Twenty things you should know to enjoy the 2009 Singapore GP

[B]1) What to wear[/B]

Singapore’s climate is generally warm and humid all year, with September’s daily mean temperature expected to hover around 27.8°C. If you plan to arrive earlier (3-5pm) at the Circuit Park, you should slap on some sun block, and don’t forget your sunglasses.

[B]2) Right ticket for the right day[/B]

This applies to multi-day pass holders, including those going to corporate hospitality suites. Always check your tickets and passes carefully each day before leaving for the circuit, otherwise, you could find yourself stranded at the gate. Each day is clearly marked on the ticket. Double check!

[B]3) Travel light[/B]

Due to detailed security screening, the fewer things you carry, the faster your clearance process will be. Try and avoid bringing large bags. Even better if you bring no bags!

For security reasons, do not bring food into the Circuit Park, though we allow one small bottle of drinking water (in a clear container) per ticket holder. The park is already dotted with many F&B outlets to meet all your needs. There are way more beer stands this year to meet the needs of the thirsty, so kindly refrain from any BYOB arrangements.

[B]4) Don’t bring prohibited items[/B]

A list of prohibited items can be found at http://tickets.singaporegp.sg/tnc_sistic.html, as well at all gates. Kindly scrutinise the list before leaving for the circuit park, as there will be no facility for you to “check in” banned items at the gate. Those who fail to comply will have to bin the items on-the-spot. Check the list to avoid a wasted trip.

[B]5) Use public transport[/B]

There will be a severe shortage of parking near the Circuit Park, not to mention road closures. Take the train, take the bus, or walk, but as far as possible, leave your car at home. Instructions on how to take public transport or road closure details can be found at www.lta.gov.sg/SGNightRace.htm

[B]6) It’s a street circuit so be prepared to walk![/B]

Make sure that you wear comfortable walking shoes, even if you hold a corporate hospitality suite ticket. There is a fair amount of walking involved in order to get from the gates right to the doorstep of the suites and grandstands. There are a wide range of attractions around the Circuit Park, so be sure explore and discover the sights, sounds and entertainment on offer.

In Zone 4 there are many trackside bleachers so that all patrons can get really up close to the race action. The Circuit Park will be open from 3pm to 12.30 midnight daily, from Friday to Sunday (25 to 27 September, 2009). Ladies are advised to seriously consider leaving their stilettos behind.

[B]7) Allow extra time to get to the venue[/B]

As this is the largest sporting event Singapore had ever hosted, a significant amount of time will be needed to screen everyone at the gates. It could look like everyone is checking in to catch a flight, so be prepared to spend some time queuing up. Your patience will certainly be most appreciated here.

[B]8) Make sure you arrive at the right gate[/B]

Grandstand ticket holders should use the preferred gate as per printed on the back of the ticket as this will be the shortest route to the seat. You can use a different gate (except Gate 1) if you prefer.

IMPORTANT: If your ticket does not state Gate 1 on the back don’t go there as access is restricted and it’s a long walk to Gate 2! The actual location of the gates can be found at http://tickets.singaporegp.sg/pdf/F1CircuitMap.pdf

[B]9) Have you bought a ticket for a child under 7?[/B]

Singapore GP strongly advises that children under 7 should not attend the race. Parents/guardians of these children will need to sign a waiver that absolves Singapore GP Pte Ltd from any responsibility or liability arising from their choice to bring their child into the circuit.

The waiver can be downloaded from http://tickets.singaporegp.sg/pdf/IndemnityFormforChildrenbelow7.pdf or obtained from our ticketing assistance booths.

[B]10) Ticketing problem on race days[/B]

Ticketing booths will be open at Gates 1, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 (subject to change) one hour before gate opening time during the race weekend 25 to 27 Sept to assist those who have ticketing problems. You can also visit our Ticketing Office located on the ground floor of the Suntec Convention Centre (1 Raffles Boulevard) that operates from 9am to 10pm, Monday to Sunday (21 to 27 Sept). Nearest MRT station is City Hall.

