Vrooooom time again

Forget about the traffic disruption that hit the city for days, the gantries that have been changing the face of the streets for months, as you stand in the queue to get in and hear the noise from inside the enclosure; the deafening noise that lasts for seconds before its just a loud noise before its gone again; its so close you could touch it; you can smell it, the smell of burnt rubber; you just can't see it, but you feel a chill go down your spine as you are so close, so close ...... and then you are inside, picking up your program guide and survival kit (the all important ear plugs and rain poncho) ..... and its Friday night and you have three evenings of this, so lets get a Beer and get our bearings and absorb that atmosphere before heading off to find something to eat. Don't want to overdo it on the first day, only the hardened of petrol heads can manage it continuously for three days and I'm not one of them.

IMPORTANT, Motor Racing is dangerous and accidents can happen. The 2010 FORMULA 1 SINGTEL SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX is a rain or shine event. 

Two hours before the first of three practice sessions Singapore was drenched in rain for a second time that day, but the sky's cleared as I headed towards the street circuit a 30 minute bus ride away. As dusk fell I squelched my way accross the Padang clutching my beer to one of the big screens and wondered (as muddy water violated my foot) whose stupid fault it was to get rid of the grass and replace it with plastic matting. At last years race it was almost like a 'Concert in the Park' with a picnic sitting on the grass watching the race - most enjoyable and one of the reasons why I am back - this year sadly no such luck. Not to worry at least it isn't raining, but its making the track a little treacherous for the cars.

We've bought a three day Walk About pass for Zone 4. For us there is no viewing the race from a comfy seat in one of the many Stands or even sipping Cocktails from a Corporate Box or the Paddock Club. We do get access to some great views of the track with the wonderful back drop of the city, great entertainment, great food and of course the many beer tents (but the beer is rather fizzy - do they add extra fizz?). The heart of the action is the Padang, which is home of the main stage and most of the food outlets and despite the lack of grass hundreds of people spread out there poncho's and sit watching the hugh screens. Why would we want to sit on the ground watching a big screen when we could be sitting in the comfort of our own home watching the same scenes? Home is no substitute to the atmosphere, the noise, the experience that one can get being at this live event. At home you don't get the added value of the entertainment that has been brought in that gives the Singapore Grand Prix that unique party feeling. Oh, and did I mention the NOISE!

So Saturday comes and it rains again, but we arrive at the track to dry sky's in time to see the band Daughtry ROCK the Padang Satge.  They have been given the early spot before Third Practice, they do not disapoint. But how are we going to entertain ourselves between Third Practice and Qualifying? We firstly eat - going for an easy option of a yummy Burger, then we wander the track enjoying some of the live track action - looking for a good viewing spot. An Ice cream before heading to another stage to settle down and listen to Ojos De Brujo a Spanish, Flamenco, Rap Band - I know it sounds like an odd combination, but it works.

Qualifying and the track is still wet from todays rain storm. Exciting stuff.

And then there was Adam Lambert. We have to admit we didn't know who he was. He's been dubbed 'who's' Adam Lambert amongst family and friends. But what a performance, a true showman, he kept us entertained until the small hours and well worth staying behind for.

Race day and we wake to blue sky's. The actual Race is hours away and a lot can happen weather wise between now and then, but dry it stays. Yippee. We arrive and head to the Makansutra Food Stalls near the Esplanade - we're going local tonight. I have a Chicken Satay Gado Gado salad and 'A' has Mee Gorang. Now to slot some entertainment in before the race, how about Brazil! Brazil! ? Fabulous, who needs the Chipendales (performing elsewhere on the circuit to a female only crowd) when you have this group of lively individuals that appeal to both sexes. Brazil! Brazil! is a combination of Latin Brazillian beat, Capoeira martial arts dance, Samba, Football tricks and the Rio Carnival all rolled into one adrenilin filled performance. With as many costume changes as they had songs, we saw everything from grass skirts to jewel encrusted bikinis. If you were in the UK this summer you may have seen them performing on the South Bank or bringing a little Brazillian sunshine to the Edinburgh Festival. What a great way to start the evening.

To the Race. Positioned in front of one of the big screens on the Padang, we settle on plastic chairs among other spectators to enjoy the whole point of the weekend, but found the beginning of the Race rather tedious and boring. But then it all started to happen; two cars collide; safety car; early pit stops (a good call for Webber); over taking (who said that couldn't happen on street circuits); another crash; safety car; Hamiltons move which would have been applauded if he managed to pull it off (but sadly he didn't); car on fire (calm Kovalainen's extinguisher skills); and its another win to Fernado Alonso followed by the Red Bulls in second and third.

So what a night, what a weekend.

But its not over yet ..... we have Mariah Carey to look forward to. Sadly for us she is a let down. Looking older than her 40 years (they must really air brush her pictures), her music is bland in comparison to the rest of the entertainment we've experienced this Singapore Party Weekend.  

So tired and happy we head home, already looking forward to next years race extravagander. Whoo!!

So Japan in two weeks and only 4 races until the end of this F1 season - who will win the Drivers Championship, who will win the Constructors and then there are the race winners - who will win?

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