Mention “Formula 1” to any racing fan and their hearts start thumping a bit faster. Add the words “Sing Tel Singapore Grand Prix” and you’ve got them hooked? Why? Because the Singapore edition of the race has it all: In addition to fast cars, it’s got an exotic locale and – best of all – night racing.
In fact, this race is the only night race on the Formula 1 circuit and is the 15th of 19 stops on the world circuit. Heading into this year’s race, the current top drivers are: Mark Webber, Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso, Jenson Button, Sebastian Vettel, Felipe Massa, Nico Rosberg, Robert Kubica, Michael Schumacher and Adrian Sutil.
This year’s the race will take place Sept. 26 on the Marina Bay Street Circuit. Racers will compete for 61 laps or 308.3 km (192.2 miles). The route starts near the Singapore Flyer and travels along Republic Boulevard, Raffles Boulevard, Nicoll Highway, Stamford Road, Saint Andrew’s Road, the Anderson Bridge and Esplanade Drive before going back onto Raffles Road, the Esplanade and Marina Bay. Drivers regard the course as difficult to drive, with some bumps to handle. Singapore’s humidity and rain can be a major factor in the outcome.
All Formula 1 races are exciting and this race is no exception. If you are able to see it live, one good place to watch is Merlion Park, where the racers make a tight left turn. A really unique vantage point is the grandstand of the Floating Platform: the cars will go underneath you.
Practice laps take place Sept. 24 and the morning of Sept. 25, with qualifying heats scheduled for Sept. 25. The actual race is set to take place at 9 p.m. (20:00) local time.
Unfortunately, Singapore’s Grand Prix is largely notable for a scandal during the 2008 race. Driver Nelson Piquet Jr. said he was asked by the Renault F1 team to intentionally crash his car to gain an advantage for teammate Fernando Alonso, who won the race that year. While the Formula 1 Association (FIA) did punish the team and some of its members, it ruled Alonso was innocent in the event. Naturally race officials are keeping a watchful eye on this year’s proceedings.
Even if you’re not into racing, it’s well worth heading to Singapore for the festivities, which officially start Sept. 24. Several world-renowned performers are scheduled to entertain the crowds between heats. These include: Melissa Bergland-Blue Eyed Soul, Bloco Singapura, “Brazil! Brazil! Brazil!,” Mariah Carey, Chippendales, Daughtry, DIV4S, Missy Elliott, Vanessa Fernandez, Sean Kingston, Adam Lambert, London Fog, Ojos De Brujo, Raphael Saadig and DJ Tiga.
Don’t forget that Singapore always has vibrant nightlife and there will be plenty of other performances available. (Of course, you’ll want to plan ahead, so you can negotiate through the race area to get where you want to be.) In addition, Singapore is renowned for its inexpensive shopping and dining.
There are many ticket options and travel packages available but many of them are already sold out. If you want to go, your best bet is to visit http://www.singaporegp.sg/ticket/ticket_price.php as soon as possible to make arrangements.
For more information about Singapore, please check out our Singapore Travel Guides. We also offer Singapore Social Escorts to escort you to the races.
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