When the green flag drops to start the 2015 Singapore Grand Prix, the drought for American Formula 1 fans will end. The last time an American raced in Formal 1 was July 22, 2007 ; 8 years, 1 month and 30 days ago. Or, exactly the same length of time that 4 time Champion Sebestain Vettel was promoted as a BMW reserve driver to a seat at Toro Rosso. Scott Speed was released from Toro Rosso after the European Grand Prix in 2007, the last time an American raced in Formula 1.
This week, Alexander Rossi was chosen by the Manor F1 team to replace Spaniard Roberto Mehri. Rossi will have his Formula 1 début at the Singapore Gran Prix on Sunday September 21st.
Speculation throughout the summer was raised about the young American GP2 Driver’s ‘s chance to drive for the new Haas F1 Team. The speculation turned into a mummer when Alexander Rossi won the GP2 Race 2 at Spa Francorchamp. Two weeks later Rossi won the feature race at Monza, the home track to Ferrari and their visitor, Gene Haas. As the speculation about Rossi’s chance for a Haas seat warmed up, so did he as he won the day by taking his second straight victory at Monza. But Rossi was not driving for Haas, or Ferrari, but himself. The two wins was all it took, the Manor Team was sold and Rossi had a drive!
As an American, it was my interest in the technology which drove and sustained my interest in Formula 1. We are mid stream in our upstream trek to the Haas F1 camp. Their preparations to compete in the 2016 season seems t be moving favorably. The speculation towards Rossi did not carry a sense of urgency towards his availability. The guy who stood with dignified poise during the playing of his American National anthem, at both Spa and Monza, had gotten noticed. As a F1 fan my choices were random. I was a Jaguar F1 fan back in the day because I liked the green on their car. It seemed traditional classic British. I do like various teams and drivers for different reasons. But there is generally always a reason. for Rossi there is no reason. He’s our guy! American F1 fans have shallow roots because we are not deep in Formula 1 history. We have plenty of racing to keep us occupied here in the states. But for the first time, in a long time, this generation of American F1 fans will have skin in the game.
But for Alex Rossi, he has not missed this opportunity and is directly responsible for his seat. But another aspect of Rossi which came to light involved his racing number. Drivers are allowed to choose their racing number, and will hold it for their entire career. Alex choose 53. Herbie The Love Bug! This kid just keeps getting better and better. I’m already a highly subjective Rossi fan, which means there is not much thinking going on, he’s my guy. But 53 makes me regress to when I was a small child with a big bucket of popcorn riveted to the silver screen watching “Herbie The Love Bug” . I’ve already used the hashtag of #GoHerbie to support Rossi. Did Alex Rossi watch “Herbie Goes To Monte Carlo” before or after he took pole for this years GR2 race in Monaco? A pole in Monaco is a prize within itself. And it is his drive to pole in Monaco that will help push him around the Singapore circuit.
Perhaps the biggest challenge that Alexander Rossi will face this weekend will be his inexperience in an F1 car. The Singapore circuit is like Monaco in that is as very short or no runoff areas. The city street course has some very tight passage ways, which Rossi experienced in Free Practice 1 when he took his car into a wall sideways. I attribute the mistake to over powering the car, but that is my speculation only. I’m keeping my expectations for qualifying within reason. The main goal for Rossi is to get through turn 5 safely after the start. I expect a high attrition rate for this race. If practice times are any indication, we could see a shake up at the front and very interesting results.
Any result for Rossi tomorrow is a win. I will not hold my breath until he is through turn 5 and gaps open ever so slightly between cars. I’m not expecting a first place finish. But, because it is Singapore, and safety cars are expected, I will not rule out any possibility. Alex Rossi’s child hood dream will come true tomorrow. When “Herbie Goes Bananas” and he pilots an F1 car under anger. American F1 fans will be back in that magic place, where you don’t think to ask why you’re a fan. He’s our guy, he’s really fast, and that’s we roll!