Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix (Part 2)

Excerpts 1:
Source: The Straits Times Sep 30, 2008

SINGAPOREANS can be very proud. The past weekend, they hosted the biggest sporting event in the Republic's history and delivered a stunning global spectacle.

In fact, there were three winners of the SingTel Singapore Grand Prix; Fernando Alonso, Formula One and Singapore itself.

The Marina Bay street circuit and its unique night-time illumination were amazing.
The sight of the cars running under the perfect lighting, with the spectacular backdrop of the city, was a three-night TV commercial for Singapore, delivering an unprecedented level of media coverage around the world.

One of the main aims of the Singapore GP was to put the Republic on the global destinations map. It worked like a dream. The global TV audience alone is estimated at over 500 million.

market2garden: Next year the night scene would be better as the authorities relax the night lightning rule of the building, and most owner of the commercial building along the circuit are willing to commit for next year.

Excerpts 2:
Source: Formula1Blog.com Sep 28, 2008

1. Alonso Renault (B) 1h57:16.304
2. Rosberg Williams-Toyota (B) + 2.957
3. Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes (B) + 5.917
4. Glock Toyota (B) + 8.155
5. Vettel Toro Rosso-Ferrari (B) + 10.268
6. Heidfeld BMW Sauber (B) + 11.101
7. Coulthard Red Bull-Renault (B) + 16.387
8. Nakajima Williams-Toyota (B) + 18.489
9. Button Honda (B) + 19.885
10. Kovalainen McLaren-Mercedes (B) + 26.902
11. Kubica BMW Sauber (B) + 27.975
12. Bourdais Toro Rosso-Ferrari (B) + 29.432
13. Massa Ferrari (B) + 35.170
14. Fisichella Force India-Ferrari (B) + 43.571
15. Raikkonen Ferrari (B) + 4 laps

market2garden: Congratulations to Aloso to win the first-ever night race in F1 history by means of skills, strategy, teamwork and a bit of luck. And to the whole lot (20 racers) that the race after all drastic and eventful, even so, all never lost lives.

Excerpts 3:
Source: Formula1Blog.com Sep 28, 2008 (Mon)

After Robert Kubica and Nico Rosberg endured penalties at the Grand Prix of Singapore there have been further calls for a change to the current Safety Car Rule that closes the pits and penalizes anyone for taking on fuel during the SC period until the pit lane is officially opened.This was to prevent cars racing back to the pits and potential being dangerous. This has also left many outraged at the penalties incurred by drivers who have no choice but to pit for fuel as they are running on fumes. It seems a solution is in the works however.

market2garden: Fine-tuning of safety car rules needed. But don’t have to overreact that the rule gave Alonso the advantage to be the winner. After all, winning a race must factor in all possibilities, plus a bit of luck.

Excerpts 4:
Source: F1Complete Web Oct 05, 2008 (Mon)

Oct.5 (GMM) Bernie Ecclestone, the chief mastermind of the night racing concept for F1, has hit back at Ferrari boss Luca di Montezemolo's claim that the Singapore grand prix was akin to a "circus". Also lashing out at the lack of overtaking opportunities at new street circuits, and the farcical safety car rules, Montezemolo said last week that "all this is humiliating for F1".

But Ecclestone, F1's chief executive, hinted to Britain's Mail on Sunday newspaper that the attack by Montezemolo was perhaps to divert attention from Ferrari's woeful showing under the city-state's floodlights.

"If the Ferrari president is right about the Singapore grand prix being a circus," he said, "then we have to be grateful to him for providing the clowns."

The 77-year-old is undoubtedly referring to title rival Felipe Massa's botched pitstop, when the Brazilian ripped the fuel hose from the rig and pulled it the entire length of the pitlane.

market2garden: Supremo is right, Montezemolo’s claim is to ease the pressure for his team’s dismal performance.

Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix (Part 1)