Deadpoet’s Cave

… and that is In-Camp Training. My unit has a tendency to book the last week of September/first week of October for annual ICT. Yes, the race is on a Sunday night, so I can probably rush back to camp. But I have a 3-day ticket, and I intend to use it on all three days.

I’ve booked tickets at the cheapest grandstand. (Approximate location in the red circle.) Despite the media hype that ticket prices at the Singapore GP are reasonable, I beg to differ. The top priced Australian GP ticket is less than AU$700 (less than S$900, at time of writing). The Melbourne race prices have been relatively stable since 2002/3 when I was studying there.

Still, I think I’ve got pretty good seats. The cars will go right underneath where I will be seated! I can also catch the rest of the race action on giant screens on the floating pontoon. Mind you, not all the grandstands have access to a giant screen.

I consider it quite a travesty that some will pay $700 and $500 for the Raffles and Esplanade Waterfront Grandstands respectively and all they get are the cars going by every lap. Let’s say an overtaking manoeuvre happened at another part of the circuit. How did Hamilton’s McLaren overtake Räikkönen’s Ferrari - for example - during the previous lap? People sitting in those grandstands will have to use their imagination.

Anyway, some of the FAQs make for interesting reading.

5. Are the Grandstands Covered?
All Grandstands are non-weatherproof and open to the elements. Patrons are advised to bring suitable clothing for protection from the weather. For safety reasons there are restrictions on the use of umbrellas in the Circuit Park. Singapore GP Ponchos are available for sales at the merchandising booths.

Wow, $1400 for a pitlane grandstand ticket, but you might get wet if it rains. Gee… But the next one, is fair enough.

9. Is photo taking allowed inside or during the race?
Only photos intended for home use may be shot within the Circuit Park. No images may be made for professional or for personal gain. All telephoto camera lenses must have a focal strength of greater than 200mm. Ordinary Ticket Holders must not bring into or use within the Circuit Park any professional video cameras, handy cams or tripod equipment. The Promoter reserves the right to remove any photographic or video equipment at any time.

Good thing my lens only goes to 200mm. Number 10 is a bit of a joke.

10. Is there any dress code?
Smart Casual

I have to dress in Smart Casual to watch a race? You’ve got to be kidding. Have the organisers been to a race or even watched one on TV?

Ok, enough griping. Despite the hiccups and strange rules, I really hope that I can attend the race.

Check out Singapore’s Motor Racing Heritage.

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