It's that time of year again! The Singapore Grand Prix
It seems like just a moment ago that I lined up for my first Singapore Grand Prix. The Tourism slogan for the STB was still Uniquely Singapore and the title sponsor was Singtel. That was all the way back in 2009. Now, some ten years later, I will be lining up for the Singapore Grand Prix for a 10th consecutive visit to the one of the most fantastic race weekends the world has ever seen!
I must say; I have thoroughly missed everything about the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia since I left late in 2017. After nine seasons with the best racing series by far in Asia, it sure shows when you go somewhere else to go motor racing. The organization of Porsche China and the familiarity with the management, staff and partners are a special partnership that was born all the way back in 2003.
During the 2018 edition of the Marina Bay Race, I will be lining up with the Novu Racing Team with the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia and thoroughly look forward to driving on the streets of Singapore. The Novu Aesthetics Group has been firmly behind me as my main sponsor this season and I just want to mention a thank you to them for my 10th season in Porsche Motorsport. I'm certain many of you have seen Novu around in Singapore. Check them out! It has been a great run so far and I hope to do some more races in the future including a possible return back into Asia. After all, it is just a little more fun here!
After visiting some of the world's biggest race events, I’d have to say that the Singapore GP really sticks out on the map. Okay, there are less support races in Asia than in Europe Formula 1 displayed during the race weekend, but the size of the party, the quality of entertainment, the atmosphere that Singapore has, is something special that only Singapore can showcase to the world. It is unique and as an after thought, Uniquely Singapore is a very good way of describing our fantastic nation! They should’ve kept the slogan!
I remember the Singapore GP being described as the Monaco of Asia. For the first time in 2018, I did actually have the privilege of driving in Monaco as a support race for the Formula 1, and the Singapore GP is definitely up there with its global reputation as being one of the best though looking around, it may even have a few advantages.
While Monaco is quite an upmarket affair, with accommodation especially out of reach for the average consumer, the Marina Bay edition is really in comparison for mass market participation which is important as motor racing fans come from all walks of life, and all demographic groups! So for that reason, Singapore is surely going to obtain legendary status in years to come. Only the lack of historic intrigue, is not on its side.
September is always a very special time of year when our home Grand Prix is on. On my 10th occasion driving around on the twenty-three corner heart pumping street circuit, I will be as hungry as ever to put in a good performance this year as every year is a privilege to take part in this epic event. There are some fantastic drivers in the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia 2018 though winning the Pro Am category race will be the only thing on my mind. I hope I have the pace to hop back into the car with the series and be right up to speed immediately!
The other thing that I have been thinking about that I haven’t actually mentioned in my column is that my first son was born this year! January 11th, 2018! For the first time in my life, racing may not be the most enjoyable thing to do as travelling away from him has been rather difficult. The rate at which kids grow up has been staggering. I find myself going away only to come back ten days later with things ever changing. An epic adventure in itself!
Not to say that racing isn’t fun anymore! It still very much is! The travelling adventure of a bunch of guys on the road. The friends that you meet from all over the globe. The great memories we all have on track. Yes, it is still a lot of fun!
See you guys on the streets of Marina Bay September 14-16 for the most exciting ground breaking competitive Grand Prix weekend yet! Have fun, ladies and gentlemen. Enjoy the race!
