US$1,000-ticket to Formula One

By Al S. Mendoza

I JUST got back from my coverage of the Singapore Formula One (F1) on September 28.

It was one experience worth recording in the deep recesses of my mind.

First, the Singapore F1 was the first night race since F1 was born in 1950 in Silverstone, United Kingdom.

Second, it took Singapore almost two decades to finally clinch the distinct privilege of hosting the event, which is considered the biggest crowd drawer in sports after the Olympics and the World Cup of football.

Third, Singapore became only the third host to stage a street race in F1 history, the other two being the Formula Ones in Valencia, Spain, and Monaco.

Fourth, I had a ticket worth the amount of a two-month salary of an executive in Makati – even if I didn’t have the choicest seat in the circuit.

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Singapore hosting it also means that the city-state of only 4.8 million has really become Big Time.

After knocking on the doors of F1 gods the past two decades or so, Singapore has finally been allowed to come in.

Not every nation is given the chance to stage an F1 leg. The Formula One is so exclusive and expensive that you will have to pass through the proverbial eye of the needle to be able to host it.

In Asia, Singapore became only the fourth venue of the world’s fastest car race after Japan, Malaysia and China.

I was in Malaysia when it had its inaugural hosting of it in 1999. I was back there in 2001.

Both were F1s to remember if only because of their sheer impact on the Asean scene – Kuala Lumpur being the first SEA country to host the event.

While my F1 baptism of fire in 1999 was really a big thrill, the second one in 2001 doubled my excitement as the legendary Michael Schumacher, the German firebrand, was the winner. I had a chat with him; shook hands with him, too.

Schumacher went on to win four more F1 crowns and, with his total of seven world F1 championships, he became the Grand Prix driver to win the most number of world F1 crowns in the modern era. It remains unmatched today.

Even before golf’s Tiger Woods was being ballyhooed as set to become a certified billionaire by 2010, Schumacher had been already listed a couple of years back by Forbes magazine as sports’ first billionaire – much wealthier than when basketball’s Michael Jordan was at the top of his game.

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I had the chance to also watch the F1 inaugural in Shanghai in 2004, but, somehow, it did not materialize. I rued the failed bid and, to appease myself, I played golf for seven straight days.

The Singapore F1 was a story of unmatched speed.

Getting its green light to stage it only in September last year, officials worked feverishly to put up a state-of-the-art circuit, lighted by 1,500-halogen powered lights to make night into day, in time for the 15th run of the 18-leg F1 calendar this year.

Everything was spic and span and, when Spain’s Fernando Alonso won on September 28 to end his winless streak this season, what emerged as the biggest victor at the end of the day was Singapore itself.

Almost 500,000 spectators were at the grandstand during the three-day series (practice sessions on September 26, qualifying runs pole position won by Felipe Massa on September 27, and the actual race on September 28) about 50 million more worldwide watched Singapore’s first fling with F1 greatness on live TV.

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Alonso won the 300.87-km race spread on a 5.067-km circuit ran in 61 laps, with a time of 1 hour, 57 minutes and 16:304.

Can you imagine how fast Alonso traveled that circuit?

Manila to Baguio is only about 200kms from Balintawak. You cover that usually in five hours – some traffic and all.

Alonso rode the 5.067-km circuit in an average of 1 minute and 44 seconds!

That’s how fast an F1 car is. It virtually flies!

It was night but it was humid and hot. Sweat flowed endlessly down my forehead; I was virtually drenched with perspiration while watching the race.

My experience at the grandstand (my ticket was worth US$1,000, can you believe it?) was a first as my two previous F1s saw me watch the race at the exclusive Paddock Club (air-conditioned and you are wined and dined there like a king).

The F1 is what is considered as “the playground of the rich.”

Well, before you think of something foolish as to where I got that thousand dollar ticket, it was purchased by my host, Toyota Motor Philippines (thank you very much).

If I had that huge amount myself, I’d save it for the rainy days. And watch the race on TV.

I’ve become free-lance – if you know what I mean.

(Readers may reach columnist at also147@yahoo.com. For past columns, click http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/category/opinion/general-admission/ For reactions to this column, click “Send MESSAGES, OPINIONS, COMMENTS” on default page.)

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