The time is here and all the waiting and scramble to complete the track on time is over. As I write this it is August 23rd, 2008 and we have seen the practise session on Friday, the 22nd and the qualifiers today. So far, all has gone well, even the weather has been cooperating in spite of rain in the area.
Excitement has been intense as the brand new circuit gets its baptism. Generally opinion has been complimentary except for the port-a-loos, and Sir Jackie Stewart’s comment that the venue looks like a dock, which it partly is.
Lewis Hamilton did his usual thing and leapfroged from behind only to lose pole to Massa, but no worries he will deal with that in his own style. For Fernando Alonso the worst possible thing happened, he failed to qualify in the top ten starters in front of his home crowd. Ah well, I guess these things happen and one has to roll with the punches.
Having attended the Formula Three trials back in July that tested the track ahead of this month’s historic race, I complained that patrons only got to see a little of the race at a time. However, giant screens have been erected that allow all the action to be followed.
Several buildings at various points around the circuit provide wonderful viewing, and a well known fact is that many people have taken advantage to rent out their space for a lot of cash. However, the town council declared such activities to be illegal after waiting long enough for contracts to be signed and money to change hands. I doubt if that is enforceable, but we’ll see.
So, the hour is at hand and by 4pm Valencia time on Sunday August 24th, another name will be declared winner on the day. I will be most disappointed if that name is not Lewis Hamilton.
Copyright © 2008 Eugene Carmichael
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