FORMULA One Grand Prix fans heading to the inaugural race in Singapore did not let a slightly overcast sky dampen their mood for the biggest sporting event ever held in the city-state.

The atmosphere outside the gates was relaxed, with many fans having picnics on a nearby patch of grass, while those without tickets crowded into a nearby shopping mall hoping to get a glimpse of the track.

For Singaporean engineer Darren Goh, who spent almost S$300 on a three-day pass, the chance to see an F1 race in person for the first time beat watching on television.

'It's a party mood here... It's simply electrifying,' he told AFP after he and a friend finished snapping pictures of themselves outside Gate 7, where a huge Grand Prix banner welcomed race fans.

'There are a lot of fringe activities... Everybody is enjoying themselves, including myself.'

In the lead-up to the race, organisers lined up a series of events, including a race by Aston Martin cars and live music inside the paid ticket zone.

Hundreds of fans formed an orderly line in front of the gate and took photographs before heading to their seats ahead of the sport's first ever night race.

Outside, vendors sold headphones for S$100 that promised to reduce the deafening engine noise of the race cars.

Singaporean IT executive Ho Jiayun, who also had a three-day pass, said she hoped her F1 hero, defending world champion Kimi Raikkonen, would put up a strong showing despite qualifying third fastest, for Ferrari.

'This is my first F1 race. It's totally different when you watch it and hear people cheering for different teams,' she said.

'It is just fantastic to be here to soak up the atmosphere.'

Morgan Kie, 10, in a red Ferrari T-shirt, was also hoping for a Raikkonen victory on the street circuit hugging Singapore's waterfront.

'Actually I am very excited,' said Kie, who came from Jakarta to watch the race with his family.

Those without tickets did their best to position for a glimpse of the cars.

Some fans crowded into an outdoor shopping mall staircase that offered them a sliver of track view.

English tourist Andrew Harrison, in Singapore on holiday with his wife Irene, would also get only a partial view of the track but at least he would be watching it from the comfort of his hotel.

'We had the opportunity to walk a part of the circuit,' he said as he soaked up the atmosphere ahead of the race. 'The way they have done up the lighting is excellent.' -- AFP