Jewel In The Crown

Ten years on and the Singapore Grand Prix remains one of the most anticipated races on the Formula One calendar. From the on-track and off-track action, to the swanky after-parties, here are 10 things to look forward to this year’s edition

- Hashirin Nurin Hashimi

1 BRIGHT LIGHTS, BIG CITY

Singapore made it into the Formula One hall of fame in 2008 for hosting the world’s first—and still the only— night race on the Marina Bay Street Circuit. The 2017 Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix (singaporegp.sg), from September 15 to 17, sees top drivers race under lights, which require 3.2MW of power, at speeds of up to 320km/h.

2 ROOKIE ROAD

F1 world champions Jenson Button and Nico Rosberg may have bowed out from this year’s tournament, but look out for three rookies on the grid: Canada’s Lance Stroll with Williams Martini Racing, Belgium’s Stoffel Vandoorne with McLaren-Honda and France’s Esteban Ocon with Sahara Force India.

3 FIRST APPEARANCES