Get ready for high-speed action as Formula 1 cars race through the iconic Marina Bay Street Circuit in Singapore. This 4.94-kilometer track will host 62 laps of intense competition from September 20 to 22.
The Singapore Grand Prix, first held in 2008, is Asia’s only Formula 1 and the world’s only night race. Known for its demanding nature, the race features 19 turns and a total distance of 306.143 kilometers. Singapore’s humid conditions add an extra layer of challenge for drivers.
This year’s event is a must for non-racing and racing fans alike. From September 13 to 22, GPSS will bring 10 days of race-themed activities across the city-state, featuring lively nightlife, entertainment, shopping, dining, and attractions—all designed to amp up the excitement and carry forward the energetic atmosphere that has defined it for decades.
While the main event culminates on the final day, you can also catch the Formula 1 drivers live during their practice sessions in the two days leading up to it. Don’t miss the action—see the schedule of events below:
Day 1- 20th September, Friday
– Practice 1: 5.30 pm to 6.30 pm
– Practice 2: 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Day 2- 21st September, Saturday
– Practice 3: 5.30 pm to 6.30 pm
– Qualifying: 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Day 3- 22nd September, Sunday
– Race: 8:00 pm
The Marina Bay Circuit: A quick lap around
The Singapore Grand Prix has captivated global audiences as the first race to be held entirely under floodlights. While initially criticized for its demanding nature, the circuit has undergone minor modifications over the years, including replacing the Singapore Sling chicane in 2013.
The race venue, the Marina Bay Street Circuit, is a challenging urban track known for its demanding layout, featuring bumpy roads, humid conditions, and a 5.063-kilometer length. As drivers navigate the circuit, they’ll enjoy stunning views of iconic landmarks like the Singapore Flyer and Marina Bay Sands.
The said circuit was designed by Hermann Tilke and refined by KBR. It has since then become a staple on the Formula 1 calendar with its combination of slow corners and high-speed straights. Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Singapore harbor, it offers a racing experience akin to the prestigious Monaco Grand Prix.
The Marina Bay Street Circuit is divided into four zones, each offering unique features for viewers. Grandstand tickets, available as single-day or 3-day passes, provide access to all four zones (1, 2, 3, and 4), along with entry to performance stages across the Circuit Park, including the Zone 4 Padang Stage and Zone 1 Wharf Stage.
Walkabout tickets (Premier Walkabout or Zone 4 Walkabout) are perfect for those who enjoy exploring different areas of the circuit. These tickets provide access to various zones, allowing you to move freely around the Circuit Park and experience the race from multiple viewing spots.
Let’s break down the Marina Bay Street Circuit zone by zone:
Zone 1: less crowded, home to the pits and the Singapore Flyer
Zone 2: Close to the start/finish line
Zone 3: Good views of the Marina Bay skyline
Zone 4: Home to the Padang Stage concert
The best spots to watch the race
To make your experience more enjoyable, reserve a hospitality suite and take in premier trackside views with VIP perks like gourmet dining and live entertainment. However, if you’re looking for a fantastic experience at no cost, here are the top free locations to explore:
Helix Bridge
Address: Linking between Marina Bay and Marina Centre, Singapore 038981 Singapore
Helix Bridge, located near Gate 8 and the Bayfront Grandstand, is a popular choice for fans seeking a budget-friendly way to watch the F1 race. Its proximity to the finish line and the action-packed Turns 14 to 18 gives onlookers a thrilling experience.
The area gets crowded fast so it’s better to arrive early to secure the best view.
Esplanade
Address: 1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981
Opening hours: 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Singapore’s Esplanade is an ideal spot to watch the F1 race for free due to its location along the Marina Bay Street Circuit. The open-air Roof Terrace provides unobstructed views of Raffles Avenue, allowing spectators to see the F1 cars in action while the terrace overlooks the race track, Marina Bay, and the city skyline.
The Esplanade is easily accessible to the public, and the surrounding area features various activities, food stalls, and entertainment options during the event. Bring your own picnic and arrive early to get a good viewing spot.
Marina Square
Address: 6 Raffles Boulevard, Singapore 039594
Opening hours: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
Marina Square offers a range of viewing spots along key sections of the Marina Bay Street Circuit, including Turns 6, 7, and the stretch from Turn 15 to 14. The mall offers both indoor and outdoor vantage points, with options like the Roof Garden on the third floor and the level two exit near Pororo Park for close-up views.
The indoor areas feature large screens broadcasting live coverage for those seeking a more comfortable experience. Spectators enjoy a hassle-free race day with the mall’s convenient dining options and amenities.
Millenia Walk
Address: 9 Raffles Boulevard, Singapore 039596
Opening hours: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
Millenia Walk offers more than just a shopping experience—it serves as a prime, free viewing spot for Turns 5, 6, and 7 of the F1 circuit on Raffles Boulevard. If you’re looking to capture the high-speed action, bring your camera and head to the overhead link bridge between Millenia Walk and Marina Square for some of the clearest race views.
This location is perfect for both dedicated race fans and photography enthusiasts. For an even closer perspective, take the exit on the second floor near Harvey Norman, where the view of Turn 6 puts you right amid the action.
ST3Ps, Changi Airport
Address: Changi Airport Terminal 3 Basement 2
Opening hours: Opens daily from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
For a more relaxed indoor setting, head to ST3PS at Changi Airport. This area is an excellent indoor location for viewing the F1 race due to its large high-definition screens, providing a clear and detailed view of the action. The venue’s climate-controlled environment provides comfort regardless of the weather outside.
