this was a big letdown....All eyes on Singapore and this had to happen. Wonder if the youth olympic committee has been taking down notes :(

haha....come on...foul ups are inevitable... if u live long enough in malaysia or other developing countries...foul ups are the way of life..if there is no foul ups...people will be grateful.:lol:

Sepang is starting night racing under the lights as well .. may be even 2008 !! Sure looks like Malaysia just can't bear for Sg to better it in any aspect/respect !!

nah....sepang's race is in March/April rite? there is simply not enough time to execute a night race this year. personally i think the malaysians officers are too emotional and jealous of singapore (im malaysian so i know how they think). the usual singapore have we also want to have but we do it worse or simply whack etc etc just for cheap self satisfaction. enough of :bash::lol:

ok ok...if malaysia reverts to night race, what about the theme "hottest race on earth" which they had been promoting for years? it will be a marketing disaster if they ditch the day race. the other factor would be the close proximity of singapore and malaysia...if both are nite races it will be like duhh....

...

...

A publicity show by the organiser to create the illusion of long queue and overwhelming demands.

...

Glitches continue to bug F1 ticket sales on Day 2

By Lin Xinyi

It has been over 24 hours since tickets to the world's first Formula One night race here went on sale, but many fans still faced difficulties buying tickets on Friday.

Grand Prix fans hoping to get tickets at West Mall's SingPost outlet endured a stop-start journey - with the online ticketing system failing to load on various occasions.

The outlet's first successful transaction over two days came at 11.20am - an hour after 21-year-old laboratory analyst Jeevita Ravidran was attended to by staff members. She was the second customer who wanted to buy F1 tickets.

The outlet's first customer, who tried and failed to get eight Pit Grandstand tickets, left in a huff after half an hour.

Although Ms Jeevita managed to get two walkabout tickets at $168 each, it was not the Bay Grandstand tickets she wanted to buy. Repeated attempts to get seats at various segments of the Bay Grandstand met with problems.

The situation at the Robinson Road outlet was similar, with some customers having to wait up to one hour for tickets.

Organiser Singapore GP convened an emergency meeting on Friday afternoon to try and sort out the problem.

A breakdown in the ticketing system left countless fans here and abroad fuming and unable to get tickets from the moment the sales were flagged off at 9 am.

At counters, over the phone and online, ticket sales ground to a halt as computer systems went belly up.

Many fans, excited at the prospect of getting their hands on passes for the night race to be staged here in September, tried for hours, either online or queueing up at counters, only to give up hours later.

The breakdown led the Ministry of Trade and Industry - the lead government agency in the organisation of the race - to express concern over the situation in a statement on Thursday night.


but CNA says...


Online purchase of F1 tickets proceeds smoothly
By Patwant Singh, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 15 February 2008 1927 hrs

SINGAPORE: Tickets for Singapore's first Formula One race in September are on sale for the second day on Friday.

After computer glitches and snaking queues on the opening day, it was much smoother this time round. In fact, the long queues have disappeared at various counters islandwide.

The Singapore Visitors Centre at Orchard Road is one of these counters. Those who were there to buy tickets got them within 15 minutes.

This came as a pleasant surprise for many F1 fans who were worried they might have to wait for hours, like those who turned up on Thursday.

But on Day Two, all problems have clearly been ironed out.


- CNA/so

Online purchase of F1 tickets proceeds smoothly
By Patwant Singh, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 15 February 2008 1927 hrs





SINGAPORE: Tickets for Singapore's first Formula One race in September are on sale for the second day on Friday.

After computer glitches and snaking queues on the opening day, it was much smoother this time round. In fact, the long queues have disappeared at various counters islandwide.

The Singapore Visitors Centre at Orchard Road is one of these counters. Those who were there to buy tickets got them within 15 minutes.

This came as a pleasant surprise for many F1 fans who were worried they might have to wait for hours, like those who turned up on Thursday.

But on Day Two, all problems seemed to have been ironed out.

Singapore Grand Prix said its booking system has improved considerably but is still subjected to delays at certain periods due to very high traffic volume.

70,000 F1 tickets, each valid for three days and priced between S$168 and S$1,388, are on sale.

Singapore Grand Prix said it has reached an agreement with the Singapore Cricket Club and the Singapore Recreation Club to use the Padang during the F1 race.

Come too late, all Hong Bao money already spent on Singapore F1
ticket. :lol::lol:

Should come on the first day of Chinese New Year.


Malaysian F1 race promoters here to woo Singapore fans
By Patwant Singh, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 15 February 2008 2148 hrs




SINGAPORE: It is the tenth anniversary of the Malaysian F1 race and the Malaysians are here to woo Singapore fans with special offers for the March 21st to 23rd races in Sepang – the second in the series.

A three-day carnival starting Friday at Ngee Ann City is the place for the promotion.

The Malaysian race organisers said there would be more action both on and off the track this year.

Like their Singaporean counterparts, the Malaysians are also gearing up for a night race, but theirs will only happen in 2009.

The visitors said both sides could work together.

Mokhzani Tun Mahathir, chairman of Sepang International Circuit, said: "Ours will be at the beginning of the season and Singapore will be the 15th race in the season so you will be able to catch the championship when it starts and as it develops towards the end. It will be very interesting to have Malaysia and Singapore hosting Formula One."

Not a smart move definitely!

If you guys been following the developments on SG F1, you will realise that things are not going 'according to plan'... it was stated earlier that both installation of a section of the race lighting system and on road testing will complete in Jan '08 as well as the tickets on-sale by December 2007...

Anyone has a chance to drop by recently at the site for the new Pit building facility beside the Singapore Flyer? The facility is due for operation by end May '08... :lol:

Testing of the system took place at Paul Ricard HTTT months ago. As for the pit building, a two-days old photograph posted on the Flyer's thread was showing works on the roof structures... So?

Full page add today, at the back-cover of the biggest English newspaper in the UAE. :cheers:

Full page add today, at the back-cover of the biggest English newspaper in the UAE. :cheers:

Can scan? :)

Please do not bash our neighbour... (with due respect) they have to uphold their image... MALAYSIA BOLEH! leh...

dude...im from malaysia :cheers:

...

sneak peak of an f1 car..

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2056/2268897592_84ff29566c_b.jpg (http://flickr.com/photos/singapor3/2268897592/)

The media may have re-packaged motorsports into an 'exciting circus show'...

The consequences for short-cut things could be unimaginable and scary... as we have seen in motorsports history even with the evolution of safety requirements post Senna's tragic accident in 1994, there are still tragic motorsports accidents followed involving lost of lives. (eg. Marshall killed at one of the Australian Grand Prix in early 2000s)

I doubt there will be a test of the lighting system until a few days before the race, unless possibly on the purposedly built part of the track. The cost involved would just be prohibitive.

Agree with you about the short-cut thingie though and anyway the whole night-race emphasis is just ridiculous. Let's hope it will look terrible and they all agree to revert to day-race next year. Singapore looks so good by day.

For your information, light systems have passed the tests in trials in other countries.

Singapore will install light systems as early as 2 - 3 months before the actual race. Then they will conduct the systems and iron out the problems months before actual races - Singapore style. :)

It wont look terrible. :)

Singapore F1 names lighting contractor
By Victoria Ho, ZDNet Asia
Tuesday, October 16, 2007 07:51 PM

SINGAPORE--Italian company Valerio Maioli will be designing and constructing the lighting system for the world's first Formula 1 night race to be held in Singapore in September next year.

The auto racing event, which will be the first for the island-state, requires special lighting for optimal race conditions and high definition television (HDTV) broadcast. Race promoter Singapore GP said at a press conference today that the night competition will require the track to be nearly four times brighter than a typical stadium, or a light level of 3,000 lux.

Valerio Maioli's proposed lighting system for the track involves some 1,500 lighting projectors to be powered by 12 twin-power generators. The 24 generators are expected to be fitted in "special protected areas" and will power, in addition to the lights, the PA system as well as the track's monitoring equipment, said Valerio Maioli, the company's chief.

Should one generator fail, the load will instantly be picked up by the second generator, preventing a drop in lighting levels, said Maioli. "Each power generator can power the whole race in the event of either failure," he said. An estimated 3 megawatts of power will be required for the event's lighting system.

Although Maioli declined to reveal the cost of the lighting system, Singapore GP's deputy chairman, Colin Syn, said costs would be "kept low" by using "local contractors". "We are still working out the cost," Syn added. The lights will be brought to Singapore in early January for testing, and the setup will take at least two months, though Maioli said the eventual setup in the second quarter of 2008 will take a shorter time, about six weeks.

A mock setup was previously tested at the Paul Ricard High Tech Test Track in Le Castellet, France, which took 15 days to install and two nights to trial, with no reported complications, Maioli told ZDNet Asia.


------------------------

If I am not wrong, they have tested first one - it was during last Saturday's Chingay parade - so bright lit up whole place. There is one row of bright lights behind the audience section. I cannot help noticing the rows of lights behind. I cannot help wondering. :)
:)

just bought my bay grandstand tix, alas!

im kindda dissapointed with the seating proposal. most of the seats seem to be crammed into the marina centre sector, leaving the raffles place sector almost totally deserted...

and on another note:
SHAME ON YOU OMNI TICKETS!!! SHAME SHAME SHAME

just bought my bay grandstand tix, alas!

im kindda dissapointed with the seating proposal. most of the seats seem to be crammed into the marina centre sector, leaving the raffles place sector almost totally deserted...

and on another note:
SHAME ON YOU OMNI TICKETS!!! SHAME SHAME SHAME

:)

This is the phases of sales. They are selling tickets in phases. :)

Can scan? :)

Sorry can't, but it was a black background, the front view of a yellow F1 car on the bottom half and some writting on the top half, of course with contact numbers as well as the copyright notices at the side.

Seamed standart so probably the same has been printed also in your newspapers or posters.

...

Sorry to say this, but I found FIA insistence that Asia's Formula One race to be held at night as a smack of arrogance against the value of Asian audience.

FIA or the Federation Internationale de I'Automobile is decidedly a very euro-centric organization. Despite being increasingly shunned off by European regulators due to its strong association with tobacco industry, FIA continue to have an inward view when it comes Formula One racing.

FIA manage to wrestle the hand of cash-rich and publicity-hungry country such as Singapore to host night racing despite of mounting logistical challanges and security concerns, which for sure will cost a bomb. All of this for the sake of appeasing a bunch of European audience who refuse to stay up late to watch their favourite team chasing each other. Another point of argument is that marketing values, in term of airtimes and commercial rights command a higher premium in Europe during daytime. This is another lame excuse. A more intense marketing efforts would have covered whatever shortcoming that Asia has against Europe. And what about the economy of scale? Surely there are more poor people in S.E.Asia compared to say, the Lorraine-Alsace region, but Asia's middle class are burgeoning. Everyone knows that the future lies in Asia, not in the stagnating old world economy of Europe.

Many experts, and even some F1 racing teams are not too keen on having a night racing. Night racing add unnecessary cost to an already expensive sport, and unnecessary safety risk to everyone involved. Thank god the first night racing host is Singapore, a beacon of efficiency in this part of the world. Knowing how meticulous singapore can be, I think the race will become a runaway success. Singapore will initially emerge as a winner. Tourist will come by the plane load. Marina bay will look fantastic at night. The fireworks will be beautiful, and everybody will have a beautiful memory to bring home. What bothers me the most is that Singapore has set the precedent for the culture of surrender. FIA believes that European worth more than Asian, and that we are just a muse that they can take for granted.

Besides Singapore, Malaysia too was forced to host F1 racing at night by next year. Sepang International Circuit was openly unhappy about the night racing requirement but they have no choice. It is either night racing or no racing. After seeing Singapore got the rights to host F1 this year, I bet that Malaysian government would bend over backward to accommodate any request from FIA no matter how rediculous it was, as long as it does not loose out to Singapore. Talk about sibling rivalries...

Strangely though, Australia manage to resist the night racing regulation. They gave a firm "No" and FIA dutifully bow to it. I wonder why.

I do not really agree with the feedback. It is not that Asians are summing in to surrender but we are just opening up to new ideas. Most or all of the country in Asia wants to be globally 24/7 connected. Not only that we start to work early in the morning, we do ends late at night too. This races will just add to more buzzing and animation. Should sports be flexible. Why must we constrained ourselves to the norm. ?

woah....night races are better coz day races are just too hot to bear.
If more money can be made just because it is held at nite, so be it.

its a fact that european market is much bigger than asian market for F1 and this will not change anytime soon. nothing to do with dignity or whatsoever here. its just a marketing move.

Kurakura, daytime heat and temperature was not the deciding factor for the nite racing. During summer, some european cities can be as scorching hot as downtown singapore. It is more of marketing reason actually.

Spkieshamz, I couldn't agree with you more. Modern Asia is dynamic and accomodating to new idea, and nowhere else that these ideas menifest as strongly as in singapore. If there is a such thing called "Global Asian City", it has to be Singapore. Just look at Singapore job market nowadays.

It is not us that failed to embrace globalization. The beauty of globalization is that it bridges differences between people of different places, races and creeds. But then, globalization requires understanding between the two engaging parties, a mutual agreement of give-and-takes. We cannot be giving too much, nor that they should not be taking too much either. My point is, FIA put too much emphasize on the European market, so much so that every damn thing about the F1 is almost tailor made to their need, including adjusting the race time so that it would be convenience to the European viewers. I mean.. what the hell? Can't FIA at least have the decency to embrace diversities within the F1 fraternity? Hosting the F1 is not cheap. SG and MAS spends millions on it, and instead of being grateful, FIA came in with their condescending attitude, telling us that unless we cater to their whims, they will pull the plug. To me, that is not globalization. That is downright patronizing.

Don't get me wrong. I m not venting my frustration against Singapore F1. I still think it is a fantastic event that will raise Singapore's profile. I m just not too happy with the way FIA treats people in this side of the world.

well i disagree with your point as i dont think its prejudice against asians, as when Sepang first started about 10years ago, it was and still is a day race, till now Malaysia is considering changing it to night next season - FIA didnt propose to them about the idea


same goes for Long time F1 host Japan, it has always been day race, but the Suzuka race track just keeps EU folks tuned in due to its AMAZING track (until last years Fuji)

similar for China Shanghai, its also a day race, but last season had Extremely high views due to the tight Championship race

also for middle Eastern nations, Bahrain is the FIRST race of the 2006 season with Malaysia being 2ND, if they are prejudice they would set it as last for somewhere in Summer vacation time and EU track being first

As for Turkey, they had decent amount of views and is the race Just pirior to the EU races

And if we are speaking of bias towards EU then Interlagous should never have been the LAST race of the season for multiple times, it should have been another country

For the USA, its just a pity that money talks came it

also do note that most of the asian tracks are at the end of the season where Usually the season becomes very interesting


Alright Tracks Aside

F1 Supremo Bernie have also said many times that he wanted to remove the French Race due to its poor maintanence, instead he demanded a Paris Street and perhaps Night race, but it was never finalized

same goes for the legendary Silverstone, he has said that silverstone should keep up its standard or risk not having its contract renewed (c'mon! its his own country!)

so yeah if its bias then he would do all he can to keep the French and UK tracks in the calander without threatening them!

F1 aside


For FIA, we cant ignore the fact that the council have agreed to let VJ rename the former spyker teams to FORCE INDIA <-- most teams are constructors name, but this new name is rather nationalistic in the Asian aspect certainly if FIA is biased they would have voted against this new name for the team


so yeah as you can see, based on the points i dont think F1 nor the FIA are biased against asians instead most of their decisions are based on MONEY and SAFETY

thats my take on your opinion :)

Looking forward to everyone's view!


Cheers!

ong beng seng is the guy who brought in F1 rite? he is a friend of Bernie. I think the race will not go through if ong beng seng or whoever it is didnt promise him a night race.

asian countries might have spent millions on F1. but the publicity it generates and mutliplier effect it has on the tourism(economy) will more than recoup the money invested. most people in europe still doesnt know where malaysia and singapore is.
some of my turkish frens in europe still think singapore is one of those backward asian countries where one can bring in 200usd and live like a king.

in fact a night race works more towards the favour of singapore as it will be the lst night race in the world and people will die to catch a glimpse of it. european supremacy? nah..

Singapore's deal is a masterpiece. They will get a worldwide broadcast of a superb postcard of Marina Bay and will get back hundreds of millions in tourist dollars. More so, they are doing so without even footing the largest piece of the bill. HPL and Singtel are doing this.

Oh and by the way, for the last few years F1 as a sport is a money-loosing business with a colossal debt to repay. That's why the focus on satisfying markets with larger audience (Europe) while bringing in countries prepared to pay more to stage race (Asia). Be sure this will change once Asia becomes the dominant TV market, which will certainly happen sooner than later.

lesart, your thoughts are interesting. But don't over-react. I don't think we Asians are surrendering to Europeans or getting horrible treatment from them.

F1 races are extremely popular among Europeans. So F1 races are moving into Asia - to raise awareness further into Asia - many asians don't get to see F1 races much at their doorstep. Bringing F1 races to Asia - bringing excitement of fast cars to Asia market which is larger than European market and United States market.

So the F1 races would be raised in standard further and improve technologies. Light system in the night to simulate the day-time light - is relatively new - nobody has ever invented these things like this.

Singapore is also pioneer in having many emerging technologies like Newater, ERP, automation of subway systems - MRT. So it is prefect testing bed for any technologies being brought here.

Singapore is willing to invest in untried technologies.

Europeans have been helping Asians in many ways. They are also responsible for early stages of globalisation - through their empires colonizing Asian nations, opening up lands and open eyes of Asians.

But they did divide Asians and break up their homes, families and peace through series of domestic wars and disputes because many lands were colonized and operated under different European masters. So local people were at odds with the masters.

What Europeans have learnt from Great masters in Asia in ancient times - silk, rockets, papers, compass - many of them come from Asia.

All thanks to Asian economical crisis - many asian nations are guarding their economies and build up larger reserves that Europeans are now at loss. So they are going after money that generated in booming Asia now. :)

Back to F1, it is timing that many Asians are richer now - millionaires are fast emerging in Asia - enough to dwarf number of European rich population.

F1 has one benefit - it has capability to reach to every continent!

Only one thing - we should not over-react about the motivation behind Europeans. Winks.

:applause: good point - Singapore need to be innovative to excel and die die must success spirit or get thrown behind .... I don't have the spirit personally but I like the spirit Singapore has been putting to try many new ways in order to succeed - :okay:

:applause: good point - Singapore need to be innovative to excel and die die must success spirit or get thrown behind .... I don't have the spirit personally but I like the spirit Singapore has been putting to try many new ways in order to succeed - :okay:

I am partially agree with you. Singapore has been able to attempt and achieve couple of FIRST IN THIS... FIRST IN THAT... those are great achievement (no doubt)! However, when being not able to taste any failure on the first attempt on things, it will just not having any opportunity to learn from mistakes and continue to refine and improve to achieve the objective on the next attempt... it will be even sweeter and wiser...

