ZOOMING IN ON THE SINGAPORE F1 GRAND PRIX
Put the pedal to the metal!
I think in more ways than one, the first ever night time F1 race in Singapore is the most exciting thing to happen in this region after the Olympics.
I am not an F1 fan before, but now I’m familiar with Kimi Raikkonen , Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso.
For those who don’t have the need for speed, like me, what makes this event different from other international gatherings held here? Well, not only does it raise Singapore’s profile as a premiere sports destination in Asia but it also shows a nation’s will to succeed against all odds.
A couple of years ago, who would have thought that F1 officials would even consider a race in and around the city and at night ? Wow.
I tell myself, this is something I got to see! It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity and it’s happening right here in my backyard, so no excuses! I’d scramble for a place near the Pit
( for a better glimpse of the cars and yes I admit, their drivers) or the Padang grandstand because the view there is unfettered and the stretch of road is long. Best of all, having my friends there with me makes the experience more memorable.
Of course, I can’t talk about F1 and not talk about all the biz buzz surrounding it. I’m in the news business and business news is my cup of tea. I can’t help but drink in the excitement that this event generates.The tourism dollars that such a prestigious event brings, the endorsement deals signed by the race car drivers, and the brand awareness for the carmakers. Even major international banks jumped on the bandwagon as they raced each other to sponsor the event. Hotels and restaurants also getting in on the action and marketing buffet lunches and dinners in time for the grand prix. As a journalist covering the business beat, it’s amazing to me to hear all the F1-linked client events organized by the investment banks.
Lest I forget, there’s also the extensive merchandising. There are special ones made just for the Singapore night race. I daresay, they’d be coveted collector’s items.
Grand Prix tickets are costly between S$500 and S$1000. But what it does to the Singapore brand? Priceless.
Business and economic prospects aside, this particular grand prix moves me because it makes me proud to be Asian. F1’s first-ever night time race tells the world that Asia’s time is here. That Singapore’s time is now. We’re revved up!
Frankly speaking, even though these recent events were/will be held here in asia, it’s still telling that we are not being regarded as being “there” yet. Did you think that the F1 race in Singapore is held at night race simply because night racing is a novelty? Why do you think the schedule of the swimming finals at the Olympics were shifted into the mornings? The only time I can remember when there is sufficient fair recognition is at the 2002 World Cup in Japan/Korea when play is held at normal times. Goes to show that only soccer is truly universal in spirit, where everyone gets their turn in having to wake up at ungodly hours to watch what they love. Ironically, I am a F1 fan and not a soccer fan…
Comment by sgporc | September 12, 2008
Yah, I am excited about the world’s first F1 night race.
I was told, the ads on the F1 vehicles, are the most expensive. Maybe that’s one of the reasons why the tickets are not cheap.
Your photo(the one that links to your blog) looks really attractive.
Comment by Kin Lee | September 13, 2008
I would agree 110% on what is typed by you.It will not only be a once in a lifetime experience for our tiny island,but it also let our country shine!!..
I am authentically excited about this event,but what concerns me is the safety for both F1 drivers and the spactators.What if something were to go wrong?,Will that metal fence be strong enough to protect the people from car crashes?.
But whatever the outcome maybe,i have strong gut that everything is going to be just fine.Shine on Singapore! =)
Comment by Iza | September 14, 2008
Hi Jennifer
I am abuzzed with excitement and after watching the Italian Grandprix in Monza (two weeks before the next race come to town), I must admit that the drivers and the organizers are all but ready to embrace the historic event in Asia.
Firstly, the race would be held at night (first time ever in the world, and a first for all race drivers, and surely a first for all avid fans).
I also dare say that no team has any advantage over any other team in the race-no driver has raced at night before, and none has competed on open public road in Singapore. Although the Marina circuit has got what it takes to be a legendary city road circuit.
All eyes would be on Singapore come 27 Sep. I must feel proud every bit to be a singaporean. But I am concern about the safety and the risk that might involve.
At a breakneck speed of 300plus kph, blazing the track at such blistering pace on our public roads (which has never been tried and tested before) should have some concern for any crash. Potential crash is real and might be disastrous if the orgnanizer is not prepared-they should aniticipate what a night race could bring. Not forgetting that lately we have been experiencing late showers and heavy rain fall.
I think that our authorities should have let no stone unturn before the event to ensure safety at its utmost best. But all are simulated scenarios and have yet to see any real situations until the actual race begins.
As no drivers has ever race at night in a city ciruit in formula one history, I hope the authority has taken all steps and precautions to ensure an enjoyable and memorable event without major mishaps.
With the expected tourism spin-offs and many more priceless publicity Singapore would get from a worldwide audience of close to 1 billion (by the way, 8pm in Singapore is 8am in the Americas, 10pm in Australasia, 2-4pm in Europe and Africa) we could foresee that almost the entire world could witness such historic event. I hope the race drivers would provide an epic racing spectacle but bear in mind the safety measures to ensure minimum risks when overtaking or cornering-so that the world is not witnessing any uncalled for risky maneuvre that would unfold before billions pairs of eyes.
May the Singapore GP be a springboard and the one that propel many more world class sports events coming to the region, and Singaporeans are always efficient in hosting such event.
Comment by Kenneth Kwan | September 15, 2008
The F1 pit garages and start-finish straight yesterday evening. Once again, he has shared his photos with me and given me permission to blog these. Work going on at the start-finish straight. I’m imagining 20 cars on the grid, waiting for the five lights to go out, signalling the start of the race. The sound is guaranteed to give you goosebumps.
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jacksen
Internet marketing
Comment by jacksen | September 27, 2008