F1 fever grips S'pore

SINGAPORE residents and visitors have succumbed to Formula One fever as the city-state hosts its first Grand Prix and the sport's first night race this weekend.

As the cars lap at speed against the backdrop of a stunning skyline framed by 1,600 light projectors along a circuit that winds through the business district, excitement is growing ahead of Sunday's race and the island's nightlife is thriving.

'There has definitely been an increase in the number of people coming. This week alone we have seen a big increase in our sales,' Ms Anita Lydia told Reuters on Saturday at the bar she manages in the popular entertainment area of Clarke Quay.

'It's not only members of the teams but also more tourists who have flown in to see the race,' she added.

'I can say I am proud to be a Singaporean as I think we have done a fantastic job. I am not working tomorrow (Sunday) but don't have a ticket so will watch it on television.

'There have been a lot of parties over the last two weeks to coincide with the event so I hope it becomes a permanent fixture on the calendar.'

Further along the riverside, restaurant marketing manager Joey Leong has also felt the positive effects of this week's first foray into Formula One.

'It's a very popular event in Singapore and it has boosted the number of people coming to the restaurant,' she said.

'We show it live inside and a lot of people come to watch while they dine.

'It is good that Singapore is able to hold the sport's first night race and I hope it continues for many years to come.'

Minor inconvenience

Despite parts of the city-state's downtown area being closed to the public for a majority of the week, taxi driver Vincent Toh said it was a minor inconvenience when weighed against the advantages of hosting the race.

'The grand prix is very good for Singapore. It brings more tourists to the country,' the 41-year-old said.

'True, it is a little inconvenient because a lot of roads in the downtown area are blocked but it's a very beneficial event for our economy.'

At the circuit, Indian tourist Rajat Bohra said the trip to Singapore had been well worth it so far.

'I came here just to watch the grand prix and I think it is brilliant... very well managed,' he said with a smile.

'This is the first race I have ever seen and I am really enjoying it.'

From his stall at the end of turn 5 into the straight on Raffles Boulevard, drinks vendor Ong Kien Sen was also full of praise for the event.

'It has been perfect so far,' the 51-year-old said.

'The night race is a new experience and it's very exciting as we have a great view on the bend here.'