This 'DIE DIE MUST SUCCESS' attitude created a wrong and negative mindset on failure. Should one day something failed, it may just cannot have the strength to pick up and get motivated again...

I am partially agree with you. Singapore has been able to attempt and achieve couple of FIRST IN THIS... FIRST IN THAT... those are great achievement (no doubt)! However, when being not able to taste any failure on the first attempt on things, it will just not having any opportunity to learn from mistakes and continue to refine and improve to achieve the objective on the next attempt... it will be even sweeter and wiser...

This 'DIE DIE MUST SUCCESS' attitude created a wrong and negative mindset on failure. Should one day something failed, it may just cannot have the strength to pick up and get motivated again...

Wait and see how they do this in September 2008. Government and organisers will do anything to ensure the F1 event go off well despite hiccups. Hiccups always happen in any major events - Always. Winks.

They won't let the reputation of Singapore go sinking. :)

mayb it will rain like mad and the race will be called off :D

^^ that would be so sad!

mayb it will rain like mad and the race will be called off :D

If raining in daytime - this happened in japan F1 circuit. It was raining heavily that F1 cars had to slow down.

:)

Here is the video clip showing F1 cars racing in heavy rain in Japan.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ot6oxKwBkOQ

hoho.....F1 area will be a high risk zone after yesterday's JI prison break episode

hoho.....F1 area will be a high risk zone after yesterday's JI prison break episode

So this JI escape is a good test of the efficiency and competency of our law enforcement agency... it is time for them to work hard now after their own "blunder" and fat bonus in 2007...

It will be a big shame if that "toilet break" guy still on the loose come 28 Sept (not to mention when the Youth Olympic event hit town)

(Great to see more SAF, SOC guys spending less time in their bunk on afternoon nap... they have to blame their own team for the "screwed up")

So this JI escape is a good test of the efficiency and competency of our law enforcement agency... it is time for them to work hard now after their own "blunder" and fat bonus in 2007...

It will be a big shame if that "toilet break" guy still on the loose come 28 Sept.

(Great to see more SOC guys spending less time in their bunk on afternoon nap...)



Everybody demoralised already.Still MIA after one week in foul weather.This is not the outback,the wilderness or the Rockies and Andes.

Everybody demoralised already.Still MIA after one week in foul weather.This is not the outback,the wilderness or the Rockies and Andes.

They better not cracked under pressure...

... anyway, everyone in SEA is folding their arms to see what's up on the sleeve from our law enforcement agency ...

I hope in the next press conference with the media, the spoke person from the law enforcement agency can be more humble and apologetic (our Home Affair Minister did a FANTASTIC job)... as the way the spoke person speaking to the media is as if "no blunder" was commited from their part and the entire population here must be held responsible to find our missing guy...

In other countries,the ppl would cry foul,protests and demand resignation....Here the ppl bochap bopian bohew.

In other countries,the ppl would cry foul,protests and demand resignation....Here the ppl bochap bopian bohew.

If the manhunt exercise still going on when the independent investigation report is due, we will probably see some blood being shed from the agency... it is unfortunate but it will happen...

Keep our fingers crossed on them finding our missing guy before the investigation is completed.

common pple who just wish to make enough for 2 square meals a day are badly affected by this fiasco. those poor truck drivers have to sleep for days in their trucks due to extra checks at the causeways. they might not get their pay too coz most get the pay on per trip basis. can the minister in charge sleep at nite in his air cond mansion on a soft and succulent silk king sized bed?

They better not cracked under pressure...

... anyway, everyone in SEA is folding their arms to see what's up on the sleeve from our law enforcement agency ...

I hope in the next press conference with the media, the spoke person from the law enforcement agency can be more humble and apologetic (our Home Affair Minister did a FANTASTIC job)... as the way the spoke person speaking to the media is as if "no blunder" was commited from their part and the entire population here must be held responsible to find our missing guy...

It is an "HONEST MISTAKE" ,,,,, :lol:

let's move on... we're getting off-topic... :)

can the super delayed marina barrage eyesore construction site be completed b4 F1 hits town?

Its an eyesore meh?

Its an eyesore meh?

Ha. It is cranes, excavators, construction fences that make the site look ugly.

BTW, kurakura, the site should be finished hopefully before F1. They are supposed to finish by 2007. Shrugs.

F1 'rooms with a view' may not have a view
Signages, lighting system may foil fans trying to get a free view


By UMA SHANKARI

Email this article
Print article
Feedback

(SINGAPORE) Fans of the Formula 1 (F1) Grand Prix hoping to get a free peek of the race - from the comfort of hotel rooms, for example, without forking out for the tickets - are likely to be disappointed during the Singapore leg.




Sources said that Singapore GP Pte Ltd, the organiser of the race here, is likely to put up fencing and advertisement hoardings which could obstruct views from 'unofficial' locations come Sept 28.

There are also plans for a lighting system that could make watching the race from such unsanctioned locations very hard, the sources said.

The news is unlikely to go down well with hotels, which have been selling rooms at up to three times the normal going rates for the week the race will be in town.

When contacted, Singapore GP told BT that 'safety and operational measures' such as safety fencing, advertising signages and the lighting system for a night race will need to be put in place for the event.

'Once these are put in place, views of the race from unofficial locations may be obstructed,' said Alastair Hunt, circuit park & events manager for Singapore GP. 'At this point, there is no way that any venues along the circuit route would be able to guarantee unobstructed views of the Singapore Grand Prix.'

Sources said that the organisers could be looking to minimise 'leakages'. This refers to the issue of people who don't buy a ticket and instead watch the race from conveniently located properties - such as hotels and high-rise office buildings - along the route.

Most trackside hotels are charging two to three times their usual daily room rates during the peak race days.

Bookings have been strong for the race week, the hotels have said. In addition to Grand Prix fans flying in to watch what will be the world's first night race, hotels are also seeing lots of corporate bookings, especially from multinational corporations with offices here which are looking to host staff and clients from overseas.

It was previously expected that in addition to watching from ticketed locations, fans will also be able to have a clear view of the race from numerous trackside hotels such as Swissotel The Stamford, Pan Pacific, The Oriental, Marina Mandarin, The Fullerton and Ritz Carlton.

But even as customers have been snapping up rooms and F1 packages from the hotels, most hotels are not offering any kind of 'view guarantee'.

'Demand for the rooms is very strong,' said Cheryl Ng, Pan Pacific's public relations manager. 'But we do not offer any kind of view guarantee.'

Said Singapore GP: 'To be assured of the best views and overall race experience, tickets and corporate packages should be bought directly from Singapore GP.'

The organiser is working to maximise the viewing locations for the race due to the overwhelming interest. Ticket sales have already started, and more tickets will be released for sale once Singapore GP secures agreements with other partners, it said.

But some fans are worried that if non-paying spectators are kept away from the circuit, it will deflate the very 'buzz' the race hopes to generate for Singapore.

The F1 race is one of several initiatives geared towards achieving the government's target of attracting 17 million visitors to Singapore by 2015.

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd266/babysgp/F1.jpg

the 3rd phase of gardens by the bay is suppposed to be on the pit stop and F1 roads. grrrrr....

the 3rd phase of gardens by the bay is suppposed to be on the pit stop and F1 roads. grrrrr....

There is still that tiny strip of "gardens" next to the waters and more land up north towards Kallang Basin.

SINGAPORE : A night street race will make Singapore's Formula One circuit stands out, but its pit design is something to take note of.

Costing $4 million, the pit is meant to give an impression of space.

There will be an outdoor viewing gallery for guests to get close to the race. It will be able to accommodate up to 2,000 people.

The designing team said one of the key challenges was to integrate the design with the rest of Marina Park.

The team also took the cues from pit designs in Kuala Lumpur and Shanghai.

The final product will be completed in June.

Mr Tah Kong Han, Director (projects) of Architect 61, said: "The way it is organised, the way the spaces are planned, by and large are similar to all the pit buildings because of the way they want to operate. But it is how the form comes together, and I think that was the key difference with all the rest of the pit buildings." - CNA/de

err i think the cost should be $40m, up from the original $36m.

http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii268/kcc0002/Two.jpg
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii268/kcc0002/Three.jpg
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii268/kcc0002/Four.jpg
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii268/kcc0002/Five.jpg

Sports News




Motor racing: Malaysia preparing for F1 night races in 2009
Posted: 18 March 2008 1756 hrs


Photos 1 of 1

McLaren driver Fernando Alonso negotiates a sharp turn



KUALA LUMPUR : Malaysia is preparing to introduce Formula One night racing from next year following its debut in neighbouring Singapore in September, officials said Tuesday.

The Sepang International Circuit (SIC) now hosts a day-time race but the sport's governing body FIA has pushed for a change, to boost commercial revenues by appealing to audiences in other time zones.

"SIC is preparing itself to host a night race next year," the circuit's spokesman Azahar Ghazali told AFP.

"We are now studying a few proposals, especially from the contractor at the Qatar Grand Prix, which was very successful," he said. Qatar hosted the first Moto GP night race in March.

"The system in Qatar looks workable for Sepang, but we still need to consider other factors involved especially the cost of hosting a night race," he said.

Officials familiar with the project said the SIC would need to invest at least five million US dollars to install lighting for night racing.

Singapore will host its debut Formula One Grand Prix on a street circuit on September 28, in an event it hopes will boost its tourism coffers by S$100 million (US$68.5 million) a year.

Malaysia's three-day Formula One event begins on Friday.

Under a new contract signed last year, in which it agreed to be prepared for night racing, Malaysia will continue to host races until 2015.

It held its first Grand Prix in 1999. - AFP/ch

copycat!

copycat!

Copycat? I dont think so.
They change because of commercial purposes. They want to attract more viewers in Europe or even in America.
I personally would be happy if Montreal can have a night race too. So that i don't have to watch the race from 12am to 3am!! It's hectic. People will skip the
race!

P/S:Singapore Flyer copied London eye? Think about it...
Toyota, Nissan, Honda... copied Ford? Think about it...

Veru --posted Feb 14, 2008------->

Sepang is starting night racing under the lights as well .. may be even 2008 !! Sure looks like Malaysia just can't bear for Sg to better it in any aspect/respect !!

Sports News

Under a new contract signed last year, in which it agreed to be prepared for night racing, Malaysia will continue to host races until 2015.

It held its first Grand Prix in 1999. - AFP/ch

Malaysia undecided about night F1 race

TSN.ca Staff

3/19/2008 8:49:37 AM

Malaysian officials say they have yet to make a final decision on whether or not to make their Formula One race a night event in 2009.

There is pressure for countries such as Australia and Malaysia to follow in the footsteps of Singapore, which will stage F1's first night race later this year.

"Right now, it is only an option. Nothing is finalised yet," Sepang International Circuit general manager Datuk Azmi Murad tells the New Straits Times. "It isn't only about whether to do or not to do it, it is also about how we want to do it and what sort of lighting, where we should locate the lighting and so on."

Unlike Singapore, the lighting system in Malaysia would be a permanent feature of the circuit.

Murad says F1 drivers, teams and series officials will all be asked for their input this weekend. While F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone has strongly pushed for more night races in Asia to benefit the European audiences, Murad says their decision will be based on whether or not it is economically viable to do so.

"We are not going to have a night race just because Singapore are doing it."

Australian officials have already ruled out moving their event to a night race because of financial and logistical concerns.

Address: http://www.tsn.ca/news_story.asp?id=


Melbourne is also under pressure by the F1 to put on a night race. It may be good for European viewers but it will not be popular in Malaysia as Sepang circuit is an hour or so from KL and it will be late at night by the time racegoers reach home

Veru --posted Feb 14, 2008------->

Sepang is starting night racing under the lights as well .. may be even 2008 !! Sure looks like Malaysia just can't bear for Sg to better it in any aspect/respect !!

Hmmm... Both Melbourne and KL are under pressure of F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone who strongly pushes for more night races. If Singapore insisted to have a day race, Singapore wouldn't even get the chance to hold F1 race at all...

Singapore will definitely want to have a race under the sunlight if Bernie did not come out with the night race idea. I don't think the F1 organizers want to spend million of dollars on lighting.

Is night race a better one? We shall wait and see...

No, I think Singapore wants very much to hold the Grand Prix, if Bernie tomorrow said S'pore should be a day race, S'pore will change with no hesitation.

I think the thing about night race is that it will be very unique, and it seems cooler. Just play those street racing things in the arcade or PS3, it just seems cooler.

whether a night race is 'cooler' or more 'hip' is debatable. The night race is being pushed by Bernie to cater to european TV viewers convenience so that the TV rights can be sold for more $$. It will definately be more dangerous for the drivers, daylight racing is the norm and I don't see any of the european races becoming night races. whether night racing will have a future or just remain a gimmic, we will have to wait and see.

The night race is being pushed by Bernie to cater to european TV viewers convenience so that the TV rights can be sold for more $$. .


wow. we didnt know it was for the money.:nuts:
how can they do that to us? why should we succumb to those europeans?
why why why? we are so thankful that u pointed this hidden agenda out.
what would the world do without the you?:nuts:

duh...everyone knows it is all for the money. i wonder why advertisements in singapore and malaysia are not broadcasted in hebrew language.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/weijie/copycat.jpg

I looking forward to the 1st night race in Singapore though. I bought the tickets at the Bay Grandstand. :banana:

Copycat? I dont think so.
They change because of commercial purposes. They want to attract more viewers in Europe or even in America.
I personally would be happy if Montreal can have a night race too. So that i don't have to watch the race from 12am to 3am!! It's hectic. People will skip the
race!

P/S:Singapore Flyer copied London eye? Think about it...
Toyota, Nissan, Honda... copied Ford? Think about it...

I don't think they are in the same league for comparison.:ohno:

LoveAki,

so what if it the change was to suit American and European tastes. We have become unique in hosting the race at night, and frankly, if the govt invests in alittle more lightup, (good also since the National Day celebrations fervour would show Singapore more intensely)

So what if we copied the London Eye. Is the view the same? Is the wheel design even the same?

Since when did Toyota and Honda copied Ford? They may have did that in the beginning but look where is Toyota now; the world's largest automobile manufacturer in the world (as of 2007). Look at where Ford is now; an automobile manufacturer suffering from bad designs (till recently) and is still in heavy losses because Asian manufacturers are able to build cars (in the USA) more efficiently, cheaply and offer more fuel efficient cars.

Those were the questions i wanted to ask u all. I m not saying that Singapore Flyer copied London eye.... etc. I always oppose the mindset of "who copied who". Yes, i prefer to use the word Unique.

Singapore night race is Unique in F1, but don't forget the MotoGP in Qatar which is a night race already and the Le mans also... So, what i want to emphasize is the idea of holding a night race in Sepang is not a result of "COPYCAT-ing". All this is due to Money, profit...

ddes:
U got the point there when u said London eyes and Singapore Flyer will have different views and different designs.
So is Sepang night race and Singapore night race. So, it is not copycat.

I think it would be very difficult to find unique ideas under the force of globalisation.....:yes:

Only things like culture is really difficult to imitate...:yes:

http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii268/kcc0002/6.jpg

Just wondering how about will the Japanese occupation era "Pennisular Excelsior Hotel" charge their guest during F1.

Hotel room rates set to hit record high during F1 race
By Wong Siew Ying, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 28 March 2008 1804 hrs

SINGAPORE : Hotel room rates are set to hit an all-time high when the Formula One Grand Prix comes roaring into Singapore this September.

Visitors can expect to pay nearly 100 percent more, even if they are staying at a mid-range hotel.

Over 90,000 die-hard fans are expected to catch Singapore's first Formula One Grand Prix from the race ground.

But as the speed demons burn up the asphalt, the accommodation may burn a hole in their pocket.

Some mid-range hotels which Channel NewsAsia approached declined to be interviewed, but a check showed that room rates during the tail-end of September are set to double.

And they will be the highest ever seen in Singapore, according to the National Association of Travel Agents.

However, some hotels said it is hard to price rooms because the race organiser has not released figures for its ticket sales so far.

Robert Khoo, CEO, NATAS, said, "It's hard for them to gauge at this moment what is the actual price that the public will pay, so in order not to lose out, they are currently pegging their price at quite an unrealistic level to make sure that they don't lose out, in the event that demand is really high. So I think along the way, I hope they can do some adjustment to react to the actual booking situation."

For instance, a standard room at Furama City Centre hotel in Chinatown costs S$350 (plus taxes) during peak period.

But come end September, it will shoot up to S$488 a night (excluding taxes) from September 22 to 26; and S$888 a night (excluding taxes) from September 26 to 29 - with a clause of a minimum three nights' stay.

At Bayview Hotel near Bencoolen Street, a standard room which goes for S$300 (plus taxes) per night will cost S$800 (excluding taxes) from September 24 to 29. And guests will have to stay for at least five nights.

It will also be more expensive to put up at Hotel 81 branches in Chinatown, Bugis and Bencoolen.

Prices will jump from between S$149 and S$189 a night to about S$450 - from September 26 to 29 - with a minimum stay of three nights.

Meanwhile, rooms at Allson Hotel along Victoria Street will go up from S$300 a night (excluding taxes) to S$700 (excluding taxes), from September 24 to 29.

On top of that, guests will have to stay for at least five nights, and pay an extra 20 percent for CESS tax which will be imposed on hotels near the racing ground.

NATAS acknowledged the acute shortage of rooms in Singapore, but said that on the whole, hotels should raise their rates gradually.

Mr Khoo said, "Hoteliers have the tendency to keep rates high and at the last moment, when they can't sell the rooms, they will lower the rates and throw all these rooms out for the travel agents, but sometimes these happen too late and agents are not able to utilise these rooms, so it's a waste actually."

NATAS expects many hotels to hire more staff to cope with the increase in occupancy rate, from the current average of over 70 percent to about 90 percent. And it said many of these workers are likely to be foreigners.

Therein lies another concern that service standards may be affected.

In the long run, as room rates trend up, the other worry is that this might deter travellers from visiting Singapore altogether. - CNA/ms

29 Mar 08


http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd266/babysgp/F1_1.jpg

^^ nice... going by the picture, does it mean the cars will no longer dive under the grandstand anymore?

We have a serious shortage of hotel rooms and rates are now so ridiculously high. Yet there are still many hotel sales sites on the URA reserve list which no developer is buying to ease the hotel situation. I wonder why ....

Just wondering how about will the Japanese occupation era "Pennisular Excelsior Hotel" charge their guest during F1.

Hotel room rates set to hit record high during F1 race
By Wong Siew Ying, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 28 March 2008 1804 hrs

SINGAPORE : Hotel room rates are set to hit an all-time high when the Formula One Grand Prix comes roaring into Singapore this September.

Visitors can expect to pay nearly 100 percent more, even if they are staying at a mid-range hotel.

Over 90,000 die-hard fans are expected to catch Singapore's first Formula One Grand Prix from the race ground.

But as the speed demons burn up the asphalt, the accommodation may burn a hole in their pocket.

