SINGAPORE, Sept 10 — As our little red dot gets into high gear for the Singapore Grand Prix taking place on the weekend of September 16 to 18, it is reason enough to jump into the activities that are also occurring that weekend, even if you have only a passing interest in what’s taking place on the race tracks. There is a slew of F1-related events in the Marina Bay area, but you don’t have to just confine yourself there. This handy guide will help you zoom in on what to do — whatever your budget may be.
Budget: No budget. Yes, there are some free activities
Take photos with the Williams Martini Racing FW38 car replicas
These will be placed strategically at various points in the Central Business District: Ce La Vi, 1-Altitude, One Raffles Place, and The Exchange. Upload your pictures with the FW38 car replicas using the hashtag #MartiniSG, and you might just score yourself bottles of Martinis and passes to F1 parties. While you are at it, enjoy a tipple in the form of an exclusive Martini cocktail at Ce La Vi, 1-Altitude, and The Exchange.
Challenge Lewis Hamilton for the fastest lap time
Few people are able to come close to Hamilton’s lap times on the real track, but you just might stand a chance on the race simulator that will be set up outside luxury watch brand IWC Schaffhausen’s store at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands. Available from September 10 to 18, the one who comes closest to Hamilton’s record will stand to win exclusive F1 merchandise signed by the champ himself. Hamilton, also the watch brand’s ambassador, will himself be making an appearance at the mall on September 14.
Budget: S$100 (RM301) and under
Sip on what the winners drink on the podium at Bread Street Kitchen
You may not have just finished a gruelling night race on a challenging track, but you can have a taste of victory by drinking Domaine Chandon Brut, which is what the winners of the race will be popping open when they are on the podium. Bread Street Kitchen will be serving this at S$35 for two glasses. If bubbly is not your thing, opt for one of the five special signature cocktails that are named after F1 drivers and served in a gas pump. Available from September 16 to 18. For enquiries and reservations, call 6688 5665.
Rock out at Zone 4 with your one-day ticket on Friday
Buy the one-day ticket for Friday (September 16), which costs S$78 and gives you access to Zone 4. Even better is the fact that you can catch KC and the Sunshine Band and Kylie Minogue, who will be performing here on the Padang Stage on Friday. There are also a bunch of F&B stalls at the Hawker Village or F1 Village offering “local and international culinary delights”. Log on to www.singaporegp.sg for more info.
Groove the night away at Attica
Attica is collaborating with Dom Perignon to bring revellers the Luminous party on September 17 to celebrate the Singapore GP. Named after the iconic bottle from the Champagne brand, the party will see interactive race elements built into the club over both levels. There will be a pop-up arcade, where you’ll get to pit your skills against that of race queens in a special racing segment, and the winner will walk away with a bottle of Dom Perignon Luminous. DJ Marko Liv — who has held residences at Ibiza clubs Pacha and Amnesia — will be helming the decks that night. Entry to Luminous is a wallet-friendly S$30, inclusive of two drinks and a complimentary ticket to the Splash & Dash pool party taking place the next day on Sept 18 at W Singapore. Visit www.attica.com.sg or call 6333 9973 for more information.
Budget: S$500 and under
Feast to your heart’s content at F1 Grand Champagne Brunch, Mezza9
For just S$178, take in the lively race-day atmosphere on Sept 18 as you tuck into the amazing array of food from the restaurant’s nine stations, which include a Western rotisserie, yakitoki grill, and Thai deli. The price includes free-flowing Perrier Jouet grand brut champagne, 10 premium red and white wines, Tiger beer, selected cocktails and a special F1 martini crafted just for the occasion. For enquiries and reservations, email [email protected] or call 6732 1234.
Get in on the action early at Cé La Vi’s Night Race Week 2016
Those who want to rev their engines even before the festivities start proper will be pleased to know that celebrations will be ongoing at Ce La Vi for a full week starting from Sept 14, with Sunset Sessions featuring DJ Ramesh K. Fuel up before the qualifying race on Sept 17 with the Sky High Brunch, where, for S$168 (pre-sale; otherwise its S$188 at the door), you can enjoy fresh oysters, along with a Modern Asian spread of banh mi, sashimi, and stir-fry dishes, while washing it all down with free-flowing Veuve Clicquot Rich Champagne and hand-crafted tropical cocktails. From Sept 19 to 21, there will be no cover charge for Sunset Sessions. For enquiries and reservations, email [email protected] or call 6508 2188.
Dine on seafood and meat platters at UsQuBa Grill & Whisky Bar
Located at One Fullerton’s upper deck, a hop and a skip away from gate 6, and overlooking turn 13, UsQuBa is a great option for those who want to be in thick of the action without having to deal with the crowds. For S$188 per person, you’ll get a seafood platter for two, which includes grilled lobster, Hokkaido scallops, Irish oysters and more, while the meat platter, at S$198 per person, will ply you with Aberdeen angus steak, foie gras, and Kurobuta pork belly, among other decadent carnivorous offerings. Top up S$180 to enjoy a free flow of Dom Perignon Champagne and Balvenie Whisky. Available from September 16 to 18. For enquiries and reservations, call 8723 6378.
Budget: The sky’s the limit
Watch the race in comfort with The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore’s Race After-Party Room Package
Why jostle with the hoi polloi when you can catch all the action taking place on the race track from the comfort of the The Ritz-Carlton’s Premier Room, and rub shoulders with the who’s who of the racing community, for S$1,350 a night? The package includes accommodation, a pair of complimentary tickets to The Podium Lounge — where the largest race after-parties will be held — on September 17 or 18, as well as a daily buffet breakfast. A minimum three-night stay starting from Sept 16 is required. For enquiries or reservations, email [email protected] or call 6434 5111.
Party up a storm at Amber Lounge
Touted as the number one Grand Prix party hotspot, Amber Lounge has hosted the likes of Kim Kardashian, David Beckham, and Cristiano Ronaldo in locations such as Shanghai, Valencia and Barcelona. On September 17, the celebrations will open at Temasek Reflection (Millenia Walk) with an F1 driver and supermodel fashion show and 20 live shows throughout the night. The following night will see Amber Lounge welcoming F1 drivers for a post-race party. Singer Kelis of Milkshake fame is the headlining act on both nights. Prices for tables start from S$8,000 for eight guests, inclusive of unlimited bottles of house Champagne and other drinks throughout the night. Book your tickets via http://amber-lounge.com/index.php/book-tickets.
Win an experience money can’t buy at Hilton Hotel
Yes, here is an F1 experience that is priceless. Hilton Hotel and McLaren-Honda have unveiled Asia’s first motoring race-themed hotel suite. You have to be a member of Hilton HHonors, the chain’s guest loyalty programme (free to join, by the way) in order to bid on this room to spend a night that includes a private molecular cuisine dinner. The hotel is a dream come true if you are a fan of McLaren-Honda as you can get fitted out in a McLaren-Honda driver kit that is pretty much the whole works, with race driver overalls, helmet, boots and gloves. Even amenities such as bathrobes have the names of the McLaren-Honda Formula 1 drivers, Fernando Alonso and Jenson Button, embroidered on them. Log on to www.HHonors.com/auctions to try your luck. ― TODAY
