Lin waves the flag for Formula One stars
Print Edition
THE Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai recently celebrated its 11th year. It was also the 11th year that Lin Zhiqi, one of this year’s race marshals, has been working at the circuit.
Race marshals are positioned at numerous points around the track to give messages to drivers using different colored flags.
For example, waving a single yellow flag indicates there is a hazard ahead and that drivers should be prepared to slow down.
Two flags waved indicates a hazard ahead that wholly or partly blocks the track and drivers need to prepared to slow down and stop if necessary.
In his 11 years at the circuit, Lin has worked as a track observer and as a chief track marshal.
Lin still clearly remembers his experience as track marshal assistant, which was his first involvement in the racing business.
His main job then was to clear the track and deal with accidents.
When a race car broke down and stopped at the side of the track, Lin and three other colleagues immediately rushed onto the track to push it to a safety area.
“Formula One racing cars seem to be small from a distance,” Lin said, “but when you are within touching distance they are really big and very heavy.”
Being a track marshal is Lin’s part-time job.
His full-time occupation is as a teacher at the Shanghai Institute of Science & Technology Management in Jiading.
In 2004, when Lin was a student at the Shanghai Physical Culture Institute, he jumped at the chance to become a track marshal after passing a series of exams.
“A track marshal is the one closest to the track and I feel proud to have witnessed the development of car racing in Shanghai,” Lin said. His track marshal permit is covered with various souvenir stamps of 23 events including the China Touring Car Championship and the A1 China Grand Prix.
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