Some mid-range hotels which Channel NewsAsia approached declined to be interviewed, but a check showed that room rates during the tail-end of September are set to double.

And they will be the highest ever seen in Singapore, according to the National Association of Travel Agents.

However, some hotels said it is hard to price rooms because the race organiser has not released figures for its ticket sales so far.

Robert Khoo, CEO, NATAS, said, "It's hard for them to gauge at this moment what is the actual price that the public will pay, so in order not to lose out, they are currently pegging their price at quite an unrealistic level to make sure that they don't lose out, in the event that demand is really high. So I think along the way, I hope they can do some adjustment to react to the actual booking situation."

For instance, a standard room at Furama City Centre hotel in Chinatown costs S$350 (plus taxes) during peak period.

But come end September, it will shoot up to S$488 a night (excluding taxes) from September 22 to 26; and S$888 a night (excluding taxes) from September 26 to 29 - with a clause of a minimum three nights' stay.

At Bayview Hotel near Bencoolen Street, a standard room which goes for S$300 (plus taxes) per night will cost S$800 (excluding taxes) from September 24 to 29. And guests will have to stay for at least five nights.

It will also be more expensive to put up at Hotel 81 branches in Chinatown, Bugis and Bencoolen.

Prices will jump from between S$149 and S$189 a night to about S$450 - from September 26 to 29 - with a minimum stay of three nights.

Meanwhile, rooms at Allson Hotel along Victoria Street will go up from S$300 a night (excluding taxes) to S$700 (excluding taxes), from September 24 to 29.

On top of that, guests will have to stay for at least five nights, and pay an extra 20 percent for CESS tax which will be imposed on hotels near the racing ground.

NATAS acknowledged the acute shortage of rooms in Singapore, but said that on the whole, hotels should raise their rates gradually.

Mr Khoo said, "Hoteliers have the tendency to keep rates high and at the last moment, when they can't sell the rooms, they will lower the rates and throw all these rooms out for the travel agents, but sometimes these happen too late and agents are not able to utilise these rooms, so it's a waste actually."

NATAS expects many hotels to hire more staff to cope with the increase in occupancy rate, from the current average of over 70 percent to about 90 percent. And it said many of these workers are likely to be foreigners.

Therein lies another concern that service standards may be affected.

In the long run, as room rates trend up, the other worry is that this might deter travellers from visiting Singapore altogether. - CNA/ms

^^ nice... going by the picture, does it mean the cars will no longer dive under the grandstand anymore?

I see a section where the lorry is driving in under the grandstand. Maybe that is the entrance where the F1 cars would drive through under the grandstand.

WOW $13,000 per nite, this money enough to eat one lorry of D24 Sultan's durians. :lol::lol:

F1 trackside hotels see good demand for rooms
By Patwant Singh, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 31 March 2008 2043 hrs




SINGAPORE: Hotel rooms that provide a good view of Singapore's first Formula One Grand Prix race in September are being snapped up, including those that cost more than S$13,000 a night.

Most hotels that line the track said business is good. With six more months to go before the big event, some have already had confirmed bookings for 50 to 95 percent of the rooms.

From the 26th floor of Fairmont Hotel, one gets to see almost half of the Singapore Grand Prix track – from Suntec Singapore to Nichol Highway, through St Andrew's Road and the Esplanade.

During the F1 period, the Penthouse Suite at the hotel, which normally costs S$5,000 a night, will go for S$13,800. And with a minimum five-day booking, that's S$69,000 in total.

Ian Wilson, General Manager, Fairmont Singapore, said: "The other thing which this view provides is some real perspective on the course and that you can really get a sense of how fast those cars are moving because you can see them over a longer distance."

Some 70 percent of the other 769 rooms at Fairmont Hotel, which are priced from S$1,320 onwards for a night during the F1 week, have already been booked.

The rooftop of the Fairmont Hotel offers a spectacular view of the race track, but it is not open for public booking. Only a few of the hotel staff will get to watch the race from that location.

Swissotel - another hotel within the same vicinity - did not provide actual figures but they said demand is good. The lowest rate at this hotel is S$1,500 per night, with a minimum five-day booking.

Both Swissotel and Fairmont are also offering hospitality suites at the Raffles City Convention Centre, which has a view of the track action.

Another hotel that is close to the action is Marina Mandarin and it has seen more than half of its rooms booked for the F1 period.

The hotel's most expensive room is priced at S$3,000 a night, with a three-day minimum booking.

Serene Law, Director, Sales & Marketing, Marina Mandarin, said: "At this point, we are still awaiting confirmation from the F1 organisers on how they are going to set up the circuit and the peripheral barricade before we decide on whether the rooms with a good view will come with a premium."

The Ritz Carlton Millenia Singapore is not imposing any minimum number of days to be booked.

The hotel said more than 95 percent of its rooms have been taken up for the last week of September.

Others like the Fullerton, Mandarin Oriental and Pan Pacific Hotel did not reveal the take-up rates, but they said they have been receiving many queries.

They added that their rooms will cost about three to four times the usual rates.

Hoteliers also generally feel that the 30 percent government levy on trackside hotels during the race week will not impact demand for their rooms.


- CNA/so

Road works starting for S'pore Grand Prix

1 Apr 08

http://www.straitstimes.com/STI/STIMEDIA/image/20080401/ST846878101_01_0001.jpg

PREPARATIONS to get the streets in the Marina Bay area ready for September's SingTel Singapore Grand Prix will move up a gear from Friday night.

Starting with a 150m stretch at Raffles Boulevard, roads there will be resurfaced with a special asphalt mix that can withstand the pounding of the F1 race and have high resistance to deformation, in line with guidelines set by the motorsports' world governing body FIA.

And motorists travelling through the area between 12am and 6am can expect partial or full road closures up till June, especially at night on weekdays.

After Raffles Boulevard, road works will move in an anti-clockwise direction around the circuit, and cover stretches such as St Andrew's Road and Anderson Bridge as well.

But to minimise inconvenience for commuters and motorists, the Land Transport Authority will inform the public a few days before the various road closures.

Auxiliary police and traffic marshals will also be stationed near the respective areas to direct motorists and pedestrians.

Road works will also, as far as possible, not be carried out on Friday and Saturday nights and public holidays.


By Leonard Lim

Guys,

Check out the news on SingaPride F1 team on today's TODAY paper (1 April '08). Is this an April's Fool joke? :lol:

Mid to lower field F1 teams come and go... from Arrows, Midland, Spyker, Minardi all got burnt and pulled out... Prodrive with their F1 bubbles burst and the project just could not take off... Not to mention the currently financially struggling Super Aguri. Current owner of Toro Rosso has also recently announced the team is up for sale...

Is US400million going to sustain for more than a season for Team SingaPride without any single points scored? (So far, Force India is an example and the bleeding had continued...) Is Team SingaPride going to survive in this 'realistic' world of Formula One Racing where Results = Sponsors / Funding / Resources?

Haffiz barely turned a wheel on his last A1 GP outing in 2006 for Team Singapore (whom being pull-the-plug after suffered financial and sponsors woes). There were already gaps between the lower Formula cars versus A1 GP cars and an even wider gaps to a Formula One machine....

Lastly, is Team SingaPride going to be the 'outsourced team' being badged as a Singapore Team but based at Malaysia???

Are those guys REALLY ready??? Or they are just dying to join the F1 HYPE???

well, yes. it's an april fools joke :)

F1-related parties get an early start to generate buzz
By Valarie Tan, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 06 April 2008 1658 hrs




SINGAPORE: The inaugural Formula 1 SingTel Singapore Grand Prix may be five months away, but parties celebrating the event have already started.

Entertainment outlets expect these parties to bring in extra revenue during the race season.

A party launching the F1 victory champagne - Mumm Champagne - is just the beginning of a series of F1-related nightlife events which are being held before, during and after the race in Singapore.

Franck Lapeyre, managing director of Pernod Ricard Singapore, said: "We plan to have, in fact, about six to seven parties to bring us to the Grand Prix. The Formula 1 events are being viewed by roughly 2 billion people worldwide, so it's definitely going to give us a fantastic exposure."

"To do it (the race) in the city at night is of course something which brings... party mood. In terms of sales, we do hope, of course, people would be happy to open... some bottles of Mumm."

Industry players such as Lifebrandz's Ministry of Sound and Zouk also expect sales at their outlets to go up by at least 30 per cent during the F1 weekend.

Both are also in talks with the Singapore Grand Prix to organise events on the race circuit.

Zouk's marketing manager Tracy Philips said, Zouk-Kuala Lumpur saw almost a double in takings every year during the race.

"So I would assume that we could see the same here as well, especially this being the first time in Singapore," she added.

According to a 2005 academic research done on the F1 race in Malaysia, half of its spectators were foreigners, with 30 per cent of them from Europe.

These visitors spent over US$1.6 million (S$2.2 million) on entertainment, food and drinks in a single weekend.

The Singapore Tourism Board also expects the F1 race to bring in some US$72 million (S$100 million). - CNA/ac

Heres some of the pictures taken on Sunday (6/4/08) night at around 1am. I managed to snap some pictures before being stopped by one of those people there. He seems to be a site manager as he wore different clothing compared to the foreign workers.

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l285/Jake_1990/P2190343.jpg

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l285/Jake_1990/P2190347.jpg
The twin pavers. (Both were Vogele Super S1600)

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l285/Jake_1990/P2190352.jpg
The milled road and the paver (Vogele Super S1600)

Buy single-day walkabout tickets for S'pore's F1 race from Saturday

Single-day walkabout tickets for the inaugural Formula 1 SingTel Singapore Grand Prix will go on sale from 26 April 2008.

Tickets will be priced at S$38 for Friday (26 September), S$58 for Saturday (27 September) and S$108 for Sunday (26 September), with each person eligible to buy up to eight tickets per transaction.

General walkabout ticket holders can venture around the entire circuit park with the exception of the Northern Loop (which includes the Paddock, Pit Building, Pit Grandstands and Turns 1, 2 and 3) and restricted areas (safety and technical zones).



For those concerned that walkabout ticket holders might have obstructed views with barriers erected between spectators and the track, organizers have said that bleachers will be located along some of the prime trackside viewing locations.

SINGTEL SPECIAL

As the title sponsor of the race, SingTel is offering its customers the opportunity to purchase single-day walkabout tickets from 23rd to 25th April before they are officially released for sale. Subscribers will need to produce their recent SingTel bill or SingTel mobile phone as proof before purchase.

These exclusive tickets can be purchased from Hello! Comcentre, located at 31 Exeter Road, SingPost branches island-wide and OmniTicket Authorised Outlets.

DISCOUNTS FOR STUDENTS & SENIORS

Concessions are available for youths aged 7 to 15 and senior citizens aged 60 and above.

The discounted tickets are priced at $34 for Friday, $52 for Saturday and $98 for Sunday.

Single-day walkabout tickets will go on sale through the following channels from 26 April:
- The official website www.singaporegp.sg.
- The dedicated ticket sales hotline on +65 6738 6738 from Monday to Friday, 10.00am to 8.00pm. and from noon to 6.00pm on weekends.
- OmniTicket counters located at Forum the Shopping Mall Level 2, Marina Square Level 2 and Singapore Visitor?s Centre, from 10.00am to 8.00pm daily.
- Dedicated sales counters at Singapore Post offices.

Singtel Got Lobang.....

SingTel unveils simulator that replicates Singapore's F1 race

Posted: 22 April 2008 1937 hrs



Singapore: Singapore Telecommunications (SingTel) on Tuesday unveiled one of two custom-built simulators that will allow everyone to experience the adrenaline rush of being in the driver's seat of a Formula One car.

The SingTel Ultimate Race replicates the night race in great detail, and drivers get the added thrill of whizzing past iconic Singapore landmarks such as the Esplanade and City Hall.

As the cars are mounted on motion-enabled platforms, drivers experience every thrilling hairpin turn, skid, brake and crash while zooming down the actual Singapore street circuit at breakneck speeds.

The first simulator will be located at the telco's headquarters at Comcentre, while the second car will make its rounds around the island. SingTel is offering this driving experience absolutely free.

The simulators are designed by BallRacing Developments, a UK-based market leader in the design and construction of high-quality motorsport simulators that are used to train professional drivers.

The innovative use of software and technology creates a realistic true-to-life experience, giving the novice driver an opportunity to experience what it feels like to drive an F1 car at night on the circuit even before the professionals have a go at it in September.

For those who prefer to experience the simulator in the comfort of their homes, the SingTel Ultimate Race has also been transformed into a PC game and can be downloaded from the www.singtelrace.com website.

The SingTel Ultimate Race Online is available for download from 23 April. - CNA/al

i dun think my 4 yr old laptop can play the simulation :(

i dun think my 4 yr old laptop can play the simulation :(

Can play? I tried but later i found out that it is only for us to take a look of how the simulator screen looks like? Think need to buy a Netkar Pro software license??

They're paving the roads at breakneck speed... Yesterday, was on cab and the sector between Esplanade MRT and Marina Square was complete... Road was soo smooth...

Yes! the roads are really a pleasure to drive, the older roads are actually ok though haha

i think the organizers should actually test out one full setup, lighting + sounds + signboards + one F1 car to test out the various points of the curcuit (cant imagine if it rains though)



Can play? I tried but later i found out that it is only for us to take a look of how the simulator screen looks like? Think need to buy a Netkar Pro software license??

nope no need license, run smoothly on my lappy, VERY realistic, car shakes on anderson bridge, buildings very well rendered, car very difficult to drive, must use a lot of braking because of 90degree turn, engine brake almost no use (not sure if TC is still on)

Yeah. I tried. Yeah, difficult to play... The tires refused to turn... and oversteer!!! hahaha, mayb my driving skill is lousy. I got no problem playing F1 games on my PSP though...:nuts:
TC = traction control?

Yeah. I tried. Yeah, difficult to play... The tires refused to turn... and oversteer!!! hahaha, mayb my driving skill is lousy. I got no problem playing F1 games on my PSP though...:nuts:
TC = traction control?

i thought traction control is outlawed from this yr?

i thought traction control is outlawed from this yr?

yes its outlawed but i am not sure about it in the game (it has too many stats that only a proper mechanical engineer/technician will understand :nuts::nuts:

Has anyone of u sign up for the simulator challenge??? I signed up. haha. can't wait... but i need alot of practice.

u need a steering to practice? coz maybe the challenge will use steering

anyone noticed the night lights being installed along the circuit?

http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/6251/01062008287dm3.jpg

did anyone also noticed the ERP gantries? heard they will turn operational in September so each time the F1 cars race pass... I guess that's how the government makes money during the F1 race... someone told me the government should also install speed cameras along the circuits... but i digress...

^^ those do not look like lights.. r they the poles and support for the lights that r yet to be installed?

lights at some parts of the circuit have already been installed, just didn't take any photos of them... they are along the road at Padang, in case you are wondering...

Lately I see some kind of tunnel emerging under the Sheares bridge in the direction of Beach Road. Is that the main racing track or the exit out of the pits into the main racing track?

Has anybody got the latest photos on the progress of F1 track development?

anyone noticed the night lights being installed along the circuit?

did anyone also noticed the ERP gantries? heard they will turn operational in September so each time the F1 cars race pass... I guess that's how the government makes money during the F1 race... someone told me the government should also install speed cameras along the circuits... but i digress...

Laughing. ERP Gantries are placed to control the roads into Shenton Way. These gantries also can be seen near the Central Mall.

kurakura, yes these steel beams are for lights. They are now installing steel beams along the racetracks. Later they will install powerful lights.

I have seen the ones at Padang last few months ago. It was damned bright like daytime. Really amazed.

The track lights will be installed later. I have seen them switching on and testing one part of it. The lights are surprising bright to lit up the road. I heard they will also be installing spot lights around the track to light up the buidings and also prevent them from free view. :lol:

^^ those do not look like lights.. r they the poles and support for the lights that r yet to be installed?

Laughing. ERP Gantries are placed to control the roads into Shenton Way. These gantries also can be seen near the Central Mall.

kurakura, yes these steel beams are for lights. They are now installing steel beams along the racetracks. Later they will install powerful lights.

I have seen the ones at Padang last few months ago. It was damned bright like daytime. Really amazed.

:lol: yes, that was meant as a joke... anyways, the other new gantry is at Eu Tong Sen Street/North Bridge Road, outside Central... the one outside Central Mall has been there since the beginning of time... :lol:

:lol: yes, that was meant as a joke... anyways, the other new gantry is at Eu Tong Sen Street/North Bridge Road, outside Central... the one outside Central Mall has been there since the beginning of time... :lol:

The government announced that these new ERP gantries would help regulate traffic around the Singapore River area. That area is getting quite congested these days. It would indeed be useful if the ERP gantries can be turned on during the race days to fleece more money from the rich foreign teams to help to recoup our F1 infrastructure investments. :)

i saw the set of lamp poles for these lights at Republic Blvd

3 months plus to go ..... hope they have enough time to prepare.

3 months plus to go ..... hope they have enough time to prepare.

Road works - finished.

Lighting systems - in progress - to be completed by August end.

Stands and other facilities would be up in around in July / August.

http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/singapore_nightlighting_2_470313.jpg
Preview of lighting systems for F1 at Padang

^^ it's not really bright but bright enough i suppose.

i think somehow it makes driving easier as the f1 drivers just need to follow the path of light.

anyway...they testing it with a cab :D

i guess it's actually much brighter as wad u've seen from the photo.

^^ it's not really bright but bright enough i suppose.

i think somehow it makes driving easier as the f1 drivers just need to follow the path of light.

anyway...they testing it with a cab :D

This was taken in March 2008 by someone. Taken it from Internet. It was not just testing. It was turned on already for few days with actual vehicles passing by.

I was there. It was damned bright. It looks really like daytime!

http://www.straitstimes.com/Latest%2BNews/Singapore/STIStory_221841.html

Click on the video and see what it looks like in the night. :)

closed up pic of one of the light pole for night racing
http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/2199/p1010177lb9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/2199/p1010177lb9.64ef14bb33.jpg (http://g.imageshack.us/g.php?h=204&i=p1010177lb9.jpg)

Road works for F1 race finished

20 June 08

been completed.
Land Transport Authority chief executive Yam Ah Mee yesterday told reporters at a road works project in Woodsville: 'We've finished all the road resurfacing works for F1 and have handed the roads over to the Singapore Grand Prix.'

Tests on the road surfaces will come next, he added.

In works that began in April, Raffles Boulevard, Nicoll Highway, Stamford Road, St Andrew's Road, Anderson Bridge, Esplanade Drive and Raffles Avenue were resurfaced.

A special asphalt mix, blacker than the one on regular roads, was used to enable the surfaces to withstand speeds of F1 cars, which top 300kmh.

YEO GHIM LAY

The new surface is definitely much rougher, you can feel it as you drive on them. I think tyre will get tear out faster if you drive there more often....

