Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix: the inside track

Under the night sky, the streets around Singapore’s Marina Bay are still as bright as day. It is a scene ideal for racing and one that exemplifies the spectacle that is an inner city Formula 1 race.

The 2011 season is all but over, with Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull Racing rather predictably running away with it as we edge ever closer to the final race of the season. With only six more races to go, F1’s top brass must be concerned about how to hold the attention of all but the... Read more »

Tips for the Singapore Grand Prix

  • 1The Singapore Flyer is open to all on race weekend but F1 tickets are required to ride.
  • 2Bring ear plugs - each F1 car is capable of reaching 130 decibels at full throttle.
  • 3Buy Premier Walkabout tickets and a good MRT map for an interesting race weekend.
  • 4Carry a rain poncho as umbrellas are not allowed in some areas.

Information & History of Singapore Grand Prix

Information
The current Singapore Formula 1 Grand Prix may be but a few years old but it made history in 2008 by being the series’ first night race. The challenges posed by a race circuit in one of Asia’s most affluent cities went well beyond any issues of lighting however. Drivers stated that the track’s surface and other characteristics made it harder to drive than Monaco, an already famously demanding circuit. Add these to the lack of runoff area and racing at the Marina Bay Street Circuit quickly becomes very unforgiving. The new form of excitement created by the Singapore Grand Prix will be emulated by more and more circuits in the future.

History
Even before Singapore became a sovereign state, Grand Prix were taking place on its soil. Thomson Road Grand Prix circuit hosted Formula Libre and Austrlian AF2 races between 1961 and 1973. It was in 1965 that Singapore gained its independence and the race was officially named the Singapore Grand Prix. Formula 1 revived the event in 2008 after a long absence, taking the honour of being the first night race in the Championship’s entire history. Marina Bay is lit up in brilliant fashion, cars pass numerous monuments and the weekend is a logistical feat within itself.

FREE NIGHTS & DISCOUNTSWhereever you see the feathers