GP TRAVELLER GUIDES
Description
In this video I’ll help you choose the perfect grandstand for your Singapore Grand Prix™ experience.
Click play below to get started
In this video I’ll help you choose the perfect grandstand for your Singapore Grand Prix™ experience.
Click play below to get started
CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO TRANSCRIPT
The Singapore Grand Prix takes place on a floodlit street circuit, where sharp twists and turns are in plentiful but choosing the right grandstand can be overwhelming, so let’s run through your best options.
Main Grandstand
The Main Grandstand in Singapore (also referred to as the Pit Grandstand) is positioned along the start / finish straight looking towards the pit lane and pit building. If you want a vantage point that allows you to see into the team garages and into the pit lane then the Main Grandstand is the grandstand for you. Seating to the left-hand side of the grandstand is positioned opposite the podium and seating towards the middle of the grandstand is positioned along the starting grid.
Super Pit ticket holders are seated in the upper rows in selected blocks with the best views of the team garages, starting grid or finish line.
From the Main Grandstand you may see some some overtaking as faster cars take advantage of the preceding cars slip stream along the main straight as they fly by at over 200 miles per hour but don’t expect to see any wheel to wheel action apart from the race down to the first corner, for that you’ll need to be positioned on one of the braking zones.
Bay Grandstand
The Bay Grandstand is both the largest and the lowest priced grandstand at the Marina Bay Street Circuit. The Bay Grandstand is a permanent grandstand looking out towards a floating platform used for various outdoor events. The grandstand and the floating platform are separated by a road which becomes part of the Formula One circuit with the cars passing from right to left between turns 17 & 18. Because this grandstand is designed to look out towards the floating platform (rather than the road) some views can be limited and upgrading to the Esplanade Waterfront Grandstand is worth considering.
Esplanade Waterfront Grandstand
Positioned between turns 16 & 17 the Esplanade Waterfront Grandstand is arguably the best of the lower priced grandstands. This is a slower section of circuit so the cars are in full view for longer. You’ll see the cars concertina up as they negotiate the tight right then left hand corners before accelerating away in front of the Bay Grandstand. This is a small grandstand with only a small run off zone so you’ll be close to the action too.
Empress Grandstand
New in 2017, the Empress Grandstand is positioned between Turns 11 and 12 just before the drivers enter the vaulted arch of the Anderson Bridge heading toward the Fullerton Hotel. I was particularly impressed with the views from this Grandstand which gets you really close to the cars as they flick right then left riding the kerbs and kissing the wall on the exit of Turn 12.
Turn 1 & Turn 2 Grandstands
Positioned at the end off the start / finish straight, these grandstand overlook the braking zone at Turn 1 & Turn 2. These Grandstands are roughly positioned at a right angle to each other. Turn 1 Grandstand sits parallel to the start / finish straight and Turn 2 Grandstand faces down the start / finish straight with some seats having a head-on view of the cars as they hurtle towards the first corner. It’s a medium-speed corner entering into turn one, and at turn two it’s important for the drivers to prepare their line for turn three. The Turns 1 & 2 Grandstands are priced at a premium and rightly so, this is a prime vantage point perfectly positioned for some first corner wheel to wheel action and late breaking moves.
Stamford Grandstand
Stamford Grandstand is positioned along the short section of circuit between Turns 7 & 8. Cars approach from the fastest part of the track before braking hard for the sharp left hander of Memorial Corner (Turn 7) and then passing in front of the Stamford Grandstand before accelerating away towards
Connaught Grandstand
Positioned just before the breaking zone of Turn 14 this section of circuit has provided some rare overtaking opportunities in the past. With heavy braking into a 90-degree corner it can be pretty challenging for the drivers and by this point tires can be getting overheated as well. The run-off zone here has been the final resting place of several cars and drivers over the years.
Padang Grandstand
Located on a straight part of the Marina Bay Street Circuit between turns 9 & 10 the Padang Grandstand is a good vantage point for seeing the cars at high speed. With no braking zones and no DRS you’re unlikely to see any overtaking here. Padang is also the best grandstand for quick access to the evening concerts which take place just behind the grandstand.
