Bahrain's national event: F1!

That was a controverted event, many people thought / wished / hoped it would not happen but it finally did: the F1 Grand Prix Sakhir took place yesterday and I must admit (even though my interest for Formula 1 was close to zero before Sunday!) that it was a great event.

The event was well-organized, the weather was very enjoyable, and the race was just a rush of adrenaline! It just leaves you asking for more!

Obviously there was also a great deal of patriotism from the Bahrainis who took part in the event. I was surprised at how loudly both Bahrainis and expats / immigrants cheered when the King appeared on the track (he came by helicopter 5 minutes before the race started, and off he was 1 minute after handing Vettel his trophy). And during the award ceremony, poor Vettel didn't understand why the crowd suddenly started to clap and cheer and get excited, and the reason for it was that just below him, somewhere he couldn't see, a banner was being deployed, on which we could all read: WE DID IT! TOGETHER! (And that's when I got sick of so much self-patting in the shoulder)

Still quiet at 11 am

Mc Laren exhibition

Hamilton's joystick

Walking in the rain to stand the heat

The concert stage

The Shaolin Warriors trying to kill their friend with spears

Weird, leggy people

The presentation of the drivers

Last minute checks

A Gulf Air plane flying by

Everybody rushing out of the track before the start of the race

1. Vettel   -   2. Hamilton   -   3. Webber  

A bunch of Umpa-Lumpas changing Checo's tyres

Sebastian Vettel running towards the podium

Award ceremony (champagne shower included)

1. Vettel   -   2. Raikkonen   -   3. Grosjean