Singapore dressed up to party like it's 2019 for F1 return

With tickets selling fast and party suites costing up to US$70,000 (S$100,000) a night, Singapore is putting the pedal to the metal when it hosts Asia's first Formula One race this weekend since the pandemic.

Tens of thousands of fans are expected to converge for the Singapore Grand Prix from Friday (Sept 30) to Sunday as the night race roars back after a two-year absence because of Covid-19.

Adding to the party atmosphere, Red Bull's Max Verstappen could retain his world title on the floodlit street circuit around the Marina Bay district.

But one of the most glamorous races on the F1 calendar has always been about more than just the racing.

Away from the track, the city-state will be letting its hair down with concerts by Westlife, Black Eyed Peas and Suede, plus American rapper Fatman Scoop and Dutch DJ Oliver Heldens.