The new surface is definitely much rougher, you can feel it as you drive on them. I think tyre will get tear out faster if you drive there more often....

Hmm rough as in? If you feel that its more adhesive, its due to the asphalt contents. I was told by the asphalt engineer on the site that they used a classified type of chemicals in their asphalt, so that it forms some kind polymer, which is very adhesive. Therefore the road is made "more sticky". :)

Fewer corners, more grandstand seats for
2008 FORMULA 1™ SingTel Singapore Grand Prix

New circuit map shows revisions to corner numbers. Additional
grandstands meet continuing demand, over 92% of tickets sold.

Singapore, 2 July 2008

Changes to the designation of corner numbers will mean that the Marina Bay circuit
is officially reduced from 24 to 23 corners for the 2008 FORMULA 1™ SingTel Singapore Grand Prix on 28th September. The change in designation reflects amendments to
Turn 10, at the end of St Andrew’s Road which passes City Hall and The Padang.

“Previously what was Turn 10 and 11 was actually 3 corners close together in a
chicane configuration, created to provide the right geometry and corner speeds,
due to the lack of straight ahead run off in this part of the circuit” says Singapore
GP Director–Technical & Race Operations, Michael McDonough. “As it is created
solely around what is in effect the approach to one corner it was determined, in
association with the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile, that one turn
number (Turn 10) be used with a, b and c identifying the change in geometry
through the turn.”

In addition, there have been further changes to offer additional grandstand seating
to accommodate overwhelming demand. In just five months, over 92% of the
tickets to the 2008 FORMULA 1™ SingTel Singapore Grand Prix have been sold.

With less than 90 days to the race, the demand remains so strong that race
promoter Singapore GP Pte Ltd will be releasing an additional 1600 grandstand
seats on Friday, 4 July 2008.

The Singapore Flyer Premier Grandstand will be converted to a conventional
grandstand. In addition, there will also be a new 1100 seat Connaught Grandstand
on Esplanade Drive (opposite the Esplanade). Three-day passes for these
grandstands are priced at S$698 and offer a great view of the action although they
will not have access to giant screens.

Singapore GP will also be adding an additional 500 seats to the existing Turn 2
Grandstand so that it now links to the Turn 1 Grandstand. The new seats are priced
at S$1388, the same as all grandstands in the Northern Loop.


Due to the high take-up rate of the walkabout tickets, the City Hall Steps,
previously identified as a potential grandstand location, will instead accommodate
viewing platforms for walkabout ticket holders. All these locations are shown on a
new circuit map which will be made available to all ticket holders as well as being
featured on the official website, www.singaporegp.sg

With the new additional grandstand, a total of 84,600 three-day walkabout and
grandstand passes will have been released, plus 13,000 corporate hospitality and
Paddock Club seats. A further 3,000 single-day walkabout passes brings the total
capacity per day to 100,600.

The Stamford, Raffles, Marina and Esplanade Waterfront grandstands are now
sold out.

Turn 3, Bay and the Pit grandstands have only single-seat availability.

However, seats are still available at Turn 1, Turn 2, Padang, Singapore Flyer,
Esplanade Steps Premier and of course the new Connaught Grandstand.

General tickets can be purchased via the official website, www.singaporegp.sg,
ticket sales hotline (+65 6738 6738) or via the OmniTicket counters at various
locations around Singapore.

http://www.singaporegp.sg/news/2_07_2008.html

the best version of the "new map" i can find is hosted on sgcarmart website:
http://www.sgcarmart.com/news/2008/images/1318_p1_l_1.jpg
anyone can find one with better resolution pls post! :D

edit: i found the original! get it here: http://www.singaporegp.sg/ticket/Circuit_Map_0708.pdf

S'pore completes F1 pit building as ground works enter final lap

11 Jul 08

http://www.straitstimes.com/STI/STIMEDIA/image/20080711/in-singapore-f12.jpg

Straits Times

The nerve centre of the Singapore Formula One race - the Pit Building at Republic Boulevard - has been completed in 10 months.
The three-storey building on Marina Promenade will hold 36 garages for the race teams, race control facilities, a media centre, winners' podium and club for about 4,000 people.

Spanning some 350 metres, the waterfront building's glass facade gives a panoramic view of the exciting race action along the Pit Straight and Pit Lane on Sept 28.

Singapore's first Grand Prix street circuit race will also be the sport's first night race.

The completion of the Pit Building, built at a cost of about $40 million, was marked with a simple ceremony on Friday morning, witnessed by guest-of-honour, Mr S Iswaran, Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry, key officials from race promoter Singapore GP, the Singapore Tourism Board, and other guests.

'The pit building will serve as the nerve centre for the race,' said Mr Iswaran.

STB deputy chairman and chief executive Lim Neo Chian, who chairs the Formula One Working Committee said: 'The Pit Building is set to provide some of the most exclusive experiences available to race-goers.

'The race experience will be made complete with the many lifestyle offerings that we have lined up with the Singapore GP Season including fine dining, great shopping and various entertainment options.'

The Singapore GP Season, organised by STB, will be held over three weekends from Sept 20 to Oct 5, to add vibrancy and buzz during the race period.

http://www.straitstimes.com/STI/STIMEDIA/image/20080711/ST931631501_01_0001.jpg

30,000 people expected to attend inaugural K1 finale next month
– Published on ChannelNewsAsia website (26/06/08)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3085/2403108161_55d0baae7d.jpg?v=0

SINGAPORE: 30,000 people will get to visit the new F1 pit building at next month’s K1 finale.

The K1 finale is a culmination of activities, organized by the Singapore Motor Sports Association and C S Racing, to rev up support for the inaugural F1 race in September.

A 400-metre go-karting circuit will be built over a segment of the F1 race track.

Justin Koh, events and marketing director of C S Racing, said: “This being an F1 pit building, which is supposed to be reserved for F1 races, (we) have to go through a lot of authorities (to make it possible), and we’re glad to have STB (Singapore Tourism Board) to support and push this.”

The K1 finale will be held beside the Singapore Flyer at the F1 pit building on July 26 and 27. The event will also feature motor sport clinics and a pit crew relay challenge.

This is part of a national effort to get the public interested in the sport and groom a future generation of Singaporean race car drivers.

Senior Parliamentary Secretary Teo Ser Luck said: “We hope to be able to groom them… like we groom sportsmen from other sports, so we have actually increased the funding for the association by almost fivefold.”

Participants at the event will not only get to watch demonstrations by professionals, they may also get the chance to ride in a drift car. – CAN/ac

K1 Grand Finale

The K1 Grand Finale, to be held at the newly built F1 Pit Building at Marina Bay, is the culmination of months of excitement built up by K1’s tour of the heartlands. As an official National Day 2008 Celebrative Event, K1 will be giving back to the community by donating part of the proceeds to charity.

On 26 and 27 July 2008, the F1 Pit Building will be transformed into a huge carnival area, with sights and sounds to titillate all your senses. While the focus is definitely on Motorsports, the carnival has been designed to maximize the FUN-FACTOR and appeal to the whole family, making it a perfect weekend outing destination.

Motorsports buffs, this is what you can expect:

- Drifting and stunt driving demos by the best international drivers in the business
- Drifting Clinics for the public conducted on-site by professionals (please drop us a mail at enquiries@k1.sg if you are interested to sign up)
- Stunt Driving Clinics for corporate clients
- A chance for lucky members of the public to sit in a drifting car
- Go-karting on the F1 track
- Night-karting, using track lights that have been purpose-built for September’s F1 races
- Supercar, dress-up car, classic car and Formula car displays
- Pit Crew Challenge – Get together a group of four and take part in this challenge of skill and speed to win prizes (hint: one of you should know how to change a tyre)

Other highlights of the Grand Finale:

- M-bassador Search 2008: K1 is redefining the face of Motorsport. We are on the lookout for girls and guys who don’t just look good. Out with the skimpy outfits and blank smiles, and in with babes and dudes who can hold their own in any situation and challenge.
- Tamiya Remote Control Challenge – How well can you parallel park a remote-controlled car? Show off your skills at this parking challenge and more and win prizes
- After-hours party on the 26th from 8pm to 11pm, featuring local bands and urban dance groups
- Stage performances and games
- Food & beverage bazaar
- Kiddy rides (also suitable for the kids-at-heart)

Entry to the Grand Finale is FREE!

PS. We are in the process of adding even more exciting activities to the list, so be sure to check back for updates!

How to get there?

http://www.k1.sg/images/grand-finale-map.jpg

The F1 Pit Building is located beside the Singapore Flyer and is within walking distance of Marina Square, Suntec City and Millenia Walk.

By MRT (Mass Rapid Transit)
City Hall MRT Station is about 10-15 minutes walk away from the F1 Pit Building

By Bus
Take public buses 106, 111 and 133 to Temasek Avenue
By Shuttle Bus
At 15 minutes intervals from a to-be-confirmed pick up point

I was in Melbourne the other week and there were ads for this all over the city. It is going to be an amazing event :)

Here is first glimpse of partial of circuit being lit up under powerful lights.

F1 light powered on (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5w8-zFDdoE)

Lighting system on race track given green light by F1 teams
By Patwant Singh, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 18 August 2008 1831 hrs


SINGAPORE: The lighting system for the Singapore Formula One (F1) race was given the green light by representatives of the F1 teams when they visited Singapore last month, according to the lighting expert working on the Singapore track.

Concerns have been raised about the lighting system for the world's first night race. But the expert working on it has given the assurance that the system is safe.

Lighting company, Phillips, was selected to provide the projectors for the system. It also helped to customise the equipment needed to fit the requirements of the Singapore track.

The track will be so well-lighted that even if one bulb blows, it would not adversely impact the drivers' visibility.

Valerio Maioli, F1 lighting expert, said: "The projectors are so close – they are 4 metres apart, so we don't have a problem."

The extreme brightness is needed for the high-definition cameras that would be filming the action.

Work on the lighting system for the F1 track started on May 15 and is expected to be completed over the next ten days, ahead of the August 31 deadline.

The bad news is, F1 race drivers will only get to test it out on the last week of September when the race starts.

- CNA/so

Hais. I really hope i can get a tix to this event. I wonder if the tix are fully sold out now, and if its not, i wonder how much i need to pay for the most basic tix just to see or at least, hear the cars race past.:)

I've seen before Lambo car owners who jammed their trottle on their Lambos, its god damn loud. I wonder how loud the F1 will sound , must be at least 3 times the volume liao. :nuts::nuts::nuts:

Wow. The city is getting uglier with those concrete bases and fences put along the F1 route... And there is a "hopefully" temporary structure coming up beside the War Memorial...

All this for F1.

I hope they remove those concrete blockers and metal barricades as soon as the event is over. Theyre really ugly.

I hope they remove those concrete blockers and metal barricades as soon as the event is over. Theyre really ugly.

No choice as these are for safety barriers and protect the spectators.

At least somebody can capture the photo of race cars infront of ERP gantries near One Fullerton with caption "Trying to evade ERP".

I hope they remove those concrete blockers and metal barricades as soon as the event is over. Theyre really ugly.

yea, on hindsight, the F1 has made a HUGE mess out of our beautiful CBD...

not just the concrete slabs, there're also the lighting pylons, wiring, generators, grandstands etc etc...

oh yea not to forget the pretty landscaped traffic islands/dividers that had to be removed. PLUS, all the dead lawn, pot-holed ground, mud patches, etc that we will see once the set-up is dismantled...

and it is not just for the 3 days of the actual race...the enitre set-up (excluding physical construction work such as repaving) started months ago, and i believe the dismantling will take a long time too.

so yea, our skyline will be "vandalised" for a significant part of the entire year...for years to come.

^^

Actually I dont think the landscaping or muddy patches will be an issue. NParks has proven to be very efficient in providing 'instant' greenery when need be. Recall the sprouting of more flora for the IMF 2006? Even after that event the area outside Suntec remains a lot lusher than pre-IMF.

However those tall poles and concrete blocks have no place in the city after the race is over. I hope they can be quickly removed.

Actually, it'll be good if they could take off some of the railings randomly, then the remaining railings / fencing, plant creepers on it to create the lush greenery effect, like Newton Suites :D

Or they could just stick up some vertical greenery and do the drape-effect, similar to creepers.

These were draped on construction hoardings to conceal them:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v133/RafflesCity/ochgdn.jpg

These look good .. I prefer them to be permanent rather than to be temporary. Anyway, the CitySquare hoardings also have potted plants .. but less greenery.

It helps to offset the pollution released during contruction actually ;)

Those things cannot be 'greened'. They serve a practical purpose and if there was an accident and fire were to ensue, it's gonna be a mess.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3246/2595325905_a80e6899c1.jpg?v=0
This is in Monaco. One fence on one side. No fence on other side.

In Singapore - both sides got fences - Singapore officers are so "kiasu", I think ...

^^

nobody wants their head to be on the chopping board should anything happen I guess...

these temporary "mess" actually do make the city look more exciting and less sterile

these temporary "mess" actually do make the city look more exciting and less sterile

The comment on the "mess" brings to mind a comment about Singapore by celebrated Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas, who described Singapore as a place devised by “pure intention: if there is chaos, it is authored chaos; if it is ugly, it is designed ugliness; if it is absurd, it is willed absurdity. Singapore represents a unique ecology of the contemporary.”

Talk about sterile. Bangkok is also reaching that point.

I find Singapore to be less sterlie than it was, say 5 years ago though.

Taken last week ...... F1 pit building and grandstands. With less than 2 weeks more to go before the race, some grandstand seating structures still seems uncompleted.

http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/9046/cimg4350gn3.jpg

Close-up:

http://img390.imageshack.us/img390/9522/cimg4349sw4.jpg

A straight track beside the waters and a dangerous-looking sharp turn to the pit stop and finishing line:

http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/1394/cimg4357xs4.jpg

http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/6785/cimg4345cz7.jpg

ho ho.... maybe they cant complete it on time

ho ho.... maybe they cant complete it on time

Laughing. They can complete on time.

Laughing. They can complete on time.

Sat, Sep 13, 2008
The Straits Times

http://motoring.asiaone.com/a1media/motoring/09Sep08/images/20080913.073834_front-llf1.jpg

F1 track still incomplete
By Leonard Lim

CONTRACTORS are rushing to get the majority of the 180 corporate suites for the inaugural SingTel Singapore Grand Prix ready on time.

These suites, which were contracted out to local firms Kingsmen Creative and Pico Art International, must be handed over to race promoter Singapore GP around the end of next week.

But many, especially those at Turn 3 and the Pit Entry, have not yet been fitted out with bars, full-length glass panels or carpeting.

Sat, Sep 13, 2008
The Straits Times

http://motoring.asiaone.com/a1media/motoring/09Sep08/images/20080913.073834_front-llf1.jpg

F1 track still incomplete
By Leonard Lim

CONTRACTORS are rushing to get the majority of the 180 corporate suites for the inaugural SingTel Singapore Grand Prix ready on time.

These suites, which were contracted out to local firms Kingsmen Creative and Pico Art International, must be handed over to race promoter Singapore GP around the end of next week.

But many, especially those at Turn 3 and the Pit Entry, have not yet been fitted out with bars, full-length glass panels or carpeting.

Contractors know what they are doing and they can complete according to the contracts.

I was surprised one of the contractor supervisor told the media they had been rushing everyday till 10.30pm.
I was what ?
That's lazy and no wonder the delay.
I would imagine they should had been working 24x7, arranging in shifts to complete on time.

I believe worst case scenario if still cannot complete, then government has to dispatch few battalion of SAF combat engineers to help out.

lol. can the combat engineers help?

I believe worst case scenario if still cannot complete, then government has to dispatch few battalion of SAF combat engineers to help out.

:lol: well its definitely national service!

There are labour laws which the government should not flout at this point of time, meaning working till 10:30pm is pushing it.

If they cannot complete in time, that means organizers will just have to make do. (But I think they will complete at the end, perhaps in time for the day itself) Anyway, there's always next year to make it right. F1 is in Singapore for the long haul...

Does it mena then that the street lights are turned on?

If YES then good to take photo-shoot first.

There are labour laws which the government should not flout at this point of time, meaning working till 10:30pm is pushing it.

If they cannot complete in time, that means organizers will just have to make do. (But I think they will complete at the end, perhaps in time for the day itself) Anyway, there's always next year to make it right. F1 is in Singapore for the long haul...

dude... i work till 2am from 8am sometimes.

I am sure they can do it. But I am quite disappointed that they have to rush like that.:ohno:

We all worked day and night, including working hard on this forum to 3am :lol:

That contractor company doesn't inherit the Singapore spirit - kia su !!! If fail to make it, which is count down 2 or 3 days to handover.....then next year sure replaced.

Light turned on already! I was passing by. The entire circuit was turned on. But I did not take photo...

Damned cool. :)

waste of electricity!!

City's image will be the big F1 winner

19 Sep 08

http://www.straitstimes.com/STI/STIMEDIA/image/20080918/ST_IMAGES_ALF1NEW.jpg

OVER the next week or so, the hype over the world's first Formula One night race will build to a crescendo, but what, exactly does the event do for Singapore?
Plenty, say the experts.

But, they caution, those who are expecting the tills to ring or for the slowing economy to get a jab in the arm are setting themselves up for disappointment.

The Singapore F1 race costs about $150 million to put together, and is expected to attract 40,000 tourists, generate $100 million and attract a global TV audience of 500 million.

But, as CIMB-GK economist Song Seng Wun put it, 'a weekend of some fancy pharmaceutical output from Tuas may have a bigger impact on economic growth than an F1 weekend'.

'I doubt a weekend of 'happening' beautiful people in Zouk, St James or 100 per cent hotel occupancy will do anything more than contribute, at best, two decimal places to Singapore GDP (gross domestic product) growth this year.'

He is not alone.

Several economists and analysts are not too optimistic over F1's immediate value to the Singapore economy.

Standard Chartered Bank economist Alvin Liew feels the initial estimates are likely to be pared lower now, due to the 'depressing' global economic outlook.

HSBC economist Robert Prior-Wandesforde added: 'The macroeconomic impact is generally much smaller than most people expect.'

They are to quick to add, however, that though the dollars and cents impact of F1 is limited, its intangible benefits are priceless. Just as last month's Beijing Olympics was hailed as China's coming-out party, media consultants and industry experts say F1 will boost Singapore's image as Asia's world-class events capital.

'This race should be the catalyst in changing Singapore's efficient but dull image, in a grander and more appealing way than lifting the ban on bar-top dancing did,' said Ms Goh Shu Fen, principal of advertising industry consulting firm R3.

Added Singapore Tourism Board (STB) communications director Muhamad Rostam Umar: 'This iconic event will help to put us firmly in the global spotlight...the buzz will boost Singapore's efforts to be the entertainment and events capital of Asia.'

Media experts estimate the public relations value of the F1 race to Singapore, including the two to three hours of live TV air-time, could be worth as much as US$300 million (S$430 million).

Having the country squarely in the media spotlight will add a whole lot more.

