No Doubt to perform at F1 ROCK concert in Singapore

AMERICAN super group No Doubt is set to join ZZ Top, Simple Minds and N.E.R.D for an exclusive ­performance on Sept 25 at F1 ROCK Singapore.

The show will be a number of firsts for No Doubt, hot off the back of its sell-out first tour in over five years.

F1 ROCK Singapore with LG will be the band’s first ­performance outside of the US in seven years and its first outdoor show in ­Singapore ever.

No Doubt was formed in Anaheim, California, in early 1987.

It has never looked back since with hits ­including Don’t Speak, Hella Good, Just a Girl and Spiderwebs, and having sold a staggering 30 million albums worldwide.

The band’s unique ska/new wave sound has earned it numerous awards ­including six MTV Video ­Music Awards, two ­Grammy’s, four EMA nominations, two Brit nominations and the most consecutive weeks at the top of Billboard’s 100 Airplay Chart title in 1997.

Drummer Adrian Young, bassist Tony Kanal, guitarist Tom Dumont and lead singer Gwen Stefani form one of the most talented pop groups of our generation.

Kanal has ­collaborated with P!nk on her No.1 ­single ­Funhouse while ­Stefani’s highly-­acclaimed solo career has earned her four MTV awards, a Brit, an MTV Asia Award nomination for ­Innovation and five EMA award nominations.

“This has already been an incredible year of touring for our band and we’re excited to keep it going by reconnecting with our amazing fans in Singapore,” said Kanal.

For this event, Universal Music has teamed up with LG Electronics as F1 ROCK founding World Series partner.


Source


" I don't know about you, but No Doubt alone is reason enough to watch this concert. Add to the line up Beyonce, N.E.R.D, the Black Eyed Peas, Simple Minds and ZZ Top and you've got a very grand musical extravaganza"

Inaugural F1 Rocks Concert in Singapore in Full Force.

Singapore held the venue of the first night race. Now, it is all set for the first ever F1 Rocks concert.

Among the top artist performing is No Doubt fronted by Gwen Stefani. This will be the first they will perform in concert after 4 years outside the US.

“Playing in South East Asia has always been a great experience for us,” said bassist Tony Kanal. “So when the opportunity to be a part of the F1 ROCKS™ Singapore event came up, we knew it was time for us to return. This has already been an incredible year of touring for our band and we’re excited to keep it going by reconnecting with our amazing fans in Singapore.”

The full line-up for F1 ROCKS™ Singapore with LG:

Thursday September 24 - Jacky Cheung, A-Mei, Da Mouth and Sodagreen
Friday September 25 - ZZ Top, No Doubt, Simple Minds and N*E*R*D
Saturday September 26 – Beyonce, Black Eyed Peas and Havana Brown

Rubens Barrichello to Blame for Crashgate Scandal

FLAVIO BRIATORE incredibly tried to blame Brawn GP star Rubens Barrichello for the Crashgate scandal that has landed Renault with a race-fix charge.

The FIA have charged Renault with telling their own driver Nelson Piquet Jr to crash so the safety car would come out, helping their other driver Fernando Alonso.

Piquet smashed into a wall on lap 14 of F1's Singapore Grand Prix last September, forcing the safety car onto the track after which Alonso took the lead and went on to win.

But Renault's multi-millionaire boss Briatore insisted the safety car only came out after Barrichello conked out in his Honda on the next lap.

TV footage shows the safety car was out before Jenson Button's team-mate stopped.

Briatore - co-owner of football club QPR - blamed Barrichello in the immediate aftermath of the incident, which happened in F1's first floodlit night race.

The Italian tycoon was quizzed on Speed TV after Alonso's surprise victory. The interviewer said: "Even Nelson Piquet chipped in. If not for his safety car, Fernando wouldn't have been there."

But Briatore, who had admitted beforehand his team needed a miracle to win, replied: "We don't know. No, because it was Barrichello. The safety car was out for Barrichello.

"The miracle was done by Fernando Alonso and the team because everybody was working very hard for this result and we are very happy."

Renault have been summoned before an extraordinary meeting of the World Motor Sport Council in Paris on September 21 and face being booted out of the sport.

Barrichello was just ahead of Piquet when his fellow Brazilian smashed into the wall.

But the race video clearly shows Barrichello was not involved in the incident and was not a factor in the safety car being deployed.

Piquet - sacked by Renault last month for poor results - even admitted that the team wanted a safety car out because Alonso had been short-fuelled.

He said: "The accident was my mistake. We tried two extreme strategies with Fernando quite short and me quite long in the hope of getting a safety car."

