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Kaylen

PUMA Fan Report From the Singapore Grand Prix

The last time I checked the calendar, it was still September. It was not December nor was it March, so it cannot be Christmas or my birthday. So it does not explain why I was so lucky to be chosen as the PUMA Motorsport Fan Reporter for the Singapore Grand Prix 2009.

On Sunday, I met Wina Victoria, the local Puma representative who would be with me throughout the entire event, at the Swissôtel the Stamford to collect our Paddock Passes.

We made our way to Gate 8, went through the turnstile gantry, and I’m into the world of the famous and exclusive. First we looked for Bruno Vaglienti from PUMA International and our would-be guide for the day. Bruno’s a very endearing guy, and it can be seen from how practically everyone up and down the paddock knows him. I got a chance to speak with Massimo Rivola, Sporting Director of the Ferrari team. He told me about the general schedule of what happens during a race weekend, and the work does not end just after the race.

When asked about the freezing of development on the F60, Massimo was upfront and honest about the situation. It appeared the decision was a pragmatic one, cutting loss and focusing on next year’s challenge instead. I asked Massimo to describe the drivers – “Passionate” for Felipe Massa, “Unique” for Kimi Räikkönen and “A perfect career for all Italians” with regards to Giancarlo Fisichella. From the way he spoke of the likes of Stefano Domenicalli, Luca di Montezemolo and Michael Schumacher, there was no doubt he held the utmost respect for them and is extremely eager to learn from them.

I also had the chance to speak to Diego Ioverno, an extremely friendly guy who is the Race Operation Manager of the team. He allowed me to see the other side of Formula 1 – that in this sport where cool, calm and calculative strategy and great machineries rule the track, the people behind teams fuel the dreams of millions with personal sacrifices. For the people working in Formula 1, it is very hard for the families as “holiday is no option”, as Diego put it succinctly. I could see Bruno nodding in the background and he later confirmed it with me. These are the people whom we see at each Grand Prix, pouring their heart and soul into their work yet they have such limited time with their family, and you thought yours was difficult?

For Diego, the dream to work for Ferrari started since he was a student, and he told me that it is not just enough once you get into the team, you have to constantly ensure that you stay on top of the competition and to be the best for the team, the sponsors, the fans and everyone. There is absolutely not a single inch of doubt that it is the passion that fuels these men behind the sport, allowing them to perform at tip-top conditions and dealing with the high pace and stressful.

Life in the fast lane – everything is snap, snap, go! No time to preen, no time for mistakes. When you spot a driver, as Bruno told us, you cannot hesitate. There’s not even the chance for you to go “Okay, 1, 2, 3! *snap*” when you take a photo. It’s “One! *Snap*” and the photo’s to be taken already. No time for do-overs. I was lucky to be able to take shots with Robert Kubica, Nick Heidfeld, Jacques Villeneuve, Adrian Sutil and Sebastian Vettel. I also had the chance to meet and take a photo with Ari Vatanen – FIA President Candidate. The guy’s really approachable and friendly, making his way through the paddock visiting the teams at their motor homes.

I don’t think I’ve ever smiled so much in 1 day throughout the 23 years of my life. I could hardly keep the grin off my face!

We took some glamour shots, me trying to look every single bit like I’m part of the glamourous world of Formula 1 and posing with the equipment, the tires, the logos, and basically everything.

The highlight of my day was definitely the photoshoot with the two Ferrari drivers – Kimi Räikkönen and Giancarlo Fisichella. Now, it’s no secret among those who know me that I am a huge fan of Kimi and I’m normally a really calm, placid and even deadpan person on most occasions. But THIS! had kept me awake for nights since I received the email from Cristina of PUMA saying that I have been selected and to be hosted by the Ferrari team. Be still, my beating heart!

First of all, there was no horde of screaming fans that I have to muscle past just to get the shots. I was in the midst of interviewing Diego when the two drivers came out of the motor home and you could almost feel the change in atmosphere like the air was charged before a lightning storm. Such was the presence of the drivers.

Taking a deep breath, I steeled myself as the moment I’ve been waiting for years (!!!) finally came and I was not only able to meet the guy up front and personal, but also to shake his hands and get his signature! I asked if I could stand between the two drivers and the both of them graciously allowed me to, I found myself beaming, feeling like I’m the luckiest woman in the whole world to the many cameras snapping and clicking away. It’s a wonder how my legs held up throughout but it must be the vice-like grip I kept on the two drivers’ waists that kept me upright!

Later in the evening, we had a wonderful dinner served up by the Ferrari crew and watched the race from the Ferrari motor home. It was a tense silence within the motor home at the start of the race, and while in the air-conditioned motor home we are kept just some distance away from the pitlane, everyone’s attention is absolutely focused on the TV screen showing the race. The hospitality of the team was impeccable - the cooks were making sure that the guests were not kept famished and kept bringing out more food.

The race finished and for the second year, Ferrari did not score any point for the race. The development to the F60 might have been frozen but there is no doubt that the team still gives their all for each of the remaining races this season to score a third spot in the Constructors’ Championship. With every single one in the team ready to go above and beyond their call of duty, there is no doubt this is the winning formula to the greatest team in Formula One.

I could not ask for a better weekend, and many thanks to PUMA Motorsport team for providing such an exclusive behind-the-scene opportunity to an otherwise ordinary fan like myself.

This article was written by a PUMA Motorsport fan. Submit your own thoughts and you could win exclusive PUMA Motorsport gear signed by Formula One drivers. Click here to find out more.