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The Formula One Singapore Grand Prix is set to soar to new heights, with Singapore Airlines (SIA) coming on board as its new title sponsor. In an announcement made at its Training Centre along Upper Changi Road East on Tuesday morning, the national carrier confirmed the two-year naming rights deal that will run through the 2015 race. Said Singapore Airlines CEO Mr Goh Choon Phong: "We are thrilled to be taking up the title sponsorship of one of the most exciting races on the F1 calendar, and we are especially pleased to be doing so in the lead up to Singapore's 50th birthday next year. "Singapore Airlines has always supported the development of both sports and tourism. Through our involvement with the world's first F1 night race we will be able to enhance both for the benefit of Singaporeans and visitors alike." Added Formula One Group CEO Mr Bernie Ecclestone: "We are very happy to have Singapore Airlines join the Formula One family by becoming the title sponsor of the extremely popular Formula One Singapore Grand Prix... and demonstrates Singapore's forward thinking, an attribute Singapore Airlines has always achieved." The deal sees SIA take over naming rights of the sport's first night race from SingTel. Since its inaugural 2008 edition, the Singapore Grand Prix has come under the title sponsorship of the local telco, who paid a reported US$10 million (S$12.47 million) each year for the privilege. Singapore forks out approximately $150 million to host each edition of the race - 40 per cent of which is borne by organiser Singapore GP, while the Government co-funds the remaining 60 per cent. In return, the Republic earns an average of $150 million in incremental tourism receipts annually. This year's race - the seventh under the lights of the Marina Bay Street Circuit - will be held from Sept 19-21.

Nissan has brought its latest GTR to grace the F1 celebration. Staged at the Ritz Carlton Singapore, the 2012 GTR look very much at home with its smaller, 370Z sibling. The latest GTR promises a breath-taking century sprint timing of just 2.8 seconds The official F1 party, opening night of Podium Lounge, held by the poolside of the Ritz Carlton Singapore on Sep 21, saw plenty of beauties and plenty of enthusiastic guests. With Nissan showcasing its ever-popular GTR in the lobby of the Lounge, Azimuth showcasing its unique watch collections and a Dom Perignon VIP bar, Podium Lounge set the scene for a high luxury time. The Nissan GT-R is an icon of Nissan

The 2011 Singapore Formula 1 Grand Prix concluded with Sebastian Vettel coming in first and he is almost assured to be crowned this year's F1 champion. Discussing Vettel's win over in Singapore is somehow pointless as he drove exceptionally well and the Red Bull F1 car in winning form. This year is his and there is nothing we can do about it but enjoy the performance. Now if you've been following this year's F1 like I have been you'd have noticed that the media has been trying hard to create waves elsewhere as Vettel's winning ways are killing headlines. In a way that is. Imagine the same headline 'Vettel Wins!' throughout the season with only the venue changing. So they try turning something into nothing. It must be hard for them to cook up stories as they've recently decided to crucify Lewis Hamilton because of his antics in the Singapore GP. What happened over in Singapore (somewhere behind the winning Sebastian Vettel) was Hamilton driving the tyres out of his McLaren and rear ending Fillipe Massa of Ferrari. This had caused a furious Massa trying to make his way towards Hamilton in the pits. This had also caused the media speculating that the drivers were ganging up on Hamilton stating that he had made dangerous moves on other drivers in Malaysia, Monaco, Montreal, UK Hungary, Belgium and a few others. Honestly, he was racing and trying his hardest to overtake everyone in front of him. I think the media is making a big fuss out of nothing. It also seems that some media people want races to be without incidents or without aggressive drivers. Maybe the cars would have neon signs that state 'Please move over I am faster than you, you slowcoach'. Too much hot air is being blown onto this issue. Oh yes. I have not reported on the 2012 Singapore GP as yet. Aside from Vettel winning again (and again, and again) it was quite good. Hamilton crashing in Massa meant that the drivers are indeed racing. The track is super tight as usual and there is no room for error. The Singapore GP is indeed taxing on the drivers as they mostly see barriers, tall fencing and lights. How most of them can keep their concentration lap after lap in a totally cooped up environment is totally commendable and truly awesome. photo credit:planetf1