The I-S Guide to F1 Singapore Grand Prix 2014

Tanjong Beach Club

NUVO

The I-S Guide to F1 Singapore Grand Prix 2014

There's more to it than just fast cars and J.Lo

10 years ago

By I-S staff | Aug 28, 2014

There's more to it than just fast cars and J.Lo

By I-S staff
| Aug 28, 2014

The Singapore Grand Prix is on again, and whether or not you’re into fast cars, you should be excited. The city is awash in staycation deals, music performances, special dinners and parties galore, and our ultimate guide covers all the essentials.

All about the race

The event runs from Sep 19-21, but the actual race is on Sun, 8pm.
There are three practice sessions (Fri, 6pm and 9:30pm; Sat 6pm) and a qualifying round (Sat, 9pm).
It's the sixth last race (there are 19 in total) of this year's F1 season.
It’s the first ever F1 night race in the world, but this year it's not the only one anymore: Bahrain switched theirs to a night race earlier this year.
Held at Marina Bay Street Circuit. There's a map of the race track here.
You can get tickets from the official site, email [email protected] or call the ticketing hotline at 6738-6738. Prices start from $68 for a single-day walkabout pass.
This year, Zone 1 has a new Sail Stage, which has a tall canopy for theatrical shows by performers and illusionists. Zone 4 has the Coyote Stage next to the Hawker Village, and the White Bar stage (next to the bar) with live music. There are nine stages in total.

Other stuff going on in the circuit

Headlining acts Mayday (Sep 19, 11:10pm), Pet Shop Boys (Sep 20, 8pm), Robbie Williams (Sep 20, 10:30pm), Ziggy Marley (Sep 20, 10pm and Sep 21, 6:30pm), John Legend (Sep 21, 6:30pm), Jennifer Lopez (Sep 21, 10:30pm)
Porsche Carrera Cup Asia The penultimate race for the championship, which has local and regional racers on the new Porsche 9111 GT3 Cup race cars.
Masters Historic Formula One A selection of F1 cars from the 1970s and 1980s, complete with era-appropriate livery, will race one another under the lights.

Staycations

Ritz-Carlton Millenia

Carlton Hotel Carlton is offering 20% off best room rates ($460) from Sept 18-21. Not right next to the race track, but still a good deal for a downtown hotel.
The Fullerton Hotel The historic hotel oversees a hairpin turn of the street circuit onto the iconic Anderson Bridge. There are a limited number of rooms left, starting at $1,000 a night with a minimum stay of 3 nights.
Marina Bay Sands Limited rooms are available at the iconic hotel, which is no longer accepting check-ins on Saturday. Its September Night Race Offer will let you take $30 off the best available rate of $749 upwards per night.
Marina Mandarin The Formula One package will cost you $850 upwards per night from Sept 19-21. Internet access is complimentary and there's a spectacular view of the race tracks.
Mandarin Oriental Premium ocean (standard) rooms that have a great view of the Benjamin Sheares bridge, the Singapore flyer and of course, the Grand Prix race track will cost $1,300 a night with a minimum stay of three nights.
Pan Pacific The standard deluxe rooms here are fully booked but deluxe balcony rooms are still available for you to really soak in the atmosphere and roars of those Formula 1 engines. Prices start at $1,070 upwards from Sept 18-21. - See more at: http://is.asia-city.com/node/94245#sthash.fBHOS1il.dpuf
The Raffles Hotel The iconic hotel is offering four different Grand Prix packages, which come with privileges like complimentary breakfast at the Tiffin Room, spa and retail vouchers, and tickets to the Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix itself. Prices begin at $2,167 for three nights.
Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore The Marina Deluxe room which accommodates three adults has a partial view of the Marina Bay street circuit and will cost $1,680, with a minimum stay of 3 nights (Sept 19-22). Daily breakfast for two is included in the deal.
Royal Plaza on Scotts The hotel is offering a 33% discount off its best rates from Sept 19-21. Deluxe rooms will start at $407 and prices include breakfast for two at Carousel. Book at the hotel's website.
Swissotel the Stamford From Sept 18-21, the Swissotel is offering an early bird 10% discount rate on rooms facing the race tracks for a minumum stay of three nights. Prices will start at $1,260.