The race coverage will 'place the city in the consciousness of millions of international TV viewers', explained media consultant Pieter Aquilia.

She added: 'Footage will be featured on news and sports programmes and Singapore will be seen by, heard of, and read about by an even larger audience.'

This will help to draw in more tourists, conferences, and sporting and business activities in the long haul, analysts note.

It could also make Singapore the Monaco of Asia - a second home for the rich and famous. Economists say some among the super-wealthy set who will be here for the race might wind up liking what they see of Singapore and set up a second home here.

The huge publicity blitz the event generates may also get the attention of foreign talent and spark a move here.

Though these intangibles are the key benefits of F1, it does not mean businesses do not stand to gain anything over the next few days. The Melbourne Grand Prix, for example, has brought in over A$1 billion (S$1.1 billion) in economic benefits for Victoria since 1996.

And while the US city of Indianapolis staged an F1 race for just a few short years from 2000 to last year, the event's economic impact has been measured at close to US$1 billion by the Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association.

Operators of food and beverage (F&B) outlets and tourist attractions, especially those located within or near the circuit, are licking their lips in anticipation of bigger takings.

Singapore Flyer general manager Steven Yeo said: 'We expect 30 per cent more tourists than usual during F1 weekend. F&B spending should go up significantly for our tenants, as we foresee a higher spending crowd coming in.'

Over at Central, next to the Singapore River, the hope is that STB's projection of 60,000 visitors - 20 per cent more than usual - to the area during the period will come to pass.

Some bars and restaurants are expecting up a boost of up to 50 per cent more business on Grand Prix weekend.

Mr Michael Ma, owner of the IndoChine Group of nightlife establishments, said: 'There'll certainly be a jump in business, of at least 30 per cent, in the period leading up to F1 race and on race days.'

St James Power Station's chief executive Dennis Foo estimated that F1 fever will generate an 'eight-figure sum' worth of business for the local nightlife industry for the week.

He added: 'The amount of activities in store is unprecedented for any one period outside of the Christmas and New year season.'

Other businesses will also gain.

Said StanChart's Mr Liew: 'The trickle-down impact on supporting industries (such as horticulture, logistics and transport, for example) would provide welcome relief in the present time of slowing activity.'

It is not all rosy, however. Some fear that the disruptions caused by road closures and such could exact a high price.

With the memory of the business bust during the International Monetary Fund/World Bank meetings seared into their consciousness - road closures and tight security limited access to the Marina Square area, and Singaporeans and visitors stayed away in droves - some retailers are more than a little worried.

Said one, who declined to be named: 'Some of us are secretly preparing for the worst.'

Many others, however, are more optimistic, and they are rolling out all means to attract shoppers.

Discounts, shuttle buses, even go-kart races are part of their battle plan.

Whether these will work remains to be seen.

One thing is clear, however, say analysts. Singapore's image will be the hands-down winner once the dust has settled. Said CIMB-GK's Mr Song: 'The $150 million's a small price to pay to put Singapore in the global spotlight for a weekend.'


By Alvin Foo
Straits Times

wah...more jams :(
i will go next yr to watch when my finances are more stable

Sleepless in Singapore, F1 tries first ever night racing

http://canadianpress.google.com/media/ALeqM5i-HuwOXh_tnH1PcqIWfug5u8CEXQ?size=s
The street circuit of the first Formula One night race is illuminated during a light test seen from Swissotel The Stamford at dusk on Friday, Sept. 19, 2008 in Singapore which will be the host city for the SingTel Singapore Grand Prix from Sept. 26-28. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS/Wong Maye-E

BANGKOK, Thailand — Forget their inexperience with night racing and the strong possibility of rain. The main concern for Formula One drivers ahead of next weekend's Singapore Grand Prix is how they'll sleep.

The F1 show rolls into its newest town this week for the first ever night race in the late-season fight for the championship.

When it was first announced, teams had questions about the lighting, the potential glare off the surface if it rained, and the wisdom of combining the night race novelty with a newly constructed track that none of the drivers had seen, let alone driven on.

Most teams have come up with video game-like simulators to allow their drivers to drive the new track virtually before they arrive, but the major mystery remains the glare caused by rain in tropical Singapore.

"I would have welcomed the chance to test on the track, especially in the rain," BMW's Nick Heidfeld said. "Rain combined with the artificial light is the great unknown for me with this race."

But as the event has drawn nearer, and the weekend schedule finalized, more pragmatic questions have arisen.

With Saturday qualifying not due to start until 10 p.m. local time and Sunday's race at 8 p.m., what time should the drivers wake up? Since the timing of the race is to fit in with European afternoon viewing habits, should the teams and drivers be equally unchanged in their preparations?

Red Bull's David Coulthard has opted for a unique pre-race preparation.

"I am staying up late at night, I am going out to nightclubs, and I'm eating a lot of carrots because they apparently help you to see better in the dark," Coulthard joked.

Honda's Rubens Barrichello had to look twice at his team's weekend itinerary that had its staff leaving the circuit at 3.30 a.m., describing it as "crazy". But the Brazilian also appeared relaxed, saying he will pursue "a lively nightlife to get used to the schedule".

McLaren is leaving nothing to chance in maintaining its European time zone in exile - ordering its Singapore hotel to black out the windows, hold phone calls and prevent housekeeping staff from rousing any team members until the afternoon.

The initial caution expressed by teams about night racing has largely given way to excitement which has been matched by F1 fans, with organizers saying Thursday that all but a few hundred of the 80,000 tickets had been sold and a sell-out was certain.

"In Singapore the action will also be taking place at night and that in an Asian metropolis and against an amazing backdrop," BMW team principal Mario Thiessen said. "This will give the event even more appeal and excitement."

"You only need to think of the special atmosphere you get at a football match under floodlights - the surroundings melt into the background, the action itself takes centre stage. I'm expecting this premiere in Singapore to be the highlight of the year."

Championship leader Lewis Hamilton was not worried about competing at night.

"It doesn't seem to be a problem in other sports and there have been huge preparations for this, so it will be great," the McLaren driver said.

Hamilton also said it would be hard to deliberately resist the clock.

"Apparently not acclimatizing is much harder than adapting, because your body naturally wants to change," Hamilton said. "For the drivers, our meal, waking and sleeping rhythms will all be in European time, for example we will get up early afternoon for breakfast, have supper at 1 a.m. and go to bed at around 3 a.m."

Defending champion Kimi Raikkonen has not won a race since April, with his Ferrari struggling for grip in wet conditions and cooling tires over the past two rain-affected races. But perhaps a change of time zone will jolt the Finn.

"I enjoy evenings and night time more anyhow," Raikkonen said. "I like to sleep until noon every day so for me this seems the perfect venue. I am more awake in the evenings than in the mornings."

Pics from last sat eve. First one taken by wife while riding bike. This is the chicane going from floating platform back onto raffles blvd to esplanade.

Second is taken in front of esplanade.

http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/5917/p1010415lu1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/6169/p1010411an0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Can someone update all the OPEN TO PUBLIC activities information (date, time and venue) by all F1 teams during this week? I missed Lewis Hamilton at Ngee Ann city and Felipe Massa at M.O.S yesterday... So sad.

Singapore Counts on F-1 Night Race to Brighten Economic Gloom

By Grant Clark

Sept. 24 (Bloomberg) -- As the economic outlook dims, Singapore is switching on floodlights to brighten its future.

The city stages Formula One's first night race on Sept. 28 under the glare of 1,600 lamps that will generate four times the brightness of a regular sports stadium.

McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton will lead the charge around Marina Bay business district at speeds as high as 185 miles per hour (300 kph) -- six times the limit for streets normally filled with taxis and trishaws ferrying workers and tourists.

Singapore, girding for a possible recession, is paying about $200 million over five years for the rights to host the event, tapping the glitz of the world's most-watched motor races to promote itself as something more than a financial hub.

``Singapore has always been known as a good international business center,'' S. Iswaran, senior minister of state for trade and industry, said in an interview. ``What we want to do is also raise Singapore's profile as a global city with great lifestyle, buzz, vibrancy.''

The race is the latest attraction for the Southeast Asian city, including two casino resorts, an $850 million sports center, and the first Youth Olympic Games in the next three years. The world's biggest Ferris Wheel -- the Singapore Flyer - - opened this year, towering over the pit lanes that will teem with the mechanics and drivers of Ferrari, McLaren and BMW.

Hosting major sports events is part of Singapore's strategy to diversify the economy from its traditional manufacturing base and to attract tourists, economists say. The F-1 effect will be felt over years and won't be measured by the experience of this weekend's race alone.

Global City

``Singapore wants to become a global city and events like these are needed to make it one,'' said Song Seng-Wun, an economist at CIMB-GK Securities Pte in Singapore. ``The F-1 race is just another piece in a big jigsaw puzzle.''

The arrival of F-1 pacesetter Hamilton and world champion Kimi Raikkonen coincides with one of the closest championships - - and a financial slowdown that's pushed Singapore to cut its growth forecast to between 4 percent and 5 percent this year from the 7.7 percent pace in 2007.

``The financial turmoil throws up quite a lot of uncertainty, but tickets have sold out,'' said Vishnu Varathan, a regional economist at Forecast Singapore Pte. ``Retailers will probably see more restrained spending.''

Iswaran expects Formula One to deliver S$100 million ($71 million) of extra tourism revenue, with about half the 100,000 people involved in the Grand Prix flying in from overseas.

Hamilton Holding On

The closeness of the F-1 title race -- Hamilton leads Ferrari's Felipe Massa by one point with five of 18 races to go -- may intensify the spotlight on Singapore, whose skyscrapers and port provide the backdrop to the 3.15-mile (5.1-kilometer) street circuit.

``Just like the Beijing Olympics, all eyes will be on Singapore,'' said Michelle Denise Wan, a spokeswoman for the Ritz-Carlton hotel in the Marina Bay area, where rooms sold out by July even with a minimum four-night stay.

Not everyone is getting a slice of the windfall, including some retailers closest to the action. Road closures and entry restrictions to the race area has Melvin Yap considering shutting his watch store in Millenia Walk.

``Things are going to be really bad,'' said Yap, sales director at Precious Time Pte. ``Our regular shoppers won't be coming here.''

``We'll have to rely on tourists,'' added Gary Liew, of Oriental Handicraft Pte, which sells home furnishings in the Marina Square shopping mall. ``I don't really think a millionaire would want to shop in an ordinary mall like this.''

Sport of Choice

Formula One, with about 150 million viewers per race, is becoming the sport of choice for cash-rich nations. Bahrain added a Grand Prix in 2004, while Abu Dhabi is paying a record $45 million for rights to host its first race next year, according to Formula Money, which tracks the sport's finances.

Like Singapore, the Arab states are seeking to enhance their image and bring other streams of revenue to their economies. South Korea and India will add F-1 races in 2010.

Sports, art and culture ``create an engine with multiple cylinders,'' said Vivian Balakrishnan, Singapore's minister for community development, youth and sports, in an interview. ``We hope we can get this engine firing on all cylinders and pretty fast regardless of economic cycles.''

The influx of wealthy fans to Singapore -- located 85 miles (137 kilometers) north of the equator -- comes as tourism slows amid creeping inflation, a stronger currency and weaker global economic growth.

`Not Immune'

Visitor numbers dropped 3.8 percent in July and 7.7 percent in August, putting in jeopardy Singapore's target of a 5 percent rise this year to 10.8 million. Tourism accounts for about 6 percent of the economy and the city is aiming to double revenue to S$30 billion by 2015.

``We're not immune to the effects of the global slowdown,'' Iswaran said. ``Our attractions, whether it is Formula One or the integrated resorts, will all have to brace themselves for a more challenging environment

I think the race will be spetacular!
My congratulations to Singapore for its first F-1 race and first F-1 race at night ever.
I hope Felipe Massa wins the race... :D

Thanks for the pictures and enjoy the race! :okay:

(Sorry for my english... :()

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/nightrace/gallery/images/pra4.jpg

Phew...after so much criticism over the night race. The night race is now written in the history with practice sessions starting...

Verdicts from F1 drivers... (http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2008/9/8435.html)

F1 General Gallery (http://www.formula1.com/gallery/race/2008/801/general/)

Images of F1 cars in action... (http://www.formula1.com/gallery/race/2008/801/tv_images/)

I saw a photo with caption "an aerial view showing how dark Singapore is". !!!
http://www.formula1.com/gallery/race/2008/801/tv_images/

Those who wanna watch F1 practice and actual races on TV, today - Saturday, 27th Sept and tomorrow - Sunday, 28th Sept.
- Starhub Channel 24: Star Sports
- 9.30pm - F1 Qualifying 2008 Singapore GP
- 12.00am - F1 Qualifying 2008 Singapore GP

Sunday - 28th Sept
- Starhub Channel 24: Star Sports
- 8.00am - F1 Qualifying 2008 Singapore GP
- 7.00pm - F1 Raceday 2008 Singapore GP
- 7.45pm - F1 Races 2008 Singapore GP
- 9.45pm - F1 Chequered Flag 2008 Singapore GP

That reporter stupid, should had lighted up with photoshop before sending out. :lol:

I saw a photo with caption "an aerial view showing how dark Singapore is". !!!
http://www.formula1.com/gallery/race/2008/801/tv_images/

I saw a photo with caption "an aerial view showing how dark Singapore is". !!!
http://www.formula1.com/gallery/race/2008/801/tv_images/

Which one?

i heard someone say that singapore is holding F1 for the next few years annually, is this true? until new zealand builds its own track?

Singapore will hold the Formula 1 for next 5 years I believe.

Think the govt will now step up efforts to light up the city. You can't really tell it's Singapore from television.

I saw a photo with caption "an aerial view showing how dark Singapore is". !!!
http://www.formula1.com/gallery/race/2008/801/tv_images/

Yep. Dark areas are to be expected with a setup like this.

I attended a corporate sponsor's event on Friday where I met Martin Whitmarch (CEO of the McLaren Mercedes team) and the legendary driver Lewis Hamilton. They spoke about their preparation and what they felt about their chances at the coming races.

Hamilton said he was disappointed to see that the streets' lightings were not as bright as what it was supposed to be as there are patches of dark shadows at certain sections of the track. He also said other drivers had complained the route was difficult to drive because it is bumpy with curbs in the wrong places but for him it's mainly the inconsistent lighting he disliked.

Hopefully this revelation would give the Singapore organizers ideas to improve next year's races.

Yep. Dark areas are to be expected with a setup like this.

I attended a corporate sponsor's event on Friday where I met Martin Whitmarch (CEO of the McLaren Mercedes team) and the legendary driver Lewis Hamilton. They spoke about their preparation and what they felt about their chances at the coming races.

Hamilton said he was disappointed to see that the streets' lightings were not as bright as what it was supposed to be as there are patches of dark shadows at certain sections of the track. He also said other drivers had complained the route was difficult to drive because it is bumpy with curbs in the wrong places but for him it's mainly the inconsistent lighting he disliked.

Hopefully this revelation would give the Singapore organizers ideas to improve next year's races.

Im not too sure about the lightings, but im pretty sure about the bumps. Each time a car races past suntec i can feel slight vibrations or jolts thru the ground as the cars went over the bumps. I can even see sparks flying, due to the bottom of the car hitting the road. Perhaps the road can be smoothened out further so that the cars can be run faster and hopefully, reduce the number of car accidents on the track.

I loved the track and Singapore is looking great on TV , very nice work ! :okay:

I'm sure it will be a fantastic race . Greetings from Brazil :colgate:

Im not too sure about the lightings, but im pretty sure about the bumps. Each time a car races past suntec i can feel slight vibrations or jolts thru the ground as the cars went over the bumps. I can even see sparks flying, due to the bottom of the car hitting the road. Perhaps the road can be smoothened out further so that the cars can be run faster and hopefully, reduce the number of car accidents on the track.

Accidents cannot be avoided in any races. But it really depends on the skills of the drivers and ability to react when braking or steering etc.

I also think the road would be definitely getting some analysis to smoothen out. This may involve the lighting issues that the drivers have given the feedbacks and verdicts.

I love the parts where safety cars were deployed.. leading all race cars...

At least, the entire thing has gone off well. A history is written.

Inaugural Singapore Grand Prix night race has put country on world map
By Imelda Saad, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 29 September 2008 0008 hrs

SINGAPORE: Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong says the buzz that the SingTel Formula One Grand Prix has generated will bring about benefits for Singapore in the long term.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the world's first ever night race, Mr Lee said he is impressed with how the event has turned out and it will definitely put Singapore on the world map.

Citing the city skyline that has been beamed to millions of television viewers around the world, Mr Lee said Singaporeans should be proud that the country is showing its best.

He added that going forward, authorities will see how they can minimise inconveniences like cutting down the road closures to one or two days.

He added the various parties involved, such as Singapore's Trade and Industry Ministry and the Singapore Tourism Board, will have a full debrief on the event to see how it can be improved in the coming years.

Singapore has the rights to hold the F1 Grand Prix for the next four years.

- CNA

Alonso wins drama-filled F1 Singapore GP
AFP - 28 Sept 2008

SINGAPORE (AFP) - - Spain's Fernando Alonso won his first race in a year at the Singapore Grand Prix Sunday, taking the chequered flag in a drama-filled inaugural night race as a comical error cost Felipe Massa dearly.

It was the Renault driver's first victory since the Italian Grand Prix last year and capped a remarkable weekend that saw him top two of the free practice sessions but start 15th on the grid after a mechanical problem in qualifying.

He claimed his 20th career triumph by 2.95 seconds over Germany's Nico Rosberg in a Williams and Britain's world championship leader Lewis Hamilton.

Toyota driver Timo Glock was fourth with Toro Rosso's Sebastian Vettel following up his win in Italy this month with fifth. BMW Sauber's Nick Heidfeld took sixth.

"It is fantastic, I am extremely happy. I can't believe it right now and it will take a few days to realise what we have done," said Alonso.

"Winning had seemed impossible all season but we have been competitive all weekend. The car was super."

The race was a new experience for every driver on a street circuit under powerful spotlights and it turned out to be one of the most exciting of the season.

Despite dark clouds lurking, Singapore's notorious tropical downpours stayed away and the whole race was run in dry, but hot and humid conditions.

Rosberg scored his best ever finish and was over the moon.

"The car felt pretty good and we knew we could be strong on this track and for once the luck went with us," he said.

Similarly, Hamilton was happy to get points while Massa didn't.

"I enjoyed driving here and I'm pretty happy," he said. "It was a tough weekend but we got some good points."

Ferrari's Massa started from pole but a disastrous mistake cost him the race and valuable points in his push for the world title.

His 13th place finish means he lags seven points behind Hamilton with just three Grand Prix left at Japan, China and Brazil.

The Brazilian was in the pits on lap 15 when he was given the green light and drove off with the fuel hose still attached to his car, leaving one of the pit crew floored and subsequently carted off in a neck brace.

