The Singapore Grand Prix

The 59th Formula One season which will start in March 2008 and consist of eighteen races is going to be marked with probably the most innovative debut which will take place in Singapore on September 28. The inaugural Singapore Grand Prix race is approved by FIA to be the first night event in F1 history.

The reason to stage at night is in striving of organizers to broadcast the event at a fitting time for TV audiences in Europe. With its origins in Europe, Grand Prix still has the majority of its spectators in there. The in-principle start of the race will be at 20:00 local time (13:00 Central European Time), that's why two tests of daylight conditions replicating system have been successfully passed by Singapore GP Pte Ltd., the official Singapore Grand Prix 2008 managing company.

The night start time is not the only Singapore Race distinction. Since the construction of a purpose built track is seen as wasteful, it was prompted to propose a street circuit. Singapore city state Marina Bay will play host to the Race. The 5.067 kilometres (3.148-miles) long circuit which serpentines the harbour area to the East of the city centre is similar in style to the Monaco Grand Prix. It was initially designed by famous German Formula One circuit's designer Hermann Tilke and consists of 10 right hand turns and 14 left hand turns. Due to specific shape of the circuit the race will be anti-clock wise for enhanced safety both for drivers and spectators.

The challenge is formed by 61 laps. It is thought that before turn 7 the cars top speed will be along Raffles Boulevard at over 300km per hour, but after crossing the ninety seven year old Anderson Bridge prior to the last turn they will be throttled back to 80km per hour. The 500m Pit Straight where the race will start and finish will be situated close to the new Singapore Flyer complex.

The Singapore event meets some concerns from the Malaysian authorities, who claim that it would create unhealthy competition with well-known Malaysian Sepang International Circuit which is only 300 kilometers away from Singapore. Still, the Sepang Circuit's Chairman, Mokhzani Mahathir welcomes the idea. Anyway, they are full of optimism in Singapore offering hospitality suites worldwide since November 2007. 80,000 general entrance Singapore Grand Prix tickets also are going to be available, three-day passes from December 2007 and single-day passes after New Year subject to inventories. It is believed that additional economic benefits will be derived from the influx of visitors of the Championship, which estimates say could exceed $100 million. The innovative spirit of the GP is likely to attract additional publicity and a number of sites offering information for this most prestigious of Singapore events are already to be found online.

The telecommunications company Singapore Telecommunications (SingTel) will sponsor the event. Therefore the official name of the Race will be the 2008 Formula 1" SingTel Singapore Grand Prix.

The inception of world championship race was held at Silverstone, United Kingdom in 1950 as a successor of some earlier events took place in France. Since that time it spread across the world and entered Asia. Along with Bahrain and China in 2004, Turkey in 2005 and Singapore in 2008, there are Abu Dhabi, Indian and Korean Grand Prix's scheduled for 2009 and 2010. Singapore Grand Prix 2008 success is essential for Formula One development worldwide that is why the role of the event is of a really high importance.A

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Monaco Grand Prix

No other race in the F1 calendar has the glamour, the history or the incredible atmosphere of Monaco. Unarguably the most attractive location in F1, the race which takes place around Monte Carlo's two mile 'Circuit de Monaco' is widely considered to be one of the most important and prestigious motor sport races in the world.

Each year, thousands of people descend on the small principality of Monaco, and the luxury hotels that dot the area swell with F1 fans. The race also attracts royalty, Hollywood stars, supermodels and multi-millionaires who all want to see, and been seen at, this prestigious event.

The race takes place along the narrow streets of Monte Carlo, rather than on a purpose built track. The circuit is unique in the F1 world, in that it remains unchanged each year. Taking six weeks to erect, it includes many elevation changes, tight corners and narrow sections, which make it one of the most demanding tracks in F1. Due to the tight, twisting nature of the circuit, the race favours the skill of the driver, rather than the power of the cars, and is therefore regarded as one of the most prestigious races to win.

Much of the attraction of Monaco is down to its stunning setting, reflected by the fact that it is one of Europe's leading tourist resorts. Monaco lies in a narrow coastal strip which is set into the Maritime Alps and runs into the Mediterranean Sea. It's known for its casinos, gambling and glamour and for being the playground of the rich and famous. Indeed, luxury yachts owned by movie stars and European Princes can be seen docked in Monaco harbour,

Organised Monaco Grand Prix tours are available for those who want to experience the pinnacle of F1 luxury. Such tours involve exclusive flights and the best hotels, conveniently located close to the Circuit de Monaco, as well as admission to the race itself. However, if you'd rather watch the race away from the crowds which adorn the length of the track, the Fairmount hotel - situated in the heart of Monaco overlooks the famous hairpin, which is perhaps one of the most iconic corners in the world of motorsport.

It may even be possible to get tickets to the Amber Lounge - one of the world's most exclusive parties, that takes place at the Sea Club. This pool side venue (which is the brainchild of Sonia Irvine, sister of former F1 driver Eddie) has spectacular sea-view chill-out zones, funky dance floors, live music and mouth watering food.

As the jewel in the F1 crown, the Monaco Grand Prix remains one of the world's most spectacular motor sport events, so anyone who is a fan of motor racing, or who just wants to experience the glitz and glamour of Monte Carlo, should visit this prestigious race at least once in their lives.

