The concentration on the face of the drivers, waiting fo the red light to go out. A glance either side, checking on the competition and it's a go, go, go. 1st gear, 2nd gear, 3rd. Swerve to block the overtake, line up for the corner, brake hard, down shift and acceleate through feeding the wheel just the right amount to get the maximum speed. Avoid the pedestrians on the crossing, veer accross three lanes and back again to get ahead of a truck and stop at the red light in a position that will certainly allow our Taxi to be the first away, even if there are 4 cars in front. All of them thinking the same thing.Driving in Brazil is an art form. I'm not suprised this country has had several formula 1 supremo's. They all drive like maniacs, and the Bikers ! If there is a gap they will go for it. Horns honking to make sure Barrichello or Massa in the car in front knows they are coming through, gap or not. And for the pedestrians. Don't even bother trying to cross anywhere but at the lights. It's not worth the risk of 'person' racer (everyone from little boy to Big women are racers here,) maybe coming round the corner.
We took the 6 hour bus journey to Rio today. Executivo style, reclining seats, air con, snacks, plastic wrapped pillow and blanket, It was comfy but my word, taking a pee at 70 mile an hour while swerving through traffic is tricky. The F1 Brazilian Grand Prix is at the end of the month, unfortunately we shall be in Bolivia by then.
