Today is the day for the qualifying session for the F1 cars. Also more qualifying for the other support races - Aston Martin, BMW, Porsche. Entry and security was tight, What they do is they will punch a hole into your ticket which basically leaves a hole in that nice ticket they gave me which I had wanted to keep as a souvenir. If you want to leave and re-enter you had to get a stamp on your had and it's not any ordinary stamp, it's a UV stamp ! So high tech hard to cheat them.
I decided to try out the Northern Loop as they call it which is the Singapore Flyer, Floating Platform and Paddock areas. Of course the Paddock area was out of bounds to us ordinary folks. Unless, you purchased a 4-figure ticket which allows you into the main Grandstand. I've found the Northern Loop has less activities going on and it has more shade as well if you want to try to get some shots of the race cars but what it lacks is a commentary other places you get to heard it but not at this area. Probably only those people in the main Grandstand will have commentary. Overall there were a few places where you could go stand and take some good pictures. I think it is also a good place to meet celebrities, I saw people standing around the entrance to the Paddock waiting with their cameras to get a glimpse of Lewis, Kimi, Alonso, Nick, Felipe, Timo and the other drivers. But you probably need a lot of patience.
They also had on show at the Singapore Flyer some cars which I think were custom fitted. This was a really cool one with a Ghost Head on the bonnet of the car. There were also Vintage cars. No Pictures of those yet maybe tomorrow.
The Porsche and Aston Martin and BMW races were in progress, here are some shots I took.
BMW-Turn to floating Platform.
Benjamin Shearers Bridge(Flyer)
Porsche Race near Stamford
Lewis I believe, Northern Loop
Red Bull's F1 car
The Red Bull F1 car was the only one which came out decent while trying to pan the camera, taken at the Padang Straight, at least you can make out the shapes and logos, Last time so fast can't see a thing ! (Thanks to a friend who knows a few things about Photography, managed to get some decent shots in) The rest of the pictures were just taken at random spots. How close can you get to the action ? Take a look at this picture, you practically can touch the cars !!
I also managed to get to the Support Paddock, where the other non-F1 cars were stored, quite hush hush place as well, but managed to get some pictures of the cars getting ready to race. Our local boys were in some of the racers as well. Got a shot of a local driver as well.
Flyer Car
Singapore Flag Car
Reckless !!
One of the rather unique features of this Race besides it being at night was the Bay Grandstand where the cars will drive UNDER the spectators and the Electronic Flags.
This is the exit of the Grandstand area, the cars will come out here and proceed with the rest of the race.
The Electronic Flags, it shows blinking 'Green' now just after the blinking yellow caution flag. The "SC" will light up when the Safety Car is on the street.
There was a real Party Atmosphere. There were huge crowds at the Padang watching the big screen. The stands were almost full I think at least 90% full, you can see lots of waving Ferrari flags around.
The Hawker Food Centre setup by Food Republic was also crowded.
The other fringe events that were taking place were DJ's spinning records, Stilt Walkers, Samba Dancers, Mime, Bands, Singers etc.
Well in the end the Practice Session (3rd) was held at 7pm to 8pm and finally at 10pm they started the F1 Qualifications to determine grid position. Lots of waving Ferrari fans out there and there was this guy who was with his Family and every time a Ferrari pass by he would do the Mexican wave, problem was it was just Him ! But other people will clap and wave the red Ferrari flags every time something good happens to Ferrari, When McLaren (Lewis) got pole there was silence until Ferrari took it back at the last. A huge cheer was heard from our grandstand at the Padang !
No comments:
Post a Comment