F1 fans look forward to more night racing in Singapore

SINGAPORE: Spectators at the fifth Singapore Grand Prix said they look forward to another exciting five years of night racing at the Marina Bay street circuit.

They also would like to see that the race continues to be held in the city.

While the fifth Singapore Grand Prix has come to a close, many spectators gave the thumbs up for this year’s event — both on the track and off the track.

Before the race began, British rock band The Pretenders entertained and warmed up the crowd. These performances have been a key of the Singapore Grand Prix over the last four years.

Mohammad Syahdu declared the entertainment as being "much better than last year".

Others like Malaysian tourist Ahmad Nezam described the race as "special", being the only night race on the whole F1 calendar.

"In general, there’s a great atmosphere here" added a tourist from Australia.

"The organisation was great, the race was very exciting and lots of events happening."

However, some spectators said they hope to see better acts such as U2 and Journey coming to Singapore in the next five years.

"I like the races, but the entertainment is a big part of it because it’s good to know you can wander around and see a variety of acts" said Lyndsey Igesund from Scotland.

"There have been good names this year and people whom I’m interested in seeing. I’ve seen Maroon 5 and I’m hoping to dash across to see Katy Perry later," she added.

But some die—hard F1 fans are not really bothered about the entertainment.

Twenty—six—year—old Jasmon Koh said he was there just for the race.

"It’s an event I look forward to every year. I’ve been following the season and when it comes to Singapore it becomes a night race and we get to experience it close up, rather than watching it on TV."

The Marina Bay street circuit has been an iconic venue in the F1 calendar.

Many like 52—year—old Jon Thornes from the UK said the race would lose its appeal if the circuit were different.

"If the circuit is outside the city, we probably wouldn’t come. We came here because it’s a special place to come. It’s in the city, and the cars are racing between the buildings. You can see the beautiful scenery," said Thornes.

With negotiations for a new F1 deal out of the way, organisers now have the challenge of ensuring the Singapore night race doesn’t lose its shine.

Already, some spectators have some suggestions for improvement.

"Maybe more exits, because it’s really congested. But all in all, they’re doing a really good job" said Singaporean Genevieve Seah.

Another spectator Arnab Sen said: "Probably a little more on the entertainment quotient.

"We just have one or two top stars performing. If we can have one or two more performing, that would be more fun."

Alan Doherty from Scotland believes spectators can be better guided around the circuit.

"For us to just walk from the other side of Marina Bay to get here, it was a lot unclear at times, where we were meant to go. You ask for people’s advice, some would tell you one way, and it’s a dead end! And it was one of their officials, so come on!" said Doherty.

But one local fan thinks it’s going to be tough for more improvement.

"Not a lot. This is as good as it gets. This and Monaco, in my opinion," said Remy Koh.

— CNA/fa