Calling All F1 Lovers... Let's Go to Singapore Next Year

Singapore is a country with a nocturnal population. They like doing things at night when most of us just want to go to sleep. The world's first wildlife park built for visits at night, the Singapore Night Safari is not like any ordinary zoo illuminated by the night as visitors are able to view over 1,000 nocturnal animals of 100 species in vast naturalistic habitats. Golf lovers trek to Jurong Country Club for a round of golf after the sunset. People are swarming the night markets and hawker stands like there's no tomorrow.

Now, for the 1st time in Formula One (F1) racing history Singapore will host a nighttime race on a new purpose-built street circuit. It will truly be an exotic addition to the F1 race as it will be the 1st and only fully lit street race. The Singaporean organizers anticipate that it will quickly establish itself as one of the most dramatic and atmospheric races on F1 calendar.

The plan is that the Singapore Grand Prix will take place on public roads around the Marina Bay area which will include powerful lighting systems that will replicate daylight conditions. More than 80,000 spectators will be able to get a grandstand seat which includes hospitality areas lining the track.

Interesting notes:

• Singapore was the first foreign soil that Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal stepped on. He was on his way to Spain to study medicine in May 1882.

• Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, the first Philippine president, met the U.S. Consul at the Raffles Hotel in Singapore more than a century ago to discuss and secure U.S. support for the Philippines.

• Last August 9, Singapore celebrated its 42nd National Day and this year marks the 38th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Singapore and the Philippines.