Massa ended up sitting in his Ferrari at the end of the pit lane as the crew ran after him and managed to pull the hose free, but it ruined his chances. He was given a drive through penalty and rejoined in 18th place.

It was a miserable night for Ferrari with defending world champion Kimi Raikkonen ramming his car into the barriers with just four laps left.

"We could have finished first and second and it could have been different," said Massa, but he refused to blame the crew member who gave the green light too early.

"We are all human beings, everyone makes mistakes. I am not the sort of person who goes to a guy and fights with him."

The Massa drama occurred after the cars came in when Nelson Piquet careered into a wall, causing massive damage to his Renault.

He climbed out unscathed but the safety car was deployed.

Massa was leading at the time with Hamilton second but at the restart, Rosberg was in front and Alonso fifth.

But Rosberg was subsequently slapped with a 10-second stop-go penalty for coming into the pits before it had opened after the Piquet crash.

The complicated scenario saw Toyota's Jarno Trulli in the lead on lap 28 but without having pitted with Alonso second, Rosberg third and Hamilton sixth.

With Trulli taking his first pit stop soon after Alonso amazingly found himself in front just after the halfway mark.

He came in for his second pit stop on lap 41 and emerged just ahead of David Coulthard and Hamilton.

Remarkably, when Coulthard pitted soon after, he too drove off with the fuel pipe attached, knocking over a mechanic who was stretchered off.

There was more action to come.

Alonso was cruising with a 23-second lead when Adrian Sutil shunted his Force India into the wall, bringing the safety car out again and wiping out the Spaniard's advantage.

When they restarted with seven laps left it was a sprint to the finish and the two-time world champion made no mistakes.


More news on F1 website...
Alonso springs a Singapore surprise (http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2008/9/8451.html)

Quotes from drivers after the first night race (http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2008/9/8452.html)

What about the Changi track?

Was great watching it over the weekend even on Saturday the crowd around the City Hall area was very noticeable from the late afternoon. It was good to see all the main city landmarks along the route lighted up. Its extremely rare to see the clocktower of the Victoria Concert Hall lit up as well. Cant wait for next year :)

The race was so amazing. I can't wait for next year Singapore GP :drool:

Salute for Singapore :cheers:

Some pics from http://www.itv-f1.com/photo.aspx?IM_ID=50400&PG_ID=22

http://images.itv-f1.com/ImageLibrary/50400_2.jpg

http://images.itv-f1.com/ImageLibrary/50393_2.jpg

http://images.itv-f1.com/ImageLibrary/50386_2.jpg

http://images.itv-f1.com/ImageLibrary/50383_2.jpg

http://images.itv-f1.com/ImageLibrary/50381_2.jpg

http://images.itv-f1.com/ImageLibrary/50404_2.jpg

http://images.itv-f1.com/ImageLibrary/50322_2.jpg

http://www.itv-f1.com/photo.aspx?IM_ID=50309&PG_ID=22

http://images.itv-f1.com/ImageLibrary/50308_2.jpg

http://images.itv-f1.com/ImageLibrary/50296_2.jpg

http://images.itv-f1.com/ImageLibrary/50288_2.jpg

http://images.itv-f1.com/ImageLibrary/50284_2.jpg

http://images.itv-f1.com/ImageLibrary/50276_2.jpg

http://images.itv-f1.com/ImageLibrary/50269_2.jpg

Is any of the lighting on the buildings going to permenant?

The lightings are already part of the buildings light installations. However they are not usually turned on every night but were lighted throughout the F1 event. I think Singapore has been rather modest and conservative with this regard, and planners are now encouraging attractive lighting schemes for buildings in the city.

City skyline to get new night glow

19 Sep 08

23 buildings in Marina Bay, CBD submit lighting proposals to the Govt

http://www.straitstimes.com/STI/STIMEDIA/image/20080918/ST_IMAGES_LIGHTS.jpg

A NEW city skyline will arise over the next couple of years when 23 buildings turn on the lights at night.
Maybank, The Sail condo and the Marina Bay Sands integrated resort are among the buildings that have sent lighting proposals to the Government. The plans include how they will illuminate their roofs or accentuate their facades.

This light-up is part of Singapore's plan to create a night buzz for a distinctive city, said Mrs Cheong Hoon Kean, chief executive officer of the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA).

Speaking to The Straits Times ahead of the Formula One night race next week, she said: 'We can look forward to a signature night skyline in the next couple of years, when the buildings in Marina Bay and Central Business District (CBD) are completed and external lighting is installed.' Beautiful lighting will create 'a captivating night scene that enhances our city's appeal', she added.

An artist's rendering of the reborn skyline was completed yesterday, piecing together the 23 lighting proposals.

The buildings appear subtly illuminated, not flooded with light.

Good lighting, Mrs Cheong said, is not about being the brightest or flashiest. Asian cities tend to be over-lit, she added, but this is not Singapore's ethos.

The underlying principle is to stay 'elegant and tasteful, and sensitive to a building's architecture', she said. 'Look at Paris, the romantic City of Lights.'

According to URA officials, elegant lighting should bring out the architectural design elements of a building. So, the emphasis includes illumination of the roof or crown of the building, and lighting walkways on the first storey to create spaces ideal for outdoor activities.

Lights can also be programmable. Day-to-day lighting can be 'a little bit more calm', Mrs Cheong said. The look can be 'celebratory' for festive seasons.

Building owners are hiring lighting experts like Mr Bo Steiber to give their properties a glow at night. The founder of Bo Steiber Lighting Design is lighting up the new tower of OUB Centre at 1, Raffles Place.

His earlier work includes illuminating Shanghai's Xintiandi lifestyle and nightlife district, and the Esplanade's Theatres on the Bay.

The Swede, a Singapore permanent resident, said his energy-efficient lighting of OUB Centre will 'accentuate the tower's angular, linear, diamond features'. He lauded the URA's 'good initiative' to beautify the skyline.

The URA's Lighting Masterplan was introduced in 2006. To encourage more buildings in Marina Bay and the CBD to light up, incentives were rolled out. New developments and buildings being revamped can get as much as 2 per cent additional gross floor area if they light up.

Cash incentives from a $10 million fund to offset the capital costs of new lighting are also granted, particularly for existing structures.

The URA also had a night lighting plan in 1995 for the civic district, the cultural and historical heart of the city. Some 90 per cent of the buildings, bridges and public spaces there were lit.

By Lee Siew Hua
Straits Times

Awesome.

Watching the F1 race last night, I felt that the city made little impact on the race. It felt as though the race was conducted in a very bright tunnel. The city backdrop failed to make any impression.

Marina Centre, where most of the race was held is quite a dead place. Not to mention Padang. It only looks grand, but has not much activity.

But they could not possibly hold it right in the central CBD like Raffles Place and Orchard because of the high volume of working people.

There is a difference between what Singaporeans see Singapore as, and what the world sees Singapore as.

Tourists know Singapore as the skylines of both Marina Centre and Raffles Place, the merlion, and increasingly, the Singapore Flyer. That to them, other than Changi Airport, is Singapore, and that's what ESPN Star Sports showed.

If the city's backdrop already hardly made an experience, what makes you think that people would recognize Orchard Road, Bugis, Chinatown or any other place? It'll just look like another metropolis.

Various opinions from F1 threads in other sections:

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=514052&page=47

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=565653&page=22

Wow, really nice photos! Singapore looks so good now:)

Watching the F1 race last night, I felt that the city made little impact on the race. It felt as though the race was conducted in a very bright tunnel. The city backdrop failed to make any impression.

I was there at the padang grandstand. I also caught the telecast on TV. I think the coverage on TV was very much focused on the track action and the lights were very bright, so much so that the backdrop was very dark due to the high contrast. On site, the accent lightings on city hall, victoria theatre and some skyscrapers are really nice.

The atmosphere at the track was really good and the organisers did a great job. But a foreigner friend commented that races elsewhere are typically more emotionally charged with lots of noise coming from rival team supporters etc. Guess we're one reserved bunch of people...

Did you guys find Maybank building was very luminous? Reminds me of HK and Shanghai.

Shame on the local banks! :ohno:

Did you guys find Maybank building was very luminous? Reminds me of HK and Shanghai.

Shame on the local banks! :ohno:

It definitely has that kinda tacky gimmicks of HK & Shnaghai skyscrapers, but one good thing was that it stood out on the TV screen at night, while many other buildings were less discernible.

Its an effort, but they should tone down the flashing, and just let it change colour gradually. :yes:

Did you guys find Maybank building was very luminous? Reminds me of HK and Shanghai.

Shame on the local banks! :ohno:

Agreed. Singapore's nightscape is still too dark despite the talk of lighting up buildings since years ago. I am in KL's well-known Bukit Bintang this evening and the shopping belt here seems so much brighter compared to Orchard Road. Even the KLCC's twin towers looks so bright and shiny like lanterns in the night sky. Nothing much in Singapore's night landscape can compare with that .... which is a shame considering our developed country status as compared to KL.

It definitely has that kinda tacky gimmicks of HK & Shnaghai skyscrapers, but one good thing was that it stood out on the TV screen at night, while many other buildings were less discernible.

Its an effort, but they should tone down the flashing, and just let it change colour gradually. :yes:

Yes indeed lord R-c ... could not agree more ... just tone it down a bit & slow down the pace & it will look better .... a bit like Suntec City roof lighting at night ... I observe all these various lighting arrangements all night from my Fairmont hotel room balcony !

I did not catched the Qualifying but managed to get the actual race on Sunday on TV. At first, I don't understand why is it that our prime minister was very happy with the skyline lights when it was so dark and the light of the tracks is very bright as compared to the pictures, but it seems that tyche was right, it was got to do with the broadcast itself and I think they need to change commenter next year, don't really like it. Next year should tune it to ESPN and not Channel 5.

Well here is some negative comments and my views:
1. "Boring track, just concrete and fences, feel like watching a Prison Show or Prison Break Singapore Edition." I have to agree that it looks very like locked in a prison and the bare concrete and fences just look very bare and obviously not nice but I think they really miss out what they were supposed to see probably because their broadcaster did not show it. Not a good response, I think they need to do something with the fences, painting it with some art from children can be good but no idea will it pass FIA.

2. "Boring track, not much overtaking allowed." Well yes there is only two overtaking turns but that is what the whole race is about. Difficult, complex and brain juice consuming, this is Unique Singapore. Though I have to say that most of them agree that Singapore is better than Monaco.

Some positive ones:
1. "Great track with great difficulty but fun."
2. "This year best F1 track." Most dramatic maybe...
3. "Mercedes's safety car is great." Yeah I know, next year they are going to use Mercedes Mclaren, just kidding...

haha, better than monaco i'm not too sure (no opinion on it) but i think it is definitely much better than valencia! valencia's track surface was smooth and good, but the race was totally boring, almost zero overtaking points! at least sg one had quite a few overtaking going on :)

about the skyline lights, i agree that is dark, coz i went down, and saw most office building didnt leave their lights on! (my friend works in OMB, he say got email from dunno where shoot down ask them to leave their lights on on race weekend.) anyway, i'm sure in 2 yrs time when the IR is built finish + the helix bridge also, it would look much better! :)

Knowing Singapore's attitude towards these sorts of things, next year they will have tackled a large number of the criticisms from this year's race.

NIGHT GRAND PRIX BOOSTS SINGAPORE ARRIVALS
03 November, 2008

The first Singapore Formula 1 Grand Prix night race helped drive up visitor numbers from the UK in September. The Singapore Tourism Board saw a 3.2% rise in UK arrivals compared with the same period last year. This was largely attributed to the SingTel Singapore Grand Prix.
With around 34,000 arrivals, the UK growth made it one of Singapore’s strongest performing source countries, reinforcing its position as the largest European market sending 495,693 visitors in 2007.

by Phil Davies

Singapore Grand Prix awarded Motor Sport Facility of the Year
By Patwant Singh, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 13 November 2008 0015 hrs

SINGAPORE: The SingTel Singapore Grand Prix, which was held in September this year at the Marina Bay circuit, has been awarded the title of Motor Sport Facility of the Year.

It received the industry accolade at the Professional MotorSport World Annual Awards ceremony in Cologne, Germany on Tuesday.

Now in their third year, the awards recognise international motor sports endeavours.

The Singapore Grand Prix – the world's first Formula One night race – was commended for its revolutionary track lighting. It also scored high points for the spectacular way in which the track was designed to weave through the heart of the city.

Other short-listed entries for this award included the European Grand Prix venue in Valencia, Spain; the new Toyota Racing Development chassis engineering building in Cologne, Germany; and a new racing facility in Sweden.

Other awards given out at the ceremony were for Safety Innovation, Testing Technology, Vehicle Development, Design Engineer and Team Principal of the Year.

Govt wants F1 race to be 'must-see' event

13 Mar 09

http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/mnt/media/image/launched/2009-03-13/BT_IMAGES_RACE13.jpg

THE government wants to make sure Singapore's Formula 1 Grand Prix remains one of the 'must-see' races on the annual Formula 1 calendar, Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry S Iswaran said yesterday.

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB), race promoters and others are working to achieve this objective, he said.

'One part is to ensure the F1 race here is attractive and a value-for-money proposition. It doesn't mean you have to price it at discount rates, but you do have to price it competitively. This is where hotels have to make market-based decisions and take their cue from what is happening around.'

Mr Iswaran was responding to media queries on whether the reduction of just one day in the F1 hotel levy is sufficient - and whether greater concessions are needed.

The Ministry of Trade and Industry said last week that due to the economic downturn and the slump in tourism, the hotel levy will apply on four nights during this year's F1 race - from Sept 24 to 27 - instead of five nights. But the rate will remain unchanged at 30 per cent of total room revenue for trackside hotels and 20 per cent for non-trackside hotels.

Mr Iswaran said that because the F1 season has yet to start - the first race is in Melbourne on March 29 - 'it is not clear how exactly demand is going to unfold, although the early indications are that in Australia, it's pretty strong, and several hotels have already been booked up'.

He sees this as 'a very strong indication that there continues to be a certain level of demand as it's a niche event but with a global following'.

The levy reduction of one day is really to help hotels here manage their costs, he said. 'It's a recognition that the environment will be a tougher one. And although data last year showed the average F1 visitor's stay here was five days or longer, we felt it was an important move to make.'

The government will track the situation closely and wants to work with the tourism industry because cost is just one aspect, Mr Iswaran said. 'STB is keen to work with hoteliers and other players to see how we can stimulate demand to come and be part of this Singapore event,' he said.

Business Times

Hmm...seems like F1 is working quite well for the economy...:)

Sadly now it still pretty much a so called "rich man's" event

but wealthy from around the world come here, pay for hotels, airline tickets and restaurants that employ a lot of local people after all..

Motor Racing: Winning names for Singapore F1 Marina Bay Circuit

19 Mar 09

SINGAPORE: The names "Sheares", "Memorial" and "Singapore Sling" will be on the tip of Formula 1 fans' tongues in Singapore and around the world come September, at the second Formula 1 SingTel Singapore Grand Prix.

Turn 1 of the Marina Bay street circuit after the start-finish straight has been named Sheares, after the Benjamin Sheares Bridge which runs over it.

Turn 7, the scene of many a thrilling overtaking manoeuvre near the War Memorial, will now be known as Memorial.

And the tricky 10th corner has been christened Singapore Sling.

The response to the 'It's Your Turn' at the Singapore Grand Prix contest, a joint effort by race organisers Singapore GP and TODAY, was overwhelming. Readers and Formula 1 fans from around the globe were invited to submit their suggested names, and we saw entries coming in from as far away as Spain, the United Kingdom, Brazil and Canada.

Only those who adhered to the rules and conditions made the final round of judging, with contestants' reasons for the names they suggested taken into account. The panel of six judges met on Wednesday to pick the three best names to christen Turns 1, 7 and 10 and had to sift through a pool of 1,440 entries.

After a blind vote, the three winners came from Singapore. The top prize of two grandstand tickets, a pit lane walk and a two-night stay at a trackside hotel during the Formula 1 2009 SingTel Singapore Grand Prix from September 25 to 27 went to wedding card designer Arthur Lim.

Showcasing Singapore

Lim's suggestion for Turn 1, a nod to Singapore's second President Benjamin Sheares, the bridge named after him, and the fact that the name hints of "speed and smoothness", won the judges over.

Memorial, suggested by Ngee Ann Polytechnic lecturer Chan Kwan Yew, proved a winning entry because of its simplicity, ease of pronunciation and its ties to the past. "It is a significant site, honouring the victims of the Second World War," Chan noted of the corner near the War Memorial.

The most talked about and challenging corner of the Marina Bay circuit last September was Turn 10. Fittingly, the judges spent the most time deliberating that turn.

Most entries zeroed in on the fact that the old Parliament House and the former Supreme Court overlook the tricky chicane, with Judgment Day, Justice Trap, Supremo and the Court among the better suggestions. But the judges considered the difficulty of negotiating the first of three twists and decided on Singapore Sling, submitted by Foo Say Boon.

Simon Rock, managing director of Performance Motors and one of the judges, said the first two turns were Singapore-centric and offered an opportunity to tell the world something about the country.

"Singapore Sling, on the other hand, is known internationally and fans everywhere can relate to it instantly," explained the Briton.

"It says more about the turn. Drivers have to be careful here, but it can serve as a slingshot if they tackle it well."

Rock's fellow judge Colin Syn, deputy chairman of Singapore GP, said he was impressed by the quality and creativity of the entries. He said: "Throughout the intensely engaging judging process, the panel deliberated for over three hours to arrive at an acceptable shortlist.

"Getting to the eventual winners was a tough task, but in the end, the panel was in accord on the final winners."

The other judges on the panel were TODAY Sports Editor Leonard Thomas, Singapore Motor Sports Association president Tan Teng Lip, STPB F1 project director Leong Yue Kheong and former racer Lee Chiu San.

How will it sound on TV?

When contacted on Wednesday, Lim could not contain his excitement when he learnt he had won the top prize. He told TODAY he had rehearsed in front of his wife several times before submitting his entry for Turn 1.

"I wanted to make sure it would come off nicely from the tongue of a TV commentator and that it will be easy on the ear," said the 37-year-old father of two.

"Sheares is also an historic name because it is the name of our second President, but it can easily be used to describe cars cutting through the turns."

Chan and Foo, the other two winners, each won a pair of grandstand tickets and a pit lane walk for the Singapore Grand Prix. All winners will be contacted by Singapore GP on how to collect their prizes. - TODAY

Lame idea

Somehow I think the older design of the street circuit is better

LONDON: Following almost a year of tough negotiations, Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone insisted on Monday that his Formula One Management (FOM) company had agreed terms with organisers to stage the Singapore Grand Prix for another five years after the current contract expires in September.

Mr Ecclestone's remarks - made in an exclusive interview with TODAY in the British capital - came just hours after Second Minister for Trade and Industry S Iswaran told Parliament that negotiations between race promoter Singapore GP and FOM were "still ongoing".

