Since 1958 Singapore American • September 2015
AM ERICAN AS S O CIATION O F S INGAP O RE September 2015
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MCI (P) 185/03/2015
Here Come the Lights! By Anne Morgan
T
urn up the volume and prepare to be swept up in a roar of high octane engines and glamorous parties as the 2015 Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix (better known as the F1) swaggers into town. Unquestionably, this is the top international sporting event to hit Singapore, a hugely thrilling occasion which everyone can enjoy even if you don’t know anything about (or don’t like) motor racing. Embrace your inner racer and read on for a couple of pointers to make the most of your F1 experience. Singapore, like Monaco, is a street circuit with no long sweeps of track, so don’t expect much passing. If it is imperative you have a really good view of the cars, then it is best to buy a pit grandstand ticket where you can see the cars line up at the start. That said, F1 Singapore is so much more than racing cars! It first started back in 2008 and, in the ensuing seven years, this night race has become an eclectic mix of racing and entertainment, with international bands and parties adding a unique twist to the event.
In true Singapore style, the event organization is hugely efficient. Once you pass through the gantry and into the track area, you can move around freely (except for Zone One) and there is very little queueing, even at the end of the evening. There are plenty of places to see the cars even if you do not have a seat. There is also a good mix of food and drinks available at The Padang. The circuit is large and can get very hot, so dress accordingly and wear comfortable shoes as you will want to walk around and make the most of the spectacle. Taxis are plentiful (especially near to The Fullerton Hotel). The best MRT station to use is City Hall. Formula 1 takes place over a weekend (Friday, September 18 – Sunday, September 20) and consists of three practice sessions, qualifying and the race itself. There are plenty of opportunities to see the cars and you are certainly not limited to just Sunday evening. The viewing areas are divided into zones with Zone One being the best seats. The tickets are progressively more expensive each day.
Practice Friday If you just want to dip your toe into the F1 water, then go on Friday for the two, 90-minute practice sessions. At time of print, there were walk-about tickets available for $68, the cheapest tickets for any of the F1 race events. It is magical to see and hear the cars for the first time, so make your way to the top of The Esplanade where you get a great aerial view. The ticket price also includes Pharrell Williams performing at The Padang. Qualifying Saturday Qualifying for the race takes place on Saturday and there are three stages for 20 drivers to qualify: Q1, Q2 and Q3. In Q1, drivers have 18 minutes to clock a fast time. The five slowest cars are eliminated and will start the race in the final five places on the grid. In Q2, times are reset and the remaining cars participate in a 15-minute session. The five slowest
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