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Catch the F1 Fever!

It was last week when I spotted this display inside Suntec City Mall, courtesy of ING, the insurance company.  A group of people have started to flock around the display, checking out the car and taking some pictures.  Just right for ING to capitalize on the buzz created by the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix this coming September 26 to 28 since they will be present there through the ING Renault F1 Team.

Anyone wanting to be here for the F1 should have started planning weeks ago.  If you're just starting to plan now, allow me to share some valuable info about the event.

1. Date and Time of the Race:

September 26, 2008 - Friday:
* 1st Practice Session (4:00-5:30pm)
* 2nd Practice Session (8:00-9:30pm)

September 27, 2008- Saturday:
* Final Practice Session (5:00-6:00 pm)
* Qualifying (8:00 pm)

September 28, 2008 - Sunday:
* FORMULA 1™ Singapore Grand Prix (8:00 pm)

2. Ticket prices. This varies depending on the section of the track you choose and the day (if you choose to purchase a 1 day pass only).  All Ticket prices are inclusive of Goods and Services Tax.  The Grandstand areas are the most expensive (more than a thousand S$) but if you're on a budget you can opt for the walk-about tickets.  Here are the standard prices for adults:

3 DAY WALK-ABOUT - S$168.00
1 DAY WALK-ABOUT FRIDAY - S$38.00
1 DAY WALK-ABOUT SATURDAY - S$58.00
1 DAY WALK-ABOUT SUNDAY - S$108.00

Don't worry if your ticket is just walk-about because there are walk-about areas which can get you closer to the cars than the spectators in grandstand seats (as close as about 3 or 4 meters away from the edge of the track).

3. Buying Tickets. You can purchase tickets online through their website, www.singaporegp.sg, and through the ticket hotline, +65 6738 6738.  If you are not based in Singapore, your tickets will be couriered to you (with extra cost, of course).

4. Photo-taking. Photo-taking is allowed inside and during the race, however only photos intended for home use are permissible.  All telephoto camera lenses must not have a focal length of greater than 300mm.  Ordinary Ticket Holders must not bring into or use within the Circuit Park any professional video cameras, handy cams or tripod equipment.

5. Conduct. Better eat first before going to the event because you cannot bring in your own food and drinks into the Circuit Park, unless you're ok to purchase food and drinks sold inside (which I'm guessing won't be that cheap).  The dress code is smart casual.  Spectators are advised to wear comfortable footwear.

Although I'm not an F1 fanatic, I'm planning to watch the race because it's not everyday you get a chance to do so.  Since I'm here in Singapore already, might as well grab the chance.  I'll be content with a one-day pass, maybe even on a Friday.  Regardless, it will be an exciting and enjoyable time.  I just wonder if someone will be blogging about it, or even twitter and plurk about it, hehehe.