- Leave your car at home
Take the train. If you drive, parking is subject to availability at carparks in Suntec City, Millenia Singapore and Marina Square.
Most people leaving the Marina Bay circuit park will head to City Hall MRT station. Make your way to other nearby MRT stations, such as Raffles Place and Promenade, if you do not want to jostle with a massive crowd.
Train hours will be extended to 1am during the F1 weekend. There is a surcharge of $5 for cabs leaving the taxi stands around the area, and note that there will be long queues and traffic jams.
- Brace yourself for bad weather and noise
It is the F1, so expect deafening roars of the race car engines. Take along a set of earplugs or buy the official survival kit at the venue for $2 that includes earplugs and a poncho. Proceeds go to to the Institute of Technical Education and St John Ambulance Singapore.
If you are watching a concert at the Padang, pack a foldable mat to sit on while waiting for the band to perform, as the grass can get muddy. Take along a poncho - nobody likes to have an umbrella blocking their view or poking them at a concert.
- Take along more cash
Most food and drink outletsaccept only cash. There will be 12 food and beverage stalls within Zone 4, including crepes by Saybons, Smiths Fish & Chips, sausages by Brotzeit and ice cream from Cold Stone Creamery.
Refuel with a drink at the All-white Glow Bar - set up by the Singapore GP organisers - or hang out at the Bikini Bar by Coastes.
Generally, drinks and food should not cost more than $10 to $12 a serving unless you opt for steak or seafood.
- Dress comfortably
If you are heading there earlier in the day, pack sunscreen and dress to keep cool. Forget long pants unless you plan to stay in the Paddock Club's air- conditioned lounges and suites.
You will likely be doing plenty of walking, so make sure you wear the right shoes. Be prepared to get your shoes dirty at the Padang if the ground is wet. Comfortable sneakers and flats are recommended.
- Plan your schedule in advance
To figure out the shortest routes to the zones and concert stages you need to get to, grab a free map from one of ushers stationed around or at the entrance of the 10 gates at the circuit park.
This year, concertgoers need not queue up for special wristbands to enter the coveted Fan Zone, a cordoned-off area right in front of the Padang Stage. Entry to this zone is on a first-come, first-served basis. Re-entry is not guaranteed if you choose to leave the area, which is equipped with toilets and a bar.
- Pack light
There will be bag checks upon entering the circuit park so pack only what is necessary - cash, earplugs, a poncho and wet wipes to freshen up.
Only food and drinks sold within the circuit park are allowed into the venue, but racegoers are allowed one clear plastic bottle of soft drink or mineral water of no more than 600ml.
Leave your professional photography equipment at home too, as racegoers suspected of filming or photographing the event for commercial purposes will be barred from entering.
Melissa Kok
