Unofficial FAQ

There is an official FAQ here.

Some of my friends have asked me some questions so I'll put them up here.

Can someone else register for me?
The registration page is here. And NO, you have to register yourself. If you are reading this, you are on the internet right? Click on the link and register yourself. There is a section to check for colour blindnes. At trackside, different coloured flags will be waved, and during the course of the race days, cars with different lights will drive past your position to indicate if the status of the track. Thus it is imperative that you can distinguish different colours.

Any answers for the numbers in the medical section?
The answers are actually here. Erm, good luck!

What's the difference between Trackside and non-Trackside?
Trackside means you will be deployed to trackside. Non-trackside means you are not so near the track. Duh... Well, if you are into Formula 1™  and you want to be in the midst of the action, choose trackside. If you think trackside is not for you then select non-trackside so you will get a administrative role like helping to man the daily sign-in counters, food collection counters. You still get to enjoy the atmosphere, the race and meet great people.

So Trackside is more exciting lah?
Well, being deployed to trackside, the conditions are not exactly sit in air-con office type. It will be hot in the day (good to get a tan) or you may get wet if there is rain. Every position has it's pros and cons.

Wait, "hot in the day"... I thought we are having a night race?

The Formula 1™ race is held at night, but there are support races like the Formula BMW, Aston Martins and Porsches that races during the day.

I want to be a scrutineer because I am an engineer by training!
Big deal.

I want to be in the pit lane! I want to be close to the Formula 1™ cars!
Check here regularly. SingTel Grid girls registration should be open in March.

Where will the training be held?
For the past 2 years, the theory lessons were held at SMU. Last year, the General Module for new race officials was held at STB. But of course, just like the bankers will tell you in fine print, "past performance does not guarantee future results". We'll have to wait and see. But SMU is a pretty nice and conducive place for conducting the trainings so there's no reason to change. The practical lesson will be held at the Pit Building (beside Singapore Flyer), or last year it was at the carparks of National Stadium. We also had a mini-shakedown at Johor Circuit (popularly known as Pasir Gudang Circuit). This may change.

What can I expect?
You will need to go through a series of training (details), both theory and hands on. All trainings are held on weekends, so if you work shifts you will have to make prior arrangements. After which, you will be allocated to your role and to your "teams" (or "sectors" if you are trackside). One or more senior officials will be in charge you and the whole sector. If you have any needs goto your senior officials, he (no 'she' at the moment) will take care of you. So get to know your senior official well (know his dog's name, etc). If your senior official don't take good care of you, then it's probably our fault for putting him there. "There are no lousy soldiers, only incompetent commanders". Talk to me or SSC people. During race week, you will need to take leave on Friday, as it will be practice day. Don't worry, more info will be available to you during trainings.

That's all for now. I may do a part 2 if there's more questions. Registration closes on 26th Feb, so don't wait!