F1 in Singapore. A local perspective

[Agoraphobic]

I am not an F1 fan, not even an automobile buff, but can't help noticing the Singapore Grand Prix since it started - The World's first and only night race. The first time I watched it, I was abroad and like all F1 race presentations, its was hyped-up and had all the bells and whistle for it to stand out. Yes, it was exciting. Then I came to Singapore, and over time, conversed on this race with some colleagues, and to my amazement, people were into it! Even their primary school kids know the world champion's name, the team standings, and they hoped to attend the race, or even watch the practice sessions. I thought this looked strange! There is no automobile industry in Singapore. There are no tyre manufacturers in Singapore. There are no auto parts manufacturers in Singapore! And on top of this, there is the COE is discourage car ownership! Sure enough, the recent F1 race here, no one at office talked about it. Nobody I knew gave a shit about the F1 anymore. Has it lost its glamour? Or is it now more for the tourists?

Cheers!

http://sbr.com.sg/hotels-tourism/in...-singapore-grand-prix-losing-its-magic-locals

Same old, same old: Singapore Grand Prix losing its magic on locals

More than 80% of attendees are non-residents.
Though ticket sales have been solid for the annual event, local attendance has been dwindling since its inception in 2008. The Grand Prix also does not seem to be a major point of conversation among Singaporeans, unlike it has been in its previous installments.
According to RHB, the decline may imply that the novelty of the motor race has worn off.
However, analysts say the strong international fan base of the sports are propping up the ticket sales for the event, and has been a reliable jolt for tourist numbers in the island nation every year.
"However, we firmly believe that the F1 Grand Prix has huge intangible benefits for Singapore as a major marketing tool. More than a few foreigners we know have spoken of the spectacular night skyline they saw on TV as their first positive impression of Singapore. This resulted in them wanting to either visit Singapore or consider relocating to the island nation to work. Singapore corporations also have a chance to promote their brands," RHB said.
Meanwhile, though the actual number of ticket sales have not been released publicly, analysts estimate an 11% year-on-year growth.
Earlier this week, organisers reported that the Grand Prix drew a total of 260,912 viewers at the Marina Bay Street Circuit over the three-day weekend. This is the third-highest attendance in the event’s eight-year history.

 

[laksaboy]

Foreigners create good jobs for Singaporeans.

Now, I can accept having the F1 race at some dedicated race track far away from the city centre. Putting up your stupid barricades and clogging up the Suntec area every September is just silly.

 

[syed putra]

Nowadays, a high speed rail travel faster than a F1 car. Maybe it was something ten years ago, but F1 cars need to go faster to make it more exciting.

 

[Boliao]

None of my friends give a shit about F1 except for the concerts

 

[johnny333]

Nowadays the PAP is catering more to the foreigners , rather than Sporeans.
Sporeans had the chance in the last GE to kick their ass to wake them up but failed to do so.

 

[Agoraphobic]

A proper race track is need for a formula race, the makeshift race track doesn't do the cars justice, besides, in a night race, the cars should provide their own illumination by coming equipped with headlamps (like the LeMans 24 hour race), and not having to depend on some super high-wattage street lighting systems. At a time of environmental consciousness, it goes against the grain.

Cheers!

.......................
Now, I can accept having the F1 race at some dedicated race track far away from the city centre. Putting up your stupid barricades and clogging up the Suntec area every September is just silly.

 

[Agoraphobic]

Motor racing should go along the lines of development for commercial motorcars, but F1 nowadays share more in common with jet fighter technology than the common sedan car. F1 is for entertainment as far as the public is concerned.

Cheers!

Nowadays, a high speed rail travel faster than a F1 car. Maybe it was something ten years ago, but F1 cars need to go faster to make it more exciting.

 

[Agoraphobic]

That's precisely what the F1 race in Singapore is for, the centrepoint of entertainment, a spectacle. Like I said earlier, there is no automobile industry in Singapore, the idea of major manufacturers competing in a race here in Singapore has no relevance besides being a show for spectators. And the organizers use this to lever for other shows like these big name concerts. Its all a show.

Cheers!

None of my friends give a shit about F1 except for the concerts ...................

 

[tonychat]

Sinkies are not the main focus in their own country due to their cowardice ball-lessness.. They have their own fucking self to blame..

 

[Agoraphobic]

Bro, I no longer have any concern for politics, I hate it. As far as Singapore is concerned, people have the choice to select their leadership, and the people selected PAP. Don't know why, don't care, unable to explain. But it is the people's choice. As long as the ordinary man-in-street has justice, that is a good thing. I know things are tough, but here, people seem to accept paying 130k+ for a ordinary Japanese sedan, and is the norm. And some happily go and watch F1!

Cheers!

Sinkies are not the main focus in their own country due to their cowardice ball-lessness.. They have their own fucking self to blame..

 

[kopiOuncle]

 

[Ambulance]

halo mai hew lan bo hew lee tau pio ho F1 wah kok lang siang wu lat