Fifty readers of The Straits Times got an early peek at the set-up for next week's Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix yesterday.

The exclusive tour allowed them to get a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to prepare the Marina Bay Street Circuit, site of the sport's only night race.

The initiative, to mark SG50, was a tie-up between the newspaper, UBS and race promoter Singapore GP. The Swiss bank is a global partner of Formula One.

The readers were allowed access to restricted areas such as the race control room, the presentation podium and commentary booth, as well as the paddock, team garages and hospitality areas. They also got to walk along the pit lane.

Civil servant Albert Zheng, 30, said: "The night race is one of the most prestigious sporting events in the world and I am very excited at this exclusive opportunity to go behind the scenes of the race circuit, especially to the pit lane and the race control room.

"I would like to thank UBS and ST for giving my friend and me this special privilege in the SG50 celebration year."

Some youngsters from CampVision also got to go on the tour as part of UBS' continued outreach to community partners. They are part of a year-long leadership-mentoring programme that UBS invests in.

Leona Tan, managing director, community affairs and diversity and inclusion, Asia-Pacific at the bank, said: "As part of our Jubilee year for SG50, we are delighted to provide this opportunity for the 50 lucky ST readers."

Next week will be the eighth staging of the Singapore race.

Last year's edition was claimed by Briton Lewis Hamilton, who went on to capture his second drivers' title. A two-time winner at Marina Bay, he is leading the championship again.