Mr Ecclestone, 81, told this newspaper that all obstacles preventing the deal from going through have been resolved and that the timing of the official announcement of the contract renewal will be decided and made by the Singapore Government.

An option for two more races until 2014 - after this year's edition from Sept 21 to 23 - would have kicked in had FOM and the Singapore authorities decided to walk away from the negotiating table.

"Everything that was in the way of the Singapore Grand Prix continuing for another five years has been cleared," said Mr Ecclestone, chief executive officer of F1 commercial rights holder FOM. "I'm happy that this is out of the way because Singapore has been good to F1 and the night race has also been equally good for Singapore."

Earlier on Monday, in a written reply to a question by Holland-Bukit Timah GRC Member of Parliament Liang Eng Hwa, Mr Iswaran also reiterated that Singapore will continue to host the race "only if the terms for a full five-year extension are economically viable". "We hope to see a mutually agreeable outcome soon," he had added.

Over the weekend, Singapore GP executive director Michael Roche told reporters that money was at the centre of talks to renew the current contract.

Despite being snowed under with work after Sunday's British Grand Prix, which was also attended by Singapore negotiators, Mr Ecclestone was keen to reassure that all was well with Formula 1's only night race.

Said Mr Ecclestone: "It has always been my intention to see that this race in Singapore continues beyond our current deal. Now that the negotiations are finally over, I am looking forward to go to Singapore for this year's event because I've always enjoyed it."

First held in 2008 on the 5.073 km Marina Bay street circuit, the rights fee to stage the Singapore Grand Prix is believed to have cost Singapore organisers US$35 million initially, and after yearly increases, peaked at about US$42 million last year.

It cost another S$150 million to prepare for each race, and 60 per cent - or S$90 million - of that amount is footed by the Singapore Government.

A feasibility study to review the benefits of continuing with the race here beyond the first agreement was conducted by authorities after the 2010 edition.

It revealed that in the first three years, the night race raked in a total of more than S$420 million in tourism receipts, while an average of more than 110,000 international visitors came to Singapore annually. In terms of global reach, the race also attracted a total of 300 million television viewers worldwide.

We should trust our negotiators to 'bring the price down' to continue holding the F1 here.
For many of us I'm sure we like the 'lau jiat-ness' of an international sports event right here. Until the Sports Hub is completed, we can't even see Premier League teams coming here for pre-season matches.

Hmm, it seems that negotiations are still ongoing.


Motor Racing: Singapore GP says no deal yet on extension
Posted: 11 July 2012 2122 hrs

SINGAPORE - The future of Formula One's only night event, the Singapore Grand Prix (SGP), is still under negotiation with just one race to go before the current deal ends, the local organisers said Wednesday.

"What is presently on offer from Formula One Administration is insufficient for us to commit to a full five-year extension," SGP said in a statement.

"Negotiations have been going on for almost a year. SGP has received a formal renewal notice from Formula One Administration to confirm their wish to continue running the night race for a further five years," it said.

"Since then, SGP has been in talks to cement terms that offer commercial viability for the full five years. We remain hopeful at reaching an outcome that is mutually beneficial to all parties."

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB), in a written response to Channel NewsAsia, also confirmed that negotiations are ongoing.

The remarks by Singapore Grand Prix and STB came after MediaCorp's TODAY newspaper quoted Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone as saying that Singapore will host the night race for another five years after both sides agreed on the terms.

"Everything that was in the way of the Singapore Grand Prix continuing for another five years has been cleared," Ecclestone was quoted as saying in a front-page report on Wednesday.

"It has always been my intention to see that this race in Singapore continues beyond our current deal."

Mr Ecclestone's remarks - made in an exclusive interview with TODAY in the British capital - came just hours after Second Minister for Trade and Industry S Iswaran told Parliament that negotiations were "still ongoing".

Earlier on Monday, in a written reply to a question by Holland-Bukit Timah GRC Member of Parliament Liang Eng Hwa, Mr Iswaran also reiterated that Singapore will continue to host the race "only if the terms for a full five-year extension are economically viable". "We hope to see a mutually agreeable outcome soon," he had added.

The last race under the current deal will be staged from 21-23 September.

Singapore in 2008 hosted the first night race in Formula One history and it soon became a hit with fans worldwide, with the brightly illuminated track running along landmarks in the financial and entertainment district.

- CNA/ir


source: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1212969/1/.html

Took a photo of the ST article. Not very clear though. It seems the main problem is the fees.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/376538_10151075837682040_1355022289_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/376538_10151075837682040_1355022289_n.jpg

Money made the world spins....

This morning, a minister mentioned that the a final decision will be announced only by next June. Not very good indeed if negotiation drag on


:ohno:

An opinion on the negotiations. Anyway, hope that this year, we have a new winner. :)

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/44266_10151210435682040_1147055214_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/44266_10151210435682040_1147055214_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/230474_10151210435787040_614987166_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/230474_10151210435787040_614987166_n.jpg

Sound good:-



S'pore optimistic new deal to host F1 will be reached: S Iswaran

SINGAPORE: Singapore's Second Minister for Home Affairs & Trade and Industry, S Iswaran, has said he's optimistic a deal will be reached for the country to continue to host the Formula One (F1) night race.

This year marks the completion of Singapore's first five-year contract to host the Formula One Grand Prix races. But should Singapore call an end to negotiations, it would still need to serve a two-race notice period, meaning that 2013's and 2014's races will proceed no matter what.

Mr Iswaran said talks among the Singapore GP, Formula One Management and the government are in the last stages.

But he does not want to pre-empt an outcome.

Mr Iswaran said: "We're quite optimistic that we can close the gaps but I can't give you a specific time frame right now, because if it works out, then we should be able to announce it quite soon, but we'll leave it to the negotiating teams to sort out the details first."

Mr Iswaran was speaking to reporters after hosting a group of underprivileged children at the Formula One village.

He said the various parties involved in the talks have their own desired outcome and are working to sort out a mutually beneficial outcome.

Any decision on Singapore's part, he said, will have to be in the long-term interest of the country.

Mr Iswaran said the race has benefited Singaporeans with charities getting involved and even students getting the opportunity to serve as ushers for the race.

"That's an important part of what we've been trying to do all along as well. Not just have a race. Have other elements to it, the corporate element, the entertainment element, the social outreach element, and the community engagement element and these are all important parts of it," Mr Iswaran said.

- CNA/ck

Saw the crowd dipped today....lesser seat being built this year.

The mood for expensive things like F1 have soured, unfortunately. People perceive the F1 race as an extravagant sport for the rich, and being seen as rich isn't a very popular thing recently.

It's just the effect of the economic downturn and this is a cyclical thing. But I just can't be arsed to spend that money for a ticket to go there where it is hot, humid and uncomfortable. The attractions are the top class entertainment that comes to town for the F1. But you are right, Madrenergic, the rich at the Paddock Club are having a great time in air-con comfort and buffet laid out and these people peep out from the special rooms but mostly they have the live telecast on giant screens inside to keep up with the action. For me, HD5 at home with dinner is my idea of F1 plus there's the football telecast on miotv to follow! Live telecast follow the action all over the track unlike being stuck at a particular grandstand for many hours.

The deal has been sealed!! They have extended till 2017!! :banana:


Motor Racing: Singapore extends grand prix contract to 2017
Posted: 22 September 2012 1915 hrs

SINGAPORE: Singapore has agreed on a deal with Formula One to extend the country's grand prix contract for another five years until 2017, the government said on Saturday.

"We're all here for another five years," said Formula One rights-holder Bernie Ecclestone, who announced the deal along with Singapore's Mr S Iswaran, Minister in the Prime Minister's Office and Second Minister for Home Affairs & Trade and Industry.

Negotiations with the race's commercial rights holders began 12 months ago, but an agreement was only reached on Saturday.

High costs have caused friction for several hosts of Formula One, which has expanded aggressively from its traditional European domain with seven races in the Asia-Pacific region this season.

"It was difficult for me to negotiate. He's not easy to deal with and I can't understand why he was complaining about us using the streets and wearing out the streets," joked Ecclestone. "But we eventually got there and I'm very, very happy."

But Ecclestone remained coy on whether Singapore had managed to negotiate a cheaper race fee.

"I always believe these questions shouldn't be asked," he said, when pressed on the contract's price-tag. "A gentleman should never speak about money and last night."

But Justin Harper, market strategist for IG Markets Singapore, said Singapore would have had a strong case to negotiate more favourable terms.

"What does surprise me is how long they've stalled to agree on another five years," he said.

"For the last four years Singapore has proved itself to be a success and it has also helped F1 to be put on the map... it has given Singapore more weight to negotiate on its own terms."

The Singapore race was first held in 2008 on the Marina Bay street circuit and has become a social highlight of the Formula One calendar that rivals Monaco and Abu Dhabi as a draw for dealmakers and corporate heavy-hitters.

According to Mr Iswaran, the race has attracted more than 150,000 visitors spending over S$560m in the past four years.

Mr Iswaran said: "From an economic perspective, the F1 Singapore Grand Prix has attracted more than 150,000 international visitors over the last four years, and about S$140m to S$150m in incremental tourism receipts each year. For the extended term, we expect benefits to remain at least at this level."

With the cost of organising each race pegged at about S$150m - the government co-funds 60 per cent of the bill - Mr Iswaran stressed that the government would like to reduce costs through factors such as infrastructure, operational efficiencies in race organisation and revised terms with the race promoter and Formula One Administration.

While some tweaks could be made to the current Marina Bay Circuit, there are currently no plans to make significant changes to the 5.073km track.

Formula One's hefty race fees have long been a problem for hosts. In 2008, Chinese Grand Prix organisers told AFP they were prepared to walk away from Formula One, before later extending their deal.

The Australian Grand Prix has been the subject of controversy with estimates that it costs local taxpayers A$50 million to stage.

- AFP/CNA/xq/ir


source: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1227472/1/.html

Expect this expected, all the hotels are actually tax 30% or footing the bill for the govt.

Vettel has won the Singapore GP! Great race!


Motor Racing: Vettel wins Singapore Grand Prix
Posted: 23 September 2012 2214 hrs

SINGAPORE: Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel won an incident-packed Singapore Grand Prix ahead of McLaren driver Jenson Button on Sunday.

Ferrari's championship leader Fernando Alonso was third but McLaren's Lewis Hamilton, second in the standings heading into this weekend, retired early on with a mechanical problem.

-AFP/ac


source: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_sports/view/1227628/1/.html

On some related news;


Orchard Road Business Association to work with retailers to capitalise on F1 fever
By Dylan Loh | Posted: 23 September 2012 2144 hrs

SINGAPORE: The Orchard Road Business Association is looking at working with Marina Bay retailers badly hit by road closures during the Singapore Grand Prix to come up with a coordinated plan during future races.

The association said one way businesses can work together for mutual gain is through cross-promotions to bring in the tourist dollars.

This comes as Singapore announced on Saturday that it is committed to host the night race for another five years.

Formula One for Singapore was never just about the event, and to refresh future editions of the Republic's night race to maintain interest, several things need to be done.

For one, businesses and attractions think the way forward is a focused campaign to drive more spending during the race season.

Steven Goh, executive director of the Orchard Road Business Association, said: "By having one single mechanic of promotion, we can think through how we can work with potential sponsors. By linking all the retailers offering together, I believe it can be done."

Walter Lim, vice chairman of the Association of Singapore Attractions, said: "Have the drivers, who are celebrities themselves, participate in thematic events at various attractions around Singapore. So they could be, you know, within the museums themselves, or maybe as far away as Sentosa."

Singapore's Motor Sports Association hopes to add more value to the event's side races in future to give fans extra bang for their buck.

Tan Teng Lip, president of the Singapore Motor Sports Association, said: "Operation for a street circuit race, actually involves much more than just organising the race itself... it is a very big event and involves multiple agencies to cooperate together, so I think it is going to be a team effort."

Millions of dollars are being pumped into organising the Singapore race every year and stakeholders, including businesses along the Orchard Road stretch, want to reap more benefits whenever the race comes to town.

Eyes will be closely watching, in the years ahead, what sort of numbers will be generated, commercial or otherwise, with Singapore's decision to keep the Formula One fever firmly rooted in the country.

-CNA/ac


source: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporebusinessnews/view/1227627/1/.html

Coming on the back of the contract renewal...

Singapore GP: Officials not ruling out changing the track layout in the future
By Jonathan Noble
Saturday, September 22nd 2012, 12:24 GMT

Singapore Grand Prix chiefs have not ruled out changing the track layout in the future as part of a push to improve the event.

On the back of signing a new five-year contract to hold the grand prix until 2017, government officials have talked about considering 'all options' to minimise disruption the race has caused to the city state.

One possibility that is believed to be under consideration is to reduce how much the circuit extends in to the city and instead extend the layout in to the new iconic Marina Bay Sands hotel area.

Speaking at a press conference that confirmed the new Singapore GP deal, S. Iswaran, Singapore's senior minister of trade, industry and education said no plans had been finalised about revising the track - but conceded it was under consideration.

"As of now, we are looking at the options," he said. "The current track has served us well and we will continue to see if there are any opportunities to vary it or modify it, but at this stage there are no specific plans to do so."

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/102740

That's an interesting proposition. I came up with a few new track layouts some time ago, but they mostly cause more inconvenience rather than less, because they extend all over the place. The longest I have is more than 16 kilometres long. For comparison, the current circuit is 5.073 km long. :lol:

On a serious note, I don't see how they can include MBS while reducing inconvenience. If they actually try to extend the race to include MBS, only one bridge (Bayfront Bridge) crosses Marina Bay there, so they cannot have a return leg on the same side. Naturally, Benjamin Sheares Bridge is out of the question because you can't close the ECP (until the MCE is operational), and it's way too elevated to be useful to Formula One racing anyway.

The only conceivable option is to go around Marina Bay, but it will cover Collyer Quay and Marina Boulevard, which will affect access to offices there, even if the Marina Centre shopping district is freed up. However, it also depends on how much the surrounding roads are able to compensate for the ones that are closed.

Additionally, while I agree on the principle of reducing inconvenience, I don't see how that will be possible without taking out some of the more iconic turns like Turn 10 (Singapore Sling chicane) and Turn 13 (the Fullerton hairpin). Ironically, these iconic turns are also the most invasive in terms of intruding into city traffic.

Difficult decisions will have to be made. :ohno:

Some article on ways to enhance the night race.


Singapore GP to further examine ways to enhance F1 night race
By Patwant Singh | Posted: 24 September 2012 2139 hrs

SINGAPORE: Stakeholders and sponsors have welcomed the F1 contract extension.

Organiser Singapore GP said it is committed to building on the initial success to further enhance and expand the event.

Title sponsor SingTel said it is in discussion with SGP on the renewal of the company's sponsorship.

Over the past five years, SingTel has actively promoted many activities around the race to reach out to Singaporeans.

GSK, which sponsors the McLaren team, said the contract renewal will give its Singapore staff a rare opportunity to see the partnership in action.

One industry player who matches sponsors to the race said it has also received more enquiries after the contract renewal.

Kevin Kwee, executive director, Laguna Hospitality, said: "Over the last weekend, obviously people are more curious about what they can do for the company, what they can do with their clients.

"With the assurance (that the F1 contract will be extended), people can start to plan ahead. To get real mileage for this huge activation, you probably need to do it over a certain number of years."

- CNA/cc


source: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1227790/1/.html

Here's a slightly different article by AsiaOne on the contract extension. :)
F1: Singapore extends grand prix to 2017

SINGAPORE - Singapore announced a five-year extension for its spectacular night-time Formula One grand prix on Saturday following months of hard bargaining for cheaper fees.

No price-tag for the new deal to 2017 was revealed, but Formula One commercial rights-holder Bernie Ecclestone said repeatedly that the Singapore government had proven tough negotiators.

"It was difficult for me to negotiate," said Ecclestone, sitting next to Singapore trade and industry minister S. Iswaran for the announcement ahead of Sunday's grand prix.

"He's not easy to deal with and I can't understand why he was complaining about us using the streets and wearing out the streets," he joked. "But we eventually got there and I'm very, very happy. We're all here for another five years."

Singapore held Formula One's first night race in 2008, after signing a five-year deal, and the race has rapidly established itself as a highlight of the season.

In one of the sport's most striking settings, the street circuit snakes through the shimmering skyscrapers along the harbourside of the wealthy Asian financial hub.

Singapore is also the planned venue of an initial public offering for Formula One shares, although the launch has been blown off-course by financial turmoil in Europe.

But the city-state is also one of several grand prix hosts to complain about the high race fees it pays to Formula One. When pressed by journalists on whether Singapore had won a cheaper deal, Ecclestone was coy.

"I always believe these questions shouldn't be asked. A gentleman should never speak about money and last night," he said.

Ecclestone added: "Let me tell you how serious the minister is: you'll be paying for your seat on the way out."

The Singapore race, one of seven held in the Asia-Pacific region this year, has been watched by more than 360 million TV viewers, according to government figures, and won universal praise from teams and drivers this week.

"This is the fifth Singapore Grand Prix and it's already a great grand prix, great atmosphere, great city," McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh said earlier on Saturday.

According to Justin Harper, market strategist for IG Markets Singapore, Singapore would have had a strong case to negotiate more favourable terms.

"For the last five years Singapore has proved itself to be a success and it has also helped F1 to be put on the map... it has given Singapore more weight to negotiate on its own terms," Harper said.

This week, Iswaran said the race has attracted more than 150,000 visitors spending over S$560 million in the past four years.

However, the race has grated with some locals as the city's financial district is sealed off for the weekend, causing transport difficulties and a loss of trade for certain shopkeepers.

Some critics baulk at the event's cost, put at S$150 million per race, with the government directly covering 60 percent of the bill.

Formula One's hefty race fees have long been a problem for hosts. In 2008, Chinese Grand Prix organisers told AFP they were prepared to walk away from Formula One, before later extending their deal.

Korean Grand Prix organisers have been asking for better terms for months, and the Australian Grand Prix has also been the subject of controversy with estimates that it costs local taxpayers A$50 million (S$64 million) to stage.

Last year, officials behind the inaugural Indian Grand Prix told AFP it would take them four years to break even, leaving them only one year on their current contract to make a profit.

http://www.asiaone.com/Motoring/News/Story/A1Story20120922-373145.html

And since we're on the topic of the future of F1, here are some of the responses from some groups.

From the motorsports industry:
Motorsports industry welcomes F1 contract renewal
By Patwant Singh | Posted: 22 September 2012 2327 hrs

SINGAPORE: Singapore's motorsports industry has welcomed the contract renewal of the Singapore Formula One race for another five years.

Marcus Lim, co-founder of Formula Drift Asia, said: "Renewing the contract gives us an opportunity to actually touch base with the community, gives us a more top down-bottoms up approach with regards to how we can spread F1 not only as a showcase for the external world but as a showcase for Singaporeans as well, as a way to get Singaporeans to buy in to the sport in a much more passionate level, as opposed to just being a casual fan."

