How Singapore became the modern jewel in F1’s crown

Over the past decade or so, no race introduced to the Formula One calendar has had the impact of Singapore.

The mere idea of holding a race in the modern metropolis of Marina Bay seemed far-fetched enough, but then to hold that event at night, it really did sound like a fantasy dream.

Yet, in 2008, 20 drivers lined up for the inaugural race and the whole weekend was a huge success.

There weren’t any issues with the futuristic lighting system, the track proved mighty challenging and the crowds flocked to witness the spectacle.

Now, heading into the ninth edition of the Singapore Grand Prix, it has become a global meeting point for fans from all over the world.

Europeans, Australians, Asians all make the trip to the international transit hub and enjoy what has become a weekend of entertainment in the city-state.

The entire Singapore Grand Prix event has become a template for other races to learn from as to how to make the most from hosting an F1 race.

Abu Dhabi has begun to use the same philosophy for its Grand Prix event. Concerts, greater interaction between the fans and drivers as well as the other attractions of Yas Island are making that race much more popular.

Yet despite all the modern-ness, it was Singapore’s old-school feel that was also a major part of its appeal.

The bumpy streets saw the cars sparking down the racetrack, igniting memories of Mansell vs Senna in Barcelona. The lack of significant run-off gave it a proper street circuit feel, even the original Singapore Sling chicane at Turn 10, which was removed a few years ago, gave the Singapore layout a character that no other venue had.

Compare it to Valencia, which also held its first race back in 2008, with large run-off areas at most corners and a design that simply didn’t work as a street circuit it was a relief when it was axed at the end of 2012.

Bring all that together, and Singapore has become something that few other races introduced since Sepang in 1999 could achieve, and that is to be an integral part of the F1 calendar.

Many would call it the Asian ‘jewel in the crown’ and the comparisons between Marina Bay and Monaco grow every year.

The glitz, glamour and the big-name stars have made it a race you want to be seen at, in many ways, it is like Monte Carlo but in a sci-fi setting.

Singapore is well on the path to joining Spa, Silverstone and Monaco as one of greatest venues in F1. I for one, hope that it’s a race that will get to chance to create the same kind of history for years and decades to come.