Experience the Singapore GP with the experts

When you think of Singapore, you think of beautiful architecture, discipline and order, a clean magnificent city with British infrastructure and an Asian work ethic. But what do they know about Formula 1, or motor racing in general for that matter?

Well, there is a motor sport history dating from 1961, when Singapore organized the Orient Year Grand Prix on the Thomson Road Circuit followed by the Malaysian Grand Prix in 1962. Singapore became independent of Malaysia in 1965 so it became the Singapore Grand Prix with cars running under the Formule Libre rules, which means race what you brought. The event was always dangerous with eleven fatalities over 13 years; it was discontinued in 1973 as cars kept getting faster and faster.

Then Bernie Ecclestone, the Singapore Tourism Board with Sponsors Sing Tel and later Singapore Airlines made the race possible. The first Formula 1 race was a sellout. The contract runs until 2017, and no doubt they will negotiate a further extension as the race is such a success. It is not a classic track, but the excitement of the location and the fact the race takes place at night makes it an incredible event. Many call it the Monaco of Asia, and Formula 1 loves its ability and magnetism to bring the large corporations from the Asian market.

The Marina Bay Street Circuit was constructed with lighting that gives virtually daylight visibility and highlights F1 colors better than daylight. It is infamous for the "Flav move," to get his team to win. He had Nelson Piquet Jnr purposely crash his car so that Fernando Alonso could pit before the safety car came out, the rest of the field pitted on the following lap under yellow leaving Fernando, who knew nothing about the "Flav Move" to win.

With the night race the bars and restaurants come into their own as the F1 circus is still on European time and everyone goes to bed in the early morning - or maybe not at all. Racing has been exciting with five different makes of cars taking the honor of winning. It is all a wonderful show and is party central for the teams and spectators alike.

Singapore, like many large cities, offers plenty of accommodation options, but it is the quality and service of the hotels that takes your breath away. The race takes place close to your hotel, so the entertainment is all around you. There were over 50 entertainers that took the stage at last year's race, so it is much more than a racs - stars such as Bon Jovi, Maroon 5, Pharrell Williams, and Spandau Ballet. In 2014 they brought in Robbie Williams, John Legend, Pet Shop Boys and Jennifer Lopez. In 2013 there was Rihanna, Justin Bieber, Tom Jones, and Bob Geldof on stage.

Restaurants offer all sorts of delicacies and delights, and why not try a genuine Singapore Sling cocktail at Raffles? If you ask the Singaporeans, they would recommend the Tiong Bahruined district, where the streets are lined with row after row of quaint art-deco shop-houses, the residential estate is jam-packed with some of the city's hottest food and lifestyle establishments.

The Republic of Singapore is one of the most modern economies in the world. It is termed a global city: like New York, London, or Tokyo, it is the easiest city to do business with according to the World Bank, the second most competitive country, third largest foreign exchange, its business credentials are without question.

Singapore's population enjoys a high standard of living and 90% own their own home. Last year the government had a 78% approval rating and has been in power for over fifty years. There is very little corruption and business is always ethical.

Singapore's cityscape makes you gasp with wonder: squeaky clean streets and wonderful architecture. No race or religious problems, very little crime, wealth and harmony, and its greening policy that has covered the island with tropical flora, parks and gardens, a true Republic of Shangri-La you may say. It is called the "Singapore Model"; the world's politicians would do well to follow suit.

How can you possibly miss it!

Grand Prix Tours has offered Formula 1 and Historic events weekend experiences to race fans for over 30 years. Their inside connections allow them to get the best rooms and the best viewing locations available, along with their knowledge of the each event location you will be sure to have an experience of a life time and a hassle-free weekend. Call Grand Prix Tours today at 1 800 400 1998 for more information on the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix or visit their website at www.gptours.com to see all the weekend experiences they offer.

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