Business as usual during F1 Singapore

MARINA Bay area will remain accessible and open to the public during the Formula One race from Sept 23 to 29.

This was a message the authorities took pains to stress at a media briefing on Thursday to give details of transport arrangements during the Singapore night race next month.

Besides shortening the road closure period and stepping up public transport services, there will be a plethora of transport links and access options to the area.

The road closure days will be shortened from 12 days to seven days, with roads leading to the city open during morning peak hours from 5am to 9am to facilitate travel for worker in the Bay area.

At the same time, public transport will be beefed up, with MRT operating hours extended till 1.15am on the three race nights, and up to 650 trains will be added to cut waiting time for trains to just two to three minutes. The opening hours of LRT will also be extended to coincide with the last train.

The free bridging bus trips between City Hall MRT station and Bugis MRT station to the Suntec and Marina Bay area will also be increased by 25 per cent. It will operate from Sept 23 to 28 with a shorter bus frequency of 10 to 12 minutes.

Taxis, too, are allowed, for the first time, to use the restricted road network, except during peak hours. But those taking hotel guest pass holders and on call will have access during peak hours.

Land Transport Authority chief executive Yam Ah Mee on Thursday stressed that public transport remains the best option for public and race-goers to get to the Marina Bay area during the road closure and race period. That, he said, should reassure Singaporeans that it will be 'business as usual' in the race circuit.

During last year's inaugural race, the extended road closures and confusion over traffic forced many Singaporeans to stay away from the Marina Bay area, hitting business severely.

Mr Colin Syn, deputy chairman of race organiser Singapore GP, said: 'We took the road closure feedback very seriously and after extensive evaluation and planning, the new timetable offers considerable improvements over last year.'


" It may be business as usual as they say, but traffic and car parks or the lack of it will be a major headache for the coming F1 night race. Considering that Marina Bay area is hub in Singapore. "


By Lim Wei Chean, Correspondent
source: Straits Times

Experience the Singapore Formula 1 Grand Prix from onboard Orion

Join Orion Expedition Cruises and Events Worldwide to see the Singapore Formula 1 Singtel Grand Prix.
3 or 4 night packages available include all meals onboard PLUS 3 day Grand Prix walk about tickets with the option to upgrade to reserved seating!

Stay in Singapore harbour onboard the luxuriously appointed Orion, enjoy the adrenalin packed experience of the world’s only night-time Grand Prix and see Australia’s Mark Webber in action in his Red Bull F1 car as he chases another podium position and championship points.

Reserve your accommodation on Orion including Singapore F1 ticket packages: 25 – 27 September 2009.

Reduced pricing: Twin share from just A$1639 per person on sale now. Optional airfares additional.

Staterooms and suites available for individuals, corporate hospitality or other group bookings.

Call Events Worldwide on 1300 788 666 or email sports@events.com.au ?for complete details and options.

source: http://www.etravelblackboardasia.com/

" Oh wow, lifestyle of the rich and the famous and not so famous..."

F1 organisers, hotels hit the home stretch

(SINGAPORE) Michael Schumacher may not be returning to Formula One racing, but the buzz is slowly stealing back to the Singapore Grand Prix as the September event approaches.

After a more subdued start this year against the backdrop of an unprecedented economic recession and the recent U-turn by Schumi, ticket sales and hotel bookings have just a little over a month to play catch-up for the Sept 25-27 event.

At present, close to 70 per cent of grandstand and walkabout tickets have been sold, while over 82 per cent of corporate hospitality suites and the Paddock Club have been taken up, said race promoter Singapore GP (SGP). The numbers have been climbing although at this point last year, over 95 per cent of tickets had been sold.

SGP also scaled back the number of its built-to-order hospitality suites at the circuit to 160 this year from 180 previously, given the poorer economy.

Meanwhile, hotel bookings for race weekend are also lagging behind last year's despite the steeper discounts offered by hoteliers. The trackside Grand Park City Hall (GPCH) has yet to see bookings hit the halfway mark for the F1 weekend.

'Currently, we are not seeing very strong demand,' Park Hotel Group director Allen Law said.


And this is despite the fact that room rates at GPCH have been kept largely the same, although the 30 per cent F1 tax for trackside hotels which is being levied by the government will be passed on to patrons. Room rates start at $480.

'We want to maintain our normal traffic, so we are only asking our normal rate plus the surcharge,' explained Mr Law. Stipulations such as a minimum number of nights have also been done away with, as this tends to deter travellers who are not attending the race.

The Ritz-Carlton, which is near the pit building, is not running a full house yet but remains upbeat.

