Update 30 Sep 2022: Formula One Singapore race renewed for another 7 yrs, from 2022 to 2028
Aerial view of the Marina Bay street circuit, where the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix will be held from 2022 to 2028. (PHOTO: Singapore GP Pte Ltd)
The Formula One Singapore Grand Prix will continue to be held in the city-state for another seven years.
The Singapore Tourism Board (STB), Singapore GP (SGP) and F1 announced in a joint media release on Thursday (27 January) that Singapore will continue to host the motor-racing extravaganza as part of the FIA Formula One World Championship from 2022 to 2028.
This is the fourth contract renewal for Singapore, and the seven-year extension is the longest for the race to date. The stakeholders said in the media release that this will give Singapore a longer runway to capture pent-up demand as international travel recovers. It also allows STB, SGP and industry partners to develop new experiences to meet the evolving interests of locals and visitors.
Singapore F1 Grand Prix cancelled for second year in a row over Covid-19
Spore's current deal with F1 owners Liberty Media supposed to end after this year's race. PHOTO: ST FILE
The Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix has been cancelled for the second year running, announced race organiser Singapore GP, "due to ongoing safety and logistic concerns brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic".
It noted that the "evolving and unpredictable pandemic situation around the world" had made it "increasingly challenging to stage a complex multi-faceted event for tens of thousands of local and overseas spectators".
The event was slated to take place from Oct 1-3 and would have been the 16th race in the 2021 season's 23-stop series.
Singapore Grand Prix cancelled for second year in a row amid COVID-19 pandemic
Red Bull's Dutch driver Max Verstappen takes part in the first practice session for the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix at the Marina Bay Street Circuit in Singapore, Sep 20, 2019. (Photo: AFP/Mladen Antonov)
Race promoter Singapore GP on Friday (Jun 4) announced the cancellation of the 2021 Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix, citing "ongoing safety and logistic concerns" brought about by the pandemic.
Given the "evolving and unpredictable" pandemic situation around the world, Singapore GP said it has become increasingly challenging to stage a “complex multi-faceted event” for tens of thousands of local and overseas spectators.
Marina Bay Street Circuit
- When was the track built? The Marina Bay Circuit arrived on the scene in 2008. A street track with the city's famous skyline as its spectacular backdrop, the initial circuit plan by Herman Tilke was refined by KBR Inc, while the event has quickly established itself as one of the standouts on the F1 calendar.
- When was its first Grand Prix? In 2008, Singapore had the honour of hosting the first night-time race in F1 history. The Grand Prix – the 15th round of that season – proved a huge hit with the teams and drivers, while Renault’s Fernando Alonso claimed a controversial victory.
- What’s the circuit like? The 5.063km Marina Bay Circuit is one of the most physically demanding on the calendar, its bumpy street surface coupled with humid conditions giving the drivers plenty to think about. With 23 corners, they are working the wheel a lot, too, around the high-speed lap – the physical stress causing them to lose as much as 3kg over the course of a race. The circuit also boasts some of the most unique features of any track on the F1 calendar, including Turn 18, which actually sees the drivers pass underneath a grandstand.
- Why go? If you want to see Singapore at its best, there’s no better time to do so than when Formula 1 arrives in the heart of this buzzing city. Get the lay of the land by taking a ride on the Singapore Flyer, a giant Ferris wheel overlooking the track’s permanent pits complex, then get stuck into Singapore’s incredible bar and restaurant scene. Cocktail fanatics should also make a pilgrimage to the famous Raffles Hotel – the proper home of the Singapore Sling (non-alcoholic versions are available!)
- Where is the best place to watch? Get yourself comfy in the grandstand located at Turn 1, which offers spectacular views as the cars accelerate into the first corner, before braking hard and whipping through Turns 2 and 3. You’ll get a great view of the start too – expect to see plenty of sparks fly as the drivers blast off the line.
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