Let it not be just about dreams

When I called Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes a couple of days ago, about his twitter feed that said Lotus F1 had signed their first driver, he said exactly what he said there and just little else.
"The dream continues," he repeated.

Well, as much as I hate to admit, I'd be telling the biggest lie of my life if I said I never dreamed of a Malaysian F1 team. I wrote as SO.

It does trigger a few dreams, but let's not make it just about dreams. For if it were only about that, then we might as well start dreaming of things as big as in the following video to happen as well. HAHAHA...



We're eagerly anticipating the announcement of the drivers though. Till then, have fun!!

Lotus who?

The Lotus F1 Team, all it's top honchos say, cannot be stopped now from being on the starting grid in Bahrain next March.
They say everything is in place and the car is ahead of schedule. They've even got everything from development programmes to media junkets to the factory in Norfolk lined up.
But if you're a fan, none of that apart from the car would really be of interest to you. Seriously, don't you think?
The fansites and Facebook page on Lotus F1 bare testament to the fact that the drivers, apart from the car, are on everybody's mind. Well, on the surface without all the technical BS, a team is only as good as its drivers. That's how the majority of the global audience would see it. So, who will they be?



He's Malaysian. And of the whole lot, Fairuz Fauzy is the only one thus far with more than a foot in the team. Only question is, whether he's a test driver or race driver.



Jarno Trulli (left) and Timo Glock. Trulli is the most mentioned and the 35-year old Italian is a close friend of technical director Mike Gascoyne, who has confirmed that he's had detailed discussions with the out-of-job Toyota duo. Both have been freed following Toyota's withdrawal from F1. But with equally interested Renault denying rumours of withdrawal from F1, that for 27-year old German Glock, might seem a far better option.



Toyota's third driver Kamui Kobayashi's shortlived stardom after stunning performances in Brazil and Abu Dhabi could find a second lease of life with Lotus. The 23-year old Japanese is a graduate of Toyota's driver development programme and the world's biggest car manufacturer has stated that they vow to help him and fellow F1 reject Kazuki Nakajima (Williams) find a seat for 2010. Kobayashi himself admits eyeing Lotus as his main target HERE.



The star of A1GP Neel Jani has openly admitted to having discussions with Lotus over a possible seat next season, but Gascoyne denies that he's had discussions with the 26-year old personally. Jani says his discussions were with another top person and Gascoyne did admit that the Red Bull driver development programme trainee is the type of driver they will be looking at.



Karun Chandok is a familiar face in Malaysia, having raced here with Meritus. He's also a familiar voice on Star Sports as commentator. The Indian was named by Alex Yoong, alongside Trulli, as his predicted Lotus driver for 2010. Several little birds told me that Karun himself is pretty much angling for a drive with Lotus. Why not?



Gascoyne has mentioned the need for experienced drivers at the helm in the team's first year. And among those available that fit the bill is Anthony Davidson. His career came to a halt with the demise of Super Aguri last year, and he's been mentioned by a few on the ground, more because he's British and would be good for attracting some sponsorship funds from F1's big boss country. Experienced yes, but one remark I'd have to note about his F1 career is the lack of points.

Well, word has it that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, as he did with the announcement of Lotus F1 getting a slot as the 13th team on next year's grid, will be given the honour of announcing the driver line-up at the end of the month as well.

My choice? OF course Fairuz. Glock to lead and if he's snapped up by Renault, only then Trulli. But Jani and Kobayashi would be good too.

