My first F1 Experience

A few weeks ago, I had the privilege to go to the Singapore F1 - 2010 Formula 1 Night Race - Grand Prix event. I wouldn't usually attend such events; people who know me well enough are aware that I cannot differentiate one car model from another, and that I have very very little interest in cars in general. Well, I was pretty lucky because there was an 'impromptu' contest in my office, and thanks to my legs (long story), I managed to win 2 tickets.

That being my first time to F1, it was certainly interesting to see so many peripheral activities going on at the grounds. I am certain there were people who bought the tickets just for the music gigs and shows going on. For sure, the horde of ladies queuing outside the Chippendales tent was not there to watch high-speed cars whizzing by. I think one Australian lady was so excited, she spilled her plate of burger onto the ground. Well, we couldn't get into the 9pm show, and so we had to get tickets for the 11pm show. I wasn't going to stay so late, so I didn't watch the show in the end. Right after getting the tickets, we adjourned to the adjacent tent to get a beer. And I could hear the ladies screaming. My friend quipped, "We would have to travel to Las Vegas to catch these boys otherwise." I am sure she enjoyed it because she uploaded a picture of the boys on her Facebook wall the next day. Interestingly enough, her boyfriend was there with her. It sure takes a very enlightened dude to not get remotely jealous. How would you feel if your girlfriend was ogling at some other hot dudes?

I reached the place before the sky got dark, and I thought, what a fascinating juxtaposition. The solemn Cenotaph right alongside the raucous F1 event.

There were music acts, and Daughtry were performing:
They soon started perspiring a lot. And that night was a very humid night, so I am not surprised.

It was a practice round, so many of the seats were unsurprisingly, empty. It was a very very humid and warm evening.

Even a $10 cup of Tiger Beer can't cool me off. The humidity must have been 100%.

And so I left the event at 10pm, not completely sure of the attention, money and fascination invested in F1. It was only later, when a colleague who used to work in the Singapore Tourism Board, told me about the dangers and artful skills involved in F1 races. And of course, it was a great way to brand and advertise Singapore to the world. I felt a surge of pride when I saw the YourSingapore.com logo showing up on the tracks. :)