FORMULA 1: NAME THE TURNS!

Three turns at F1 circuit along Marina Bay set to be named

By Ian De Cotta, TODAY | Posted: 05 February 2009 1020 hrs

SINGAPORE: Ayrton Senna. Alberto Ascari. Jim Clark.

All of them Formula 1 world champions, all speed demons immortalised at some of the world’s most famous racing circuits, fittingly along some of the most challenging corners on asphalt.

Naturally, Brazil’s Senna, widely regarded as the greatest racing driver of all time, is on Turn 1 at his hometown circuit at Interlagos, called “S” do Senna.

Turn 12 at Estoril in Portugal is called Parabolica Ayrton Senna.

This year, in the second edition of Formula’s 1 spectacular night race on September 27, the Singapore street circuit along Marina Bay will have names for three turns along its 5.067-kilometre track.

The corners selected by organisers Singapore GP are Turns 1, 7 and 10 and readers are invited to send in their suggestions in a contest where attractive prizes are on offer for the winning entries.

Turn 1, under Benjamin Shears Bridge, was a natural choice as the sport regards the first corner as the most watched and crucial corner of a race.

Located at the corner of Suntec City and Nicoll Highway, Turn 7 was where some of the most dramatic overtaking manoeuvres occurred last year.

Turn 10, outside the old Supreme Court building, saw a number of drivers come unstuck, including then reigning world champion Kimi Raikkonen of Ferrari.

TODAY’s sports editor Leonard Thomas, along with the likes of Singapore GP deputy chairman Colin Syn, managing director of Performance Motors Simon Rock, Singapore Motor Sports Association chief Tan Teng Lip and former Singapore racer Lee Chiu San will be among the judges.

Said Colin Syn: “The Singapore street circuit, with its stunning cityscape backdrop, was one of the most memorable images of the 2008 Formula 1 season.

“To add even more local flavour to the circuit, we have decided, in association with TODAY, to launch a competition to name three of the turns that will see some of the hottest driving action this September.

“The judges will be looking to choose names that are punchy, have a strong local connection and are easy to pronounce. With a global race weekend television audience of more than 110 million and with 600 foreign media in town, it is a great opportunity to highlight our local icons throughout all the action-packed 61 laps.”

Drivers are not the only names for famous racing corners.

The famous Le Mans circuit in France in the 1920s started the tradition of naming corners after landmarks, and White House and Red Roof became synonymous with the track.

With Formula 1 now the pre-eminent motor-racing competition in the world, the sport’s various circuits have gained prominence.

Perhaps the most famous and glamorous of all is Monte Carlo’s Casino, the third turn at the Monaco Grand Prix. The stream at Spa’s L’Eau Rouge — Turn 3 — in Belgium catapults drivers on a steely ride up a steep slope.

Monza’s Parabolica and the Corkscrew at California’s Laguna Seca pay tribute to the dangerous character of the two turns.

The three turns of Singapore’s street circuit earmarked to be named this year all have their own unique character.

They are all set to become members of an exclusive club, Formula 1 corners with special names.

Readers have until the end of the month to send their names in.

It’s your turn at the Singapore Grand Prix

If you have a great name to immortalise turns 1, 7, or 10, email your suggestions to gpturns@mediacorp.com.sg from now until February 28, explaining to the judging panel your choice in no more than 50 words.

Three winners will each receive a three-day 2009 Formula One SingTel Singapore Grand Prix pass for the grandstand closest to the turn they have named, as well as a pitlane tour.

The best overall contributor will also get a two-night star in a five-star trackside hotel.

Names must have strong local flavour and be no longer than three words – that includes the words “Turn” or “Corner” – and cannot incorporate commercial names.

The contest in opened to all individuals, regardless of nationality or country of residence, except for employees (and immediate family members) of Singapore GP, TODAY, authorised agencies and principle sponsors associated with the Singapore Grand Prix. - TODAY/yb

Track Info

Singapore street circuit