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| Feb 13, 2008 | |
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MOTOR RACING
Price is fair for a 'historic experience'
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| Fans prepared to shell out money to be part of world's first night race | |
| By Lin Xinyi and Christopher Ong | |
| IT MAY be pricey, but we will be there.
That is what most racing fans told The Straits Times yesterday after organisers Singapore GP released ticketing details for September's inaugural SingTel Singapore Grand Prix. Terry Tan, 47, who first started watching Formula One in 1986, said: 'I've waited so many years for this, so I'll definitely be there. 'Tickets are quite expensive, so that will probably deter the casual fans.' Three-day passes are priced from $168 to $1,388 for the Sept 26-28 event, which is expected to attract some 85,000 spectators. A single-day pass, if it becomes available, is expected to cost as much as 60 to 70 per cent that of a three-day one. Availability of single-day passes depends on whether the three-day passes sell out. Banker Ana Dhoraisingam, 41, an F1 fan for the past 25 years, said: 'I wouldn't hesitate to buy a grandstand ticket. I don't mind paying that premium, and have done so before for races overseas.' For businessman Bernard Lim, 37, it is the novelty of the sport's first night race that will draw him to the Marina Bay area come Sept28. He said: 'If I'm lucky, I might get to see some celebrities too.' Businessman Joseph Tan, 31, said: 'For me, it's the atmosphere, hearing the sound of the car engines and seeing cars overtake right in front of me that makes it all worth it.' The ticket prices do not bother Yang Nai Kiang, 20. His only worry is that there may not be tickets available. He said: 'As long as I get to watch the race, it doesn't matter where I'm seated. 'It's the F1 after all, it's not like you can see it everywhere.' But IT consultant Koo Ping Tsien, 33, wants to know what he can expect before paying top dollar for high-end tickets. He said: 'It depends on what the experience offers. 'From my experience in Melbourne, it was like a carnival, with pretty race-girls.' Sales manager Ang Bangyao, 26, added: 'I don't mind experiencing F1 live once, and that's it - just to know what it's like.' Undergraduate Lim Swee Kiat, 23, agreed: 'I won't go and watch the race now because I am a student and can't afford it. But if I were a working person, I would, since it'll be a historic event. 'But subsequently, it would make better sense to watch it on TV. You would have to be a die-hard fan to watch it live every year.' Analyst Jo-ann Chia, 23, has a different game plan. She said: 'I'll watch the race on TV this year. But if people say it's worth going to, I'll consider going next year or the year after.' Another person who will not be in the stands is former racing driver Ivan Lew, 40. He said: 'I prefer the comfort of my home - in front of the television set, with the air-conditioner turned on.'
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