Third time's the charm at Singapore Grand Prix

The Singapore Grand Prix had its fair share of detractors during its conceptual stages. Racing purists were quick to gripe that this was one stage that focused more on spectacle than the synergy between man and machine. Also, the fact that it is a city/street course held at night created a negative buzz among those concerned with safety. One such critic was Ron Dennis, executive chairman of McLaren Automotive and the McLaren Group. He was quick to point out that the Singapore Grand Prix was not completely in line with what Formula One was all about.

Dennis was also one of the first people to immediately eat his words after witnessing the first Singapore Grand Prix three years ago.

This interesting tidbit was related to me Steve Slater, ESPN-Star Sports commentator for F1 during his recent visit to Manila. “People are usually quick to judge things that are new and different, and it’s funny how they find themselves going back on their initial impressions,” he says with a chuckle.

Steve also had an interesting story about ace driver Lewis Hamilton. Lewis was one of the people that didn’t look forward to this leg of the F1 competition. This story of his comes from the very first Singapore Grand Prix: “On the practice day, Lewis was full of complaints: about the track, how bumpy the road was, and how it wasn’t laid out well. On the qualifying day, he did well and said, ‘Well, this track isn’t so bad after all.’ On race day, he left the competition behind, bagged the gold, and said ‘I love this course!’” Steve is obviously keen on pointing out how the Singapore Grand Prix can sway the minds of even the toughest critics.

Steve Slater, ESPN-Star Sports commentator for F1, is quick to point out that any reservations about the Singapore Grand Prix simply disappear when you witness the festivi-ties firsthand.

Now in its third year, the Singapore Grand Prix has again raised the bar for racing excitement and quality lifestyle entertainment. Dubbed the Grand Prix Season Singapore (GPSS), this event is sure to live up to its tagline of being “more than just a race.” “This year’s F1 experience fully integrates the F1 car racing experience with a strong entertainment lineup at the street circuit — all accessible with an F1 ticket. This, together with the many lifestyle offerings presented by the Grand Prix Season Singapore, will ensure race and music fans get incredible value and an unforgettable experience,” says Lynelle Seow, area director for Philippines & Brunei, Singapore Tourism Board.

There’s something for everyone at the 2010 GPSS. Performers include Mariah Carey, Missy Elliot, Daughtry, Adam Lambert, Raphael Saadiq, Sean Kingston, Melissa Bergland, Alicia Pan, Brazil! Brazil!, London Fog, Ojos de Brujo, Studio Festi, Vanessa Fernandez, DJ Tiga, Bloco Singapura, Bootleg Abba, Chippendales, Cosanostra, Floor Techniques, Legend: The Bob Marley Experience, and Tablamanian. There will also be freestyle trial bikers doing two shows a night, as well as other roving acts that will be performing in all zones throughout the Circuit Park over the three-day race weekend. Aside from the excitement of the race itself, this is more than enough reason to check it out and see world-class entertainment at its finest.

“By combining the thrills of Formula One with a stellar entertainment lineup, fans can look forward to a non-stop carnival weekend — all with one ticket. The entire circuit park is being transformed into an urban street party. The headliners on the Padang are just the start of the story. We have over 300 performers as part of a diverse mix, ranging from international deejays to aerial theatrical performances, from opera to even a Brazilian martial arts troupe. There truly is something for everyone on the 10 stages and in every part of the Circuit Park,” says Michael Roche, executive director of the Singapore GP.

It has been a tradition for the Singapore GP to outdo itself every year in terms of excitement and entertainment. This year is no different, as fans will experience what it is like to be in the middle of one of F1’s most exciting stages. The title of being “the jewel in the F1 crown” was not just simply given to the Singapore GP — it was earned. And with this year’s offerings, that title is sure to be retained.

Visit www.singaporegp.sg to find more details about the GPSS tickets, the full entertainment schedule and complete artist lineup.

To book exclusive airfares and 2010 Formula One Singtel Singapore Grand Prix all-in-one packages, log-on to www.singaporeair.com, or call Red Rock Travel at (632) 738-6614.

To directly purchase race tickets, visit www.singaporegp.com, www.ticketworld.com.ph, or call Racegear at (632) 359-4247.

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E-mail me at enricomiguelsubido@gmail.com.