By Daniel Tan

I AM neither a follower nor an ardent fan of Formula One, but after this weekend's tremendous F1 race, I am a local convert to the Singapore F1 Grand Prix event.

I echo the many accolades and praise for the organisers for pulling off this monumental event in a compressed time
frame. However, that could not have happen if it wasn't for the Singapore -can-do- spirit which was evident in
many aspects of the race organisation.

I was particularly struck by the genuine enthusiasm of the energetic gate ushers who welcomed all guests and who were equally effusive in their warm goodbyes over the three nights.

The bus marshals who under the stress of the departing crowds managed to get the crush of people dispatched efficiently and with a courteous smile and goodnight were small gestures which gave the event a nice finish.

The F1 race was significant to a common citizen like myself.

I sat in the midst of a British contingent who were supporting their renowned McLaren comrade Lewis Hamilton, and many of them shared their praise for the race infrastructure and warm friendly hospitality demonstrated by many fellow Singaporeans.

This struck a deep chord within me.

This reaffirmed what we always knew that, when faced with a challenge, we can do it.

Now when the glare and glitz from celebrity subsides, traffic conditions ease in the Central Business District and our visitors depart our shores, I wish to say a big thank you to the army of ushers, security personnel, route and bus marshals, medical personnel... and the list goes on.

You have done us all proud. These folks worked tirelessly behind the scenes and made things work. There were inevitable shortcomings but let those be good learning points to make next year's event even better.

Lastly to Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone and race promoter and property tycoon Ong Beng Seng, thank you for sharing your vision to bring F1 here. It was bold and daring and it was a privilege many of us thoroughly enjoyed.

To the group of ushers who called out to everyone, 'See you next year', I will certainly return for Singapore GP 2009.

This article was first published in The Straits Times on Sept 30, 2008.