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F 1 2008

The 2008 Formula One season begins on 14 March at Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne. Some of the prominent drivers and personnel have moved to different teams and technical regulations have also been changed. There are two new street-track venues, one in Spain and the other in Singapore featuring the sport's first-ever night race.

Kimi Raikkonen and Ferrari are the world champions, after a gripping, if controversial, 2007 season when the action on the track between the Scuderia and McLaren reached fever pitch. But what are their chances of retaining the titles? Having come so close in his rookie season, can Lewis Hamilton win redemption for McLaren by going one better in 2008?

Raikkonen and Hamilton, together with Fernando Alonso, are regarded as F1's top trio, and Ferrari and McLaren are the top teams. Renault--constructors' champion in 2005 and 2006 but nowhere in 2007, faces the question of whether it can recapture its past form.

On the other hand, as F1 continues to implement rules changes designed to reduce costs and return driving responsibility to the drivers and away from engineers and computers, there is talk of the same two-team dominance and whispers of scandal to come. By most accounts, however, the 2008 show will have a different tint. Continuing the cost-cutting that began several years ago with longer-life engines and a freeze in engine development, each car must now use the same gearbox for four races. This will be of little interest to most spectators, unless a team needs to replace a gearbox sooner and the driver is thus given a five-spot starting-grid penalty.

Meanwhile, Alonso is back on the team with which he won his two championships (2005, 2006). Renault's budget is nowhere near Ferrari's or McLaren's (even after McLaren suffered from the FIA's $100 million fine for last year's industrial espionage debacle), but that was also the case when Alonso won his titles. Team boss Flavio Briatore is a master at running a race team, spending the money when and where necessary but never squandering it.

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Lewis Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton is aiming for this season to start in order for him to begin his race for the World Championship as the Formula One formally kicks off this weekend in Melbourne, Australia.

Just one year ago he finished third on his first Grand Prix at Albert Park, but what really caught the eye of the public is the fierce some competitively against his team mate Fernando Alonso. He enjoyed his first rookie season like no other has done it in Formula One; he had a great year claiming four victories and eventually losing the World Championship against the Finn Kimi Raikonen; Ferrari's driver by just two points.

Hamilton believes he can really improve from last year's results and he thinks he has more opportunities during this coming weekend an experience that will leave a positive lesson.

Also; Alonso's departure from the McLaren team to the Renault has given him a leading role that he didn't had last season. "We've been working very, very hard through winter making sure the training's even better but also preparing the car," he added "Seeing a new car evolve, seeing the evolution of last year's car, and seeing the input by me and Heikki (Kovalainen) and Pedro (de la Rosa) and Gary (Paffett), and seeing how we can help push the team forward I think is really special, it's a great experience."

The 23 year-old Britton also underlined he is completely focused in the Formula One racing since he was a little boy not and not even thinking on the risks this could lead to. He was told by his father that if he studied and trained hard he would keep on racing.

He had to make a lot of sacrifices to be as successful as he is right now. When he decided that he wanted to be a professional driver he dedicated his life to it and so did his family that have been there for him always.

"At a very early stage I made that decision that I wanted to be a Formula One driver so I dedicated my life to it and so did my family. "Along the way there was lots of different turning points and there's two different roads you can take. It really was about taking that split decision right there and then you don't have too much time to make the decision, get on with it and I was very, very fortunate that I went down the right route." His entry to the Formula One was so smoothly but he overshadowed many drivers; let's not forget his previous team mate the Spaniard Fernando Alonso. This uncomfortable situation did also taught him a lesson which was his certain ability to compete and excel in motorsport's top tier.

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Singapore Grand Prix

Though the inaugural Singapore Grad Prix is scheduled to be held this year in September, Singapore has long been a part of Automobile racing dating back to 1960s in the racing history. From 1960s to 1970s Singapore held Grand Prix races in its Thomson Road Circuit. It started out as the "Orient Year Grand Prix" though after one year it was renamed as Malaysian Grand Prix. Only after two years, Singapore de-merged with Malaysia and gained independence in 1965. The Grand Prix was renamed Singapore Grand Prix and continued its races for about 7 more years before it ceased due to a number of reasons.

The FORMULA 1™ SingTel Singapore Grand Prix which is named after its main sponsor Singapore Telecommunications is scheduled to start off on 28th September. The event has sparked much enthusiasm in the racing community due to a number of reasons. The competition will be first of its kind as it will be the first street race in Asia and the first ever night race for Formula 1. Apart from the thrill and excitement the night race concept will also be a great solution for live broadcasting as it will be convenient timing especially for in European audiences.

The race is scheduled to be held at Singapore Street Circuit, which is located around Singapore's Marina Bay area covering a length of 5.2 kilometers. The circuit is an exciting track going through Singapore's urban landscape offering a thrilling night time racing experience for spectators. The track has 24 turns, consisting of 14 left and 10 right turns and passes through some iconic Singapore landmarks such as Raffles Boulevard, St.Andrew's Road, Turn 10 and Anderson Bridge.

The excitement of the race is growing day by day as Singapore whole heartedly prepares for this grand event. Tourist arrivals due to this event are expected to rise significantly and many hospitality and commercial establishments in Singapore are also preparing for this grand event. There are a number of Singapore hotels located near many of its local landmarks and close to the street racing circuit. Many delightful restaurants, eateries and entertainment facilities are scattered all over this metropolitan hub offering any one visiting Singapore ample opportunity to shop, dine and enjoy a great time.

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