Every location on the show has upside and downside. Those in the viewers area had to crane past crowds to get clear pictures but the stands were strategically located to offer best of viewing and stunts. Marshal were the first ring around the track. As there primary job is safety I had to ask every one to stop clicking and concentrate at job on hand. Not that few did not sneak a peek. On the other hand they got as close to the cars and drivers as they could in th paddock. For all the hours of work and toil they put in they got a marshal safety jacket and a Renault cap (most of them now autographed) for keeps. And some even collected the melted rubber strips thrown up by toon cars doing donuts.
On the other issue I must say that while most were doing first time marshaling they did a good job. I was thanked on their behalf by the chiefs of track and program - Steve and Anuad.
What could improve was time to report (not a jibe at you Tanveer as this included some who have done marshaling in the past) as about 20% of them turned up much later than 1200hrs. The setup involved walking about 2 kilometers for the farthest placement. Plus the marshals near India gate still had to get to half way point, pick up fire extinguishers and walk back. And for this instead of 45 minutes we only had less than 20!
I loved every moment of standing up for six hours even if my body, especially the feet, was protesting from this gross abuse of standing at one place and sweating.
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Sudev |