2009 Formula 1
Singtel Singapore Grand Prix
(Day 1)
03:00am- On the 25th September 2009, arrived at LCCT Sepang awaiting for the first flight departing to Singapore. Waited at OLDTOWN Kopitiam for almost 30 minutes just to have a glass of cold "Cham Ice". Service is real bad or maybe everyone is actually half dead working at this hour. Double check if I do missed out anything behind as I am just sitting here waiting for time to Check-in.
Snap for fun..
05:30am- Check-in at the counter on flight AK 719 and departing at 06:20am. LCCT actually did a minor renovation for their Arrival & Departure Hall. Not having a good night sleep while trying to stay awake is a suicide having such unhealthy living.
Waiting to board..
06:00am- Walked towards the gate and ready for boarding. Hilariously almost walk to a wrong flight which is heading Macau. haha... Both Macau and Singapore flight is just next to each other. Flight attendent on duty direction wasn't clear enought for everyone.
My Correct flight to Singapore. ;p
07:20am- Finally touched down at Singapore. It's freezing at Changi International Airport. Rushed to the gents before heading to Custom Hall. The que was rather smooth as everyone got their passport stamped. Can't recall when was my last time flying to Singapore, as I noticed their SkyBus is Automated and not human control.
The Skybus has NO driver?
08:00am- My friend and I took the MRT to Bukit Batok whereby another friend stay at currently. The train ride took an hour to reach. Such a long ride that we could actually stand and sleep on the MRT while other Singaporeans were rushing in and out the train for work.
09:30am- I had myself freshen up a little at Bukit Batok. Put down my backpack filled with clothes and off we go with the Camera and needed things.
10:20am- Our first stop was Chinatown. Had our breakfast, Frog Porridge. *sLurp* It cost us SGD$6.00 per head. It's expensive don't you think so? but it is nice.. hehe..
Someone told me that this temple was build with some
what Gold Plated thingy.
11:15am- They walk starts. We decided to walk and not taking any public transport from Chinatown to Marina Bay. Without street map or tourist guide with us, we walk base on the high rise building. I follow the direction of Singtel and OCBC bank until we reach to Market Street. Now we are near to Raffles place. Stop for break and get some cold drinks. From point A to B took us 2 hours on a stop and go basis.
Just keep walking and look for SingTel
to get ourselves to Marina Bay.
14:10pm- We are at Fullerton Road where the entrance to Gate 5 was. Gate wasn't open till 15:00pm and many were waiting outside under the hot sun. Without thinking of waiting and stand under the sun, we head to Clarke Quay for coffee.
Ticketing office & Gate 5 to Circuit.
Clarke Quay.
This man has been sitting alone for
more than an hour.
15:10pm- Back to circuit at Gate 4 this time as it is closer from Clarke Quay. I had a shock when going thru the security check point. The officer asked, "Sir, When did you purchased your ticket?" I replied, "I bought online and don't you say Singtel Conned me." ROLF.. He then scanned again and it is O.K.. After the pass scanned then another security booth to clear. Bag Check! Now I'm at the walkabout area they call it "The Padang". This area ismostly for seated audience. We walked around to Esplanade Park. This is a much better place to set for some shooting.
It's still early but crowd starts to build rather fast.
16:45pm- It the Formula BMW Pacific Qualifying. At turn 13, this was my first shooting stand. Less crowd, No shades, Tight opening without fence before the turning. Just right after this qualifying session we decided to scout around for more shooting spots.
Tight spot without fence at Turn 13.
17:30pm- The first practise session of Formula 1 is about to begin in 30 minutes time. Most of the good spot crowded with all photographers instead of Formula 1 fans. We then rushed to turn 14. A small chance but not as good if you are only using a 18-200mm lens. Not far enough and quick focusing. About 40 minutes of trial we walk toward the corner of turn 14. It is even worst here as audience get a better view of drivers' actions. I found temporary P/E box installed for the lightning system and without thinking would the Police see will booked me instead. I has a few acceptable shots. Not very very good but for myself it is acceptable.
These peoples never move away for hours.
The straights before Turn 14. Packed as well.
21:00pm- Before practise session 2 start, toilet break is much needed. It a long walk back near to Turn 11 at Esplanade Park just for the ease. These people do not look like they need to pee or eat. They been standing at the same location for hours. I have no chance to squeeze in and have to climb on the Bridge before Turn 13. It was only me and my friend, the two of us climb with half body out of the Anderson Bridge to shoot. As more walk passed us, some photographer also follow what we did. The media coverage photographer had a little shock when he turn around and saw us on the bridge while he was walking to another media cage to cover others Straights & Turns. The media then took his camera and snap all who climb on the bridge. I had one candid taken by a stranger. hehe..
Courtesy of Jenns, Thanks!
(Stranger I mentioned)
Medias getting ready..
Marshal doing last check before F1 Practice start.
(It's rubber apex.)
Cleaning Debris from Formula BMW.
23:15pm- End of Formula 1 practise. Back aching, leg aching for doing stunt on bridge, basically exhausted. Walking toward MRT station is killing me when I am smell of sweats and body aching. Tonight will be a very good sleep after a long tiring day.
... Day 2 to be Continued...
