As the thrills settle on the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Formula 1 turns its attention to the glittering lights of the Marina Bay Street Circuit. The 2024 Singapore Grand Prix promises to display strategic skills, drama, and fun for Formula 1 fans worldwide. The Marina Bay Street Racing Circuit is Asia's first F1 street circuit, and it is well-known for hosting the continent's first night race. In this article, we will discuss its history, statistics, and records made at the Singapore Grand Prix.
History of the Singapore Grand Prix: Marina Bay Street Circuit
Singapore GP (pic credit: Travel Week Asia)
The history of the Singapore Grand Prix is as fascinating as its racing glory. The first Formula 1 race was hosted in 1961. However, that inaugural Grand Prix was known as the Orient Year Grand Prix, which was located at the Thomas Road Grand Prix Circuit. It was the year 1966 when Singapore became a sovereign country after 1965, and the last racing event was held in 1973. After the season ended, no future races were hosted because the organizer thought that the track was not fit according to the revised safety precautions.
Your favorite Marina Bay Street Track came into existence in 2008 when the FIA and the Singapore Board signed a 5-year deal with Singapore GP Pte LTD and Bernie Ecclestone. In 2008, around 110,000 tickets were sold for the first Singapore Grand Prix at the Marina Bay Street Circuit. This event was a successful hit, as it was the first-ever night race session in F1 history. The Marina Bay Street Circuit is a narrow street circuit that marvels around Marina Bay and encompasses the areas of Downtown Core and Kallang.
Thomas Raod Grand Prix Circuit (pic credit: Sports Car Digest)
The circuit was designed by Formula 1’s most incorporated track designer, Hermann Tikke, along with KBR, also known as Kellogg Brown & Root. With the latest science and technology, the track has been offered the FIA Grade I License. The track is quite bumpy between Turn 5 and Turn 7. Nonetheless, it is one of the most well-known street circuits on the Formula One calendar, trailing only Monaco and Valencia.
Stats Of The Marina Bay Street Racing Circuit: Singapore Grand Prix
Marina Bay Street Circuit (pic credit: Grandprix Tours)
The Marina Bay Street Circuit is one of the most challenging tracks on the F1 calendar. With tight corners and long-trailed straights, many F1 drivers crash while trying to maneuver at high speed. It is the only Grand Prix event where safety cars have been deployed in every single race it has hosted since its initial debut in 2008. This track was famous for the controversial Crash Gate incident, which occurred during its debut session. The infamous Crash Gate incident cost Felippe Massa the championship title by a few points over Lewis Hamilton, and Hamilton became the F1 2008 driver’s championship winner.
The track has been the third street racing track after Circuit de Monaco and the Valencia Street Circuit. The total length of the track is estimated to be about 4.940 km, making it one of the most challenging tracks on the Asian continent. Let’s delve into the amazing statistics of the Marina Bay Street Circuit and explore the enigma of Marina Bay with the lights and midnight thrills of the F1 experience.
Circuit Name | Marina Bay Street Circuit |
Circuit Certification | FIA Grade 1 License |
Circuit Length | 4.940 KM |
Race Distance | 306.143 KM |
No. of Laps | 62 |
Turns | 19 |
First Grand Prix | 2008 |
Last Grand Prix | 2023 |
Fastest Lap Record | 1:35.867 sec (Lewis Hamilton, 2023) |
DRS Zones | 3 |
When the circuit was designated to host F1 races in 2008 for the first time, then there were no changes made after the season was over, and the track remained stable until 2020 and 2021, when the track did not host F1 races due to COVID breakdown. In 2023, some changes were made to the track, reducing the total number of corners from 23 to 19.
Records Made At The Singapore Grand Prix
Sebastian Vettel (pic credit: USA Today)
The Marina Bay Street Circuit is the track that has resurfaced in recent times. The track is slightly similar to the long, complex tracks of Monaco, with numerous bumps. Now let us look at some of the most memorable records that were made at the Singapore Grand Prix.
Most Grand Prix wins: Sebastian Vettel with 5 wins (2011-13, 2015, 2019).
Most Pole Position: Lewis Hamilton With 4 Pole Positions (2012, 2014, 2018, 2022)
Most Podium Finishes: Sebastian Vettel(8)
Teams With Most Grand Prix Wins: Red Bull (5)
Singapore Grand Prix To Remain On F1 Calenader Till 2028
Singapore Grand Prix (pic credit: F1 Fansite)
Yes, you heard it right. Your favorite Singapore Grand Prix will remain until the season of 2028. In 2022, the Singapore Tourism Board and FIA have extended the contract to host the Formula 1 races until at least 2028.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the first Singapore Grand Prix held?
The first Singapore Grand Prix was held in 2008.
Who designed the Marina Bay Street Circuit?
The Marina Bay Street Circuit was designed by Hermann Tilke,
Why is the Singapore Grand Prix so challenging for drivers?
The Marina Bay Street Circuit is one of the most challenging tracks on the F1 calendar, featuring tight corners and long straights. Its challenging layout often leads to crashes as drivers attempt to navigate the circuit at high speeds.
How many DRS zones are there on the track?
There are three DRS zones on the Marina Bay Street Circuit.
Who holds the most wins at the Singapore Grand Prix?
Sebastian Vettel holds the most wins at the Singapore Grand Prix with five victories.
Which team has the most victories at the Singapore GP?
Red Bull Racing has the most victories at the Singapore Grand Prix with five wins.
What is the fastest lap record at Marina Bay Street Circuit?
Lewis Hamilton holds the fastest lap record at Marina Bay Street Circuit, setting a time of 1:35.867 seconds in 2023.
Tell us your favorite moment from the Singapore Grand Prix in the comments and follow us for more such updates, news, and insights from the realm of Formula 1.