[B]11) Navigation guide[/B]

We have prepared an updated map to help you explore all the attractions within the Circuit Park. This map should help you maximise your enjoyment at the race as it lists all the F&B outlets, entertainment acts, and facilities such as medical posts. Make sure you pick one up at the gates as you enter.

[B]12) Even if it looks like it won’t rain…[/B]

Buy a Survival Kit as you enter the circuit park as all grandstands are uncovered. The kit consisting of a poncho and a set of earplugs is only $2 and will be on sale at all the entry gates. You can use the earplugs for all three days and keep the poncho in reserve until you need it. It’s a long walk back to the gate if it starts to rain. All profits from the sale will go to charity.

[B]13) It is Business as Usual[/B]

The Marina Square, Esplanade, Suntec and Singapore Flyer will be open for business as usual and are accessible to all ticket holders. Nearby malls like those at the Suntec area will continue to be accessible to the public.

However, do note that the Singapore Flyer is only accessible via Gate 2 or Gate 9. [I]If you are holding a walkabout ticket and have a Singapore Flyer ticket at the same time, you will have to exit through gates in Zone 4 and re-enter via Gate 2 to access the Singapore Flyer.[/I] Please visit www.lta.gov.sg/SGNightRace.htm for the latest traffic management plan for the area.

[B]14) Make a day of it.[/B]

While Formula One activities begin after 7pm each day, it does not mean that there is nothing exciting happening on the track before that. If you are an early bird, you might be just as thrilled by the on-track action during the Aston Martin Asia Cup, Formula BMW Pacific, and Porsche Carrera Cup Asia.

These support races take place throughout the three days, and their schedule can be found on www.singaporegp.sg And of course, not forgetting our exciting array of world-class Circuit Park entertainers.

[B]15) What is on the menu?[/B]

Besides a wide array of food from some of Singapore’s most renowned restaurants and caterers there are lots of food stalls serving a wide variety of food once you are in the Circuit Park, including halal and vegetarian. It is cash payment at most F&B outlets in the Circuit Park, so make sure you come prepared. There are several automated teller machines located all over the Circuit Park, which are indicated on the map.

[B]16) Entertainment[/B]

Some of our international performers include The Backstreet Boys (US), Chaka Khan (US), Mavis Staples (US), Travis (Scotland), Strange Fruit (Australia), Cie de Quidams (France), as well as Carl Cox & John Digweed (both presented by Zouk). Local performers include Indigo, Electrico, Strikeforce, Wicked Aura Batucada, Alemay Fernandez and the Dim Sum Dollies.

Local or foreign, all these performances can be enjoyed by ticketholders at absolutely no extra charge. Go to www.singaporegp.sg/media/download/performance_schedule.pdf for the full schedule. Do note that Chaka Khan will only perform for Zone 1 patrons.

[B]17) Merchandise[/B]

There is a range of official merchandise that you can only purchase once you are in the Circuit Park. This is different from the merchandise that is currently on sale outside the circuit, and is our way of thanking you for your support for the race.

[B]18) How much time does it take to get out after the race?[/B]

It is impossible for 83,000 spectators to vacate the Circuit Park in mere minutes, due to the limited number of exits as well as logistical constraints imposed on any temporary circuit. It is not uncommon to take between one to two hours to clear other Grand Prix circuits, hence, you should allow yourself enough time to travel if you need to be at another location by a certain time.

[B]19) How to get home?[/B]

Full details on all the transportation options including MRT, buses and taxi stands are available from http://www.lta.gov.sg/SGNightRace.htm

If you want to avoid the rush after the race, sit back and enjoy the live entertainment that will be provided throughout the Circuit Park. Trains will run until 1.15am at City Hall MRT during the race weekend, so there is no real need to hurry. Taxis are plentiful as well.

[B]20) Updates[/B]

Do visit www.singaporegp.sg for latest updates so as to maximise your enjoyment at the race. Ticketholders who are unsure of anything at this point should not hesitate to contact us at info@singaporegp.sg

Credits: JRC