Singapore Street Circuit
Singapore Grand Prix, Singapore
Those lucky enough to get hold of 2008 Singapore Grand Prix tickets – the first night race in Formula 1 history – will be in for a treat. The bright lights of the futuristic skyline provide a stunning backdrop to the race, which is floodlit to reproduce daylight conditions.
The 3.15-mile street circuit runs around the city state’s Marina Bay area, and the harbourside location resembles the Monaco and Valencia circuits. The track is fairly wide in places and reasonably high speeds are expected to be possible, although visibility and wet weather have been a concern for some drivers.
A permanent pit complex has been built along the marina promenade, close to the Singapore Flyer ferris wheel. It houses the team garages, a Paddock Club for 4,000 guests, a media centre and the winners’ podium.
The temporary section of track uses two bridges across the harbour plus the famous Padang Park. It also takes in Republic Boulevard, Raffles Boulevard, Stamford Road and City Hall. The track then goes past the Fullerton Hotel and makes a tight left turn to Esplanade Drive, joins Raffles Avenue and cuts right to the front of the Marina Bay Floating Stadium, before returning to the pits via a temporary road around the Singapore Flyer. At one point, cars even race underneath a temporary section of grandstands.
The debut 2008 Grand Prix will also see the introduction of 35 electronic flag displays, used in conjunction with traditional flag signals, making it easier to communicate warnings.
Page & Moy’s thrilling F1 tour is the perfect way to see the race in style and explore this intriguing city state that’s full of surprises. The smallest country in South East Asia at 264 square miles, it’s one of the Asian Tiger economies that boomed in the second half of the 20th century.
Visually, the city resembles Hong Kong: it’s a vibrant mix of skyscrapers, older colonial properties and traditional buildings. The population is primarily of Chinese origin but has substantial Indian, Malay, and European minorities, which makes for some excellent food. Crab curry is one of the highlights – head out to the east coast beaches for the very freshest. There is also delicious Peranakan cuisine, a fusion of Chinese and Malay food.
Shopping is ever-popular, particularly if you love gadgets and electrical goods.
Sentosa Island is a natural retreat linked to Faber Mountain on the main island by cable car. If you’re feeling brave, take the one with the glass floor. For those who make it across, the island’s attractions include an outstanding aquarium.
Singapore has earned a reputation for primness over the years but is working hard to overcome this and embrace all things fun, although chewing gum remains a banned substance!
How to book
View our complete list of F1 packages to the Singapore Grand Prix this year.