Off-Track
The newsletter for Race Officia
Singapore Grand Prix
Issue
02
Jun 2011
SGP Training 2011
Only 1 out of 8 applicants are selected for 2011
Almost anyone reading Off-Track would have nursed a
FORMULA ONE dream. First, of having the race come
to our shores and, as a natural extension, to be track
side absorbing the action.
Some would have latched on to the action earlier than
others but 2011 sees all of us embossed into a growing,
professional set-up. I came into FORMULA ONE at the
outset in 2008, did some flag and communication
duties and helped with sector work last year. For this
year, I write to you as the Deputy Chief Editor of Off-
Track. Hello!
Off-Track welcomes letters to the Editor and will be selecting few best letters each month to be published in the next issue. If your letter
is selected and published, you will receive a gift from us. Each letter must carry the sender’s full name and contact number. Off-track
also reserves the right to edit the letters. Send your letter to: newsletter.offtrack@gmail.com
ls of the 2011
All of the FORMULA ONE and motor-sport dreams
we flirt with would come to nought if, in reality, we
lack competence and professionalism in performing
our tasks. And it is here that the training of volunteer-
officials, returning officials and the Seniors stands out as
the most crucial element in what we do.
One must pause for a while and reflect on the excellent
training programmes that have been launched
annually by Singapore GP. The enthusiasm that
trainees and officials have shown and their return, year
after year, speaks volumes for how much we have
gelled through training both in the classrooms and on
track. A big acknowledgement must also to be paid to
our first trainers, the officials from the Confederation of
Australian Motor Sports (CAMS), who not only taught us
the first principles of track side work but also revved their
way into our hearts as firm friends from Down Under.
It is appropriate therefore that this edition of Off Track
devotes much of its content to the current training, both
local and overseas, being done this year. You will find
within, feedback from new members of our growing
Singapore FORMULA ONE family coming on-stream this
year. Special mention must be made in this regard, of
the stringent standards for this year’s recruitment. Only
one in eight of those who applied made it into the
lecture theatres at SMU. Welcome aboard!
The enthusiasm that trainees and
officials have shown and their
return, year after year, speaks
volumes for how much we have
gelled through training both in
the classrooms and on track
- Errol Goodenough, Deputy Chief Editor
Track talk
Local and Overseas Training
- by Errol Goodenough, Deputy Chief Editor

New Officials undergoing training at SMU

About 200 new race officials gathered at the SMU lecture rooms during the first General Officials Module training
session on Saturday, 16th April. They were trained by 12 of the newly appointed SGP trainers and their mentors who
were split into 4 different classes. A handful of senior officials were also present to assist with the 4-hour session.
Included among the activities were group discussions, video presentations and experience sharing session between
the participants and trainers. Off-Tack managed to catch-up with three of the participants to share their thoughts
about their new experience.

Why did you volunteer as a race official?

I’ve always been interested in F1 and my all time

favourite driver is Kimi Raikkonen. In 2008 I missed out
on volunteering because I was posted to Taiwan, from
where I watched telecasts of all three Singapore GPs
and feeling homesick watching the familiar landmarks
as the cars whizzed by.

What do you expect to contribute as a race official?

While I don’t have any special experience to bring

appy to my volunteer effort, what I have is my passion for
A very h that
, n ow
Elaine F1, coupled with the fact that I work in the in the
h e is a part of
s
the t e a m Automotive industry, where cars are the main topic in
my daily work.
Elaine Tan, 31
Business Development Manager How do you find the first training session?
Past motorsport experience: NIL
After today’s training, I am even more excited about
Hobbies : Travelling, Cooking
the race and very happy that I am a part of it.

Off-Track: The newsletter for Race Officials of the 2011 Singapore Grand Prix Issue 02 June 2011
Track talk
What took you so long before deciding to volunteer as race official?

, 29 ..been missing out on the fun for the last 3 years, I’ve decided to do
Derrick Loy
& Gas something about it this year and applied to be a trainee race official.
Sales - Oil Feels great to be selected, and I’m already looking forward to be under
orts
Past motorsp
MPT Kallang the lights.
experience:
s
Sprint event Why are you so happy to be part of the team?
keboarding,
Hobbies: Wa
& toying
Photography I believe most who sign up are in for the passion or at least the experience
my car
around with for motor sports. That is why you see the drive, enthusiasm and smiles.

