BRAZIL: MOTOR RACING - Brazilian Formula 1 fans mostly disappointed with Grand Prix result

Record ID: 862017

  • Title: BRAZIL: MOTOR RACING - Brazilian Formula 1 fans mostly disappointed with Grand Prix result
  • Date: 8th November 2010
  • Summary: FANS TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS
  • Embargoed: 23rd November 2010 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Brazil
  • City:
  • Country: Brazil
  • Topics: Sports
  • Reuters ID: LVA8P4EDTB6TXKU79FEK279R7PO8
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  • Story Text: Formula One fans in Brazil were left disappointed on Sunday (November 7) as Ferrari's Felipe Massa finished a disappointing 15th in his home Grand Prix.
    Although Massa was out of contention, he had always been impressive in front of his home fans, having won two of races and three poll positions in Sao Paulo.
    Red Bull won the Formula One constructors' championship and forced Ferrari's Fernando Alonso to wait for a third drivers' crown after Sebastian Vettel led team mate Mark Webber in a one-two finish.
    The fans who could not afford to pay for the expensive tickets found alternatives to catch a glimpse of the race.
    On terraces of the slums near and alongside the race track, people pay around 70 U.S. dollars each to get a more privileged view of the cars. The fee also includes beer and a barbecue.
    Jose Oliveira, who owns a small shack that overlooks the race track, said he gathers his friends and neighbours every year to watch the Grand Prix.
    "Every year we're here with barbecue, beer and all that," he said.
    Oliveira's neighbour, Ademir Aparecido, is in charge of filming the event with his digital camera.
    "I'm filming these people's joy watching Formula One, which is also our country's joy. Here everyone is celebrating in peace," he said.
    Trees and rooftops were also a solution for those who wanted to get a closer look at the roaring Formula One cars for free.
    Alonso finished third and goes into the final round in Abu Dhabi next week with his lead over Webber cut from 11 points to eight.
    Fan Eduardo Ferreira said the race was exciting, but he had hoped to see the champion crowned in Brazil.
    "The race was fantastic. We hoped it (the championship) would have been decided here in Brazil, but it didn't happen. But this adds even more thrill for next week, when the championship will end," he said.
    Fan Cristina Menegassi said she was disappointed that Alonso had not managed to clinch the title.
    "The race was wonderful, but I was really cheering for Alonso. He'll win the next one for sure; he's the best," she said.
    The Formula One champion will be crowned next week at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Vettel is just 15 points behind Alonso with McLaren's Lewis Hamilton 24 points off the pace and clinging on to his championship hopes by his fingertips in a four-way last race showdown.
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