Vettel dedicates Singapore victory to Professor Sid Watkins

Reigning World Champion Sebastian Vettel has dedicated his win around the streets of Singapore to the late Professor Sid Watkins, who sadly passed away last week at age of 84. Professor Watkins became an international motor sport figure throughout his life, after revolutionizing the safety of motor sport.

As Sebastian Vettel was interviewed on the podium after taking his 23rd career victory by former team owner and BBC F1 pundit Eddie Jordan, the German driver chose to dedicate his superlative race victory to Sid Watkins. This came after celebrations of his extraordinary life were carried out throughout the weekend, with a bust of Sid Watkins sitting outside the FIA motor home in the paddock next to book of remembrance which was signed by many legends attending and competing in the race.

Prior to the start of the Singapore Grand Prix, a minutes silence was held to remember Sid Watkins and his simply unforgettable contribution to the world of motor sport. Throughout his career as the FIA Formula One Safety and Medical Delegate, Watkins saved the lives of many F1 drivers including Erik Comas, Mika Hakkinen and Gerhard Berger.

“I would like to dedicate it to one very, very special man, Professor Sid Watkins who passed away and we remember him for sure.” Said Sebastian Vettel during the podium interviews, to the appreciative applause of the masses in the pits and paddock. “I think he is one of the biggest reasons we can go out on a circuit like this and enjoy ourselves and be reasonably safe. He pushed the boundaries in terms of safety for all of us, so a big thank you to him.”

Sebastian Vettel’s victory in Singapore has promoted the reigning Champion to 2nd in the Drivers’ Championship, only 29 points behind Championship leader Fernando Alonso. Another competitive race around Suzuka when the F1 paddock reconvenes could well reignite Vettel’s Championship chances after a less competitive 2012 season.

Follow me on Twitter - @AndyYoungF1