A rough guestimate of the number of people within KLCC Concourse could easily reach 1,000, Malaysians and citizens of foreign lands. The queue starts at the heart and snakes outward to the fringes and around the 2012 Formula 1 Petronas Malaysia Grand Prix Showcase. On the floors above, I can also see people leaning on the rails looking down curiously at the hustle and bustle below them.
There is no doubt that KLCC has seen more people before but to have them gathered in one place could only mean one thing – something is going to happen.
Then, as if on cue, the energy of the crowd heightens, the DJ announces the arrival of two very special guests – racing heroes to most of the people gathered here – Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg from the Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula 1 Team. Instinctively, cameras goes up, flash goes popping and the crowd surges forward even before the drivers could take their seats. Is this excitement or kiasu-ism at work? Maybe a bit of both.
One by one, the drivers meet, shake hands and scribble their signatures on prepared memorabilia, and leaves out the rear. Others quickly pull out cameras and phone-with-camera to get their Kodak moment. But not only photo-cards are being autographed but branded handbags, t-shirts and… did I just spot a cap that originates from the days when Michael wore red overalls?
I take a look around and the line is still too long. Michael and Nico only have about half an hour here; about 15 minutes have already ticked by so it is doubtful they’ll meet everyone.
In the end, the drivers stayed on a little while longer to sign as much as they can. The queue never thinned and it is now time for the drivers to leave. For those who did not catch their race heroes, consolation comes in the form of pre-signed memorabilia.
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