#IAMSTORIES: Petra, Austria
Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One™ Team is raring to go for the second of two consecutive races at the Red Bull Ring this season, so we're shining a spotlight on the local fanbase once again.
This year's Styrian Grand Prix marked Petra's first live Formula One race and here, in her own words, she gives an insight into the Austrian fanbase.
My Formula One journey started as a kid because my parents were fans. I grew up watching the races, no matter what time it started. I stopped watching for a while during my teenage years, but I'm happy I came back because it gives me something to look forward to on a weekend.
Sebastian is my current favourite driver and source of many of my favourite moments – one being his first win with Toro Rosso, another his first championship in 2010. More recently, Sebastian's second-place finish in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix was a highlight.
I love the Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One™ Team spirit and its atmosphere. It's obvious that everyone is so passionate, and they are all working so hard.
The Styrian Grand Prix was the first race I attended and it's certainly different to have two races at the same circuit back-to-back. No two races are the same, so although you race at the same circuit, the conditions can differ greatly and impact the results.
I think it's been great to have back-to-back races in recent seasons. After the first, you're more excited about what's going to happen in the second race.
Austrian Grand Prix
Get ready for this weekend's Austrian Grand Prix with our in-depth preview. Discover the key talking points from the previous weekend. Hear from Lance and Sebastian ahead of the race.
The Red Bull Ring is a good circuit with many overtaking opportunities, and it's got very few corners, which is unusual. The atmosphere with the beautiful mountains surrounding it is great too.
Austria is naturally beautiful, and the Styrian Mountains are worth a visit. I recommend staying a further few days around the Grand Prix to explore the rest of the country.
I live in Vienna, and I would recommend it to those who love city life, depending on global travel restrictions. If you prefer nature, I recommend starting in the Styrian mountains. You'll be there already anyway!
My personal favourite place is Schladming, and you can head lakeside too as Wörthersee is not far away. It's so beautiful.
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There are a lot of vineyards across the country, and Styria is one of the biggest wine-growing regions in Austria.
Austria has amazing cuisine too, which varies from one region to another. Obviously, the classic choice is schnitzel, but if you want something sweet, try apple strudel.
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