| |
| |
 |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
SINGAPORE: The grid girls are as big a part of Formula 1 as the sleek machines and drivers.
And in less than a month, Singapore will crown the top grid girl who will have the honour of hoisting the Singapore flag at the SingTel Formula 1 Grand Prix at Marina Bay street circuit on September 26.
Auditions kicked off in June this year and the Top 12 SingTel Grid Girls of 2010 were unveiled at The Fullerton Bay Hotel on Tuesday.
This year's top grid girls were chosen from over 300 applicants and given nicknames such as "Biker Angel" and "Fearless Dancer" which reflect their interests and personality.
They will be part of more than 51 SingTel Grid Girls who will be tasked with holding the national flag of each driver and the number of his car prior on race day.
However, their biggest contribution is perhaps to add a touch of glamour to the event and represent Singapore in front of the estimated 600 million F1 fans who will be watching the races.
"I always thought it is a good thing to represent Singapore," said Linda Sim, 24, an air stewardess who got the nickname "The Hot Foodie" for her love of food. "Also, I joined because of the fun, excitement and you can meet drivers."
Fellow grid girl, 18-year-old student Mabel Lau, on the other hand, joined at her sister's behest.
Lau's sister, Constance, was the runner-up in last year's competition.
"I thought I would just give it (the grid girl auditions) a try. My sister, she kind of encouraged me to just go for it. I mean it is once in a lifetime," said Lau.
When asked about the notion that grid girls were beautiful but less brainy and knew little about racing, Lau, who is nicknamed "The Sweet Serve" because of her love for tennis, called it "a stereotype".
Lau admitted that she was new to the world of racing; however, she said she would read up about the sport and be ready by the time the races come around.
"I do not know a lot about racing at the moment but it is our part [to know about] the drivers and the events that have to do with the race. I will definitely do some reading up!" said Lau.
Both Sim and Lau, along with the other ten top grid girls, will be in the running to become the top SingTel Grid Girl and stand to walk away with a S$10,000 cash prize.
The runner-up and second runner-up will win S$5,000 and S$3,000 respectively.
The winners will be chosen based on the number of online and SMS votes they garner, as well as their performance in four challenges designed to test how well-rounded the girls are.
Results of this year's SingTel Grid Girls competition will be revealed at a Grid Girls party to be held on September 16.
Voters will stand the chance to win tickets to the Grid Girls party, as well as prizes such as race tickets, laptops and mobile phones.
For more voting details, visit www.singtelrace.com.
- CNA
|