Dinner Deals

Jaan

Epicurean Market The second edition of this gourmet food and wine fair features names from Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, like Tetsuya Wakuda of Waku Ghin, Justin Quek of Sky on 57 and top dog David Thompson of Nahm. Sep 12-14. $23.
The Black Swan This swanky, 1920s-inspired restaurant offers extended happy hours during race season: a glass of Champagne and two oysters go for $21 from 5-9pm. F1 pass-holders can also enjoy complimentary oysters at their mezzanine lounge after 10pm. Sep 15-21.
Loof The cheeky rooftop bar has a new satay station to go with its menu of local snacks and Singapore-inspired tropical cocktails. Collect an old-school rattan fan from their giant rooster mascot (around Gate 3 on all three evenings of the race) to redeem complimentary satay. Sep 19-21, 8pm.
Artichoke Local chef Bjorn Shen whips up a special menu of “over-the-top dude food” (think wings, sausages and bacon), inspired by sports fans. Sep 19-21.
Wooloomooloo Steakhouse Situated snugly by Turn 9 of the street circuit, this steakhouse offers close-up views to supplement live TV feeds of the race. Cover gets you dinner, Champagne and free-flow canapes. Sep 19-21, 5:30pm. $200.
Raffles Hotel The heritage hotel serves up a lavish F1 Sunday brunch at their Victorian-style lobby, complete with plenty of oysters, caviar, a live meat carving station and free-flow of Champagne. Sep 21, noon. $248-268.
Edge One of those rare buffet restaurants offering a mind-boggling variety of cuisines without compromising on quality. Grab a window seat at their Late Night Dinner buffet (9-10:30pm) for a view of the street circuit just below. $50.
Jaan Perched atop the 70th floor, the view of the race from this elegant restaurant is difficult to forget. But that’s not why Jaan consistently scoops up prestigious restaurant awards: the well-thought out, beautifully presented French creations and spot-on service make this a winning dining experience.
Nuvo This Japanese-Italian fusion restaurant, which offers a fantastic view of the street circuit, also has a F1-themed four-course dinner during the period. Each named after and inspired by a driver; “Michael Schumacher”, for instance, is foie gras with port jelly and caviar. Sep 19-21. $250/pair.
Ku De Ta The Asian-inspired fine dining restaurant perched on top of Marina Bay Sands rolls out a Grand Prix menu with items like pink oysters with bloody mary sorbet, flounder sashimi in yuzu honey, walnut oil and fried garlic, and teriyaki wagyu beef with chanterelle and leek. Sep 19-21. $348/person with $168/person for additional wine pairing.
Stellar @ 1-Altitude Breathtaking views are not the only thing in order at this 61st floor restaurant. The post-dinner party is also something to look forward to at Altimate and alfresco rooftop bar 1-Altitude.
Ujong Celebrated local chef Shen Tan prepares a special F1 meal that includes a nasi lemak, a salmon and ceviche salad yusheng and a pint of beer. Sep 19-21. $68.
Senso If the night race has got you weary, opt for this free-flow Taittinger Champagne brunch with dishes like risotto gamberoni with champagne and pancetta flakes, as well as salmon poached in rose Champagne. Available only on Sep 21. $128/person.
Level33 The world's highest urban craft brewery has some pretty sweet vantage views of the F1 track. $33 gets you a half pint of their signature craft brew or special wine, while the $333 terrace table package entails you to a front row view of the circuit for up to six guests, six craft beers or a bottle of wine, two beer tasting paddles and either a Ploughman's board or seafood medley.

Parties

Ku De Ta

Tanjong Beach Club Kicking off the party season is this Sentosa beach club’s signature Full Steam Ahead, a 12-hour shindig with local DJs, fire twirlers and dancers. Arrive from 6-10pm to enjoy two complimentary drinks. Sep 13, 4pm. $36.
Zouk Singapore’s long-reigning superclub brings in Dutch trance giant Dash Berlin, who’s played at various editions of Armin van Buuren’s A State of Trance shows. Sep 19, 11pm. 45 inclusive of two drinks.
Altimate This rooftop lounge commands impressive views of the circuit, and hosts not one but two VIP parties: a Monaco-inspired soiree on Friday, and the renowned Johnny Walker Gold Circuit Lounge Party on Saturday. Sep 19-20, 5pm. $68-88 inclusive of two drinks.
Bang Bang Replacing the huge space that was once Mink and the Royal Room, luxe commercial dance club Bang Bang launches its first-ever F1 party, with a lineup of local and international DJs of the highest caliber, such as Mathias Schell and Smith Agent Smith. Sep 19-20, 10pm. $45.
Bacchanalia The daytime brunch party specialists throw a super-glitzy pop-up do, combining gourmet fare, flowing bubbly, beautiful people and danceable beats by New York DJ Mel Debarge. Sep 20, 1pm. $48 upwards.
Attica The Clarke Quay stalwart hosts a full five days of parties: ladies night with alcoholic desserts on Wednesday, local DJs spinning on Thursday and Friday, Ibiza DJ Matt Caseli headlining on Friday and a grand finale with performers and dancers on Sunday. Sep 17-21, 10:30pm. $30 inclusive of two drinks.
Catalunya Housed in a gorgeous glass dome “floating” on Marina Bay, this Spanish restaurant goes clubby after hours as its hosts afterparties for F1 revelers on its rooftop. Sep 19-21, 11pm. $30.
Ku De Ta Marina Bay Sands’ rooftop bar has different headliners at the decks each night: UK hip hop DJ Shortee Blitz on Friday, American DJ-producer Spinbad and Thai electronic DJ Nakadia on Saturday and local veterans on Sunday. Sep 19-21. $100 from 6-11pm; $200 after 11pm (both inclusive of a glass of Champagne).
Kyo This slick underground club hosts three big names over F1 weekend. Defected Records head honcho Simon Dunmore spins on Friday, and Detroit techno and house legends Kenny Larkin and Terrence Parker play on Saturday and Sunday, respectively. Sep 19-21, 9pm. $25-35 inclusive of one drink.
New Asia Bar Located on the 71st story, New Asia Bar is one of the city’s best vantage points for the race. Guest DJs Daddy K, Keza and Claudio Lari spin on Friday, Saturday and Sunday respectively. Sep 19-21, 10pm. $30 inclusive of one drink.
The Podium Lounge This afterparty boasts an impressive guestlist of 2,500 A-listers, including F1 drivers and celebrities from all over the world. There’s a dinner by three Michelin-starred chef Quique Dacosta, an overhead fashion show and DJs at the decks. Sep 19-21, 10pm. $188 upwards.
Poolside Pitsop Party Get wet and wild with this year's Poolside Pitstop Party at Pan Pacific Singaporem a collaboration between lifestyle and entertainment media company Massive Collective, Prive Group and Pan Pacific Singapore. This year's killer lineup includes UK DJ Smith Agent Smith and Taiper's DJ Junior. Sep 20-21, 12pm. $38-188.
Amber Lounge Also held in Abu Dhabi, Austin and Monaco, this ultra-glam afterparty is typically studded with F1 drivers, dignitaries, models and celebrities (Beyoncé and Jason Statham have graced previous editions). R&B singer Estelle headlines. Sep 20-21, 11pm. $900 upwards.

