2018 Singapore F1 - worth it?

[illmonkey]

I am fortunate enough to be in Singapore with work around the Singapore F1, and they're happy to let me fly out earlier, but I do need to pay for 2 nights hotel (Fri & Sat).

Having a look, it's obviously not cheap, but anyone have suggestions for a cheap place that'd be good for the F1? Ibis etc is fine. (conrad for work, so don't mind slumming it for 2 nights.)

Also, what tickets for the F1, I land Friday, so could do qualifying and the race, thinking just a cheap grandstand, so I'm covered from the sun etc. What's best to go for? Empress is SGD500 for the weekend.

Anyone else heading out?

[FindingMenno]

I visited in 2016 and had a great time. A little write-up with some tips can be found here.

Most of the action is late in the afternoon or evening, so I wouldn't worry too much about the sun.

[supertouring]

I was hoping to be out there a few years ago due to work coinciding with the race, but the work fell through.

I really liked Singapore when I was there, so getting over for the F1 would be a no brainer.

[parabolica]

Singapore is on my list but not this year (I think); many will say it would be a boring race to go to however if anything, the walls of the building amplify the noise of the cars and the whole F1 circus. I always check bookf1.com for ticket prices as they have always been the best source for me in the past. Only thing that puts me off Singapore slightly would be the humidity.

[illmonkey]

Found flights that get me in Sat afternoon, so only 1 night and a day pass for the F1, so I've said yes to the flights.

Hotel is less of an issue, more where is good to see it from. bookf1.com (thanks for the link) shows Padang at £216 which I'd be ok paying, I'll keep my eyes open for other places though.

Looking forward to it now it's all arranged. The music line up looks crazy the previous years, so will ensure I visit that too!

[Mr Pointy]

Did you do a search for previous threads? Here are two:

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=16...
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=16...

I've only skimmed but one says the Padang is the worst place to watch from.

[illmonkey]

thanks, will take a better look. I doubt I'll ever do it again, so may as well make the most of it.

Anyone got Bernie's John Malone's number

[HustleRussell]

I was there in 2014 with a general entry ticket, the highlight was the historic support series which run in the early afternoon, it was pretty much the only time I saw a car for more than the blink of an eye apart from on the TV screen and nobody else was there to watch so there I was with my finger tips hooked over the catch fencing like an excitable toddler watching Jackie Stewart's beautiful Elf Tyrrel and James Hunt's McLaren roar past.

I happened to be in the locality so I thought I'd give it a go but I'm not a particular fan of the Singapore Grand Prix and wasn't blown away by Singapore in general. I'm sure I'd have enjoyed it more if I'd paid the money for one of the hotels which overlook the track or grand stands but there y'go...

[Mr Dendrite]

Went last year, great fun. It's a big social event there so a very different crowd from some GPs.
With the quali and racing in the evening you've got the day to do things then get a taxi or the metro to the nearest gate and enjoy the atmosphere.we were in the Bay stand Friday, huge stand but the track is very slow there, so not very exciting, great views of Singapore though. Sat/Sun we were in the Stamford stand. Very good, fastest stretch down the braking for turn 7, short straight and turn 8. Great event, great fun, I had done Spa three weeks earlier, the contrast is huge but both brilliant in their own way.

[Drew106]

HustleRussell said:

I was there in 2014 with a general entry ticket, the highlight was the historic support series which run in the early afternoon, it was pretty much the only time I saw a car for more than the blink of an eye apart from on the TV screen and nobody else was there to watch so there I was with my finger tips hooked over the catch fencing like an excitable toddler watching Jackie Stewart's beautiful Elf Tyrrel and James Hunt's McLaren roar past.

I happened to be in the locality so I thought I'd give it a go but I'm not a particular fan of the Singapore Grand Prix and wasn't blown away by Singapore in general. I'm sure I'd have enjoyed it more if I'd paid the money for one of the hotels which overlook the track or grand stands but there y'go...

I was there in 2014 too. The historic series was great - awesome sounds. Especially as 2014 was the first year with the hybrids, so was still very much mourning the V8's!

I was assisting with a group booking, so was lucky enough to get free race tickets - general admission on Saturday and Sunday.

The highlight though was getting to watch the Friday practice from the Fullerton Hotel roof terrace. Complete with waiting staff, free champagne, canapes, big screen and excellent views of the track. If you can afford this option there is no comparison! Many ££££'s though!

The viewing from general admission was quite disappointing. I actually ended up watching the qualifying and race on the big screen in the Padang.

If I went again I'd probably go for pit straight grandstand, or first corner maybe.

[illmonkey]

Tickets all booked, I arrive 5PM Saturday. I need to find a hotel for Sat & Sunday night, our usual is on black out for the weekend, rates are through the roof. I will get Sunday back in expenses.

So, whats a good hotel that'll be close to the circuit, I doubt any cheaper ones will have viewing at all?!

[HardtopManual]

I've stayed in both of these places when the budget was tight: https://www.treeinlodge.com and http://www.morihostel.com - they were both fine for the money, but obviously far from luxurious!

Both are a reasonable walk into town (30 mins IIRC), plenty of public transport though.

Anywhere close to the track will be very, very expensive.

[illmonkey]

I found a reasonable hotel, for about £150/night, but it's best part of a mile from the circuit and office. Monday I can get the metro, but the F1 is going to be rammed so may have to walk!

I opted for a grandstand seat in Stamford, block A1, near the top. Seems to be a good vantage point, see them at the end of DRS, 90degree corner, then full power again. Hope for some overtaking. It's actually a weekend ticket, so I may catch qually (9pm local), as I land at 4:30pm. If not, I'll just go in for a beer/dinner. A few of my colleagues in Sing have tickets, so will meet them too.

Will report back, looking forward to it now!