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Mr Colin Syn, Deputy Chairman, Singapore GP Pte Ltd
Q: How would you describe your state of mind, a month or so before the big day?
I am extremely pleased with the way preparations have progressed so far. With slightly over a month to go before the race we are on track to host the first Formula One™ night race in history. This is going to be the realisation of a long-held dream and I am delighted that Singaporeans will finally get to experience a Formula One™ race up close.
Q: What does this Formula One™ race mean to Singapore?
Hosting a Formula One™ race will bring intangible benefits for Singapore beyond immediate monetary gain. An electric night-time atmosphere will deliver an amazing perspective on Singapore and its stunning cityscape to a worldwide audience. In addition, the later start time will ensure maximum exposure of the race to the important European television markets, while in Asia too, an evening broadcast in the primetime slot gains maximum market exposure. It is the perfect opportunity to showcase our vibrant and dynamic city.
We can share that the Ministry of Trade and Industry has previously announced that they expect the race to generate incremental tourism receipts of about S$100 million. A significant amount of the estimated 100,000 spectators on race day are also expected to be foreigners.
Q: What does this Formula One™ race mean to Formula One™ itself and to Singapore GP?
As the first night race in history, our Formula One™ race will ensure that racing is no long bound by the limits of daylight as we push the boundaries of lighting technology. When the winner takes his place at the podium on 28 September, Singapore GP will feel a tremendous sense of pride at having organised a successful Formula One™ race.
Q: There's extremely high expectations being placed on the race by all parties – the government, the public, the hotel & service industries, the media, the race drivers, the organisers, etc. Is this a cause of anxiety, sleepless nights? How are you managing expectations? Is it true that "failure is not an option"?
Yes, failure is not an option, despite working according to a tight timeline and managing to achieve in 18 months what many Grand Prix organisers take two years to achieve. We are fortunate to be working with a number of highly qualified technical teams, as well as government agencies who are giving us tremendous support.
Q: Anything you would have done differently up to now?
No, not really. As I mentioned above we are extremely fortunate to have very experienced consultants. We have the best lighting specialist in the field, Valerio Maioli S.p.A., who has extensive experience spanning over 40 years. Our lead technical consultant, KBR Engineers Pte Ltd, has a long and successful association with international motor sports projects, dating back to 1987 with the Australian Formula One™ Grand Prix in Adelaide. The support of all the Government agencies has been invaluable and crucial to delivering a world-class event like Formula One™
Q: You must have studied other places that have hosted F1 races. What did you learn from them? Any best practices?
Singapore GP has visited many other circuits to observe how a Formula One™ race is organised. But of course the race in Singapore is going to be unique, particularly as it is going to be held at night on a street circuit. As such we have had to make our own judgement calls in many instances.
Q: What were the main challenges in organising the world's first night race?
The main aim of KBR Engineers Pte Ltd, the lead technical consultants, the Singapore Tourism Board and Singapore GP Pte Ltd was to create a state-of-the-art Grand Prix circuit right in the middle of a living, functioning city. The two biggest challenges for the organisers was developing a lighting system to meet the stringent safety requirements of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile ( FIA) and completing the construction of a street circuit in just 18 months.
In order to prepare for the night race, a number of important considerations had to be established from the outset. An expert in lighting, with 40 years of experience, Valerio Maioli S.p.a. was appointed to handle the planning and set up of the lighting system.
The most significant challenge was to ensure consistent lighting around the track, both for the safety of the drivers and also to ensure that the images will be of the best quality to meet high-definition television. The solution was therefore to develop a custom-designed lighting system that essentially creates 'almost' daylight conditions for the drivers and minimises glare and reflections should the track be wet. In fact the overall result will be four times brighter than any typical sports stadium.
As for the circuit, we started work in August 2007 with the groundbreaking of the Pit Building alongside the Marina Bay shoreline. This was followed by road works around the circuit and the building of a 1.2 km stretch of new road. The Pit Building was handed over on 11 July 2008, and the set-up of the lighting system around the entire circuit which started end-May, is targeted to be completed by 31 August.
KBR Engineers Pte Ltd, who has a long and successful association with international motor sports projects dating back to 1987 with the Australian Formula One Grand Prix in Adelaide, is our lead technical consultant. Together with lighting specialists Valerio Maioli S.p.a they make a powerful combination of specialists that will ensure a successful inaugural night race.
Q: What are the numbers looking like?
With less than a month to go before the race, over 95% of the tickets to the 2008 FORMULA 1™ SingTel Singapore Grand Prix have been sold. The strong sales performance is impressive, given that Singapore GP initially planned to release only 70,000 tickets when launched in February this year. Though this number was subsequently increased to over 100,000 in the last few months, less than 5% of tickets are still available.
There are however still seats available at certain grandstands. From the Esplanade Steps Premier Grandstand you can see cars accelerating to about 280 km/h as they cross Esplanade Drive, past the grandstand, before braking hard for the right-handed Turn 14. Fans are bound to witness some great overtaking opportunities along with the stunning Central Business District skyline as the backdrop. The Premier Grandstand package includes first-class meals, free flow of quality wines, a welcome glass of champagne, a complimentary open bar, live broadcast on 42" plasma screens and 2008 FORMULA 1™ SingTel Singapore Grand Prix branded earplugs.
Turn 2 Grandstand is located along the first three sets of turns, making them the ideal seats for die-hard race fans. Here you can witness firsthand the exhilaration of cars hitting the maximum rate braking from 280 km/h down to about 130 km/h.
The Singapore Flyer Grandstand offers fantastic views of the Marina Bay area. Here cars accelerate from about 130 km/h to 240 km/h along the waterfront before hitting the brakes for the left-hander, which brings them towards the end of the lap.
The Connaught Grandstand offers views of cars reaching speeds of around 280 km/h as they cross Esplanade Bridge. Spectators get a clear view of Turn 14 with its exciting overtaking opportunities and certain seats may also offer views of Turn 8.
The Padang Grandstand offers a great view of the St Andrew's Road stretch. The location enjoys the backdrop of some of Singapore's famous landmarks including the majestic former Supreme Court and City Hall. These seats are also only a stone's throw away from other attractions within the circuit such as merchandise booths, live entertainment and numerous F&B outlets.
In addition, a total of 9,000 corporate hospitality tickets have been made available. Each of the 180 corporate hospitality suites will be able to house 50 guests over the three-day race weekend for companies who wish to entertain their clients at one of the most prestigious events on the Singapore calendar.
Q: What are you most looking forward to about the race? What do you think will be the most exciting moments?
The most exciting moments are going to be from the time the cars start their engines until the chequered flag is waved. Furthermore, a huge sense of pride and achievement will be felt by everyone involved in the organisation of this event when the winner of the 2008 FORMULA 1™ SingTel Singapore Grand Prix takes his position at the podium on Sunday 28 September.
Q: Can you give 3 reasons why anyone who is anyone MUST come to Singapore during the F1 season?
The 2008 FORMULA 1™ SingTel Singapore Grand Prix is going to be the first Formula
One™ night race, the first Asian Formula One™ street circuit and the first Formula One™
race in Singapore. Apart from that, Singapore GP will host a three-day festival comprising
international acts from around the world as well as local talent all within the Circuit Park.
There will be an array of entertainment that spectators can enjoy before, between and after
the races. The whole experience will be a three-day extravaganza not to be missed. Where else can you say you were part of Formula One™ history!
Note: Companies interested to purchase the last remaining corporate hospitality packages can contact the Corporate Sales Department at +65 6731 5900 or email hospitality@singaporegp.sg. General tickets can be purchased via our official website at www.singaporegp.sg.