Situated close to the Marina Bay Street Circuit, this provides convenient access and often features special viewing packages and amenities. Live commentaries, themed food and beverages, and other enhancements may be offered by the venue for a more enjoyable experience. Indoor seating at ST3PS also allows guests to relax without the crowds and discomfort of outdoor areas.
Track and Off-track entertainment
Even for those who aren’t avid racing fans, this year’s Grand Prix offers an exciting experience that extends far beyond the racetrack.
While enthusiasts are up for thrilling races from F1, F1 Academy, and Porsche Carrera Cup Asia, music lovers can enjoy over 100 hours of world-class live music across 12 stages, featuring headliners like OneRepublic, Kylie Minogue, and Lenny Kravitz.
Single-day walkabout tickets start at S$128, with grandstand options available, though some categories have already sold out. All tickets include access to the main Padang Stage in Zone 4.
Here’s he daily line-up of artists performing this upcoming 20th-22nd:
- Friday: OneRepublic, HONNE, The Jungle Giants
- Saturday: Kylie Minogue, Disclosure (DJ), BabyMonster, Tones And I (both stages), The Corrs* (Zone 1 only), Kool & The Gang* (Zone 1 only)
- Sunday: Lenny Kravitz, Dean Lewis, Kelis, Tones And I* (Zone 1 only)
*Performances exclusive to Zone 1 ticket holders.
Related: B2B Events and Bleisure Hotspots You Shouldn’t Miss in SG and AU this 2024
Singapore Grand Prix: A worldwide marketing success since 2008
Singapore Grand Prix has been a roaring success since its kickoff in 2008. The masterful blend of motorsport thrill of the heart-pounding races on the Marina Bay circuit, food fests with the alluring cityscape as the backdrop, and star-studded entertainment lineup made the Singapore Grand Prix a favorite among residents and tourists alike.
With strategic partnerships, engaging social media campaigns, and a knack for creating unforgettable customer experiences, the Singapore Grand Prix has transformed into more than just a race – it’s a marketing marvel that keeps fans and sponsors coming back for more, year after year.
Here are some of the marketing strategies that propelled the famed racing event into a global success:
Unique selling proposition: The Singapore Grand Prix is the only night race in Formula One, giving it a unique selling proposition that sets it apart from other races. The night race creates a special atmosphere that gives fans a special experience that can’t be achieved in a day race – cars illuminated by floodlights, the racetrack bathed in a golden glow.
The race takes place against the backdrop of the Singapore skyline, which is lit up in a dazzling display of lights. Now that’s something that fans can’t get anywhere else. The event had a record attendance of 280,000 in 2022, more than any other F1 race. 2023 saw 264,108 fans to the Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix 2023.
Strategic partnerships: Singapore GP has strategic partnerships with major brands like Singapore Airlines, Heineken, Porsche, DHL, Qatar Airways, and Pirelli, to name a few. These partnerships help to ensure the success of the Singapore Grand Prix. They provide financial support for the event, they help to promote the event to fans, and they offer a variety of services and products to the event attendees.
Engaging social media: The Singapore Grand Prix has a large and engaged social media following. With over 2 million followers on Facebook and Twitter, the event’s social media team is always coming up with innovative ways to engage fans. Their posts generated over 100 million impressions in 2022.
Exclusive experiences: The Singapore Grand Prix invests in unforgettable experiences for fans, making sure that every audience gets to have fun on and off track. This includes concerts, parties, and other events that take place around the race weekend. There are also a variety of hospitality packages that allow fans to experience the action up close and personal.
Charity drives and community engagement:
This year, the Singapore Grand Prix is partnering with the NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children) to raise funds for child protection.
NSPCC is a UK-based charity focused on preventing child abuse and helping children recover from trauma. The Grand Prix supports NSPCC through fundraising efforts, such as auctions of luxury experience packages and memorabilia.
Proceeds from these initiatives will contribute to NSPCC’s vital work of protecting children and providing support to those affected by abuse.
Integration with tourism:
More than just a sporting event, the Singapore Grand Prix is a strategic tool to boost the city-state’s tourism industry. By hosting the first night Grand Prix, Singapore set a precedent that has been followed by Jeddah, Bahrain, and Abu Dhabi.
As part of this strategy, Grand Prix Packages are offered to guests. These include F1 Tickets for spectators to enjoy the excitement of the race from prime seats, hotel accommodations for convenient stays in hotels near the Marina Bay Street Circuit, return flights to provide easy travel to and from the country, and optional extras where tourists can extend their stay or upgrade to exclusive hospitality packages.
The event’s unique atmosphere, combined with world-class racing entertainment, the city’s scenery, and attractive F1 ticket and travel packages has made it a highly sought-after destination for tourists.
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The final lap…
From the marketing perspective, the Singapore Grand Prix’s intelligent mix of entertainment, attractions, and hospitality provides a unique experience that transcends the limits of traditional motorsport events.
The event’s dynamic use of marketing strategies positioned itself as a global phenomenon that not only lures F1 fans but also individuals of various ages and interests to take part in the festivities.
The Singapore Grand Prix is a great example of how integrated marketing, together with inclusivity, and client-centeredness can be used to achieve event success. The event’s marketing team has done a great job of integrating various channels to ensure consistent messaging and boost the event’s impact. This has resulted in a record number of people attending the event. Certainly, the Singapore Grand Prix will continue to be a major success in the years to come.
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