'Based on last year's occupancy over the race weekend and given that hotel reservations since late last year have been made on a shorter-term basis, we're anticipating to once again fill up this coming year,' said Michelle Wan, director of public relations. The Ritz-Carlton was fully booked over the 2008 race weekend.

Still, the one thing the industry does seem to agree on is that bookings will - and have started to - move faster as the race weekend approaches.

'Bookings at The St Regis Singapore for the Singapore Grand Prix have started to pick up speed as race week draws closer,' said Cheryl Ong, director of marketing communications.

'Given the positive shift of business sentiment lately, it is expected that the optimism will encourage increased corporate bookings as well,' Pan Pacific Singapore general manager Ivan Lee added.

Hotels are also working with other parties to help drum up additional business. The Ritz-Carlton, together with GH Mumm, event organiser B-Yond and other partners such as Audi and Citibank, are joining hands for the Podium Lounge party, a ticketed event at the Ritz-Carlton poolside over race weekend.

And in a tie-up with the Singapore Flyer, the Pan Pacific is offering a $1,900 package which includes three nights' accommodation, a three-day pass to watch the race as well as tickets for the Singapore Flyer.

Meanwhile, the spate of announcements in recent weeks have also started to herald the arrival of Grand Prix season.

The three-day multi-artist concert F1 Rocks, which makes its worldwide debut right here in Singapore, just added Taiwanese pop singer A-Mei to a star-studded line-up which includes Beyonce, the Black Eyed Peas, ZZ Top and Jacky Cheung.

GH Mumm, the official champagne of F1, will be hosting an F1 vintage party at Velvet Underground on Sept 25. And Johnnie Walker, which is flying in some 150 corporate partners and VIPs for the race this year, will host a 500-strong private party at One on the Bund as well as set up a makeshift venue at Clarke Quay - Black Lounge Experience - which will be open to the public.


By NISHA RAMCHANDANI
http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/sub/news/story/0,4574,347121,00.html

" Maybe, they should consider slashing the F1 ticket price at say, half the price??!?? Though, on the other hand, scratch that - that's such a bad idea and could probably cause a revolt from F1 fanatics who availed of their tickets several months ago."

to watch F1 live in Singapore , F1 tickets are available at all Singpost and Sistic outlets.

Night race still unique

'Motoring' talks to Colin Syn, deputy chairman of the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix on what's new for this year's event and what he has to say if Thailand holds a GP.

What changes are being made to this year's Singapore Grand Prix?

Many. First, for the circuit, we will make changes to the entry and exit of the pitlane so that drivers coming into the pit do not interfere with other drivers on their racing line into the final corners and the main straight. The pit exit will be longer and extend towards Turn Two and not get in the way of other racers on Turn One as before. Turn One itself will be tighter and slower to allow for more overtaking chances.

The high kerbs at Turn 10 will also be made smoother. Turn 13 at the Anderson Bridge will be tighter so race drivers can accelerate to a faster speed. Turn 14, turning right from the Esplanade Bridge towards the [National Day] Grand Stand, will also be tighter.

What if it rains this year?

In Qatar where they had night race for Moto GP, they had some problem with the lights coming from the side of the track and higher up, so the racers complained of some glare.

This should not happen in Singapore as the lights are directly above the drivers and, last year, they didn't even notice where the lights were unless they look straight up - which they didn't!

Also, drainage is very good in Singapore, so even if it rains hard, there should be no water logging on the circuit - not like, say, at Sepang this year you can see water going downhill from one side of the track to another and that is very hard for the drivers.

And outside the circuit?

There will be more entertainment - much more! There will big stars like the Back Street Boys (boy band), Chaka Khan (the black American R&B singer) and Travis (Brit Pop band from Scotland). Also, many artists from all over Asia: Philippines, Singapore, Hong Kong and Australia. Yes, including an Austin Powers impersonator from Australia - he's very funny.

How about the facilities?

Yes, you see last year was our first time so a few things [that] we just did not know what to expect, but they are the things we have learned since then and will be improved this year.

Writer: WIWAT CHANG
    Published: 21/08/2009 at 12:00 AM
    Newspaper section: Motoring


" There you go guys, take it from the man who is behind the event, we have a lot to expect for this year's Singapore night race."


To watch F1 2009 live in Singapore, formula 1 tickets are available at all Singpost and Sistic outlets.

Win exclusive access to a FORMULA ONE drivers' autograph session at the Marina Bay Street Circuit

Win exclusive access to a FORMULA ONE drivers' autograph session at the Marina Bay Street Circuit Singapore, 20 August 2009 - 35 f1 ticket holders to the 2009 FORMULA 1 SINGTEL SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX will get the opportunity to attend an exclusive FORMULA ONE drivers' autograph session on the evening of Thursday 25 September at the Marina Bay Street Circuit.

