Choosing a grandstand at the Singapore Grand Prix

The Marina Bay Street Circuit is long and narrow, with the lap weaving past Singapore’s landmarks under floodlights. There’s no single best grandstand. Most fans pick one based on the part of the lap they most want to see, whether that’s the start, the technical sections through the city centre, or one of the main overtaking spots.

Most overtaking happens at the heavy braking zones, particularly Turn 1 at the end of the start-finish straight, Memorial Corner near the Stamford Grandstand, and the 90-degree turn into the Connaught Grandstand.

All grandstands at Marina Bay are uncovered. Singapore is hot and humid in October, with monsoon rain a regular feature, so pack accordingly.

In recent years, Singapore has added new grandstands to meet rising demand.

Pit Grandstand (Main Grandstand)

The Pit Grandstand runs along the start-finish straight, opposite the pit lane and team garages. From here you see the grid build-up, the start, the cars accelerating away from the line, the pit lane in action through the race, and the chequered flag. The Pit Grandstand upper rows give the widest views of the start-finish straight.

Turn 1 and Turn 2 Grandstands

These grandstands cover the first three corners of the lap. Turn 1 is the heaviest braking zone of the start, and the run from the line through to Turn 3 often produces drama on the opening lap.

Stamford Grandstand

The Stamford Grandstand sits between Turns 7 and 8, looking over Memorial Corner. Cars come into the corner at high speed and brake hard for the sharp left, which makes this one of the better overtaking spots on the circuit.

Empress Grandstand

The Empress Grandstand sits between Turns 11 and 12, just before the Anderson Bridge. It’s a quieter, more intimate spot. The cars flick right then left through this section, close to the walls and riding the kerbs. There’s a screen nearby for following the rest of the race.

Bayfront Grandstand

The Bayfront Grandstand sits at the end of the back stretch, looking over a heavy braking zone where cars turn in sharply. It’s a technical section, and small mistakes here can cost time.

Connaught Grandstand

The Connaught Grandstand sits just before Turn 14, a 90-degree turn that produces another overtaking spot. The heavy braking here gives drivers a chance to attack into the corner.

Padang Grandstand

The Padang Grandstand sits on a high-speed stretch between Turns 9 and 10. There’s not much overtaking here, but the location is the main draw. The post-race concerts take place directly behind this grandstand, which makes it the most convenient spot if you’re planning to stay for the music.

General Admission

General Admission at the Singapore Grand Prix is called Walkabout. It lets you move around the circuit, with small viewing platforms dotted at various points where you can stop and watch.

Money-saving tip

Watch for the super early bird sale
Singapore puts a limited number of tickets on super early bird sale almost immediately after the previous year’s race. If you can plan that far ahead, this is the best chance to get a grandstand at the lowest price.