Premier Walkabout
Premier Walkabout is the Marina Bay Street Circuits name for general admission. With a Premier Walkabout ticket you can explore the circuit stopping to watch the on track action from bleachers (tiered rows of benches) located around the circuit. Views are good but it’s first come first served for the best spots.
Main Grandstand
The Main Grandstand in Singapore (also referred to as the Pit Grandstand) is positioned along the start / finish straight looking towards the pit lane and pit building. If you want a vantage point that allows you to see into the team garages and into the pit lane then the Main Grandstand is the grandstand for you. Seating to the left-hand side of the grandstand is positioned opposite the podium and seating towards the middle of the grandstand is positioned along the starting grid.
Super Pit ticket holders are seated in the upper rows in selected blocks with the best views of the team garages, starting grid or finish line.
From the Main Grandstand you may see some some overtaking as faster cars take advantage of the preceding cars slip stream along the main straight as they fly by at over 200 miles per hour but don’t expect to see any wheel to wheel action apart from the race down to the first corner, for that you’ll need to be positioned on one of the braking zones.
Bay Grandstand
The Bay Grandstand is both the largest and the lowest priced grandstand at the Marina Bay Street Circuit. The Bay Grandstand is a permanent grandstand looking out towards a floating platform used for various outdoor events. The grandstand and the floating platform are separated by a road which becomes part of the Formula One circuit with the cars passing from right to left between turns 17 & 18. Because this grandstand is designed to look out towards the floating platform (rather than the road) some views can be limited and upgrading to the Esplanade Waterfront Grandstand is worth considering.
Esplanade Waterfront Grandstand
Positioned between turns 16 & 17 the Esplanade Waterfront Grandstand is arguably the best of the lower priced grandstands. This is a slower section of circuit so the cars are in full view for longer. You’ll see the cars concertina up as they negotiate the tight right then left hand corners before accelerating away in front of the Bay Grandstand. This is a small grandstand with only a small run off zone so you’ll be close to the action too.
Empress Grandstand
New in 2017, the Empress Grandstand is positioned between Turns 11 and 12 just before the drivers enter the vaulted arch of the Anderson Bridge heading toward the Fullerton Hotel. I was particularly impressed with the views from this Grandstand which gets you really close to the cars as they flick right then left riding the kerbs and kissing the wall on the exit of Turn 12.
Turn 1 & Turn 2 Grandstands
Positioned at the end off the start / finish straight, these grandstand overlook the braking zone at Turn 1 & Turn 2. These Grandstands are roughly positioned at a right angle to each other. Turn 1 Grandstand sits parallel to the start / finish straight and Turn 2 Grandstand faces down the start / finish straight with some seats having a head-on view of the cars as they hurtle towards the first corner. It’s a medium-speed corner entering into turn one, and at turn two it’s important for the drivers to prepare their line for turn three. The Turns 1 & 2 Grandstands are priced at a premium and rightly so, this is a prime vantage point perfectly positioned for some first corner wheel to wheel action and late breaking moves.
Stamford Grandstand
Stamford Grandstand is positioned along the short section of circuit between Turns 7 & 8. Cars approach from the fastest part of the track before braking hard for the sharp left hander of Memorial Corner (Turn 7) and then passing in front of the Stamford Grandstand before accelerating away towards
Connaught Grandstand
Positioned just before the breaking zone of Turn 14 this section of circuit has provided some rare overtaking opportunities in the past. With heavy braking into a 90-degree corner it can be pretty challenging for the drivers and by this point tires can be getting overheated as well. The run-off zone here has been the final resting place of several cars and drivers over the years.
Padang Grandstand
Located on a straight part of the Marina Bay Street Circuit between turns 9 & 10 the Padang Grandstand is a good vantage point for seeing the cars at high speed. With no braking zones and no DRS you’re unlikely to see any overtaking here. Padang is also the best grandstand for quick access to the evening concerts which take place just behind the grandstand.
Premier Walkabout
Premier Walkabout is the Marina Bay Street Circuits name for general admission. With a Premier Walkabout ticket you can explore the circuit stopping to watch the on track action from bleachers (tiered rows of benches) located around the circuit. Views are good but it’s first come first served for the best spots.
