GODREJ LOUD

ROHAN SRIDHAR RAGHAVAN

IIFT

Many people consider Formula 1 racing as one of the most wasteful sports in today’s world. Teams

pump in billions of dollars into research, and running of their cars each race. An incomprehensible

amount of fuel is used during each race weekend. A LOT of rubber is burnt, leading to a rather large

amount of pollution. This doesn’t paint a very rosy picture for the sport, does it?

While I cannot disagree with all the points I made above, some of them are worth contesting, at least.

The results of the research that is done on Formula 1 cars are implemented right into the cars we drive

on our roads. This is because BMW, Mercedes Benz, Ferrari, Renault, Lotus and the like, who all have F1

operations are the same people who sell us road cars. So in effect, the developments in the sport not

only make racing safer for the drivers, but also for the common man driving on the streets. Limitations

are now in place for the amount of fuel and tires that cars can consume each race, resulting in less

damage being done to the environment.

Now that I’m done defending the sport and have hopefully convinced you that you aren’t going to

contribute to something that is wholly destroying Mother Nature and the planet, let me tell you why this

dream is so important to me.

The first time I saw an F1 race was completely coincidental. It was a Sunday evening and I was at my

grandmother’s house. I couldn’t find anything to watch on television. I was 10 years old at the time and

the only sport I had ever seen on TV was cricket. I put on Star Sports and happened to find odd looking

cars lining up one behind the other. I had heard my friends discuss F1 before in school but I would never

have anything to contribute. I realized that an opportunity was presenting itself to me and I decided to

take it. A race was typically one and a half hours back then and I sat and watched the entire thing. What

some people call ‘cars going around in circles one behind the other, with no overtaking’, completely

absorbed me. The speed at which the cars moved made MY adrenaline rush. Watching the drivers

wrestle their cars around each corner at 180+ km/hr was mind boggling. To see their heads bobbing

around in the cockpit, out of exhaustion was scary. To see the precision with which pit stops were made

was enthralling. Where else can you see a team of men change 4 tires and fill a tank of gas in under 9

seconds? I knew then that this was a sport that I was going to follow for years to come.

A long term interest meant picking a favorite. I don’t know if it was because my favorite color is red

(Schumacher drove for Ferrari at that time, which had a red colored car), or the fact that his name was

on the screen when I first put on the channel, but for some reason I decided to back Michael

Schumacher for that race. He finished 3rd. The next day I discovered that a lot of my friends also

supported Schumacher and my mind was made up. Schumacher went on to win the season

championship that year.

12 years later, he is still my favorite driver, despite the fact that he retired, returned to the sport a few

years later and isn’t doing too well now. My love for Ferrari stems from the fact that he was racing for

them when I began watching F1. I support them over Schumacher, irrespective of who drives for the

team and thankfully, they are having a good season this year, thus far.

OK That was a REALLY LONG intro!

So let me wrap this up as soon as possible since I’m sure you have loads of other

dreams to go through *Don’t. Just pick mine*

What I was attempting to do back there is give you a little insight as to where my passion for formula 1

racing came from. Thanks to the sport, I am a huge car buff *see pictures below* and love all things

related to automobiles. For years I have wanted to attend a grand prix live! When F1 came to Singapore,

it was the closest it had ever been to me. However, it ended up being one of the most expensive races

on the calendar. When it came to India, I had exams at the time. In the summer of 2011, while on

holiday in Singapore, the guide happened to take us to Marina Bay, the location of the Singapore grand

prix street circuit. I took the chance to walk down the pit lane, and the start/finish straight. It was an

incredible experience. Only one thing could top it and that would be to actually attend the grand prix

live in the 3rd week of September. The only down side of this race is how expensive it is. That’s where I

could really use Your help.

My dream is to be able to attend the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix 2012 from the 21st – 23rd of

September.

The 3 day weekend also includes an ‘F1 Rocks’ concert which will see the likes of Katy Perry and

Maroon 5 performing live. So not only would I get to see the race, but attend an awesome concert as

well. Two birds, One stone.

Singapore – Car heaven

Cars are incredible machines.

Formula 1 cars are incredible cars.

How could you say no to this face? :D

I iz all set to go to Singapore!!

"Being second is to be the first of the ones who lose." - Ayrton Senna, Formula1 racing legend