Singapore GP unveils plans for 2011 race

Singapore—As exciting as the action on the racetrack, fans watching this year’s Singapore Grand Prix on September 23-25 can look forward to several new entertainment features for Formula One’s only night street race.

Sarah Martin, Director for Operations of Singapore GP Pte Ltd.(SGP), Singapore’s race promoter, told Inquirer Motoring in an exclusive interview that “every piece of land for the race venue shall again be converted into some form of experience, covering a range of music that is quite wide and recognized.”

Singapore is spending no less than $5 million for the entertainment extravaganza of the racing spectacle.

“We are not a normal race in the sense of the word. We want to create a multi-centric experience where even the food and beverage on site is not just limited to the hotdog stand,” said Martin, as she excitedly narrated their plans for this year’s upcoming race weekend.

Daunting task

Martin’s team has had the daunting task of converting a huge piece of prime commercial business district with constant vehicular and pedestrian traffic the last three years.

Over 1,500 specially designed lighting projectors fabricated by an Italian firm are going to be installed not only to provide ample light that will not cast any dark spots for the drivers, but it has to be video and photo camera friendly as well, considering its TV viewership span reaches over 100 million worldwide.

“The build-up starts in May but we get busier starting June all the way until September. We address a lot of engineering issues and challenges but by now we are used to it,” said Lawrence Foo, assistant director for Technical and Race Operations. “The FIA officials are quite confident with our work already since we have established our working relationship already for the last three years. They are quite strict specially with safety concerns and with the quality of the road pavement. Over the years, we have made improvements and most of the driver’s concerns have been addressed. We immediately start our teardown and it usually lasts for a month or so. Then we start all over again around the same month next year.”

GIANT lighted planetary spheres to be decorated with images from Nasa will be seen at the Padang area while rock band LinkinPark (left) will perform live on race day at Zone 4 of the Padang Area.

With 244,050 spectators last year, creating the 686,609 sq m of race circuit cum entertainment city involves close to 25,000 people. “It seems like running a small country considering the amount of lead time we are given,” said Martin.

This year, the main live band feature will be Linkin Park, who will perform live on race day, Sept. 25, at the Padang area on Zone 4.

Transe Express, a group founded in France by Brigitte Burdin and Gilles Rhode, will feature acrobatic performances and aerial stunts with elaborate harnesses that carries a drummers’ theme.

`Ocean Symphony’

For the Bay Grandstand at Zone 3, the crowds can expect to be delighted by a full blown water spectacle using 20 tons of water drawn from the Marina Bay in a show called “Ocean Symphony.”

Complete with full stage set-ups and special effect structures, the open-air Bay grandstand, which is also the backdrop for Singapore’s much-awaited national day grand celebration, will showcase Studio Festi’s interpretation of the elements with Las Vegas style theatrics and showmanship.

For Zone 1 and premium walkabout ticket holders, complimentary rides will be given to access the 165 meter high Singaporean Flyer, touted as the world’s largest “ferris wheel.”

For the other pocket areas, Brazilian dancers, African Mambo-Jambo performers, Venitian-themed theatrical artists, Bollywood show artists and a number of gifted talents in the performing arts will showcase their talents.

“The race will be for not only the people who want to watch the race, but for people who will accompany the people who will watch the race as well. They will not be bored but rather entertained and it will be money well spent for them,” explains Martin.
Total viewership of the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix over the past three years was over 100 million every year, putting the tiny island nation in the limelight.