Thinking about it that way, I was once again struck by how incredible a sporting enterprise F1 is.

The person in charge of the paddock tour, who shared these insights with me. I've forgotten his name, my apologies. He's from Italy and apparently looks forward to coming to Japan every year. He mentioned that Japanese guests are polite and don't venture onto the track, allowing them to concentrate on the race with peace of mind. He also shared that many of the Renault team's mechanics stay in the nearby city of Yokkaichi and commute each morning. He said Wagyu beef is the best, and that Dorayaki, a Japanese sweet, is 'buono'. Perhaps Japanese sweets will be my next souvenir for overseas.

Putting that aside, let's return to the topic of the Bell & Ross watch on his wrist. He proudly showed me the Renault F1 Team model from the Vintage series. When I asked if he liked Bell & Ross, he dismissed it with a look that seemed to say, 'Are you asking the obvious?' For those who love F1 and the team, their sponsoring brands are like family. Furthermore, a wristwatch worn close to the skin, sharing every moment of hardship and triumph, is their identity and their pride.

F1 teams compete in 21 races annually, traveling around the world. With 48 weeks in a year, this means races are held almost every other week. Consequently, the team members on the front lines spend most of the year abroad. For them, team loyalty might be as natural as breathing.

Bell & Ross reportedly provided watches not only to the two drivers but also to representatives of the mechanics and engineers. However, since they couldn't prepare one for everyone, he told me that many of them purchase their own.

The pride of these men, working as one to contribute to the team. I find it undeniably cool. Moreover, I was reminded that the square silhouette of the BR series is a unique eye-catcher. Indeed, it's recognizable at a glance, even at the circuit.

Incidentally, two days before the test race, I had the opportunity to interview Nico Hülkenberg, a team driver, at the launch event in Tokyo for Renault's new car, the "Mégane R.S. Trophy." He was involved in the development of this new car.

He is a wonderfully nice guy. I expected him to be somewhat nervous just before the race, but he showed no hint of it. In fact, Nico had already decided to leave the team at the end of this season. I wasn't sure what to ask him in such a situation, but he remained calm throughout. He told me that as an F1 driver, his approach remains unchanged: to stay calm and reliably execute what can be done in the moment. And on his wrist, too, was a Bell & Ross...

When the conversation turned to watches, he showed a delighted expression, saying, "I had my name engraved on the case back" and "The limited edition number is the same as my own number." I thought it was interesting that an F1 driver could be happy about something so ordinary, but then I realized, if I were in his shoes, I'd be delighted too.

And so, the conversation returned, and we were back in the paddock. During lunchtime, I was invited to the Renault team's restaurant.

At the entrance to the restaurant, there was a showcase of Bell & Ross's new models. They were displayed with a commanding presence. Speaking of which, as expected from a French brand, the Renault team's paddock restaurant is said to be exceptionally delicious.

For the main course, I had beef fillet. Look at the portion size! The seasoning was kept simple, maximizing the meat's natural flavor. Such a generous portion for fillet. As I trembled with delight at its exquisite taste, I noticed Nico Hülkenberg at a table to my left. "Ah, we met in Tokyo. Do you remember me?" he greeted me casually. Remember you? That's what I should be asking! (laughs) He's incredibly nice.

The tent restaurant lived up to its reputation as world-class. Moreover, the sight of drivers casually dining so close by was a truly rare experience. I refrained from taking photos during their meal out of consideration, and didn't photograph the interior of the restaurant. Even on a test day, I felt they were in race mode.

I was also allowed to participate in a pit lane walk. This was a special event where participants could stroll along the road where the team pits are located.

Although it was during a break in the test runs and the cars were not out, such fan engagement is wonderful. I see, this is the kind of special hospitality that is offered separately from regular tickets.

And so, my report from the paddock concludes here. It might have been an unusual report that didn't delve into the F1 race itself, but I would be happy if I could convey even a fraction of this precious experience.

F1 is, after all, a sport of dreams. And I was reminded once again that many people and many companies support it to share that dream. At the same time, I felt that the Renault team's environment here proved that a wristwatch is something that signifies "identity" and "pride."

A watch is more than just a tool to tell time; it is something that continues to give to the human heart.