Claudia the Panda

ZOOM! ZOOM! ZOOM!!! That’s all I heard on Friday and Sunday. My eardrums hurt like hell can? But its all worth it because I got to experience my very first F1! In fact, this year, there were so many blogger related activities and invites surrounding F1, I’m sure some of you out there are feeling breathless after the long weekend of F1. So exciting right? Hope next year, FIA will recognise us as media and give us accreditation to attend F1 as press. Ok, I am dreaming… coming back to reality, here’s my experience with 2009 Formula 1 Night Race Singapore Grand Prix…

On Friday night, Abang and I headed over to catch the F1 drivers practice. Since its a practice day, the crowd was sparse. But this gave us the opportunity to enjoy the experience without having to squeeze with the crowd. Being able to stand up there on the roof top to watch the drivers practice is a big thing for us already. Real great feeling!

Dinner and supper were served at the suites and the open bar keeps everyone alcohol happy. No complain I’m sure. As there were all unfamiliar faces around me that night, I didn’t took any photos of the food. But it was good! Loves the mushrooms! That’s not the most important thing that night of course! It’s the amazing view at Turn 1 from the viewing gallery outside the suite and from the roof of the suites.

From viewing gallery outside the suite:

From roof of the suites:

Can you spot the F1 cars zooming by in these photos? LOL!

Cannot right?? Taken with iPhone lah! No zoom you see! Here’s a closer look at two of the clearer shots I’ve got after cropping…

After the practice sessions, we brought Diana up to the roof top to take a look and also took the opportunity to take some photos of this rare opportunity…

Can you see how many lanyards this woman is wearing? She’s very busy lah! Got lots of invites and engagement! Can’t see ah? Here’s a closer look…

Lastly, I want to feature the red lift that Abang and I missed when we arrived at the suite. Ended climbing up the stairs all the way up on foot! Why didn’t we took the lift lah! -_-”

I just find it amusing at how the doors are controlled and the guy mending it. Wonder if he’s enjoying the going up and down in the red lift throughout the three days.

I’m sure I would have done a lot better than the above few pathetic photos if I had bought the Canon SX120 earlier! Never mind! Next year, if I get a chance to go again, I’ll go find myself a 300mm lens and kick ass DSLR body to take lots of photos!

Would you pay S$7k for a 3-day Sky/Club Suite pass? If I can afford, maybe I will! Or maybe, I’ll just fly to Monaco to catch F1 there instead. Yeah, I is dreaming… Zzzzz…

By the way, all the above was my experience on Friday. So where was I on the actual race day?

At Harry’s Bar Suntec City! Near enough to hear and feel the vibration of the F1 cars, and comfortable enough to watch the race on Star Sports.

Total cost? $37.60 for 2 drinks and fries + $4 parking. Not bad for a no sweat F1 experience.

More photos from my F1 experience below… play slideshow to view…