The winners will also get to attend a pre-event cocktail reception that includes a preview on the 2009 FORMULA 1 SINGTEL SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX by Star Sports FORMULA ONE commentator Steve Slater before the drivers arrive. To participate, 2009 FORMULA 1 SINGTEL SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX ticket holders just need to register their f1 ticket transaction number (which they can find on their confirmation email or receipt) on the official Singapore GP website.

Log on to www.singaporegp.sg and look for the banner “Drivers’ Autograph Session”. Each winner will receive a pair of formula 1 tickets to the autograph session with the 35 winners being randomly selected by ballot and then notified by email. Applications for the draw will close on 16 September 2009 (11.59pm, Singapore Time).

About the FORMULA 1™ SINGTEL SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX The inaugural FORMULA 1 SingTel Singapore Grand Prix took place on 28 September 2008 on a street circuit of public roads around the Marina Bay area.

The race was the first FORMULA ONE to be held at night, and the first FORMULA ONE street race in Asia. Over 100,000 spectators, a sell-out, capacity crowd, and more than 110 million television viewers worldwide watched the Singapore Grand Prix.

The 2009 FORMULA 1 SingTel Singapore Grand Prix will take place from 25-27 September 2009 at the Marina Bay Street Circuit in the heart of downtown Singapore.

About Singapore GP Pte Ltd Singapore GP Pte Ltd is the race promoter for the FORMULA 1 SingTel Singapore Grand Prix. It holds five-year renewable rights to stage the Singapore Grand Prix, beginning with the 2008 Season. The company is a partnership between Komoco Motors and regional events company Lushington Entertainments, via its parent company Reef Enterprises.

Posted by GroupM Singapore  
Friday, 21 August 2009


" Another good news to all who already purchased f1 tickets for the Singapore night race, on the other hand, a fitting incentive to all who are still planning to buy their f1 tickets."

Qantas Holidays offers F1 Singapore Grand Prix deals

Qantas Holidays released several deals earlier this week for Aussies wanting to witness the 2009 Formula 1TM SingTel Singapore Grand Prix.

Taking place at night from 27 September, the SGP Season will feature fast cars and fireworks as well as a three-day F1 Rocks concert which will see the Black Eyed Peas, Beyonce, ZZ Top, N*E*R*D and Simple Minds perform.

Only for purchase with accommodation, Singapore Grand Prix Turn 1 and Turn 2 tickets are priced from $1360 per person.

Accommodation deals include 3 nights accommodation in a Superior Room at Holiday Inn Atrium Singapore priced from $372 per person twin share

There is also a deal for 3 nights accommodation in a Deluxe Room at Hotel Royal priced from $384 per person twin share.

The price includes 20 percent discount off COFFEE-HOUSE's A-La-Carte menu prices and guaranteed room upgrade from a Run Of House to a Deluxe Room.

All ticket and accommodation deals are on sale until 20 September 2009 and for travel 25-27 September 2009.

Source: www.etravelblackboard.com






" This is good news indeed for all formula 1 fanatics who has to fly from down under just to watch Singapore's night race."


To watch formula 1 live in Sinapore, formula one tickets are available at all Singpost and Sistic outlets.

Done and Dusted, North One win F1 Rocks shows

Indies North One and Done and Dusted have won lucrative contracts to produce programmes based around F1 Rocks, the new live music event to be staged at Formula 1 race locations around the world.

All3Media-owned North One has been appointed to produce an hour-long entertainment show featuring interviews with celebrities and Formula 1 drivers, TV stunts, performances and lifestyle features.

North One has an established relationship with Formula 1, with its ITV coverage earning the indie three Baftas for best sports programming from 2006 to 2008.

A second show, made by DCD Media-owned Done and Dusted, will incorporate live music performances and interviews from F1 Rocks events, the first of which will be held in Singapore from 24-26 September. Artists taking to the stage include Beyonce, Black Eyed Peas, ZZ Top, Simple Minds, N*E*R*D and Chinese pop legend Jacky Cheung.

Done and Dusted has previously produced programming around music events including the Brit Awards, the MTV VMA Awards, T4 on the Beach, and Grammy-nominated Swing When You’re Winning with Robbie Williams.

London-based distributor Precious Media is to distribute the two programmes, targeting the 188 territories where Formula 1 is broadcast. It follows an agreement between Universal Music Group International and its joint venture company All the Worlds with Formula 1 management to fuse the racing sport with music events.

They aim to stage around six F1 Rocks events per year.

