It's strange that there would appear to be a lot of confusion online with regard to what exactly is proposed at Singapore to commemorate The "Prof", Sid Watkins following news of his death a week ago. All of the F1 Websites are reporting the following FIA press release which says that there's to be a minutes applause on the grid before the race to honour his life and work in improving safety in Formula 1:
Press Release
Tribute to Professor Sid Watkins OBE
20/09/2012
A number of tributes will take place during the Singapore Grand Prix weekend.I think that this is a rather fitting tribute to a person who has, arguably, had more impact on Formula 1 than any driver or team owner in its history. There are legends and then there is Professor Sid Watkins. If you don't already know about the work that he did any of the F1 websites, including www.formula1.com will provide you with all the information you need to appreciate his work.
Following the sad news of the death of FIA Institute Honorary President, Professor Sid Watkins, the FIA, FIA Institute and Formula One Management will arrange tributes to his memory at the forthcoming Singapore Grand Prix.
On Sunday, before the start of the race, there will be a minute’s applause on the grid in his honour.
Throughout the weekend, a Book of Remembrance will be available for the F1 community to write their own personal messages of condolence.
A bronze bust of Professor Watkins, commissioned for him on the occasion of his retirement last year from the FIA Institute Presidency, will be on display beside the Book of Remembrance throughout the race weekend. At a later date, the Book will be presented to the Watkins family on behalf of the FIA, FIA Institute and F1 family.
The FIA and the FIA Institute will continue to consider the most appropriate permanent tribute to Professor Watkins, in recognition of his achievements and his unique legacy for motor sport.
An announcement on this lasting tribute will be made in due course.
Now that website, also, on the 20th September 2012, released a statement with regard to the planned tribute to the "Prof". The wording of that statement is very similar except for the question of what will happen on the grid. It says:
Following the sad news of the death of FIA Institute Honorary President and renowned former FIA medical delegate, Professor Sid Watkins, last week, a number of tributes to his memory have been arranged for this weekend’s 2012 Formula 1 Singtel Singapore Grand Prix.If this situation is not clarified the scene on the grid could be chaotic before the race with some observing a silence and others applauding.
On Sunday, before the start of the race, Bernie Ecclestone has invited those on the grid to observe a minute's silence in Watkins' honour, and throughout the weekend a Book of Remembrance will be available for the F1 community to write their own personal messages of condolence.
A bronze bust of Professor Watkins, commissioned for him on the occasion of his retirement last year from the FIA Institute Presidency, will be on display beside the Book of Remembrance. At a later date, the Book will be presented to the Watkins family on behalf of the FIA, FIA Institute and F1 family.
The FIA and the FIA Institute will continue to consider the most appropriate permanent tribute to Professor Watkins, in recognition of his achievements and his unique legacy for motorsport. An announcement on this lasting tribute will be made in due course.
I expect that it will be sorted out pretty quickly but I would have expected all the parties involved to be reading from the same page on a matter of high importance such as this.
Personally I would feel that applause is both warranted and appropriate however there is a dignity in the silence of a large crowd which is palpable and moving.
