The Marina Bay Street Circuit returns for the Singapore Grand Prix

The Singapore Grand Prix is back on the F1 calendar for the first time since 2019. Let us get you ready for it by running through the Marina Bay Street Circuit.

With Formula 1 returning to the Marina Bay Street Circuit after a two year absence, we thought we’d get you ready for its comeback with a reminder of the track, when the F1 circus will be in town and how you can be there with official Singapore Grand Prix hospitality.

Welcome Back, Marina Bay Street Circuit

The Singapore Grand Prix has been missing from the F1 calendar since 2019 on the account of COVID-19, the same way the Japanese and Chinese Grands Prix have been missing since that season too.

In that time, you may have forgotten what makes this Grands Prix so special. So let’s start with remembering what the circuit is like.

The Marina Bay Street Circuit is situated in Marina Bay, which itself is a bay located in the central area of Singapore.

Just like the location, the Singapore F1 track itself is pretty self explanatory in that it is a street circuit. Some of the roads that make up the circuit are temporary, like the ones that lead to and from the pit area. But for the most part, the track is made up of Singapore’s roads.

For that fact, it has been criticised in the past by a number of drivers, with seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton once stating that it is twice as hard to negotiate as the Monaco street circuit.

The Singapore F1 track used to hold the title of having the most corners, with 23 turns in total - although the Jeddah Corniche Circuit used for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix has since taken that title, as it contains 27 corners.

It is a night race and was the first of its kind when it debuted in F1. The track is illuminated by 1,600 custom-made floodlights that are designed to be four times brighter than those at a regular sports stadium while also designed to minimise glare and surface reflection, and to meet F1 TV’s broadcasting standards.

The race is notable for the fact that every edition has had at least one safety car deployed during it, with a total of 21 deployments in the 12 races as of 2019.

The Marina Bay Street Circuit used to have one iconic, yet incredibly dangerous, chicane in the middle that was named the “Singapore Sling”.

It was the harsh curbs that made the chicane so tricky, and even with modifications made to it, it was replaced with a single flowing left-hander prior to the 2013 edition of the race.

Other notable parts of the track include the famous Singapore Flyer, once the world’s largest Ferris wheel, the Andersen bridge which spans across the Singapore River, and The Float at Marina Bay, which is a section where the cars come round, past and under a 27,000 capacity stand that looks onto the track, as well as a floating football pitch built onto the Singapore River.

The history of the Singapore Grand Prix

The first edition of the Singapore Grand Prix was in 2008 when Fernando Alonso “won”. However, it was under controversial circumstances.

It has since come out that his victory was a result of manipulation from Alonso’s own Renault team to make his teammate, Nelson Piquet Jr., crash on purpose so Alonso could benefit from the subsequent safety car and take the win.

A fun fact about the Singapore Grand Prix is that there have only been four different winners since 2008:

• Sebastian Vettel (5 - 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2019)
• Lewis Hamilton (4 - 2009, 2014, 2017, 2018)
• Fernando Alonso (2 - 2008, 2010)
• Nico Rosberg (1 - 2016)

One of the most memorable editions, other than 2008, was the 2017 race. At the race start, four-time World Champion Sebastian Vettel, driving for Ferrari, collided with his teammate, Kimi Raikkonen, and Max Verstappen in the Red Bull, causing all three to retire.

This was a big moment in the Championship, as Vettel was challenging Lewis Hamilton that year. Lewis ended up going on to comfortably win the race and extend his lead in the Championship from three points over Vettel to 28.

Singapore Grand Prix 2022 Dates

The Singapore Grand Prix does indeed return this season, and the race weekend will be taking place from Friday 30th September - Sunday 2nd October.

It will be the first of a doubleheader with the Japanese Grand Prix, which is also making its return and will be run the next weekend.

Singapore Grand Prix 2022 Tickets

As with any Formula 1 Grand Prix, Singapore F1 tickets do sell quickly. Fortunately, hospitality tickets are available, and they not only provide you with a ticket, but you’ll also have an absolutely unforgettable experience.

At Seat Unique, we offer premium hospitality packages and VIP tickets that will ensure that your time during any one of the F1 Grand Prix weekends will be filled with luxury and memories.

Read on to find out about what Singapore Grand Prix hospitality packages are available and the experience they will provide you with.

How to get Singapore Grand Prix Hospitality

At Seat Unique, we offer the Pit Entry Lounge @ Flyer hospitality package.

With the Pit Entry Lounge @ Flyer, located at the Singapore Flyer, you are situated in a fully air-conditioned lounge with full-length windows facing the track so you can see all the action.

And if you want to be outside watching the race, you get free seating in the dedicated grandstand.

In the lounge, you will get complimentary arrival tea, international dinner buffet, and snacks throughout, as well as free-flow wines, beers and soft drinks.

You will also get a great view of the post-race fireworks display on Sunday, as well as access to all four zones of Circuit Park.

Book your hospitality package for the Singapore Grand Prix now with Seat Unique.

We offer official hospitality packages and VIP tickets on our website, so you can buy your tickets in confidence, knowing that your place for the race is secure.