RACE ROUTE

The Straits Times, May 12, 2007
by Leonard Lim


HIGH speeds, tight corners, modern skyscrapers, colonial-era buildings and the iconic Marina Bay waterfront.

What more can a Formula One spectator ask for?

Along with showcasing Singapore's best sights, the race route unveiled yesterday boasts long straights with tight hairpins.

The 5.26km circuit, designed by German Hermann Tilke, in the heart of the city, which is still subject to safety checks and certification, differs slightly from the previous one proposed by him.

First, a new road under the Benjamin Sheares Bridge which runs parallel to the shoreline will be built for the start/finish line.

A permanent pit area with paddock facilities will also be constructed there, instead of along Raffles Avenue as previously proposed.

Second, the 60-lap circuit will no longer go along North Bridge Road and around Suntec City's Fountain of Wealth.

And third, there are two new long straights along Republic Boulevard and the road to be built.

It is believed safety concerns at the Fountain of Wealth, where crashes may cause congestion, led to the route being re-jigged.

Zooming down the new road, cars will turn left near the Singapore Flyer, then left again towards the seating gallery in front of the Marina Bay pontoon and then return to Raffles Avenue.

After the Esplanade, the circuit makes a left turn onto Esplanade Drive.

It then approaches a sharp right onto Anderson Bridge, passes the Singapore Cricket Club and turns right at City Hall.

High speeds and overtaking are likely along St Andrews Road, which is four lanes wide.

Going past the Padang and St Andrew's Cathedral, drivers then turn right at the Singapore Recreation Club.

The old route had a left turn towards North Bridge Road.

Moving onto Stamford Road before turning left at the War Memorial Park, the route then turns right onto Raffles Boulevard towards Suntec City.

And, instead of turning left into Temasek Boulevard, the new circuit will see the cars pass Marina Square and the Ritz Carlton Millenia Hotel.

They will then make a turn towards Republic Boulevard and back to the new road.