Formula Unique

The Marina Bay Circuit, its a beauty isn't it?

[EDIT] I've managed to upload a couple of pictures to the post, as promised. Additional images will be added in due time (when I'm able to get a better connection). [EDIT]

Firstly, I would like to apologize for the lack of images and pictures in this post. This is largely due to my technical restrictions pertaining to the speed of my internet.

Well I feel that talking about an event is largely compromised in terms of richness and depth with the lack of images to describe and relate to. They say that "a picture says a thousand words" so I'll try to update this particular post with pictures as soon as I'm able to do so.

Let us dive straight into the action without delay then.

And yes, that's a Ferrari around the corner.

This weekend saw the Formula One contingent storm into sunny Singapore for the inaugural Singapore Grand Prix.

A piece of history carved in stone for both the sport as well as the country for it was the first night race ever to be held for the sport of Formula One.

World class racers arrived days prior to the start of the race and took time off to familiarize themselves to the climate and also, to the track in which they'll be putting their lives on the line to travel at speeds of up to 300 km/h.

There was an evident buzz descending upon the city of Singapore too, as race day inched closer and closer; a moment in history about the unfold.

The "tunnel of light" which thousands of people gathered around in hopes of sneaking a glimpse of their favorite drivers.

I was there, at ground zero where it was all happening, the Marina Bay Circuit, for the qualifying session on Saturday, a couple of days back.

A festive atmosphere greeted me as I got the all clear from the tight security officials stationed at selected areas around the track, each making sure that conditions were optimum for the race to commence without unnecessary inconveniences.

Booths and huge tents were set up around various locations in the area. Many of which catered to the various needs and wants of the race day spectators. The amenities were simply top-notched.

Porsches speeding by the Fulleton Hotel.

Other races filled up the program sheet for the day. Some of which included Aston Martins, BMWs and Porsches revving their engines up, igniting the already lively atmosphere with grunts and roars which echoed off the tall neighboring buildings of the Central Business District of Singapore.

Dusk soon settled which threw long shadows upon the track as the sun slowly dissipated on the horizon. The atmosphere however, didn't falter.

High pitched grunts from the distance saw the start of the main event; Formula One cars in action. Everyone gathered up their cameras, plugged in their ear plugs and tilted their heads in anticipation, excitement clearly streaming in their minds.

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The sights and the amazing buzz of activity around the Marina Bay Area.

A couple of hours ago saw the Singapore Grand Prix swing into full throttle (pun intended) as the Marina Bay Circuit rang into life as the the last of the three red lights went off.

Well I personally, was really excited and proud at that very moment though it may sound and appear really odd.

Nope, I wasn't at "ground zero" this time (I was only there for the Qualifying rounds) but witnessed the event via the television, which I might add, provided a substantial amount of coverage for the entire event. Kudos for that.

The race itself had its fair share of ups and downs and to me personally it was a roller coaster of emotions and certainly, one of the more dramatic races that I've ever seen. I will not go into detail lest the presence of spoilers (for more information about the various events that happened, be sure to catch repeat telecasts as well as race reports), but I can assure that its something people will talk about for a long time to come.

It was really amusing yet assuring to see my family clinging onto their seats as we huddled over the television set, watching the race. The fact that they weren't exactly racing fanatics emphasized the point stronger.

History was made. The first ever night race in Formula One history and I guess that explained my sense of pride for our little island we call Singapore.

Hosting the first night race has certainly put Singapore on a whole new level in terms of their global image and also on the world map.

I hope we'll no longer be referred to as the "tiny red dot" but more rather, "the country that hosted the first ever night Formula One Race".

Sure, I'm a racing fan, but with reference to the rest of my family, whom to much concern, regard the term "Iceman" as a superhero and "Understeer" as an object under the steering wheel.

I guess the Formula for Singaporeans to feel proud of their country lies in being unique. Well, at least in my case. As long as a prominent event pulls at the Singaporean heartstrings, I'm sure that sense of pride will ensure.

People nowadays are deteriorating their sense of pride towards their countries, and with much reason to feel so, lest may I add. Living standards are sky rocketing and the world is a much competitive place to live in, in recent decades and I guess that is the core reason why people neglect issues as such.

So I think an event like this, can effectively spur and hopefully, change the mindsets of people towards their countries in due time.

As with reference to the previous post,

"I find it (F1 coming to Singapore) very cool."

And yes, I dare say that proudly and loudly though some may reply "big deal?"

So whether you're a racing fanatic or just a typical citizen with normal pleasures in life, I hope you've found as much joy and prominence in the event as I did. I can't wait for next year's race.

So yea, I hope you liked my little input on the Singapore Formula 1 GP. Again, I apologize for the lack of images, which I'll try to post once I'm at liberty to do so.

Be sure to check back for updates and articles coming right up and I apologize in advance for the lack of activity, due to my commitments.

Cya'll later.