Monday April 6, 2009

Downpour fails to turn down the heat at Sepang circuit

By CHARLES FERNANDEZ

A HEAVY downpour may have brought down the temperature on the track but the atmosphere outside was still hot and the rain did not deter race fans from turning up in droves.

The Ferrari colours dominated but there were glimpses of BMW and McLaren-Mercedes flags as the start of the race approached.

Hot sellers: Fans lining up to get their hands on Ferrari souvenirs during the event.

A group of students were seen carrying the McLaren flag in support of Lewis Hamilton while Englishmen Ian Grist and Julian Rhind-Tutt were sporting colourful and exotic hats in support of Jenson Button.

“I am sure Button is going to take it here,’’ Grist said.

However, at another corner BMW-Sauber fans Virayuth Airen, Harith Fadhilah and Rahim Mohamed, thought otherwise.

“It is going to be tough but I am sure we can give the other teams a run for their money,’’ Virayuth said as he waved the BMW flag enthusiastically.

Taysher Nair, a Mclaren fan, had come prepared and was not about to miss any action on the track.

Although he had purchased a ticket at the Citrine corner where one can get a good view of the race, Taysher also rented a Kangaroo TV for RM300 so that he could follow the live telecast.

“I have been following the F1 race since 2000 and have always been a McLaren fan.

“Today, I will be rooting for my hero Lewis Hamilton,’’ he said.

Many of the estimated 100,000 fans who turned up brought flags and came in the colours of their favourite teams to lend a colourful, festive atmosphere to the Sepang International Circuit.

The fans were out in full force in anticipation of a thrilling race.