Uniquely Singapore, uniquely Formula 1
In the field of professional motorsports, no other set of races is more eagerly anticipated than those of Formula 1. A yearly spectacle that doesn’t fail to captivate audiences worldwide, each Formula 1 season transforms drivers into modern-day warriors on the track. Piloting extremely high-powered machines, even the slightest miscalculation — like taking a corner an inch too wide or shifting into gear half a second off the mark — can spell glory or doom for teams and their drivers. With a slim margin for error, every millisecond is packed with intense action and drama.
Formula 1, like in any other country, has a large following in the Philippines. Local enthusiasts are affected by the trials and triumphs encountered by their favorite teams and drivers. Other aficionados are up to speed with the new adjustments and rules for each season, making their Formula 1 experience that much more scientific. BMW, Ferrari, Honda, Mercedes, and Toyota are not just car makes available in the country, but are also prominent names among Filipino Formula 1 fans.
Although Filipinos in general don’t zealously wave red flags or don red garb to cheer on Ferrari like the Italians, or celebrate a Germany vs. Germany rivalry as the BMW and Mercedes teams do, being immersed in the hoopla of Formula 1 is most definitely a treat. It’s all about the sight of fast cars, engines screaming, rubber burning; the smell of petrol in the air, lovely pit vixens holding umbrellas, and observing the reality of having a god-like, rock star racer status. Actually, “treat” is quite an understatement.
This third quarter of 2009 holds a special date for Southeast Asian Formula 1 fans as the Singtel Singapore Grand Prix is slated for the closing days of September. Now in its second year the Singapore GP is making that once-in-a-lifetime Formula 1 experience a more feasible reality for Filipinos who won’t settle for live television broadcasts on ESPN or Star Sports.
Described by Formula 1 management president and CEO Bernie Ecclestone as “the jewel in the Formula 1 Crown,” the Singtel Singapore GP reached new heights as being the first-ever night race in Formula 1 history, as well as being Asia’s first Formula 1 street race. Last year, in its debut year as a Formula 1 event, the Singtel Singapore GP took home a hat trick of awards including the Autosport Award for Pioneering and Innovation, the Professional Motorsport World Expo’s 2008 Motor Sport Facility of the Year award, and the FIA Promoter of the Year Award.
Building on last year’s success, the 2009 Formula 1 Singtel Singapore GP is ready to prove that this is the ideal holiday destination for race fans. For starters, the Marina Bay Street Circuit has been fine-tuned and upgraded to provide more racing action. In particular, turns 1, 13 and 14, have been made tighter and slower to enable greater overtaking possibilities, while a now-dedicated pit lane and refurbished pit exit ensure driver safety. Along with new FIA season rules including the use of slick tires, new sanctions regarding aerodynamics, the prohibition of exhaust chimneys, and the use of the controversial Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems (or KERS,) the Singapore GP can only spell excitement for all who attend.
Snaking through highly cosmopolitan streets, specially designed grandstands and bleachers at key locations around the Marina Bay Street Circuit offers spectators the opportunity to be in the thick of it. This September, fans will be able to marvel at how the drivers push the limits around this unique circuit that includes Singapore’s most beautiful historical landmarks and buildings, including: the old Supreme Court, City Hall, the War Memorial, Anderson Bridge, Raffles Hotel and the Esplanade, as well as the unmistakable Singapore city skyline.
For those who would like to catch the race in a more relaxed and private atmosphere, hotels and landmarks around the track offer a good alternative. For instance, the Singapore Flyer, the world’s largest observation wheel, offers a wonderful 360-degree bird’s eye view of the circuit. Trackside hotels include the Ritz-Carlton, Pan Pacific Singapore, Mandarin Oriental Hotel, and Swissotel The Stamford. While at the Pan Pacific or the Mandarin Oriental, food lovers can enjoy the cuisine of the Hai Tien Lo Restaurant or the Axis Bar as they enjoy the race. Furthermore, as a special for the season, participating hotels are slashing their rates by 30 to 50 percent if booked ahead of time.
Beyond the GP season, a myriad of events and parties abound all over Singapore from the Sept. 18 to 27 (the last race day.) These include the 24-hour entertainment precincts of Clarke Quay and Boat Quay along the Singapore River, Zouk, Singapore’s foremost clubbing institution, and the St. James Power Station, which offers 70,000 square feet of party space and nine night spots, each with a different concept.
For those keen on late-night shopping, dining and further entertainment, the newly rejuvenated Orchard Road is the place to be, with its wide range of international labels and the opening of three new malls — ION Orchard, Orchard Central and 313 Somerset.
None of this, however, will sway any true-blooded racing fan from what Singapore is really going to be all about come September. Even with the number of events latching onto the Formula 1 fever, it’s still all about the race. Parties, discos, fast cars and hot women — or hot cars and fast women, depending on how you look at it — will be a fitting backdrop for the Singtel Singapore GP as it goes into its second lap.
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A list of participating hotels during the ten-day Formula 1 celebration period may be accessed at the Singapore GP website, www.singaporegp.sg. Corresponding rates may be accessed through the season website, www.visitsingapore.com/sgpseason/hotel_rates.html, hosted by the Singapore Tourism Board.
For more information about booking package trips, visit the Red Rock Travel website at www.redrocktravel.net.
E-mail me at enricomiguelsubido@yahoo.com.
