Walking into the Heart of F1 Grand Prix Racing

The Formula 1 Pit Walk was truly an eye-opener for people like us. In all my years of watching Grand Prix racing I never really saw anything of the vehicles, their racing crew and management team up close. What we actually saw was much more than that. The entire race infrastructure was open to us including all the technical equipment they were using...refuelling, tyre change...the whole works in fact!
The atmosphere created by the constant buzz of non-stop activity all around the race circuit ensured there would be no dull moments for everyone present.
D2 and I enjoyed that PIT walk tremendously despite its briefness.
After leaving the PIT area of the Paddock Club, we decided to spoil ourselves within the opulence of the Club itself...enjoying the many attractions that were laid out before us.
But with limited time before the next F1 practice session revs up, we thought it wiser to have a quick cocktail amidst the luxurious settings and headed for the Singapore FLYER.


This photo was sent to me by MP Cynthia Phua via her H/phone.
She used her Ipad as a camera.
I must confess here that I did not realise how good some of these new gadgets have become when used as a camera! The image captured by Cynthia is as good as by any digital camera.
However, I'm uncertain if all Ipads, mobile phones can produce such quality pics.
Those of you using similar gadgets...can you enlighten me?

Girls & fast cars are part of the irresistible F1 attraction and package

Aha...finally you are looking our way, yeah !

Alonso's booth attracted the most crowd.!

People crowded around as news filtered out...he was present.

Even D2 could not get too near at Alonso's garage

MP Cynthia showing her versatility with her IPad

This is one of the most popular of teams...Red Bull !


The F1 cannot succeed without people like these stewards.

One final snapshot as we walked off the race track.

Unk Dicko was last one out of the PIT before they closed it.

The F 1 Pit Walk and F1 Girls

When we first stepped into the Temasek Suite our lady hostess gave us a Programme flyer each. She pointed out a couple of things on the map. We thanked her. I then asked her if there were anything we should not miss.

She replied, " Yes...the Pit Walk . It is only open exclusively to guests of the Paddock Club. Even those holding Grandstand tickets in the public sector do not have this privilege. "
Me: " Tell us more... "
She: " After this 1st Practice session ends, the F1 drivers will have about an hour's break before the 2nd session resumes. The door to the Pits will be opened at about 8.30 pm. But it'll be wise to be in the queue by 8.10 pm as it will be really crowded. The walk will be for half hour only and everyone will have to leave the Pit. You will have a chance to see, talk and mix with the Racing crew and other support staff of each team. "

We thanked her and kept the advice in mind. Just before 8 pm, after we had dined while still inside, we were chatting with Minister Mah Bow Tan at a corner, when we excused ourselves and told him why. He urged us not to miss the Pit walk and to go there quickly.
We waited for about 20 minutes before we were all escorted into the Pit area.
Below are some snapshots...there are more!

D2 won't scold me...she's the one taking this picture!
These F1 girls add colour and glamour to the occasion. They were very popular with all those with cameras.

MP Cynthia Phua and family

This was the actual race track I was standing on

Then they shooed everyone behind a rope barrier

We managed to get inside this Race garage

It was fabulous to see all these up close

We were looking at them, they too were observing us

Senna's Garage

The mind-Boggling screen controls

Inside Temasek Suite....F1 Night Grand Prix 2010

As we sat down to enjoy the fine dining inside the Temasek Suite, we heard the roar and rumbling of souped up engines. The Formula I cars were getting ready to do their practice trials.
Fortunately for us, we need not have to use the ear plugs provided, inside the Suite. We were somewhat protected by the thick infrastructure around us. Fellow guests whipped out their cameras and tried as I did to try and capture a "shot" of an F1 car. It wasn't easy ! Within that split second of seeing that car and my finger clicking on the camera button...the car was out of picture range and view. I had a couple of blank images when I checked.
The trick , as I soon learnt from trial and error, is to point and focus my camera at a particular spot and clicked away . Not chasing or following the car from R to L.

I caught this image as the red car sped past at top speed.

This orange one too...but it was going super-fast .

The sounds of Vroom, vroom, vroom of these high-decibel racing engines can be heard everywhere and in every corner of the vicinity of the race circuit. As I listened carefully, I realised these booming loud sounds were the real thing that made the Grand Prix so exciting to one and all. The pounding and the shrills permeate the skin and body. They go right through your inner ears into the brian centre. I believe that not only the F1 drivers experience a high adrenaline flow but spectators too.
Imagine for a moment, if all the cars are completely SILENT as they race around the track...I think all the seats will be empty of people.
It is the noise that is of the greatest attraction in a Grand Prix!

Ingrid and Bill aka Strictly Strings entertaining..Temasek Suite.

They were a very versatile pair of entertainers. I could not resist and stopped eating to join them

as they played. They did not sing, only played...she the violin and he the accordion. So I sang for them.

Unk Dicko sang along with their catchy tunes.

This pair was simply a top class act...they got me jiving !

When they ended their medley, they said to me," You know the music and lyrics of the songs we play so well! "

I introduced myself by giving them my personal card.

" Oh, no wonder, you are a Ukulele player. How nice ! "

They gave me their business card too.

