It Ain't Over

I am not a F1 fan and for the 2 weeks that led up to last weekend, I think many Singaporeans were also not very hyped about F1 (expect the die-hard fans who paid hundreds / thousands of $$). Street poll taken by The Straits Times revealed that most locals didn't even know the race date. Many locals shunned from Suntec area, thinking that many roads were closed (which wasn't the case) and retailers suffered quite a bit.

I guess this showed a lack of interest initially, that is until all the action took place.

Non-ticket holders tore down fences, stood on Ladders they brought from home (!), stood on dust bins, checked into costly hotels just to catch a glimpse .

There were 2 placement rounds on Friday & Saturday where the racers raced to get into top 15 qualifying positions. This positioning is said to be utmost important as the pole race (first position to start the race) is said to have the highest chace to emerge champion. Incidentally, it was racer - Massa, whom was said to "own" street races. (I personally think that is quite a cocky remark).

So anyway, the Ferrari team had all the prime positions and was deemed to win.

Then came the fluke accident where Alonso's team-mate Nelson Piquet crashed into the wall and the safety car came out to make sure that all racers follow behind it until the debris were cleared. So happened that Alonso was lined first behind the safety car and he had just filled up his tank earlier. (that means he could dash while the other cars probably are light on fuel). At that point, I think he was at position #13? This twist of event eventually paved the way for him to emerge champion, of course it was a feat for him to maintain the lead thereafter.

Note that Alonso started at the last position (#15) at the start of the race and his comment before the race was that he just had to fill the race and do his rounds.

So ladies and gentlemen, it ain't over till it's over.

Of course many will say that this is a miracle or fluke. But really, this is a classic case of keeping the right attitude and siezing the opportunity, which is a great lesson to learn.

The ever-popular & ever famous Ferrari is eating a humble pie now. They suffered more that just disappointment, given the many technical glitches they had.

And so, everyone is facinated, amazed, shocked or just in awe with the result of F1's inaugural night race, hosted by Singapore.