Track blessing tradition continues for S’pore Grand Prix

SINGAPORE — With the gaze of the motor racing world set to be firmly focused on Singapore next week with the Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix, the organisers have left nothing to chance to help ensure it runs smoothly.

A ceremony was held at the race’s Marina Bay Street Circuit yesterday, where religious leaders from Catholicism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Sikhism, Judaism, Jainism, Zoroastrianism and the Baha’i faith conducted prayers for good weather and the safety of the 23 drivers and their teams, race officials and spectators.

“As we gear up and put the finishing touches to the Marina Bay Street Circuit, we will not leave anything to chance,” said Colin Syn, deputy chairman of Singapore GP, the event’s promoters and organisers.

“We are honoured to have the religious leaders representing various faiths with us here today to participate in this tradition to bless the track and pray for the event.”

The tradition, which started with the inaugural race in 2008, was continued as the finishing touches were put to the 5.065km circuit for this year’s edition.

Coming into the Singapore Grand Prix, Mercedes’ Nico Rosberg leads the drivers’ championship with 238 points, ahead of team-mate Lewis Hamilton (216) and third-placed Daniel Ricciardo (166) of Red Bull.

Last year’s Singapore Grand Prix winner, four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel of Red Bull, is sixth with 106 points.

Mercedes also lead the constructors’ championship with 454 points, ahead of Red Bull (272) and Williams (177). ADELENE WONG