Why did you volunteer as a race official?

Matthew Schmidt, 34
From a young child I have always been interested in motor sport, in Sales Manager, Hewlett Pac
particular the excitement and energy of Formula 1. And coming kard
Past motorsports
from the era of Senna and Mansell who would battle it out, experience: No previous race
followed by the likes of Damon Hill and Schumacher, I was always
experience
glued to the TV.
Hobbies: Dragon Boat Racin
g,
How did you decide to be a race official? Adventure Racing, Mountain
Bik-
ing, Tennis and F1 (of course
!)
I was then fortunate to move to Singapore in 2010, and I guess
there is no better month to arrive in Singapore than September.
Later it was during a conversation with a friend and colleague
that we got on to the subject of F1 and the Grand Prix. He coolly
dropped “I was a marshal…” and the conversation led me to
volunteer for this unique, captivating event.

What do expect as a reward for being a race official?

And the conversation led me
to volunteer for this unique,
Fast forward… jealous friends are now aplenty with some even
curious about rewards. For me, the best recognition would
be to know that we have contributed to a globally seen and captivating event.
recognized, unbeatable and spectacular event. I look forward to
join the Race Officials’ family…

Race Officials returning since 2008:

Facts and
47%
have been
volunteering for
Figures. . . SGP since 2008

Returning Senior Race Returning General Newly appointed Ratio of selected new
Officials from 2010 Race Officials from 2010 Race Officials for 2011 officials for 2011

98% 84% 16% 1:8.2 1 in every 8 applicants was selected

Off-Track: The newsletter for Race Officials of the 2011 Singapore Grand Prix Issue 02 June 2011
Track talk
Off-Track also caught up with two of the Senior Officials who went on a training stint to Adelaide, South Australia for
the Clipsal 500 V8 Supercars event in March this year. The team went through 4-days of motor-racing and a total of
138 incident recoveries throughout the weekend. Let’s hear from two of them, about their new found experience.

Colin,
en
Connie, under the wa joying
rm hos
the close tute- tality
fr
pi-
lage of Heather Aussie om the
host
O’Dea, the
Chief Observer
at Clipsal

Connie Ng, 31 Colin Chai, 40

National Environment Agency officer
Past motorsport experience:
2008-2010 FORMULA 1 SINGTEL Singa-
pore Grand Prix, Clipsal 500 Adelaide 2011,
Singapore Karting Championship 2011
Hobbies : Loves travelling, fine wine and dine
Sales Manager – HVAC Industry
Past motorsport experience:
2008-2010 FORMULA 1 SINGTEL Singa-
pore Grand Prix, Clipsal 500 Adelaide 2011,
Singapore Karting Championship 2011
Hobbies : Avid Lego Collector

What was your first impression of Clipsal and how does it helps in your preparation for this year’s Singapore GP?
Training in Clipsal gave me more exposure and It was a warm hospitality from the Australians host
confidence as there were more support races when I took on the role as the Deputy Chief Pit & Grid.
happening back to back and there were more I wouldn’t imagine that the average experience of the
incidence happening. It is also a good opportunity Aussie volunteers were 10 -15 years. Boy these are really
to learn from the Australian marshals and tap on their experienced marshals that I am working with.
wealth of knowledge and experience.

Is the experience similar to the Singapore GP?

The experience is slightly different as you are dealing
with marshals who have been volunteering for 10-
20 years and come from different states in Australia.
However, the passion and commitment of marshals in
Australia and Singapore are the same.
What were the valuable lessons that you brought home?
The experience in Adelaide is almost the same in SGP,
as the CAMS trainers were the same mentors that
impart their valuable knowledge to us during 2008.
Most of the skills and drills were identical. Of course
we will adopt the best and improve for our own race
meet, so that we can all benefit while volunteering in a
holistic workplace.

We went through a steep learning curve but it’s a good Frankly I couldn’t wait for September to come, as I am
learning lesson. When I returned home, I feel more eagerly charged up for my new role and shares my
competent and confident to perform my new role as a knowledge and experience with my fellow mates in the
Deputy Chief Observer at SGP. Pit & Grid team.

Any advice for those selected to go to overseas training in future?

