Survival guide to the Singapore F1 2011
There’s no escaping it ... the F1 has rolled into town.
Here’s an all-in-one guide on where to eat, drink and party, and still be close enough to the track so you’re getting the most out of the F1 madness.
Dine and indulge like an F1 driver: Gourmet Safari
A meal worthy of Sunday’s podium placers, this five-course roving degustation menu takes you from Japan to China to Australia and back to Singapore as you sample culinary delights from these F1 countries through Pan Pacific’s different restaurants. As an added perk, you can opt to add-on a transfer via a sports car. Sweet.
S$280 (meal only); S$590 (inclusive of sport car transfer). Pan Pacific Singapore, Marina Square, 7 Raffles Blvd., +65 6826 8240; www.panpacific.com
For a fine French meal (and an F1 ticket): Le Saint Julien Restaurant
Sky Suite passes sold out? Splash out instead on a meal at Le Saint Julien. Situated near the mini grandstand on the hairpin at Turn 13, you’re right in the heart of the action. When the cars aren’t zooming around, duck inside and indulge in free flow Champagne, beer and wine. And when you’re ready, a fine dining menu that moves from afternoon tea to canapés to three-course classical French meal awaits.
S$698 (inclusive of an individual day pass with access to Zone 4). The Fullerton Water Boat House, 3 Fullerton Rd., +65 65435947; www.julienbompard.com
All hot-dogged out: Singapore Food Trail
When scoffing down another burger or hot dog makes you feel ill, walk over to the hawker center and order some popiah or chicken rice. Slurp your Hokkien noodles right next to the race support cars which are within the Singapore Flyer area. And as an additional perk, all Zone 1, Zone 2 and Premier Walkabout ticket holders also have unlimited complimentary flights on the Singapore Flyer.
Level 1, Singapore Flyer, 30 Raffles Ave., 6333 3311, www.singaporeflyer.com
DRINK
For some eye candy: KU DÉ TA
You cannot beat the view up at KU DÉ TA. The sky-high bar is privy to a huge portion of the track, at least five turns at last count, and we hear they'll be hosting some Miss Universe contestants as well. If you want to guarantee a seat, packages are available starting at S$2,500 for a minimum of four people.
Cover charge starts from S$100 from 6 p.m. September 23-25. Sands SkyPark, Marina Bay Sands, 1 Bayfront Ave, Sands SkyPark, +65 65082088; www.kudeta.com.sg
Watch the race with a proper drink: Orgo
For a closer perspective of the track –- Orgo overlooks the Esplanade Bridge -– and a quality martini, book a spot here. The only hitch is you’ll need a Grand Prix ticket to get in, as the bar is located within the racetrack circuit, but it’s a welcome alternative to jostling on the ground with the masses.
Starting from S$150 per person including free-flow drinks from 7 p.m.-10 p.m. on September 24 and 25. #04-01 Roof Terrace, Esplanade-Theaters on the Bay, 8 Raffles Ave., +65 9733 6911; www.orgo.sg
SLEEP
Casually bump into a driver: Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore
Their all-inclusive package gives you three nights in a Premier Suite for two, including breakfast, race and after-party passes, as well as Club Lounge access. An easy (if pricey) way to ensure you don’t miss a thing, or that driver you’re crazy about. Here’s a tip, we hear the team and the drivers are operating on a Europe timezone so stake out the gym and the pool after lunchtime.
S$6,000 (inclusive of three-day Pit Grandstand passes and one-day entry to the Podium Lounge). Ritz-Carlton, Millenia, Singapore. 7 Raffles Ave., + 65 6337 8888; www.ritzcarlton.com/singapore
For a (changing) room close to the track: Grand Park City Hall
It sounds a little crazy to take out a hotel room just so you don’t have to schlep back home to change, but when you do the math, it starts making sense. Situated a short walk from the track, but not within the race circuit, a room at the Grand Park City Hall ensures prices are still reasonable and because you’re so close, you don’t have to deal with all the traffic issues.
From S$500 (inclusive of breakfast). 10 Coleman St., +65 64325888; www.parkhotelgroup.com
SHOP
Celebrate like an F1 champ: G.H. Mumm Cordon Rouge for Formula 1
It’s a lavish expense but a G.H. Mumm jeroboam – similar to the ones the F1 drivers celebrate with on the podium -- is a grand way to remember your F1 2011 experience. Only five limited edition bottles are available for sale.
Contact Pernod Ricard Singapore at +65 62355055 for more information
Dress up in team colors: World of Sports
For a more affordable memento like an official T-shirt, cap or drink holder, check out official retailers World of Sports. Or if you’re feeling lazy, just buy online at the official website www.singaporegp.sg/merchandise/index.php.
Various locations. Go to www.worldofsports.com.sg for more information
EXPERIENCE
Learn about the life of a champion: ‘Senna’
Before there was Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton, there was Ayrton Senna. The triple world champion Brazilian F1 driver was a true racing legend who died at the wheel of his Formula One car in 1994 at the San Marino Grand Prix. The British documentary “Senna” chronicles his life and will close the 25th Singapore International Film Festival on September 25.
September 25, 9:30 p.m. Shaw Lido, more information from www.siff.sg
Meet the drivers: RenaultSport F1 Roadshow
Meet Lotus Renault GP drivers on September 24 and Team Lotus on September 25 at this display of Renault’s history in the Formula One at Suntec City Mall. There’s an F1 race car on display so you can peer in.
September 19-24; Lotus Renault GP appearance: September 24, 3:30 p.m.; Team Lotus appearance: September 25, 2 p.m. Atrium L1, Entertainment Centre, Suntec City Mall, www.sunteccitymall.com
A pictorial journey of champs: HUGO BOSS -- A 30-year partnership with McLaren
This exhibition of images of F1 world champions such as Niki Lauda, Alain Prost and Jenson Button also features an F1 race car simulator so you can imagine yourself as the next big F1 driver.
September 19-25. Atrium of Ion Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, +65 6238 8228; www.ionorchard.com