Piquet has been ordered by lawyers not to say anything before the Paris hearing when his and Renault's fate will be decided.

But the 24-year-old, unlikely to get another drive in F1, admitted to "strange situations" that season and blasted Briatore as his "executioner".

Piquet, who was beaten to the GP2 title by Britain's current F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton in 2006, said: "The conditions I have had to deal with during the last two years have been very strange to say the least.

"There are incidents that I can hardly believe occurred myself. After the opening part of the season, some strange situations began to happen."

Briatore, double world champ Alonso and Renault's technical chief Pat Symonds were all interviewed by FIA officials at last weekend's Belgian GP.

Investigators have also been analysing the telemetry readings from Piquet's car to see if he took the corner on lap 14 differently to previous times.

And they have checked the pit-to-car radio conversations for signs of any coded calls to Piquet. The Sao Paulo-born driver is understood to have been asking which lap he was on in the the run-up to the crash - despite it being so early in the race.

The sport's governing body have also called in Quest, the private intelligence agency, to look into the incident, which could lead to criminal charges and multi-million pound lawsuits.

If Renault are found guilty of ordering Piquet to crash they could be liable to claims by race fans, marshals or fellow drivers for putting their lives at risk.

F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, who co-owns QPR with long-time friend Briatore, said: "The WMSC have been called to find out what's gone on. It does not mean Renault are guilty.

"Flavio is insisting that he knows nothing about it.

"But it is not good for the sport.

"People seem to be spending money betting on F1 which is good, but they will not want to do that if they think something is wrong with the result."


By Ian Gordon
Source


"Anything goes wrong and everybody's starting to point fingers. It's really amazing, isn't it? Very typical."

F1 ROCKS concert in Singapore Confirms Final Mega Star Line-Up

Beyonce, Black Eyed Peas and No Doubt is all set to headline "F1 ROCKS SINGAPORE WITH LG".
All the World (ATW) has announced that Singapore will hold the inaugural and world premiere F1 ROCKS concert and it will take place this coming September 24-26 alongside Formula 1 weekend night race.

Bringing together the world's most popular annual sporting series with the most iconic music stars, F1 ROCKS(TM) will create an unrivalled experience for F1 and music fans alike.

Some of the biggest top notch perfomers on this side and the other side of the planet, including multi award-winning artists: Beyonce, Black Eyed Peas, No Doubt, ZZ Top, Simple Minds, N*E*R*D and a host of Asian superstars like Jacky Cheung and A-mei among others will also perform the first F1 ROCKS(TM) live at Fort Canning Park, Singapore. Between them they have sold over 300 million records worldwide, making this a truly mega-star line up. Top F1 drivers and celebrities will also be making guest appearances, in what will certainly be a star-studded weekend in Singapore.


Paul Morrison, CEO & Chief Creative Officer, All the Worlds/ F1 ROCKS(TM) quoted as saying, "I am delighted to be launching F1 ROCKS(TM) in Singapore and very pleased to have Singapore as our inaugural event. The world's only F1TM night race just got bigger, faster and louder. Our talent is world class and F1 ROCKS(TM) will rock Singapore!"

"Singapore is making history as the launch city of F1 ROCKS(TM) and this spectacular occasion will add a unique edge to the Singapore GP Season and bolster our reputation as Asia's top lifestyle destination," said Jason Ong, Area Director for Middle East and Africa, Singapore Tourism Board, "We have worked with leading travel agents in the Middle East to create special packages for the Singapore Formula 1 race and we have received keen interest amongst Middle East travelers for this groundbreaking event."Jim Kerr, band member of F1 ROCKS(TM) headliners Simple Minds, says the band can't wait to experience the sensational atmosphere in Singapore: "There aren't many areas in the music arena that haven't been tapped into, but when we heard about F1 ROCKS(TM), we all thought wow! The crowds are going to be sensational and it's going to be a lot of fun. Formula 1 is a sport that many of the guys like to watch, so being able to be part of this is something to get genuinely excited about." F1 ROCKS(TM) Singapore enjoys perfect brand synergy with the inaugural venue Singapore. Singapore, as a city of firsts, hosted the world's first Formula 1 night race last year and is still the host city of the only Formula 1 night race, making it one of the most exciting races in the season. The race is complemented by the 10-day Singapore GP Season, offering lifestyle and entertainment experiences including all-night parties, art exhibitions, great Asian cuisine and retail promotions.

F1 Rocks and Parties in Singapore in Full Throttle

Just as F1 tickets has experienced a surge the past couple of days, plans of party loving, race crashers are also revved up.