Senior Minister of State Mr S Iswaran and D2

Eversince the F1 Night Grand Prix started in Singapore, one face was and still is always associated with it. That face belongs to none other than Mr S Iswaran...Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry and also for Education. Yes, he holds two portfolios. For the F1, Mr Iswaran is the designated Minister and official Host. That's why he was going round from table

to table to chat with everyone of the guests, including us.

With the Hosting Minister of the F1 Grand Prix himself

So what did we chat about ?

With D2 it was education.

With me it was about our own "kampong". One thing is certain, it is difficult to find a better host than S Iswaran for this mega, world class event.


Unk Dicko & D2 with the family of MP Cynthia Phua

Quite a number of Cabinet Ministers and MPs were also present that night. We 'bumped"

into MP Cynthia Phua and her family. We are actually good friends and also "kampong" people.

At the F1 Grand Prix...Paddock Club, Temasek Suite



View from Level 1 Paddock Club

















We drove and parked at Kallang Theatre. From there it was a simple matter, after stringent security checks, to board the shuttle van or bus provided. The service was excellent. All the way, I felt if I was a foreign visitor to this Grand Prix, I would be exceedingly pleased.
Before we boarded, there were lady hostess who served cold drinks. Just what we actually needed at that moment.
And cool towelletes too!


Another view from Level 1 Paddock Club

















The short drive was short but pleasant. Once we arrived at the entrance to the Paddock Club, it looked as though those waiting to serve their guests ( we were treated as such throughout ) were more in numbers than the guests themselves. And these young men and ladies have been trained well certainly. Kudos to their trainers and supervisors. I did not see anyone in idle gossip or in some quiet corners using their private mobiles.
They really were out to please and ensure the comfort and pleasure of their guests.

It was near 7 pm. The S'pore Flyer in background.

We did not even have to show our special ticket as the lanyard was hung over the neck and easily noticeable.
" Sir, Madam...this way please "...was the common expression.
 In no time at all we were near the place we were to be hosted by...The Temasek Suite.
I  whipped out my camera to snap off a few shots as seen in these pics.

The Singapore Flyer

The view of the surroundings from the Paddock Club is beautiful.
However, the views from the FLYER as it rotates slowly were even more stunning. That would come later.

Ingrid and Bill aka STRICTLY STRINGS in Temasek Suite

As we walked towards our destination, we passed by many other suites belonging to the various Teams...Ferrari, Red Bull, Renault   etc..and some corporates ones like Singapore Airlines, Singtel.  Once we arrived at the Temasek Suite situated at the end of the Paddock Club, we stepped into a posh, glitzzy world of fine dining, set in a nice ambience.
The waiters here have been well-trained too, providing superb, excellent service.
 We were served delightful tidbits and there was enough variety of fine food to suit all taste buds.

This duo entertained at Dinner with excellent music

As everyone settled down to the business of dining , I heard some music from across my table. A lady violinist and a gentleman playing the accordion was moving from table to table serenading the guests.
 They played some popular classical and comtemporary pieces superbly, combining very well as a duo.
When the were at my table, D2 asked them where they came from thinking they were Hungarians.
" We're from Australia !" they proclaimed proudly.


The tunes were lovely, I could not resist clapping along















So, well and good...Australia. I stood up to clap along with their music.
Then I asked Bill and Ingrid to play for me a catchy Aussie folksong " Gundagai".
They nodded happily and so began. Unk Dicko
sang along with them as I knew the lyrics ( in my head ).
D2 was so enthralled she too requested for a Scottish or Irish tune.

2010 Formula 1 S'pore Grand Prix...Unk Dicko's experience



Fernando Alonso of Ferrari wins 2010 F 1 S'pore Grand Prix 

















It was only on Sunday night when those of us watching the Live coverage of the Finals of the F1 Night Grand Prix over at Marina Bay saw Fernando Alonso raising his fist in triumph at the end of the 61 laps.

Those of us watching from homes would have missed out on the unbelievable atmosphere of the actual race track. I too was watching from home that night. It was ok but not exciting at all compared to watching the real thing.
I certainly can confirm this as my wifey and I were there on the first day, Friday 24 Sept.

Fernando Alonso Winner 2010 F1 in S'pore

 The last time I actually went to a "live" Grand Prix was back in the 70's at the old Upper Thomson road circuit. A close friend and former VS classmate of mine Lam Tian Yue and myself started going to the Grand Prix in the mid 60's.
Since those days, I've not gone anywhere near to a Race track.
So when we were given 2 official  tickets for the 24 Sept First Day Practice sessions, I decided to accept the invitation...to check out on what I've been missing all these years.

Our official ticket lanyards and ear plugs














The tickets came in a black pouch holder with some accompanying notes and explanations detailing all the benefits and action that can be expected at the Formula One Paddock Club.
It was to be one most memorable night for me and my wifey. 

The ticket and the pouch it comes with



The Map to all the Action

I knew it was "special" treatment in many ways
but never thought it was that good until I actually made the trip there.
Holders of the special ticket to the Temasek suite were given Star treatment,
pampered and treated most generously.
It is certainly beyond expectations. 



The Front and Back of the ticket





The Back of the Ticket pouch



Current World Standings before the Finals


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