Photo via monstersandcritics

Dear diary

The race I’ve been waiting for is finally here. I had first taste of F1 up-close back in 2000 when I went to Malaysian GP in Sepang, and now I can savor in the F1 atmosphere in my home soil.

This is something I can be truly proud of as not only its our inaugural F1 race, but also a first for Formula One racing as its a night race. People are coining the term “Monaco of the East” for Singapore GP now and I think thats truly a fitting start to a what will transform Singapore into a vibrant unique tourism holiday oasis

In a few months, aside from our F1 night race, the integrated resorts will be ready, where posh casinos will be built alongside the F1 circuit and the global identity of the earlier term “Monaco of the East” will finally be complete

Here’s a recap of my F1 experience for Day 1 yesterday

Entrance

The view as we nears to the Gate entrance

I met up with my pal at Raffles MRT. Surprisingly the MRT wasn’t as crowded as I expected. I reckon on Race Day or later today, more people will ‘come out and play’. The plan was to enter via Gate 4 or 5 today and recce the Southern part of Singapore F1 5km circuit for today

As we exited the MRT, there was ample sign around to guide us to the nearest Gate entrance. There was even usher located outside the F1 circuit vicinity to safeguard the area and also guide the visitors. They were pleasant and smiling

We entered via Gate 4 and the security was fast and prompt. I just brought a pouch, so I reckon everyone do all a favor, come ‘light’ to speed-up the security checks. My pal searched for booths selling ear-plugs immediately. I still have my earplugs from my Sepang F1 days and it still works mind you.

The F1 sounds was loud enough to be heard even when we exited the MRT station earlier. So to get up close when we entered the F1 circuit, it was truly deafening yet exciting at the same time. The ‘roar’ of F1 engines is just so unique and I just can’t put a finger on it. I feel pumped-up every time an F1 car whizzed by

Barriers

This is how close we got

I bought the Walkabout tickets which allows Free & Easy access to major spots of the F1 area. I was expecting sky high barrier to block my view but was pleasantly surprised that the foundation concrete barrier was waist-high and you can have a good view. The web of erected wire mesh didn’t block much of the circuit

The only safety precaution the F1 officials were adamant was the distance from these barriers. Well you would be a distant away and safe enough should anything happen, but your view of the race is still ‘visible’ and up close enough without you the need to tiptoe or prop your neck up for better viewing

The distance from these barriers differs in various areas of the circuit. As I move along further into the lesser occupied areas of the crowds, I was really close to the F1 track and enjoyed gawking; with my mouth open apparently (as I looked at the photos), with household names such as Massa, Hamilton, Vettle, Alonso sped by me

Big Screen

The backdrop of Singapore skyline compliments the F1 circuit and race at hand

I do recommend those with Walkabout tickets to recce the place and find a spot for race day with Super Screen. There are a few that is located all around the circuit. Well so far I’ve shortlisted a few spots to book and rest my bum on race day

You can of course rent the handheld Kangaroo TV which gives you live various updates and viewing of the F1 at hand

Maybe I shall rent that for the next Singapore F1 race, but for this year its good to be near and facing a big screen compared to just stand idle on the circuit at some god-knows what spot, you won’t know and get a complete picture who’s leading, who crashed, the pitstops and such. Check your F1 map that comes with the tickets, it has locations of the F1 Super Screen

Exit

I promise to get a better clearer photo of us today! Haha

There was some reports, that F1 fans faced some problems exiting that resulted in being stalled and they had to wait for long periods. It was also reported the ushers was unsure of what to do. Well I do hope if there such issues, it will be resolved today

We Singaporeans are planners and very efficient, so I’m not expecting such reports to surface again. But then again, what do you expect, with 100,000 visitors expected for the race daily, its hard not to get ‘congested’ when exiting or moving around

As for me, I had no problem when exiting. Maybe it because I stayed behind to look around some more of the circuit, the location and just enjoying myself with my pal beside me. We exited via the Esplande area there, and the crowds was orderly and no congestion seen

My advise, after the race ended, just sit back, chat with your friends about the race and wait for the crowds to disperse. There’s some fringe entertainment events after the race. You might want to check that out

Day 2 of Singapore F1 GP is here today now, another entry on that later on