ssc_marcomms posted on September 01, 2009 09:00
Photo courtesy of Singapore Tourism Board
September will prove to be another exciting month with the return of the much-anticipated 2009 FORMULA 1 SINGTEL SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX. Once again, the circuit in the night at Marina will look no different from the day as we watch the FORMULA 1™ cars tear down the streets at break-neck speed. Touted as the “new jewel of the FORMULA 1™ sports crown” by none other than FORMULA 1™ mogul Bernie Ecclestone, both racers and spectators can look forward to a thrilling race experience.
Self-confessed 'petrol-head' and voice of the Star Sports' FORMULA 1™ coverage Steve Slater is convinced that the atmosphere here is “truly unique”. “Being the only illuminated FORMULA 1 ™ night race right in the heart of a buzzing metropolis is what sets the Singapore Grand Prix apart from the other races,” Steve explains.
According to Steve, the race last year had instantly established Singapore as a prime venue for the Grand Prix, matched in prestige perhaps only by the Monaco Grand Prix – and that has been running since 1927. “The huge success of the inaugural night race in Singapore has literally changed the way that people view Grand Prix racing. They will now always compare future races with Singapore.”
One of the more glamourous sports in the world now, the FORMULA 1™ traces its history as far back as the days of European Grand Prix Motor Racing in the 1920s and 1930s. Suspended during the World War II, motor racing resumed after the World Drivers’ Championship was formalised in 1947.
From technical developments and motoring innovations in the 60s and 70s that improved cornering speeds to the emergence of new driving aids in the 1990s, the once mid-engine cars of old have since evolved into the current lean, mean machines with top speeds of up to 360km/hr.
While one may question if technology rather than drivers’ skills determines the race outcome, there is no doubt that FORMULA 1™ has evolved into a lucrative business from being just a sport. Viewed by 600 million people world-wide, the Formula 1™ is easily one of the most-watched sporting events.
* The Singapore Grand Prix has always prided itself as being much more than a motor race, and even more so this year. Set high on Fort Canning Park and overlooking the track, the inaugural F1 ROCKS™ concerts featuring international and Asian superstars Beyonce, The Black Eyed Peas, Jacky Cheung, Ah-Mei and more, are set to have revellers up on their feet.
The Singapore GP Season also returns this year with lifestyle performances and showcases ranging from neo-pop artist and sculptor Romero Britto’s first exhibition, FORMULA ONE photographer Paul-Henri Cahier’s THE FIRST NIGHT RACE Outdoor Photo Exhibition to Amber Lounge and Asia on The Edge. Indeed F1 fans in Singapore and from around the world can expect a pulsating event over 25, 26 and 27 September.
Get your race tickets here at www.singaporegp.sg
Get your concert tickets here at www.visitsingapore.com/sgpseason