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Singapore’s city streets will once again play host to the sound of screaming speed demons come September 24-26, when the 2010 Formula 1 SINGTEL SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX roars back for its third year.
Singapore held the inaugural race in 2008 with much fanfare, with race supremo Bernie Ecclestone describing it as F1’s “jewel in the crown”. To date, over 190,000 spectators have watched both races live, of which more than 30 per cent comprised foreign visitors. Total viewership of the Singapore race over the same period exceeded 195 million. The two races have also contributed significantly to Singapore’s tourism receipts, with over S$260 million in tourism receipts generated.
Despite the many new additions to the F1 global race calendar and the changes in race schedules in some circuits, the Singapore race remains the only night race in the entire F1 season and continues to be Asia’s only street circuit.
Race ticket holders will have even more reason to celebrate. Under this year’s Grand Prix Season Singapore, key entertainment highlights have been closely integrated with the race and will be held in the heart of the Marina Bay circuit. Working in close collaboration, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Singapore GP Pte Ltd (SGP) recently unveiled this year’s slew of top-notch artistes. Taking centre-stage at the Padang will be the likes of Mariah Carey, Missy Elliot, Daughtry and Adam Lambert. They will headline over 300 performers transforming the race circuit into yet another high octane extravaganza of music and excitement. Details of the entertainment line-up will be available on the official website, www.singaporegp.sg. Ticketing options are available online (www.singaporegp.sg), via the ticketing hotline +65 6738 6738 as well as SISTIC and selected SingPost outlets.
Held from 17 to 26 September 2010, Grand Prix Season Singapore 2010 will also present various lifestyle offerings including exciting parties, art exhibitions, new retail and dining experiences. Full details can be found on www.yoursingapore.com.
“With the Singapore race just around the corner, preparations have stepped up to ensure this year’s event will be the best yet. With the newly-launched Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort and its unique SkyPark, Singapore’s skyline juxtaposed against the lighting of the race circuit will be even more spectacular”, enthused Mr Justin Chew, STB’s Executive Director for Hospitality, F1 & Sports. “Visitors can also visit the numerous new shopping venues and our other Integrated Resort – Resorts World Sentosa – with its many rides and attractions at Universal Studios.”
Over the last two years, the STB, working closely with relevant agencies such as the Land Transport Agency and race organisers – SGP – had succeeded in significantly reducing race-related road closures. In 2008, the road closure period totaled 12 days. This was to cater sufficient time for the various necessary infrastructural requirements including the installation of special race track lighting equipment for this mega event given its unique proposition both as a night and street circuit race. With the experience gained from the first year, basic installations already in place, and incorporating public feedback, road closures were greatly reduced by some 40% to just seven days in 2009. Additional fine-tuning has resulted in a further reduction, minimising the road closure period to six days this year. Full details of such closures and public transportation plans will be announced closer to the race.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
