SINGAPORE, Oct 7 — He’s finally arrived in Singapore for the Formula One (F1) Singapore Grand Prix, but not in the way most drivers do. 

Days after drivers from various F1 teams touched down on private jets and began pre-race fan engagements, Cadillac F1 driver Valtteri Bottas crossed the Causeway this afternoon after completing a 350km cycling journey from Sepang.

AsiaOne tracked the 37-year-old Finn as he crossed the Sultan Iskandar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex at about 2.20pm.

By 2.40pm, with traffic moving smoothly along the Causeway, Bottas was seen riding past Woodlands Crossing.

He was still accompanied by Shaiful Nizam Yahya, who has been by his side since the 350km journey from Sepang International Circuit began on Sunday night.

Despite retiring early from the Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang after spinning into the gravel on a wet track, Bottas wasted little time starting his own “Singapore race”, clocking 56.6km in 128 minutes shortly after the chequered flag.

The Finn reached Johor’s Kulai yesterday evening.

Any suggestion that the 37-year-old might have been feeling the effects of the long ride was quickly dispelled when he flashed a broad smile and the victory sign to AsiaOne photojournalist Danial Zahrin, first after Woodlands Crossing and again along Woodlands Road.

From Tanah Merah to Woodlands for Bottas

Singapore resident Wilfred Diepeveen, 41, was seen waiting patiently for Bottas and Shaiful at Woodlands Crossing at about 2.10pm.

Originally from the Netherlands, the certified fitness coach has lived in the Republic for 12 years and is an avid cyclist.

He told AsiaOne that he had cycled from Tanah Merah to Woodlands in hopes of catching Bottas.

“I just wanted to cycle with him to his destination.”

The 41-year-old completed a similar journey in April, albeit in the opposite direction, cycling from MG Singapore’s showroom in Leng Kee to Kuala Lumpur. 

The trip was to support Tour de Cure, a global initiative that raises funds and awareness for cancer research.

As Bottas and Shaiful came into view at Woodlands Crossing, Wilfred set off on his road bike.

His wish appeared to be granted, with the trio later seen cycling uphill together past a bus stop near Kranji War Memorial.

The Singapore Grand Prix takes place at Marina Bay from October 9 to 11.

Bottas and Cadillac teammate Sergio Perez are ranked 22nd and 23rd respectively. — AsiaOne