Inaugural Formula One Singapore (pt. 2)

How wrong he was – as he eventually turned out to be the winner! That also showed, and especially on a race circuit entirely new to all drivers, that anything can happen in a F1 race!

 

Come afternoon and during a quick stroll and some shopping at the nearby Equinox complex the roar of the F1 cars out practicing was all of a sudden evident proof of that the F1 circuit had come to town – high-pitched, stringent and unmistakable; unforgettable once you have heard the noise of the cars live.

 

Passing nearby the circuit it was clear that the organiser had also done an incredible job in terms of putting up all the constructions and security barriers needed along the track.

 

All left to do now for all spectators was to pray for a weather miracle.

 

Back at the hotel it was eventually time for evening cocktails, the perfect warm-up for the race start - at 8 p.m! The start of the race was in fact experienced watching the TV screen in the comfy Orchid Club Lounge, since some in our party had failed to find tickets.

 

The race could also be enjoyed with a dedicated Formula 1 theme and including a nicely priced free flow of drinks package at Club 5, put together by the hotel for its guests during the race – just an example among many such venues downtown.

 

After I while I ventured out to find my grandstand seat, an excellent position on the corner of One Raffles Link opposite The Esplanade, where the cars passed by twice with turns in opposite directions. Coming back along Esplanade Drive from Esplanade Bridge they came in full speed and had to press the breaks hard to turning in on Raffles Avenue.

 

Let there be Light! And no less than 1600 light projectors did the job well, turning night into day, rigged up along the city-state’s street circuit.

 

Once reaching the seat in the absolute roar surrounding me, I got confused about my notes in the notebook about each driver’s position. But... Alonso!...is leading!? It turned out that during my transportation from the hotel to the position along the race track opposite Swissotel a dramatic turn of events has taken place; Nelson Piquet’s big accident on lap 15 followed by incident with the refuelling hose in the pit stop on lap 17. And from lap 24, having been able to take advantage of being the fist driver to pit, Alonso was all of a sudden in virtual lead of the race!

 

So with a big question mark on my face I tried to ask my neighbour and to have a conversation turned out to be all but impossible. Earplugs recommended big time!

 

The gigantic screen on the opposite side of the race track helped in trying to follow as the events unfolded. Basically Alonso stayed his course form then on, told to ‘push like hell’ till the end of the race from his race team, which he did and thus became the man to stamp his name in the history books with victory for Renault in the first ever night race as well as inaugural Formula One Singtel Singapore Grand Prix.

 

Long before than I nearly lost track of who in what care and where, as eventually the cars were spread out on the curcuit, thus constantly coming and going in two directions simultaneosly.

 

IN the end, the race had delivered more than well on its promise for big time action and drama – and who would have wanted a whole race passing by without any mishaps or changes in positions whatsoever!

 

Once the race was over it was a matter of heading as fast as possible to any nearby waterhole to continue the party and seeing replays from the race on big screens. Chijmes behind Equinox, a chapel converted into a courtyard of restaurants and pubs, was crowded and a suitable option with its many indoor and al fresco venues.

 

Equinox itself is home to one Singapore’s coolest bars, New Asia Bar, much given to its location and astonishing view from the 71st floor. However this venue was of course reserved for a private party on and occasion such as this.

 

Same goes for Amber Lounge, the dedicated Formula 1 circuit party, a touring nightclub set up for each race, which was promoted to the public. However this was club was very much dedicated to V.I.P’s and the rich and famous, including no less than 10 of the Formula 1 drivers attending, it was learned afterwards. So as a matter of cash and contacts one can get access to where the drivers go post-race celebrating.

 

For the rest of us ordinary mortals, while being envious, entertainment abound along the race track – with for instance the city’s renowned club Zouk having set up an outdoor area that had, among others, the world DJ Carl Cox as special guest on the Friday.

 

Somewhat strangely enough, the anticipated partying was perhaps less vibrant than expected on the evening after the race; so not so much of a Formula 1 frenzy at the town’s nightclubs as they had apparently planned for.

 

Many venues had gone the extra mile to put on a show, such as the IndoChine Group with its many venues hosting the IndoChine Festival. The night before had for instance offered ‘Forbidden Mansion’ with Sexy Playmates from L.A! But a visit to its Empress Place for the closing party, the venue was hardly crowded. Perhaps this was what to expect, given an ordinary working day was fast approaching…

 

Climax of the weekend’s events had, at least for the public, apparently taken place the night before the race – except for those lucky ones who could actually get ideally free entrance to that Amber Lounge party and enjoy free-flowing bubbles and spotting celebrities, or any of the other hosted events occupying some of the best venues in town.

 

As for the race the common consent afterwards was that Singapore can be proud of its achievement, with the night race seen as a big step forward for Formula One. High praise was given to the organizers and the signature city race track won accolades.

 

The first ever night race is over – next year it will no longer be news, though the appeal of a city circuit will still be there.

 

Being in the very city centre surpasses other race tracks as it is a special feeling experiencing the incredible distinct roar of the race cars in downtown Singapore.

 

Given Singapore’s small population they must rely on spectators also flying in for the event. And for sure they fans are bound to return for another pit stop-over.

 

 

See also part 1: Review of the inaugural Formula One Singapore Grand Prix

 

Review: Joakim Persson
Images: Courtesy of Singapore Grand Prix, except image from Empress Place (above) by Joakim Persson

 

 

See also: Image Gallery for Formula One Singapore Grand Prix

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