September 19, 2008

ASIA | SINGAPORE

Cruising After Dark

By Doug Black

Singapore satisfies its need for speed.

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The roads are meticulously paved and the floodlights shining in Singapore as the city preps for its first Formula One Grand Prix. On September 26, drivers from around the world will take the inaugural practice laps on the city-state’s new three-mile course, putting it alongside Monte Carlo as one of only four active street circuits in the world. And to make sure that rabid European fans get prime-time viewing, the actual race will be held after dark on September 28, making it F1’s first ever nighttime Grand Prix.

To get Singaporeans revved up for the historic event, the race coincides with three weeks of festivities. The first annual Singapore River Festival, underway today, features ten nights of concerts and round-the-clock parties at local clubs. Meanwhile, the second Singapore Bienniale (now through November) takes over the city with contemporary artwork from 50 international artists. Still, it wouldn’t be Grand Prix Season without the obligatory motor show and life-size F1 simulator. Afterwards, wash away excess adrenaline at the Singapore Beer Festival (October 2-5), promising scores of brew never before available on the Asian continent.

The most pampered autophiles might want to mix high-octane with high-class accommodations at the Fullerton Hotel, which capitalizes on its trackside location with a five-day F1 Experience package. A stately Palladian-style building, the Fullerton offers private rooftop viewing decks plus exclusive access to their dedicated F1 champagne and cocktail lounge. And if that doesn’t bring you close enough to the action, you can always hire your own Mercedes or Rolls Royce from the hotel’s chauffeured fleet.