When fans are forced to take a backseat

I went through the agony of watching in embarassment from the National Stadium stands in 2001, when right after Manchester United thrashed Malaysia 6-0 and the referee blew the final whistle, a mob of Malaysian players fought off each other in pursuit of David Beckham for his jersey.
I remember very clearly how ex-colleague Sheridan Mahavera and myself were left dumbfounded by the players' antics. It was as if they'd just went on the pitch to buy time for 90 minutes before going for what they really wanted.
I would have never imagined something similar happening within the super safe confines of the Sepang Circuit. But eight years on, it did. Right after the Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix.
I was cursing the marshalls who just lost themselves, their professionalism, everything that came with those orange outfits they wore during arguably what was otherwise the most successful ever edition of the Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix hosted by Sepang.
A number of photographers had briefed us of what exactly transpired and it was quite an embarassment on the part of us all as hosts.
The photographers had gathered along with members of Rossi's official fans club, most of whom had flown in from Italy in anticipation of his ninth world title victory celebrations. And Rossi gave them what they came for.
As usual, there'd be Rossi's signature trackside ritual with his fans on his victory lap. This time the fan club came in t-shirts with the number nine emblazoned on their sleeves. They also brought a hen, along with a mock egg with the number nine on it, to symbolise his number of world titles and the saying that an old hen doesn't lay eggs and it's only good to be eaten.
So, the photographers made a deal with the fan club, to follow them and snap away as they performed the rituals. Prior to Rossi's arrival on the scene, the marshals, medics and service crew personnel stood guard, still like professionals, not allowing anyone onto the track.
But then, when Rossi finally arrived.....







Well, now we know why the marshals stood guard and protected Rossi's fan club and photographers, who were there to do their job, from any untoward incident. It was obviously because they wanted Rossi for themselves first.

Sepang International Circuit did a fantastic job of selling the race this time around. This scene was aired live on television throughout the world. And we can't blame SIC for this incident because it was beyond their control.

But the whole world saw how we had jakuns for marshals.

The Equaliser

NOW EVERYONE CAN BE A MONEY LENDER!

Stumbled upon this banner along the roadside near Kelab Golf Negara Subang tonight.
Following the mass poster wars between Ah Longs or money lenders (both licenced and unlicenced), that have coloured lamp posts, sidewalks, bus stops, pillars and public toilets around the country, this comes as a breath of fresh air.
Now, you not only have a chance to get those fast loans whenever you require, you can also depend on these yet-to-be-nicknamed entities who provide recovery services for your convenience. This is an equaliser.
Imagine the possibilities and opportunities this brings to all of you. Not only will this be an industry that lives off Ah Longs, who will generate the demand for freelance debt collection services, this will provide a sense of stability within the Ah Long industry.
Ah Longs themselves will no longer have to be the tough, armed-and-dangerous characters they've always been presumed to be.
With this kind of service just a phone call away, all those makciks with extra cash and the will to invest in the fast loan business can now sleep with a little peace of mind knowing that there's someone who can take care of unscrupulous borrowers.
If Air Asia can thrive, so can this. Soon we can probably do anything we want!

Do you think Chile is a fluke?

Chile, barring the inexplicable, will beat Venezuela at the Estadio Monumental in Santiago this Sunday (Sept 5) and book their place in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. They are a surprise second in the 10-nation standings behind Brazil by a mere point.
Even if they do not beat Venezuela, a draw between Colombia and Ecuador would ensure that the Chileans confirm at least a play-off spot as the fourth placed team. But my bet is on them to finish second and qualify automatically.
This is no joke. The reasons?

Here you go. Two of the most exciting young players in the world at this moment, at least in my books.

Matias Fernandez, to those on my Facebook, would know that prior to the start of the new season, was top of my wish list to be bought by Sir Alex Ferguson. It didn't happen. He moved from Villareal to Sporting Lisbon after falling out with their new coach. Hints are the 23-year old has an attitude, but wasn't it the case with Diego Maradona, George Best, heck all the great players. Just look at what he can do. For the record, El Matigol was South American Player of the Year in 2006, at 20-years old.



Then comes a 20-year old Alexis Sanchez, a first 11 player under current coach Marcelo Bielsa. He's been dubbed "El Nino Maravilla" or Wonder Boy by Chilean fans. Owned by Udinese, Sanchez plays the current season in Argentina on loan to River Plate. He's been compared to Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Kun Aguero. He might be better. Just look at him.



I say the potential stars of the 2010 World Cup won't be from Brazil, Argentina, Holland, England or Germany. My eyes will be on Chile.