“It was absolutely fantastic. It was nothing I could have imagined. At some point it was extremely difficult with gruelling hot temperatures and torrential rain, and for four days we worked like take no prisoners, as is always in motorsport.”
So said Lynne Bright (59) from Kariega, one of only 22 women across the world and the only South African who was offered the opportunity by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) Women in Motorsport and FIA Volunteers and Official Commissions, to be part of the 2022 FIA Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix Race Officials recruitment exchange programme.
“What they had me do was completely out of my normal role and comfort zone. Although I am used to long hours at the circuit, it was extremely physical. But every single challenge they threw at me, I met, and I loved it.”
Lynne said the 22 women’s role heading back to their respective countries is to encourage and increase women in motorsport and to show them what is possible.
“What I appreciated was the rigid programme and that they were extremely disciplined. The circuit is humongous and if it was your slot to be at a specific spot, you need to pack-up and be there dead-on time. I like discipline and to operate like that.”
Lynne walked an average of 7km per day clad in heavy clothing with a backpack and in average temperatures of 42 degrees at the circuit.
“The soles of my brand-new sports shoes have melted whilst walking between those cars.
“The heat that came out from underneath those racing cars resulted in the tar being extremely hot.”
According to her the atmosphere was exhilarating with the hyped-up crowd that unwittingly got carried away.
“But what I will never forget is the crowd’s respect for the officials. They treated us with such respect, I was choked up with emotion at the gratitude of the crowd.”
She said the Singaporeans are passionate about motorsport, proud of their country and very friendly.
“We were more than 900 officials, but you are not just a number, you are an important individual as part of the team.
“Receiving a hand-written note, with my name Lynne on it with my bag of meals and snacks for the day, wishing me the best for the day, was a personal touch that meant the world to me.”
Lynne showed two small badges which mean a lot to her, the one for her accomplishment in flagging, and the other being an ambassador for FIA.
Daniel Bright, her eldest son, supported his mom every day, sending her messages of how proud he was of her.
“She had a once in a lifetime opportunity to gain international experience at a racing circuit. Something that we all dream of. She likes her comfort zone and for her to go overseas by herself was the biggest challenge. And she did it! I am extremely proud of her,” said Daniel.
Sparky Bright, owner of Bright’s Motorsport and Aldo Scribante Raceway event organizer and chairman of the SA Motorsport circuit and events safety panel, said what he was excited about, was that what Lynne has experienced, needs to be implemented in South Africa.
“We are already in meetings to implement what Lynne has brought back. It will take time, but we need to uplift our officials, encourage younger people and especially women to get involved in motorsport.”
Lynne said, “I don’t rank myself. I love motorsport and I love my hometown and am not looking for recognition. But, if Formula 1 Grand Prix racing ever comes to South Africa, I can be of help because I’ve been there, I know how they operate.”
