The words ‘modern classic’ are not used to describe many of the circuits added to the F1 calendar in the last two decades. For Singapore though it seems a good fit.
The race has solidified it’s place as a pivotal event in the F1 season, replete with all the glitz and glamour that earns the venue its reputation as the oriental counterpart to Monaco as the ‘jewel in the F1 crown’.
The Lion City is in full swing come Grand Prix time, with F1 parties attracting the rich and famous; a post race fireworks display that seems to get grander every year; and a concert that has seen the likes of Bon Jovi, The Killers and Katy Perry take to the stage. It’s fair to say the organizers have raised the bar for other circuits and can only be applauded for offering more value to attending fans.
Spectator views of the circuit are undeniably hampered by restricted vision, as is characteristic of most street circuits. From a purely racing perspective, it lacks the high speed, sweeping curves that show off an F1 car at its best.
Nonetheless, like Monaco, it is a drivers circuit where raw talent can come to the fore and and make a difference in a race. Physically, it’s the toughest race of the year for drivers; heat, humidity, 80 gear changes per lap and immense g-forces under heavy breaking all take their toll.
Being there to appreciate their skill in threading a car between the barriers is thrilling. Everything else is just the cherry on the cake.
Singapore Grand Prix F1 Spectator Tips
- Singapore has some of the best food and beverage stalls available to mankind – Grand Prix going mankind that is. Some accept credit cards but bringing cash is advisable.
- Spinning wheels aren’t just for the race track. Take a ride on Singapore’s answer to the London Eye – the Singapore Flyer and get your weekend off to a…flying start. According to their marketing team it’s ‘a moving experience at every turn’ (no joke). It’s also a great way to orientate yourself to the layout of the circuit as well as take in stunning views of the city. It’s wheelie good!
Quick Facts and must-have Information
| Currency | Singapore Dollar (S$SGD) |
| Time | UTC +8 |
| Language | English is an official language and understood my most Singaporians. Manderin Chinese is also broadly used. |
It might be night time but don’t expect anything other than blisteringly hot, humid, sweaty, sticky…well you get the idea. Wear light clothing, stay hydrated and try not to move around too much.
Singapore Track Schedule 2018
| THURSDAY 13th SEPTEMBER | ||
| Formula 1 | Press Conference | 18:00 - 19:00 |
| Promoter Activity | Drivers' Autograph Session | 18:00 - 20:00 |
| FRIDAY 14th SEPTEMBER | ||
| Porsche Carrera Cup Asia | Practice Session | 15:00 - 15:45 |
| Formula 1 | Practice 1 | 16:30 - 18:00 |
| Paddock Club | Paddock Club Pit Lane Walk | 18:05 - 19:05 |
| Formula 1 | Press Conference | 18:30 - 19:00 |
| Ferrari Challenge | Practice Session | 19:15 - 20:00 |
| Formula 1 | Practice 2 | 20:30 - 22:00 |
| SATURDAY 15th SEPTEMBER | ||
| Ferrari Challenge | Qualifying Session | 14:40 - 15:10 |
| Formula 1 | Team Pit Stop Practice | 15:10 - 15:30 |
| Porsche Carrera Cup Asia | Qualifying Session | 15:50 - 16:20 |
| Ferrari Challenge | First Race (10 Laps or 25 Mins) | 16:50 - 17:20 |
| Formula 1 | Practice 3 | 18:00 - 19:00 |
| Paddock Club | Paddock Club Pit Lane Walk | 19:15 - 20:15 |
| Formula 1 | Qualifying | 21:00 - 22:00 |
| Formula 1 | Press conference | 22:00 - 23:00 |
| SUNDAY 16th SEPTEMBER | ||
| Porsche Carrera Cup Asia | Race (12 Laps or 30 Mins) | 15:30 - 16:05 |
| Ferrari Challenge | Second Race (10 Laps or 25 Mins) | 16:55 - 17:25 |
| Paddock Club | Paddock Club Pit Lane Walk | 17:30 - 19:15 |
| Formula 1 | Drivers' Track Parade | 18:30 - 19:00 |
| Formula 1 | Starting Grid Presentation | 18:45 - 19:15 |
| Formula 1 | National Anthem | 19:54 - 19:56 |
| Formula 1 | Grand Prix (61 Laps or 120 Mins) | 20:10 - 22:10 |
I’m Danny, an incurable Formula 1 fan for over 25 years and founder of The F1 Spectator. My aim is to inform and inspire, arming you with helpful tips and advice for your next F1 trip.
featured image: © chensiyuan | WIKIMEDIA
