Sidepodcast

Will.i.am Wheelman

It would appear that F1 has gone mainstream.

We have all been discussing Bernie's F1 Rocks concert idea since it first came up - mostly wondering whether it would have the effect he was after. Making Formula 1 a more rounded event with plenty to entertain everyone is a good idea, and we have discussed this at length previously.

Now it is happening though, it's actually a little bit scary.

I have spent the entire day explaining to Mr C who Lindsay Lohan, Fergie, and N*E*R*D are, whilst he had great fun yesterday trying to explain the concept of ZZ Top to me. This F1 Rocks business has put a divide straight down the middle of Sidepodcast Headquarters.

Meanwhile, we have seen the 'Rocks stars infiltrating our beloved garages. Beyonce took a trip down the pit lane, posing for photographs in and around the McLaren garage. Black Eyed Peas spent part of their day with Force India, and actually got involved with a pit stop.

That is some good work by Will.i.am Wheelman there. If he wasn't so busy singing, he could possibly have a go in the race. Also, I would quite like it if the Backstreet Boys could have a go at the pit stop business. Pretty please?

Ms. Lohan, who is fronting the whole event, has been talking about her knowledge of F1, which seems to be lacking a little, but she's eager to learn.

"I'd love to learn more about Formula 1 and racing. I actually studied NASCAR for almost a year when I was doing Herbie."

This is a film that we actually both have heard of - albeit different versions. The first thing she needs to learn, of course, is that F1 is nothing like NASCAR.

She may not know as much about F1 as we do, but she's certainly on the same level as me when it comes to music.

"I hadn't heard of Simple Minds before, but I will be aware of them after this."

Which leaves Mr C is more disillusioned by the whole concept than ever.

All in all, this sudden invasion of music and popular culture into the normally quite stuffy Formula 1 has taken us quite by surprise. I think I like it.

Now This Makes Formula 1 Worth Watching

Singapore was quite the spectacle in 2008. The first F1 night race was intriguing, and the organisers had plenty of other music and festivities going on to keep the crowds amused.

This year, they have lost the novelty of having the "first ever" although they still keep the crown of "only". By the time we get to Singapore, the championship will likely be all but over, and so it is to the music I turn my attention.

For 2009, the Singapore Grand Prix will include eight free concerts scattered around the circuit, with musical acts from all over the globe. One particular band caught my eye - the Backstreet Boys will be headlining one of the gigs. My inner teenager is very excited about this news.

Executive Director of Singapore Grand Prix, Michael Roche, says:

“Last year’s eclectic mix was unique to any circuit park and was a huge success. This year, we are topping that with a bigger line-up of artistes for non-stop entertainment throughout the weekend, all included in the ticket price.”

We have been coming to the realisation this year that a lot of Formula 1 related events, particularly Grands Prix are not worth the entry price. They are enormous fun but the extortionate ticket fee could be spent on something a million times more useful.

Singapore are clearly trying to make the Grand Prix a much more justifiable expense. Not only are you set to enjoy some racing action, but you'll also get to rock out to music with other like-minded fans. With the number of groups they're rounding up, there's bound to be something up your street.

It makes perfect sense to me. Formula 1 is gradually imploding, so lets concentrate more on mindless pop to keep everyone entertained.

_{Photograph by Anirudh Koul.}