Arts and Stage

Sensorium 360

Singapore International Festival of Arts Highlights to catch include the Berliner Ensemble’s Peter Pan, with music by indie duo CocoRosie, from Sep 11-13. Also, the Wooster Group takes on Shakespeare in a Native American retelling of Cry, Trojans! (Troilus & Cressida) from Sep 18-21.
A Century of Motor Racing in Singapore The National Museum puts up a timely show featuring the Singapore Grand Prix in the ‘60s and the island’s first Formula 1 race in 2008. Sep 12-21. NATIONAL MUSEUM OF SINGAPORE, 93 Stamford Rd., 6332-3659, S(178897), www.nationalmuseum.sg
Peter Halley Art Plural exhibits New York artist Peter Halley’s abstract, modernist paintings. Think colorful, geometric reinterpretations of prison cells and computer chips. Aug 29-Oct 3.
Speed The race-inspired exhibition stars new w orks by F1-affiliated artists Nikki Douthwaite and Paul Oz, plus signed F1 memorabilia and upcycled home décor items made from race car parts. Sep 18-Oct 11. Free.
Annie Leibovitz Photographer Annie Leibovitz, of Vogue and Vanity Fair fame, exhibits an impressive range of portraits at her solo show at the world-famous Sundaram Tagore Gallery. Sep 12-Oct 12. Free.
Sensorium 360° Artists from around the region explore the theme of the senses, spanning fields as diverse as neuroscience and cognitive psychology. Each artist’s gallery is dedicated to one specific sensory experience, and the range of senses covered goes beyond the usual five to include pain, the sixth sense, and even the ability to detect time.
A Retrospective Journey This year’s instalment of Opera Gallery’s annual A Retrospective Journey blockbuster show features works from the 1900s to present, with big names like Picasso, Chagall, Warhol and Hirst. Selected sculptures will also be on display along Orchard Road. Sep 19-Oct 19. Free.
Flux Realities Leibovitz is on show at the ArtScience Museum as well (through Oct 19), but the stunning museum’s latest show is Flux Realities, a showcase of incisive contemporary photographs from China. Through Nov 2. $6-15 from Sistic.
Theatrical Fields Gillman Barracks’ CCA examines the cross-section between theater and visual art in Theatrical Fields, which is devoted to video works by artists like Judith Barry and Isaac Julien. Through Nov 2. Free.

Sales and Pop-ups

Keepers

Rev-up @ Orchard Shop up a storm with special discounts and rewards at this annual F1-themed affair along Orchard Road. Participating malls include Forum The Shopping Mall, Mandarin Gallery, Paragon, TANGS Orchard and Wheelock Place.
Hublot Pop-up Store This pop-up store and exhibition is a retrospective look at the watch label’s history, engineering innovations and use of unique materials through its timepieces.
Choo Yilin Peranakan Pop-up Boutique Local jeweler Choo Yilin showcases Peranakan-inspired pieces exclusively designed for F1 at this pop-up. Each purchase comes with an afternoon tea set for two at the hotel’s Lobby Lounge.
Keepers Some 50 Singaporean designers and creative collectives, such as jeweler Carrie K., bagmaker Lingwu, fashion designer Sabrina Goh and perfumiers Code Deco, showcase their creations at this 4,300 sq. ft. pop-up space.