F1 goers can expect the same related parties, food and drinks and many other acts as last year. But this year, there's bound to be more as F1 Rocks concert will be launched this year. And with performances by Beyonce, The Black Eyed Peas< Jacky Cheung, A-Mei and many others, this year's F1 is bound to be a blast!!!

 Party organisers are pouring millions of dollars into the various attractions to cash in on the huge crowd that Formula 1 - with its fast cars, hunky drivers and their hot-babe girlfriends - usually attracts.

Local race promoter Singapore GP has beefed up its entertainment budget from $1.2 million to $4 million this year, for example.

And the owners of St James Power Station will hold a four-day F1-themed festival that will cost about $200,000.

Race Fixing Controversy Could Force Renault Out of F1

Bernie Ecclestone warned on Tuesday that the allegations surrounding the crash of Piquet on last year's Singapore F1 could prompt Renault to walk away from F1.

"This is not the sort of thing we need at the moment," the 78-year-old Briton was quoted saying at the Times newspaper.

"I think it will p*** off Renault for a start. Them leaving the sport is a danger, obviously. I mean, I hope that it isn't like that, but it's the sort of thing that might happen."

Honda had quit Formula 1 last December due to the financial crisis and BMW are about to leave at the end of this season.

 The FIA gave no details about the incidents and did not say who had made the allegations.

However media reports originating in Brazil said the focus was on the sport's first night race staged in Singapore last September.

Double world champion Fernando Alonso won that race, his first in more than a year and from 15th place on the starting grid, after Brazilian team mate Nelson Piquet crashed and brought out the safety car.

Singapore GP expects a surge in ticket sales

Ticket sales has crossed 80% and F1 Singapore promoter Singapore GP are scrambling to add more seats.

The last two weeks have seen a sudden surge of demand for tickets that an extra 1,000 tickets will be added to the the previous inventory of 82,000 bringing the total number of tickets to 83,000.

The additional ticket were added to the Pit and Turn 3 grandstands.

'Increased sales momentum as the race dates approach is something we expected might happen, as other Formula One circuits traditionally experience the same buying pattern,' said executive director Michael Roche.

The recent spike in demand could be due to the fact that more F1 races are being televised now that the summer holidays in Europe are over. And thanks to the fact that the drivers' title race is open, interest has been revived.

By yesterday, 81 per cent of the Pit Grandstand, 83 per cent of the Bay Grandstand and 86 per cent of the Esplanade Waterfront Grandstands respectively had been sold. Sunday and Saturday single-day walkabout tickets are sold out. And three-day walkabout tickets are expected to be completely taken up by the middle of next week.

As for corporate hospitality, 83 per cent of capacity has been taken up. But the number of corporate suites at the seven locations around the Bay circuit has shrunk. There are 160 suites this year, down from 180 last year, although Singapore GP has introduced a new type of suite amid the more challenging economic conditions.

Besides the Club and Sky suites and the Formula One Paddock Club, there is also The Green Room. This new air-conditioned seating area has food and beverage service but caters to the individual customer and smaller corporate groups.

Tickets for the other types of corporate suite are typically sold in multiples of 10s and 50s. The Green Room's prices are also lower at $3,388 per person.

Formula One race fixing allegation

David Coulthard: Formula One race fixing allegation - I don't buy it

First we had conspiracy theories regarding the dramatically improved performances of the Force Indias, the Toyotas and the BMWs during Saturday qualifying, which produced an unusual-looking grid for Sunday's race.

Now we learn that the FIA, F1's governing body, is investigating claims that Renault allegedly tried to fix the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix.



Well, call me naive but I'm not buying it. In the case of the weekend just gone, the unusual performances can be explained by virtue of the fact that these latest F1 cars, which are the result of the biggest rule changes in the sport in over a quarter of a century, had never before visited Spa, a circuit of unique characteristics. It's like Andy Murray going from grass to clay – you need time to adapt and time is the one thing F1 teams don't have any more with in-season testing banned.

Besides, how would you actually go about fixing a grid in such a manner?

Stickier tyres? Higher revving engines? Less/more ballast? Those scenarios would require the complicity of Bridgestone, mechanics/team personnel, the FIA. It would be impossible to keep such subterfuge under wraps. Not everyone would be comfortable working as part of a charade and a whistle-blower would quickly emerge.

The Renault allegations are far more credible, although once again I find them very hard to stand up. From a driver's perspective, it is certainly technically possible. It's not hard to crash a car and if you hit the barriers side-on, as Nelson Piquet did in Singapore, then it would be fairly low impact and not too dangerous for him.