Before going, prepare a list of what you seek to learn Personally one must enjoy what you are doing, so that
during the trip. Do not be afraid to ask your mentor you’ll not only give your best but more like 101%. Be
plenty of questions, learn from the Australian marshals a team player, coz in motorsports, it’s a team sports,
on the way things are done there like flagging and everyone is a component to the success machine.
radio protocols. Also talk to your fellow SGP marshals at
the end of each day to share learning experience but
most of all, just enjoy and have fun.

Off-Track: The newsletter for Race Officials of the 2011 Singapore Grand Prix Issue 02 June 2011
Track talk
From the Running Track to the Race Track
- by Errol Goodenough, Deputy Chief Editor
Nurulaini Ariffin, 32 -- aka Nurul -- aka Flossie
(Thanks to CAMS Officials)
Occupation: Lecturer, ITE College East
Experience: 2009-2010 Formula One SingTel Singapore
Grand Prix, Clipsal 500 Adelaide 2011,
Singapore Karting Championship 2010-2011
Some people have speed built into their DNA. Nurulaini
Ariffin is one such lady. Having burnt up the athletic
tracks in her teenage years and emerged as a
champion Singapore sprinter, Nurul has switched tact
and been in our ranks for the past few years, calibrating
her high-speed DNA to the sizzling world of FORMULA
ONE officiating.
Nurul, who is the eldest of three children in her family,
was promoted to senior ranks this year and is the first
female senior official in 3 years (since Janette Tan in
2008) to assume duties as a trackside Deputy Sector
Marshal. She has travelled with the team of race
senior officials recently to Australia to enhance her
trackside experience at the Clipsal 500 V8 Supercars
in Adelaide. Off-Track wishes her the very best and
recently managed to slow her down - just enough - to
get an interview.
Congratulations on your recent promotion to the senior
ranks. What brought you into the FORMULA ONE fold,
and how has your overall experience been so far?
Thank you. It is indeed an honour. I have been
interested in engines, which is why I went to Uni and
got myself an engineering degree. During that time,
I was involved in designing an SAE-Formula car. I
guess F1 was a natural inkling, speed and power. So, I
jumped at the first opportunity at getting myself closer
to rumbling of the cars, and the experience since the
past 2 years have been nothing but exhilarating.
Nurul, seated second from right, posing with her team mates
at Sector 4, Clipsal
Off-Track: The newsletter for Race Officials of the 2011 Singapore Grand Prix
As you get ready for your deployment as a Deputy
Sector Chief, what challenges do you see ahead?
Challenges are aplenty but to tackle that, I will try to
ensure that the marshals in my team are happy and
that they happy with each other too. You can only
achieve the best out of the guys and girls in the Sector
only when these people are happy campers!
How helpful was your recent Australian trip and are
there any special lessons that you’ve brought back?
Clipsal was an eye opening experience. I was really
lucky to have been given the opportunity. I had
a bunch of really seasoned marshals like flaggies,
trackies, and even the sector marshal who’ve been
doing it for the longest time. But, like I told everyone
else before, you get a crash course at handling a
Sector just by being at Sector 4! Hoo-ah!
Having been a top athlete in years past, and now an
official, are there any common areas in commitment
and dedication?
Definitely not standing for long hours on my feet! I
guess the need to ensure that you urge each other
on, regardless of whether you’re much older or
younger while being committed to the team, and
wanting to get the job done together. At the end
of the day, the dedication which has to be put
into fostering the rapport with the team members is
definitely similar to when I was part of the national
track team.
What training/get-together plans do you have for your
team?
I hope to be able to meet with the Team at least once
before race week and to meet with them perhaps
for a lunch session before sign-on on one of the
days would be on the plan. Also, if possible, I’d love
to meet with them when they attend their module
training and also, to meet the returning officials. Oh,
did I also mention to get through the Post-Race Week
withdrawal together?
Considering the fact that you are just the second
female official to helm a sector, do you have any
other lady friends you would like to influence to follow
your footsteps?
Hmm, if any girls are game, I am sure Janette wouldn’t
mind getting more girls onboard. I am guessing this is
not the job for the faint-hearted!
And your wishes for the future of the Singapore Grand
Prix?
For the Marina Bay Circuit to continue to be part of
the F1, otherwise a bunch of us would definitely suffer
indefinite post-race withdrawal!
Issue 02 June 2011
Track talk
Train the Trainers
- by Raziff Hamid, Chief Editor

demand of motor-sport
It is important that we have good quality trainers to meet the
where safety of the officials is our top-most priority

