Throngs of Bajans and visitors, estimated to be in excess of 20 000, clamoured for positions yesterday morning to get a "once in a lifetime" look at a Formula 1 racing machine in action - writes Phillip Spooner in today's Nation News. Those who came – some from as early as 7 a.m. – were the lucky motorsports aficionados and curious onlookers who got a close-up glimpse of a Ferrari Formula 1 car. It's the kind of event millions around the globe would pay good money to see – and the fans yesterday got it for free.

"It was free but I got my money's worth and more," said Natalie Texeira, with a big laugh. "I came to see this and it is unbelievable. This car is 'real' fast!" She was among the fans near the Warrens roundabout who screamed uncontrollably when the roar of the engine signalled the "high octane" start around 1020am. It was action time as Marc Gene – the Spanish pilot – started his daring runs along the stretch of road from Shell Warrens to Shell Redman's Village. The event was to promote Shell's new fuel V-Power which has as its slogan: Feel The Response.

According to the Ferrari team, the car was able to get up to 270 kilometres per hour and the fastest lap was done in 0.59 seconds. The machine, which was used by ace driver Michael Schumacher last season, moved from 0 to 100 kph in less than a second. As part of the entertainment package, Gene did a number of "donut" spins near the Warrens roundabout shortly before the chequered flag came up at 11:45 a.m. "This was a great day, I'm truly delighted with what we did and how the car went," said Gene. "They told me the fans were screaming, but I could not hear them, but I knew they were enjoying it.
 

"This was a great experience for me and if Barbadians want me back next year, I'll be back for sure," he added. Meanwhile, Andrea Galletti, head of the Ferrari team here for the event, also hailed it as a huge success. He noted that early in the morning there was great uncertainty about the weather. However, after it cleared, they were "more than delighted" to have the event come off. He said the course reminded him of the street-track in Monaco, which stages an annual F1 event.

Stuart Gill, executive director for Simpson Oil – the local agents for Shell V-Power – thanked the crowd for coming out and being well-behaved. He, too, was happy with the showing and again apologised to nearby residents and the travelling public for any inconvenience. "The weather held and we all saw what was an historic event," Gill said. "Many thousands witnessed what they will remember for many years." Those who missed the display on the Ronald Mapp Highway yesterday can still catch a glimpse of the car today. Mythre deBoer, Ferrari communications officer, said the machine would be on display at the Shell Warrens Station and Shell Top Rock, Christ Church.