Morally, though, it is off the scale. In order to keep the safety car out for any length of time Renault would have needed to choose a place on the track where the marshals could not get to quickly.

It would also have needed the complicity of a number of people – the only evidence I can envisage would be radio communications, which are openly available to the FIA and the team. Someone would surely have said something by now. As I say, I don't buy it.

In any case, it is a shame that such speculation is detracting from what was another incredible weekend. Jenson Button's 'yips', as I described them last week, continue and there is no question now that his performance levels have dropped. Rubens Barrichello is showing him what the Brawn car can do; Jenson just isn't delivering at the same level.

I don't know why that is. It may be that Rubens' vast experience in terms of feedback to engineers is coming to the fore now. Or it may be that the pressure of leading is subconsciously distracting Jenson from his best.

I found Ross Brawn's comments in the aftermath of the race instructive. He said Jenson needed to get used to dealing with the pressure. Now I was never in the position Jenson finds himself in so I can only surmise what it must feel like to see your championship lead tumbling with each passing race, but I can certainly understand how frustrating it must be to have your motivation or ability questioned by journalists.

But pressure is the name of the game and Jenson must rise to it. Let's not forget, his drives early in the season bore comparison with Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost. He has not lost that ability overnight and he can regain it in Italy.

Monza presents another unique set of problems. It is a very low downforce circuit, it will be hotter... God knows who will finish on top there, but I wouldn't rule out another race like the one we just saw with the likes of Force India and Ferrari on top.

Mind you, that would not necessarily be bad news for Jenson, who just needs to keep finishing in the points. With five races to go it could not be more fascinatingly poised.

By: David Coulthard
Source

" I wonder if this would still crop up as controversy if Piquet still happens to be Alonso's teammate. "

F1 race organisers should keep race fresh to sustain interest

SINGAPORE: The challenge for the organiser of the Singapore Grand Prix is to keep it fresh and interesting.

Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry, S Iswaran, said if race organisers can continue to add new elements to the event in the coming years, the road ahead for future Formula 1 races in Singapore will look good.

This year's F1 night race in Singapore has been affected by the poor economy, with slower ticket sales and hotel bookings.

But organisers are working hard to spark more interest in this year's event with the inaugural F1 Rocks concert and other attractions within the circuit park.

Mr Iswaran said: "As long as we keep it fresh and interesting, the fact that it is a night race in the city centre, I think the combination of factors should continue to sustain the interest for the race, from repeat visitors and also from new fans."

With less than a month to go, it is a race against time for the 1,000 race officials as they gear up for the September event. But preparations are on track to get everyone up to speed.

Mr Iswaran also had a closer look at how race officials recover a stalled vehicle or one involved in an accident during the race.

Gabriel Tan, clerk of course, Singapore GP, said: "Next weekend, about half of the race officials are going up to Pasir Gudang, the race circuit where we actually will have a simulation scenario for them and we will give them a chance to experience a race circuit with cars going around."

The training's vital as, unlike last year's race - when the Australians took charge as key officials - Singaporeans will helm this year's operation.

Dr Kelvin Chew, chief medical officer, Singapore GP, said: "Having that one year behind us actually gave us a lot better feel of how we are going to tackle this year."

Some key officials have also been deployed at overseas races, but working on the actual site will still make a difference.

And like last year, an actual safety simulation exercise will be conducted at the Singapore street circuit. Two sessions, on the Tuesday and Thursday of race week, will be held with FIA officials observing how the Singapore race officials work.

By Patwant Singh
Source

"So that explains the launch of F1 rocks concert. There's nothing like bringing in the hottest celebrities around the globe to stir things up a bit."

Asia's "largest race car" revs up some bread torque

Unlike last year's more delectable chocolate-powered outing which was actually cruise-worthy, this yeasty racer coasts on carb control and won't be going places. Visitors in Singapore can take a peek at "Asia's largest race car made from bread" at the Royal Plaza on Scotts lobby till September 27 when the Singapore F1 night race kicks off in high gear.

The constructor team, so to speak, comprised six chefs, two artists, two technicians, two culinary staff members and five volunteers from Metta Welfare Association who modded themselves a life-size Formula One car made up of 1,000 loaves of 22 different varieties.

For the score, these chalked up 15kg (33 pounds) of yeast, 14 liters of water, 2kg (4.4 pounds) of salt and around three gallons of varnish, costing S$15,000 and 549 hours to construct. If you can ignore how much bread this could have fed the malnourished nations, or what's to become of all that effort after the show is over, this F1 outing might set a new record of the culinary variant.

By: Juniper Foo
Source

" I wonder how Asia's largest race car tastes like."

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.

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

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.