The McClaren F1 car used during the event ran the entire time with the pit-lane speed limiter engaged which restricts the car to a maximum of 80kmh. It would therefore be impossible to reach the 200kmh stated in Monday's report, 'Champ gives F1 fans an early thrill'', on which Mr Peyrer based his observations.

You can witness cars doing in excess of 80kmh on St Andrew's Road most days of the week. The stretch of road used was perfectly straight and stretched no more than 300m with safety barriers and security staff along its entire length.

Having attended the event, the spectator figure of 10,000 quoted in the report was also an exaggeration. I watched from a fairly elevated position at the Singapore Cricket Club and I would be surprised if there was even half that number.

About the only malfunction that could have happened on the day would have been to the car's multi-million-dollar engine as it was forced to run in a high ambient temperature at what is an extremely slow speed in F1 terms.

As an event to let the public witness and hear an F1 car up close, it was good, and I am sure very good branding for Johnnie Walker. As a taster for the real thing? Sorry, it didn't even come close.

As a long-time F1 fan and senior official for the Singapore Grand Prix, I think it's important to reassure everyone that such events are run very professionally where the safety of the public is paramount. Singapore will, I believe, be no exception.

Ian W. Porteous

EDITOR'S NOTE: The report was based on information provided by the organisers.