Chris Sice, managing partner and head of content at All the Worlds, said: “These entertainment shows will offer Formula 1 broadcasters an opportunity to attract new viewers, as well as add to the programme of Formula 1. We have chosen the leading experts in their field to deliver this.”

by: Michael Rosser


" Now we know who we have to thank for for the fantastic F1 concerts when F1 comes to Singapore this September."

To watch F1 live in Singapore, formula one tickets are available at all Singpost and Sistic outlets

It's Make Or Break Time For Kimi Raikkonen's Ferrari Career

Kimi Raikonen. Ferrari's star driver and their only world champion driver this millennium, other than The Great Michael Schumacher. Widely regarded as the fastest man on the grid. Also, it is speculated, the highest paid.

So why are Ferrari set to dump him?

Rumours are rife that Ferrari are unhappy with Raikkonen's performances and are offering him half his contractual wage to leave the team at the end of the season, with one year left for him to fulfill.

The main reason is that they are unhappy with his lackluster drives, both this year and last. Add to that the growing whispers that Fernando Alonso is aiming for Raikkonen's seat at Maranello, and these rumours start to assume a little bit of credibility.

Maybe Kimi's performance in Hungary was to show his team he is still worth the money.  Maybe it was just because he sniffed an opportunity to win and decided to push.

The problem with the Kimster is that too often last season he barely featured in any Grand Prix, yet continually set blistering times on his final laps of the race. This shows that Raikkonen clearly still has the speed required to be a Ferrari star driver, and maybe future World Champion.

It's a simple lack of motivation.

Take Singapore GP 2007. F1's first ever night race. Raikkonen, not doing his best ever, just drove into the wall.

Now I know that even the best drivers have their "off" day's, take the famous Wall Of Champions in Montreal. But this is a continuing theme for Raikkonen, he doesn't seem to finish enough races. When he does finish, he barely scrapes through into the points too often.

Alonso, on the other hand, has continuously shown his true pace, even when in an inferior car. After crashing out during qualifying in Singapore last season, he later went on to win the race, which no-one could have predicted.

Hungary too, he was set for the win until the wheels came of the Renault pit operations. Perhaps, having lost out at the Hungaroring, he will be more hungry for the win at his home race in Valencia.

I feel that a win for Alonso in Spain this weekend would seal Raikkonen's fate.

So what would the future hold for Kimi if he was bought out of his seat and replaced with Fernando? Well, he hasnt been linked with any specific team's on the F1 grid (to the best of my knowledge), although Raikkonen has stated recently that he is not finished with F1 yet.

Yet, Kimi has always insisted that he would never stay too long in F1.

Rallying? Before crashing out in Finland, he was seriously quick. And he has pointed to rallying as a possible future career path.

Who knows what will happen? I certainly don't. But I can almost guarantee that we will all have a better idea by the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, later next month, where Ferrari traditionally announce their driver line up for the next season.

I, for one, shall be waiting with baited breath.

by:

Stuart Baird


" Hmmm.... it seems like all F1 fanatics and especially Kimi Raikonen's fans will surely be waiting with baited breath just like you."

To see F1 live in Singapore, formula one tickets is available at all Singpost and Sistic outlets.

F1 Rocks Concert

TAIWANESE pop diva A*mei (above) is slated to perform again in Singapore next month.

The 37-year-old, who performed headlining gigs here last October and in November 2007, is the latest addition to the line-up of three-day music extravaganza F1 Rocks Singapore With LG.

She will join Hong Kong pop legend Jacky Cheung and fellow Taiwanese outfits sodagreen and Da Mouth on the first day of the event.

Other acts playing at F1 Rocks include American R&B superstar Beyonce, hip-hop outfit Black Eyed Peas and Scottish band Simple Minds.

Ms Becky Morgan, chief operating officer of Britishbased events company All The Worlds, the shows' organiser, said that A*mei's addition to the show would result in a one-of-a-kind experience for concert-goers.

"It will be the first time she and Heavenly King Jacky Cheung will be sharing a stage, performing full, live sets," she added.

Known for hits such as Sisters (1996), Bad Boy (1997) and Holding Hands (1998), A*mei has released a total of 17 albums, selling over eight million copies worldwide since she rose to fame in 1996.

Singaporean fans like accounts executive Winnie Lee, 27, are looking forward to seeing the diva in action.

She said: "I'm so excited to see her because I missed her previous shows. Plus there will be other acts to watch. I can't wait."


by: Victoria Barker


" And the F1 Singapore concert just keeps getting better with every updates.... Can't wait to see these various artists."


Early-bird tickets to the F1 Rocks concerts start from $150 and are available from Sistic.

To watch F1 live, formula one tickets can be availed at all Singpost and Sistic outlets.