By now we took positions on sofas for the main event. Race cars were taking positions by 3 pm. Cars were revving up engines to test them out. Now the race atmosphere replaced the picnic ambience. We could see UB and Virgin chiefs busily going around in the team boxes. Forgot to mention, just below the VIP lounge were team boxes which support individual teams. In fact, in this sport the success of a driver depends upon his team more than any other game. If a tyre bursts, or brake develops a problem or lubricant leaks out, the car just moves into the centre from race track. Waiting teams do necessary repairs/changes in a jiffy and car is back on the track. And God forbid, if there is a mishap, again ground team helps in evacuation and medical support.
By now the noise was at its peak. We had put ear-plugs where they belonged and not in pockets. Cars were revving and also moving up and down in a warm-up. Before 15:30 pm all took their positions based on outcome of qualifiers on 29th .There was anticipation in the air. For majority of people it was their first F1 experience. I am not sure what did everyone expect – 90,000 strong crowd which paid good money to be there. National anthem was played and race commenced at 15:30 pm sharp. And wow, what a takeoff it was!
On TV, camera follows a car so one does not know the full impact of a high speed car passing in front of you. Here a car literally vanishes in front of you in seconds at 300 to 350 kmph. In a matter of seconds, all cars from the starting point in front of lounge had vanished amidst an uproar of engines which reminded of jets taking off. We waited for 90 sec and they were back after completing one lap which typically lasted 90 seconds. There were to be 60 laps. Cars were in a blur due to speed and we slowly learnt to recognise them thru announcements and huge TV screens. Now we could track who was leading and who was challenging.
After 3-4 laps, we started moving to other sides of the lounge as cars were going round all around us. There were sharp turns best seen from some vantage points, uphill ride from another point and a long stretch ideal for overtaking from another. Soon we were picking up basics of the sport which is a high skill and high science competition. It added to my experience of car racing in India. In about 45 min, many of us decided to take a beer/coffee break as 2-3 cars had established clear lead after 30 laps and were ahead in all laps now as they passed in front of us. We reverted to gallery again when 50 laps were over. Crowd was roaring up at their choice of teams. I think it will take a while for team loyalties to settle down. It will happen eventually as I see people supporting various football clubs – Madrid or Barcelona or nations such as Argentina or Brazil. I really do not know how do they choose their favourites but that is what consumer choice is all about 🙂
