The inaugural Singtel Singapore Grand Prix (Sep 26-28) is all about firsts. Not only is it the first time that Singapore hosts a Grand Prix but it will be the first F1 street race in Asia. Perhaps most exciting of all, it will be the first time ever that a Grand Prix is held at night under a specially designed system featuring nearly 1,500 lighting projectors. Put all these factors together, throw in the razzmatazz of the Formula One circus and it’s shaping up to be a very special event.
And the Grand Prix will not be the only entertainment over the weekend. Petrol heads can also enjoy three other races: the adrenaline-filled Aston Martin Asia Cup, Formula BMW Pacific and the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia. Away from the track, you can visit the F1 Village selling anything and everything related to F1, a range of entertainment events featuring some of Singapore’s biggest names as well as bars, restaurants and numerous Hawker Villages serving up some of the city’s tastiest dishes. So even if the sight of a F1 car leaves you cold there are plenty of excuses to get involved in this weekend-long party.
Who to Watch
If the opportunity to see these speed machines hitting 300km/h down the usually slower paced Raffles Avenue is not enough incentive, this year’s Formula One season is gearing up to be one of the most exciting in recent years. Four different drivers are all vying for the title with just a few points separating Lewis Hamilton and his Mclaren-Mercedes in first and Robert Kubica in his BMW in fourth. In between lie the two Ferraris of Kimi Räikkönen and Felipe Massa.
When it comes to potential winners in Singapore, it’s hard to look outside these three teams whose cars have dominated the racing this season. However, with street circuits it’s often about who can qualify the best as the tight track can make overtaking difficult. For the uninitiated, qualifying is all about who can get round the course in the fastest time. It can be exciting as cars only have one session and a limited time to try and record the quickest lap. This will take place on Sep 27 and shouldn’t be missed as it will have a major bearing on the outcome.
The 5.067 km track is based around the Marina Bay area, which lies to the East of downtown Singapore. With the man-made harbor as a backdrop, the track takes in many of Singapore’s most famous landmarks from the newly completed Singapore Flyer to the established Singapore Cricket Club. The highly technical course will feature 23 turns raising the prospect for plenty of exciting wheel to wheel action.
Where to Watch
There is little fun watching a car flash by in the blink of an eye. So we recommend trying to get tickets for the following corners which are good spots to catch some overtaking maneuvers:
The Turns Grandstand has a view of Turn 1 at the end of the Pit Straight so you get to see the start (often the most action-packed part of the race) and keep an eye on who is stopping for more fuel.
Stamford Grandstand has a view of Turn 7 located at the end of the Raffles Boulevard. See cars dropping from 300km/h down to 80km/h in milli-seconds.
Raffles and Connaught Grandstands has a view of Turn 14 at Esplanade Drive. This tight right hander comes at the end of a long straight, offering the opportunity for drivers to under-brake their rivals.
Singapore Flyer Grandstand for a view of Turn 22 —Singapore Flyer a great spot if you want to enjoy an unrivalled view of the bay and you fancy hopping on the Giant Observation Wheel during the race.
Alternatively, single day walkabout tickets are SGD38 for Friday (Sep 26), SGD58 for Saturday (Sep 27) and SGD108 for Sunday (Sep 28). These allow you to enjoy the action up-close from various location points around the circuit. You can get tickets from www.singaporegp.sg, www.bookf1.com and www.f1singapore.com.
Essentials
Exchange rate
SGD1 = B24
When to Watch
On Sep 26, the first practice session starts at 4pm, followed by the second practice session (8-9:30pm). Then on Sep 27, the final practice session lasts from 5-6pm, before the qualifying begins at 8pm. And finally, the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix revs up on Sep 28, 8pm.
HOW TO GET THERE
Singapore Airlines (02-353-6000, www.singaporeair.com) flies daily from Bangkok to Singapore. Inclusive of taxes and surcharges, a roundtrip ticket sets you back at around B11,000.
AirAsia (02-515-9999, www.airasia.com) offers Bangkok-Singapore flights for roughly B5,500 roundtrip, inclusive of taxes and surcharges.
You can also hop on board THAI Airways (02-356-1111, www.thaiairways.com), which will cost you around B7,500 roundtrip, exclusive of taxes.
WHERE TO STAY
If you have a budget to splurge, book a room at the Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore (7 Raffles Ave., (+65) 6338-0001, www.ritzcarlton.com). Rates start at SGD480 per night for a single and twin room.
Artsy travelers would fall for Gallery Hotel (1 Nanson Rd., Robertson Quay, (+65) 6849-8686, www.galleryhotel.com.sg), the post-modern boutique hotel where a night in a colorful twin room costs around SGD208.
Hangout @ Mt. Emily (10A Upper Wilkie Rd., (+65) 6438-5588, www.hangouthotels.com) appeals to the budget-conscious with more affordable beds. The “no-frills, just fun” hotel has a four-day, three-night package (Sep 26-29) at SGD900 in a double bed/twin room. A bed in a dorm room is even cheaper at SGD300. Guests can buy a three-day pass General Walkabout ticket at the reception desk for an additional SGD168.
GETTING TO THE TRACK
Shuttle Bus
Shuttle bus services are available from Clarke Quay, Kallang and Lavender Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) stations with drop-offs near the vicinity of the Circuit Park.
Taxi
There are only three taxi points you can be dropped off and picked up over the race weekend: Fullerton Road (in front of Fullerton Hotel bus-stop), Nicoll Highway towards Guillemard Road (in front of The Concourse) and North Bridge Road (in front of Funan Centre).
Mass Rapid Transit (MRT)
There are two MRT stations within walking distance to the Circuit Park: City Hall MRT and Raffles Place MRT.
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