Craig Baird, a race driver from SC Global Racing Team, said: "I travel the world racing cars and Porsches and I have to say it (Formula One Singapore Grand Prix) has become one of the events on the calendar that everyone knows about. Everyone knows about Singapore and that it's a night race.

"The other thing is that if you are a F1 fan, (Singapore is) a fantastic place to come and view an F1 race. But not only that, you can bring your family here, you can spend all day here. It has got such a point of difference and Singapore has so much to offer."

- CNA/ir

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1227501/1/.html

From the fans:
F1 fans look forward to more night racing in Singapore
By Saifulbahri Ismail, Olivia Siong | Posted: 24 September 2012 0017 hrs

SINGAPORE: Spectators at the fifth Singapore Grand Prix said they look forward to another exciting five years of night racing at the Marina Bay street circuit.

They also would like to see that the race continues to be held in the city.

While the fifth Singapore Grand Prix has come to a close, many spectators gave the thumbs up for this year's event - both on the track and off the track.

Before the race began, British rock band The Pretenders entertained and warmed up the crowd. These performances have been a key of the Singapore Grand Prix over the last four years.

Mohammad Syahdu declared the entertainment as being "much better than last year".

Others like Malaysian tourist Ahmad Nezam described the race as "special", being the only night race on the whole F1 calendar.

"In general, there's a great atmosphere here" added a tourist from Australia.

"The organisation was great, the race was very exciting and lots of events happening."

However, some spectators said they hope to see better acts such as U2 and Journey coming to Singapore in the next five years.

"I like the races, but the entertainment is a big part of it because it's good to know you can wander around and see a variety of acts" said Lyndsey Igesund from Scotland.

"There have been good names this year and people whom I'm interested in seeing. I've seen Maroon 5 and I'm hoping to dash across to see Katy Perry later," she added.

But some die-hard F1 fans are not really bothered about the entertainment.

Twenty-six-year-old Jasmon Koh said he was there just for the race.

"It's an event I look forward to every year. I've been following the season and when it comes to Singapore it becomes a night race and we get to experience it close up, rather than watching it on TV."

The Marina Bay street circuit has been an iconic venue in the F1 calendar.

Many like 52-year-old Jon Thornes from the UK said the race would lose its appeal if the circuit were different.

"If the circuit is outside the city, we probably wouldn't come. We came here because it's a special place to come. It's in the city, and the cars are racing between the buildings. You can see the beautiful scenery," said Thornes.

With negotiations for a new F1 deal out of the way, organisers now have the challenge of ensuring the Singapore night race doesn't lose its shine.

Already, some spectators have some suggestions for improvement.

"Maybe more exits, because it's really congested. But all in all, they're doing a really good job" said Singaporean Genevieve Seah.

Another spectator Arnab Sen said: "Probably a little more on the entertainment quotient.

"We just have one or two top stars performing. If we can have one or two more performing, that would be more fun."

Alan Doherty from Scotland believes spectators can be better guided around the circuit.

"For us to just walk from the other side of Marina Bay to get here, it was a lot unclear at times, where we were meant to go. You ask for people's advice, some would tell you one way, and it's a dead end! And it was one of their officials, so come on!" said Doherty.

But one local fan thinks it's going to be tough for more improvement.

"Not a lot. This is as good as it gets. This and Monaco, in my opinion," said Remy Koh.

- CNA/fa

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1227640/1/.html

One thing they could have explored further was the opposition between those who just want to watch the races, and those who are drawn by the big-name acts. It's going to be a fine balancing act trying to maintain profitability from both groups, in my opinion.

Also, we can see another problem behind shifting the street circuit. The main selling point of the Singapore Grand Prix is the fact that it is a night race in the CBD, set against a backdrop of skyscrapers. While moving it elsewhere might reduce inconvenience, it will lose the skyline (and the trackside hotels).

And here are a few words from the government on the importance of the Singapore Grand Prix.

Singaporeans must accept F1 race as necessary event: MTI
By Vimita Mohandas/Karen Ng | Posted: 22 September 2012 2117 hrs

SINGAPORE: The Trade and Industry Ministry says the community must accept the Singapore Formula One race as a necessary event in Singapore.

This is because the race has reaped benefits such as enhancing Singapore's image and bringing in more tourism receipts.

The 2012 race may be in its fifth year but the F1 demand is revving up more sales in the Orchard Road shopping belt compared to previous years.

The Orchard Road Business Association says it expects to see a 10 per cent increase in sales this year compared to last year.

Steven Goh, executive director of Orchard Road Business Association, said: "I can't imagine a September retail cycle without the F1 season, because traditionally September is a low season for retailers. But for the past four years, we have benefited from the F1 Grand Prix season and this year is no exception."

Many say the extension of the Grand Prix in Singapore is welcome news.

One visitor from Sweden said: "It's good... there's a lot of people coming in here from different parts of the world and I think it's a great opportunity for Singapore and Singaporeans to show off their country."

"It's incredible, especially with a street circuit like Singapore's. It's unbelievable - one of a kind," said a visitor from Australia.

Others said the F1 will be good for the economy and create jobs as well.

"The hotel will see booming business. At the same time, all the shopping centres will also 'boom'. So one year once, I think Singapore should cater to the kind of crowd coming in," said Ms Jane Pang.

However, the race is unpopular among some locals as the city's financial district is sealed off for the weekend, causing traffic difficulties.

"As a man on the street who is working around the area...I think it has really inconvenienced me, in terms of getting to work, the crowd, the noise and everything," said Mr Albert Lee.

The government says it will work towards addressing the inconveniences.

"You can look at the downtime and (road) closure, there's a reduction. It gets more and more efficient as the years go by," said Mr Teo Ser Luck, Minister of State for Trade and Industry.

"The instructions, directions and all that, we try our very best to be as clear as possible. The notices given to stakeholders as well as the public, we try to be as clear and as informative as possible. Those are the refinements," he added.

"And of course, working with all the stalls and the retailers and shopping malls, getting closer and closer to understand (the difficulties) they're facing."

Mr Teo said it's important to ensure the F1 event benefits Singapore as a whole.

- CNA/ir/ac

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1227488/1/.html

Staging F1 will bring S$1b worth of "additional value-add" for economy, says Iswaran
By Sharon See | Posted: 24 September 2012 2147 hrs

SINGAPORE: Staging the Formula One Grand Prix will bring one billion dollars worth of "additional value-add" for Singapore's economy over a 10-year period, says Second Minister for Trade and Industry, Mr S. Iswaran.

In an interview with Channel NewsAsia after sealing a new five-year deal for the Formula One race, Mr Iswaran said the cost of organising the event has squared off against the tourist receipts the country gets over the race weekend.

The Singapore F1 is the only night race in the world. It costs $150 million to organise, with the Singapore government footing 60 per cent of the bill.

And with tourist receipts of about $150 million for each race weekend, Mr Iswaran said the cost of the race squares off for Singapore.

Mr Iswaran said: "So if you just do those numbers at the very basic level, then it squares off at the national level, we think there's a significant benefit. But there are wider spin-offs, and if you look at it from a value-added point of view, we used some consultants to do some estimations, and their own estimation is in terms of a broader economic value, over a 10-year period, at least a $1 billion worth of additional value-add can be created for the economy. So we used a bunch of this data to triangulate our own position."

Mr Iswaran acknowledged there has been a discount in franchise fees for the new contract, but he declined to reveal the amount due to "commercial confidentiality".

With Singapore's success in hosting the night race, observers say it could be a matter of time before others emulate it.

Mr Iswaran agreed this is a key challenge, and that's why organisers are looking at innovations to keep the Singapore race unique.

Mr Iswaran said: "We have innovated in different ways, we have brought all kinds of lifestyle and entertainment options which were not common in the F1 circuit, prior to the advent in Singapore. Similarly, we've had a very strong corporate component as well. And I think one of the reasons why we wanted to settle this discussion early with the Formula One management team was so that we can get started on the next cycle on some of the innovations that we want to work on together with the race promoter and with the Formula One management to see how we can take it to another level.

"It can be on the entertainment side, it can be in terms of how you bring a different dimension to the fan experience because that's an important part of it. Also, how we can draw in other elements into the Formula One - not just in the weekend itself, but around the weekend - because there's a lot of corporate interest from not only within the motor sports industry, but beyond as well. And I think these are some of the areas we want to look at deeper to see what we can do to bring them in."

Mr Iswaran said organisers also hope to involve more Singaporeans to make the Formula One a truly Singaporean event.

- CNA/de

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1227789/1/.html

Make of it what you will. :)

One particular news of note is the semi-confirmation that the fees have been reduced, which is good. Anything that can reduce unnecessary expenses is good for profitability in the long run.

I'm also interested in what new innovations they might come up with for the event in the future.

More suggestions on how to improve the race in the future.

Motor Racing: Vettel urges 'Singapore Sling' shake-up
Posted: 23 September 2012 0352 hrs

SINGAPORE: Two-time world champion Sebastian Vettel Saturday said a notorious corner dubbed the "Singapore Sling" was one of the most unsafe in Formula One and called for urgent remodelling.

After several collisions along the Singapore Grand Prix's tight street circuit in practice and qualifying, Vettel singled out turn 10, a sharp chicane at the end of a long straight near the city's historic cricket club.

"We've discussed it many times, every year actually," the Red Bull driver said.

"We need to find a better solution in turn 10 which probably requires to take a little bit of land for those couple of days from the cricket club or maybe remove the pavement for three or four days.

Turn 10, christened "Singapore Sling" after the famous cocktail, is in a venerable area of Singapore surrounded by colonial-era architecture, and has long been a source of controversy.

Before Saturday's qualifying session, officials shifted a barrier to make it easier to negotiate. But Vettel called for a more comprehensive solution.

"I don't know, but I would imagine if you consider the costs of this whole event, taking a pavement away and putting it back again shouldn't be a big problem," he said.

"In terms of safety it's one of the worst corners we have in the calendar, because you've got this big kerb, big bounce and it's tricky. To find another solution right now, that's something we've got to work on."

Vettel's team-mate Mark Webber punctured a rear tyre when he ploughed into a barrier on Saturday, and Caterham driver Vitaly Petrov and Williams' Bruno Senna also came to grief.

Lotus's Romain Grosjean was another to hit a wall and McLaren's Lewis Hamilton, after setting the fastest lap in the final qualifying session, came dangerously close to a scrape in the dying seconds.

Several drivers have spoken of the challenges of the narrow, twisting Singapore lay-out, which is restricted by the width of its streets and has few grass or gravel run-off areas, meaning mistakes often result in contact with the barriers.

Sunday's race will be preceded by a minute's applause for the late Formula One doctor Sid Watkins, whose innovations are credited with dramatically improving safety standards.

On Saturday, officials announced a five-year contract extension for the Singapore Grand Prix, ensuring the event will remain on the Formula One calendar at least until 2017.

- AFP/fa

Time for F1 night race to take it to next level
By Chia Han Keong

When asked what track improvements should be made to the SingTel Formula One Singapore Grand Prix, now that the nation has clinched a five-year extension until 2017, two-time winner Sebastian Vettel practically jumped in with his answer last Saturday.

Turn 10, dubbed the Singapore Sling, has been the bane of all F1 drivers since the inaugural 2008 Singapore race.

Vettel is not the first to speak up about making the sharp chicane safer to negotiate but, when the 25-year-old suggested widening the turn by carving out some more land from - in his very words - the "SCC", most local journalists did a double take.

After racing here for just five years, not only does the young German know the Singapore Cricket Club, but he also referred to it by its abbreviation, a sign of his familiarity with the landmark.

Perhaps this is what five years of racing on one of F1's most iconic circuits can do.

Drivers, like most competitive athletes, will discuss endlessly among themselves the toughest aspects of their races: the sharp corners, the brushes with disaster and the techniques needed to zip through such obstacles without damaging their cars.

From inaugural winner Fernando Alonso to last night's victor Vettel, the five years of racing on the Marina Bay street circuit have not only offered high-octane thrills for spectators, but also given drivers plenty of stern tests to prove themselves as leaders of the pack.

It would not be a stretch to think that - despite their frequently aired worries about rain - the drivers secretly wished for some precipitation, something that has not happened during the past five Singapore GPs.

The winner of that rain-hit race would have negotiated a tough, twisting and bumpy street circuit.

He would have adjusted well to the artificial lighting. And, by virtue of his brilliant handling under the adverse weather conditions, he can have bragging rights over all his rivals. Not even a rainy night can stop this speed demon.

Which is why it was imperative that Singapore should extend its hosting tenure. By stretching it to at least 10 years of racing, the Marina Bay race can be allowed to mature into a circuit every driver wants to win on.

The novelty of it being the only night race has, surprisingly, not worn off yet. But if more hosts switch to night racing, then Singapore must ensure that it remains the race that comes right after the European leg of the F1 races.

As British newspaper The Guardian's recent preview mentioned, it is only at this juncture that this season's narrative has become clear - that it is Alonso's title to lose despite facing strong challenges from Lewis Hamilton, Kimi Raikkonen and Vettel.

Singapore's exotic location and challenging circuit make it ideal to kick off the final stretch of international F1 races. It is like ramping up the title-chase tension with a monster of a race that tests drivers to their limits.

It can be a race that separates the greatest drivers from the pretenders, one that weeds out the limp challengers from those with the will to sustain their title assaults.

It can be all those and more, as long as it is impeccably organised and the relationship between Singapore and Bernie Ecclestone's F1 franchise does not sour.

Singapore will see at least a decade of elite-level racing - enough time, probably, to see the final retirement of Michael Schumacher, and to see whether Alonso, Hamilton or Vettel will become the top driver of this generation.

Much like the Japanese and Brazilian Grands Prix, which usually end the gruelling F1 season, Singapore can become a vital stop that shapes the finale of every title race.

If it does, then Vettel will surely become familiar with more landmarks, such as Suntec, the Flyer and, of course, the Durian.

hankeong@sph.com.sg

Now we have a rival night race in Bangkok. This is going to be interesting.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/197582_10151250977662040_246584605_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/197582_10151250977662040_246584605_n.jpg

Wow asian money is really what keeping this fun fair@glamour show@race to go on ha?

News on the cost of hosting F1 in Parliament.


Each Singapore Grand Prix race "costs about S$150m"
Posted: 12 November 2012 2045 hrs

SINGAPORE: Second Minister for Trade and Industry S Iswaran told Parliament on Monday that the cost of organising each Formula One race is estimated to be at about S$150 million.

In a written response to Non-Constituency Member of Parliament Lina Chiam, the minister said that the government co-funds 60 per cent of approved costs for the race.

In turn, the F1 Singapore Grand Prix has generated about S$150 million in incremental tourism receipts per race, surpassing the original projection of S$100 million per race.

Mrs Chiam had asked for a cost-benefit report on the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix to justify the country's participation in the event for the next five years.

Mr Iswaran added in his reply that close to 200,000 tourists visited Singapore for the first five races, and that the F1 Singapore Grand Prix has also yielded significant global branding benefits to Singapore.

Cumulatively, more than 360 million television viewers worldwide have followed the first four races.

The statistics for this year's race are still being compiled.

The extensive international media coverage of the F1 Singapore Grand Prix has also showcased Singapore's distinctive skyline globally, the minister said, adding that the government expects these benefits to be sustained and the costs to go down in the extended term.

Mr Iswaran also stated the government's plans to optimise existing infrastructure, become more efficient in race organisation, and benefit from revised terms with the race promoter and Formula One Administration.

The minister also said that the government will continue to explore ways to minimise the public inconveniences that a street race may bring to Singaporeans.

- CNA/jc


source: CNA (http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1236747/1/.html)

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-12-04/billionaire-lim-to-build-race-track-city-bordering-singapore-1-.html

News somewhat related to F1.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/409522_10151353217637040_822443813_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/409522_10151353217637040_822443813_n.jpg

source: TODAY (www.todayonline.com)

Early bird tickets for this year's race has been released.


Motor Racing: Early-bird sales of F1 Singapore GP tickets
Posted: 18 February 2013 1119 hrs

SINGAPORE: Fans of the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix can buy tickets from Wednesday, with 65,000 general three-day tickets on sale for the early birds.

They will enjoy significant savings and new initiatives for the sixth instalment of the world's only Formula One night race on 20, 21 and 22 September.

As in previous years, race promoter Singapore GP will release the tickets in two phases: the early-bird phase from 20 February to 30 April, and the regular phase from 1 May.

About 85 per cent of the ticket categories on offer are priced the same or lower than in 2012.

Fans can look forward to savings of up to 30 per cent if they buy early as a group under the Group Booking Special scheme.

In response to popular demand, Singapore GP is offering an additional combination package for spectators to explore different parts of the Circuit Park on each of the three days.

Fans can opt for the new Zone 1 Walkabout combination package that consists of a Pit Grandstand ticket for both Friday and Saturday, as well as a Sunday Premier Walkabout ticket at only S$688 during the early-bird phase.

The Turn 1, Padang and Bay combination packages will still be available from S$398 to S$788 at early-bird price.

Following the sell-out success of the Turn 3 Premier Grandstand last year, an additional Premier Grandstand has been launched.

It offers spectators the chance to witness possible overtaking opportunities at the Memorial (Turn 7) up-close.

Tickets are priced at S$1,598 for the Turn 7 Premier Grandstand @ Stamford and S$2,128 for the Turn 3 Premier Grandstand.

- CNA/ir


source: CNA (http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1254871/1/.html)

Article on a possible revival of the IPO in Singapore.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/225264_10151472977577040_137490640_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/225264_10151472977577040_137490640_n.jpg

source: TODAY (www.todayonline.com)

News from CNA.


Singapore GP launches "Rev Up Singapore" campaign
POSTED: 20 May 2013 7:51 PM


With four months left to the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix, race promoter Singapore GP has launched a "Rev Up Singapore" campaign to bring fans closer to the race.

SINGAPORE: With four months left to the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix, race promoter Singapore GP has launched a "Rev Up Singapore" campaign.

It features a slew of activities to bring fans closer to the race.

One key highlight will be the Zone 1 Experience where 2,500 lucky winners will be able to experience a Pit Lane walk to enjoy a first-hand view of the team garages at the Pit Building.

This is the first time Singapore GP will open the Formula One Pit Lane and Zone 1 of the Marina Bay Street Circuit.

And there is more in the run-up to the September race.

Singapore GP’s deputy chairman Colin Syn said: "Rev Up Singapore is a year-long campaign designed to bring Formula One not just into the circuit park but into the rest of Singapore.

"We have invited the best of Formula One fraternity to conduct educational talks, organise movie screening about F1 and motorsports, a carnival, behind-the-scenes tours, pit lane accesses and even corporate give-back schemes to benefit selective groups in Singapore."

- CNA/fa


source: CNA (http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/singapore-gp-launches-rev-up-singapore-c/681474.html)

News from TODAY.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/21324_10151623440887040_249495269_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/21324_10151623440887040_249495269_n.jpg

source: TODAY (www.todayonline.com)