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Unfortunately, there was security everywhere and you really couldn't go anywhere other than the general admission areas and your own seat in the grand stands. Media passes would be required to get anywhere near the pits from what I saw.
You may have met several people who have walked the paddock, got signatures from the likes of Ross Brawn, Norbert Haug, Ralf S, Reubens, Phil Massa and Jenson Button, had lenghty convos with Pierre Dupasquiere and Reubs, drank bottles of champagne with crew members and guests and walked through garages with cases of beer. But yes, passes would be easier.