SGP trainers involved in the race officials training Hian Jin is a returning senior since 2008 and will be
program will have undergone the Advanced conducting the Flag Specialist module for the first time
Certificate in Training and Assessment (ACTA) course this year. He is also a Sector Chief during the race days.
prior to conducting the training. It is a 3 full-day course
conducted over 2 weekends facilitated by the Institute For the remainder of this year’s training program, race
for Adult Learning (IAL), a division of the Singapore officials will have the opportunity to be trained by senior
Workforce Development Agency (WDA). officials from the various specialist fields as portrayed in
the chart.
ACTA provide participants with the essential skills
and knowledge to design and deliver training and
assessments across different industries. Most SGP trainers
have attended the CU4A module which explores
different ways to review learner profiles and customise
a training programme that meets their needs. It also
looks into resource preparation, facilitation and
presentation skills, as well as various effective adult
learning methodologies (such as the use of case studies
and role-playing).

SGP Volunteers and Officials Management Manager,

Janette Tan, told Off-Track, “We take a serious
approach to training. It is important that we have good
quality trainers to meet the demand of motor-sport
where safety of the officials is our top-most priority. Only
through proper training that we can enjoy a good race
while minimising our safety risk.”

One of the ACTA participants, Goh Hian Jin shared,

“The course gives us a boost of confidence to conduct
our training classes. Certainly I felt more equipped and
ready to share my knowledge in the class room the
way that participants will find it interesting.” Senior Officials attending the CU4A module under the watchful
eyes of ACTA trainer Stephen Santhanaraj

Off-Track: The newsletter for Race Officials of the 2011 Singapore Grand Prix Issue 02 June 2011
Track talk
The Specialists

Off-Track: The newsletter for Race Officials of the 2011 Singapore Grand Prix 02 June 2011
Issue 01
Secretary’s desk
Message from Secretary of the Meeting for the
2nd Off-Track 2011 SGP Officials Newsletter

The Muster Area is expected to move to

an area behind Turn 20 drivers left.

The Race Organising Committee has been busy with

the preparations for the event and the training of
officials is in full swing. With less than four months to go
activities will accelerate even more.

Muster Area
Start of Porsche Carrera Cup Asia 2011, Round 1, Shanghai
The Support Paddock area will be again at the ground
floor of the Singapore Flyer multi-storey car park. The
Support Races
Muster Area is expected to move to an area behind Turn
Currently, two Support Races are planned, namely
20 drivers left. This was previously part of a construction
Porsche Carrera Cup Asia and JK RACING Asia. JK
site.
RACING Asia is a new series arising out of the former
Formula BMW Pacific set up. The series consists of 18
Pit Lane Walk for Marshals
races spread across six rounds and acts as a support
In previous years a number of Marshals have not been
race for the F1 World Championship on three occasions
able to see the activities in the Pit Lane and Garages.
- season opener in Malaysia, followed by Singapore
The security guards had ejected some of those that had
and lastly the inaugural Indian GP in October this year.
wandered in to the Pit Lane. Both the Race Organising
The remaining three rounds will be held during the Asian
Committee and FIA believe that all the Marshals should
Festival of Speed in Malaysia, Indonesia and China.
be given an opportunity to see first hand the cars and
the set up in the garages. To this end it is intended that a
It should be noted that the first timetable for the
pit lane walk be organised this year for Marshals. Whilst
Singapore GP is not out and there are a few months
the time and day has not yet been fixed, it is expected
to go, so things can change. If we only have the two
that the visit be fixed for the Thursday evening after the
Support Races it is expected that the timings of the
speed test.
events will be similar to last year.

In previous years, security guards had ejected some of those that
had wandered into the Pit Lane
Marshals Handbook
Before the event all officials will be provided with a
Marshals Handbook. It will give you a broad idea of
the organisation of the event and where each of you
fit into the overall structure. In addition to providing
technical reference material for your role, it will also
give you a better understanding of what other officials
are doing and how the duties merge together into one
organisation. This will help reinforce the knowledge
that you have learnt in the training and will act as a
reference book for you. I am in the process of updating
the handbook and will add some more technical input
so as to enable all marshals to get a better overall
understanding of the event.

