Fans, drivers and team officials cheer Singapore Grand Prix renewal

SINGAPORE — As the 10th edition of the Singapore Grand Prix (GP) came to a close on Sunday night (Sept 17) against the backdrop of rain, dramatic crashes and an unexpected, but ultimately comfortable, victory for Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton, fans and drivers TODAY spoke to said they were looking forward to another four years of racing at the Marina Bay Street Circuit.

The race was officially renewed for another four years until 2021, according to a joint announcement by Formula One, Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Singapore GP Pte Ltd last Friday.

There were initial fears that the Singapore GP’s allure was fading after last year’s daily average attendance of 73,000 was the lowest in nine years. However, appetite for the only night race in the F1 calendar appears to have been reignited this year.

Singapore GP Pte Ltd announced on Sunday that the overall attendance this year was 260,400, which represents an approximate 19 per cent increase in ticket sales from last year, and is higher than the average overall attendance in the event’s history.

Said Singapore GP Pte Ltd executive director Michael Roche: “This is a very positive sign for the years to come. Our aim, as always, is to improve the event both on and off the track to keep people coming back and to attract even more visitors to Singapore.”

F1 motor sports director Ross Brawn said the encouraging attendance figures prove it was the right decision to renew the Singapore GP.

“I have always enjoyed Singapore. This event was a game-changer in many ways,” said the former team principal with Mercedes and Ferrari. “The races here have always been entertaining, and we are enjoying a fantastic championship this year with the top teams in contention for the title.

“Singapore is an iconic race and I’m delighted both with the renewal and with the extremely strong attendance figures, which underline the enduring enthusiasm for this great event.”

Racegoers also expressed their delight. Mr Daniel Teo, 35, who attended this year’s race with his girlfriend, said: “I’m a huge F1 fan, and I was afraid that the race would not be renewed because of reports of its declining popularity.

“Since the Malaysian GP will not be renewed, the Singapore GP is the best and most affordable option for us to catch the races live. If not, I’ll have to spend a lot of money to travel overseas to catch an F1 race.”

Local footballer Fabian Kwok agreed, and added that the concerts which accompany the race are usually a huge draw for Singaporeans.

“I thought it (the renewal) was good news. This annual event, I feel, really puts Singapore onto the world map,” the 28-year-old said. 

“For the locals, the race may get a little boring after a few years since there aren’t any local representatives in it. However, to me, the concerts after make up for it. Fans from all over still seem to come here so I don’t doubt that F1 in Singapore increases tourism.”

Mr Gao Te, who flew in from China for the Singapore GP, said the race is his favourite because of its unpredictability. “Interesting things are always happening here ... from track invaders, to crashes, to incredible displays of driving,” the Beijing native, 45, said. 

“Singapore is a wonderful place to visit, there are many attractions here, and the race is held in the city centre where it’s convenient and accessible. So it’s easy to explore the country and enjoy myself here.”

Drivers TODAY spoke to also said they were pleased that the Singapore GP would be extended.

Said Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo, who finished second in yesterday’s race: “I would have been upset if the race wasn’t renewed. For me, it has a real strong place in our calendar. 

“My first race here in 2011 was the most physical and unpleasant thing I’ve ever done, but I’ve learnt from that, and every year I come back I’ve really enjoyed the crunch. I’ve had great memories here.”

Three-time F1 champion Hamilton, who took the chequered flag yesterday, added: “It’s incredibly challenging because it’s a night race, the track is so long, there are 23, 24 corners.

“It’s the most physically and mentally demanding circuit we get to race on, we lose the most weight here. Plus it’s a great spectacle from the sky at night when it’s lit up.”