Off-Track: The newsletter for Race Officials of the 2011 Singapore Grand Prix Issue 02 June 2011
KERS
The KERS system has been reintroduced for the 2011
FORMULA 1 SINGTEL Singapore Grand Prix. KERS is the
acronym for Kinetic Energy Recovery System, a process
whereby (for Formula 1 race cars) the device recovers
the kinetic energy that is present in the waste heat
created by the car’s braking process. It stores that
energy and converts it into power that can be called
upon to boost acceleration. KERS was introduced
firstly to promote the development of environmentally
friendly and road car relevant technologies and
secondly to aid overtaking during the race.
High Voltage KERS sticker on the KERS equipped cars
It is important that all Marshals are aware of KERS,
particularly those who are working trackside and those
in the garages. In this newsletter a brief introduction
is provided on KERS. Comprehensive instruction will
be given to Marshals on KERS during training and at
briefings. In addition a section will be included in the
2011 Marshals Handbook.
There are principally two types of KERS systems – battery
(electrical) and flywheel (mechanical). Electrical
systems use a motor generator incorporated in the car’s
transmission which converts mechanical energy into
electrical energy and vice versa. Once the energy has
been harnessed it is stored in a battery and released
when required.
Mechanical systems capture braking energy and
use it to turn a small flywheel which can spin at up to
80,000 rpm. When extra power is required the flywheel
is connected to the car’s rear wheels. In contrast
to electrical KERS, the mechanical energy does not
change state and is therefore more efficient.
There is one other option available – hydraulic KERS
where braking energy is used to accumulate hydraulic
pressure which is then sent to the wheels when required.
Off-Track: The newsletter for Race Officials of the 2011 Singapore Grand Prix
Currently the regulations permit the systems to convey
a maximum of 60kw (approximately 80bhp), while the
storage capacity is limited to 400 kilojoules. This means
that 80bhp is available for anything up to 6.67s per
laps, which can be released either all in one go or at
different points around the circuit. The lap time benefits
range from approximately 0.1 to 0.4 s
The regulations specify that the release must be
completely under the driver’s control. There is a boost
button on the steering wheel which can be pressed by
the driver.
It is believed that the likelihood of injury to officials via
electric shock when touching a KERS car is very minimal.
Nevertheless, steps have to be taken to minimise any
risk and these will be set out in some instructions that
will be provided to you in due course, which should be
read and understood by any official who is likely to be
in contact with a KERS car.
Officials will not be permitted to touch a KERS
equipped FORMULA ONE car without utilising the
protective equipment, which will be supplied to you.
Not all officials will be issued with protective electrical
gloves – only officials in the teams that are considered
necessary to physically interact with a FORMULA ONE
car. Some specified officials will be issued with boots
and other equipment to enable them to undertake
their respective tasks.
If you become unavailable
let us know
What is most important to recognise,
with respect to motor sport, is that
any position can be critical to the
whole organisation and everyone
is as important as the other. The
Clerk of the Course is partially blind
Mike Gray
Secretary of the without the input of the Observer.
Meeting
A quick action by a flag marshal
can avoid a serious incident. Fully manned posts are
essential for the race to proceed. If for any reason you
feel that you cannot make any of the days of the event
you must inform Emily immediately. For instance you
may have National Service that cannot be deferred or
you feel that, after the training, a motor sports’ official
is not something you want to do.
Issue 02 June 2011
Announcements
Remaining training dates

• 30 & 31 July
Specialist Training (Theory)

• 27 & 28 August
Track & Recovery (Practical)

• 3 September
Mini-Shakedown

• 22 September
Track & Recovery Refresher

23 to 25 September
2011 FORMULA 1 SINGTEL
SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX

Editorial Committee

Off-Track
Chief Editor - Raziff Hamid
Deputy Chief Editor – Errol Goodenough
Writers – Afifah Darke, Clara Wong, Elaine Chan
Photographer – Sean Koh
Desktop Designer – Jacqueline Tang
Prix
ls of the 2011 Singapore Grand
Advisor - Gabriel Tan (Clerk of the Course)
Advisor - Michael Grey (Secretary of the Meeting)
The newsletter for Race Officia

Reproduction of this newsletter, in whole or in part, is expressly forbidden except by written permission of the Editor.

Off-Track: The newsletter for Race Officials of the 2011 Singapore Grand Prix Issue 02 June 2011