The European bistro’s dining area boasts a view of Esplanade Drive, a prime strip where F1 drivers have to manoeuvre a tight turn and manage a drag reduction zone that allows them to overtake rivals.
“This is the DRS (drag reduction system) zone going all the way. So we are like right at the corner of the turn. So I hope that will be a thrilling experience for our customers,” said Ashiq Shamsudeen, associate director of Picotin’s systems and customer services.
To ensure smooth service on race weekend, the restaurant said it has doubled its staff strength and reduced its capacity by 20 per cent.
MORE DEMAND THAN BEFORE
Demand for reservations this year is stronger than before the pandemic, and food and beverage (F&B) venues are seeing bookings for bigger groups of patrons, they told CNA.
“I think people just feel more need to socialise again, with bigger groups, now that it’s possible. And F1 is obviously the best occasion to do so,” said Dr Martin Bem, owner of Ponte Group, which owns the LeVeL33 restaurant.
“The demand is definitely stronger and more vibrant than before,” he said. “We have reservations for eight or 10 people and above, much more demand on that segment than before COVID-19.”
LeVeL33’s reservations during the F1 weekend for tables on its terrace, which offers aerial views of the bay area and a good length of the F1 circuit, were filled two months ago, Dr Bem said.
F&B company 1-Group said it is expecting a 20 per cent increase in revenue across its dining and nightlife establishments, with many of its central venues almost fully booked.
The group, which has planned F1-centric events including special menus, free-flow beverages, themed parties and a kids’ circuit, said it anticipates the most crowds at its nightlife venues after each race.
“I would say that the nightlife aspect would be one of the key things that people look forward to, and I think we will see most of the crowd there because most people will be at the race during dinner time,” said Ms Immelia Izalena, marketing manager of nightlife and iconic concepts at 1-Group.
“I think it’s towards the later part of the night that we will come alive.”
TAXI DRIVERS TO AVOID F1 AREA
While some businesses are rejoicing the return of the Grand Prix, some taxi drivers may not share that sentiment.
Taxi driver Jimmy Lee told CNA938 that he, and some of his colleagues, will likely avoid the F1 area despite a race-day location surcharge, saying the extra money will not be worth the traffic congestion.
“It’s a no for me. Within one to one-and-half hours you will probably only make one trip (due to heavy traffic) and you gain only an extra S$8,” said Mr Lee.
“That area has too much congestion, which increases the risk of accidents. It’s not worth it.”
With road closures in the Marina Centre and Padang area, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has urged those going to the event to take public transport.
SMRT and SBS Transit have extended the operating hours of some bus and train services for the event.
ANTICIPATION AFTER TWO-YEAR WAIT
While Mr Amir has been catching the F1 Grand Prix in other countries on television, he said that the experience is far from being at the scene of the races.
“You don’t feel like you (do) in Singapore,” he said of the atmosphere on the ground at the Marina Bay Street Circuit.
“As an F1 fan, it’s just really special. To feel the ground shake when the cars drive past, and to see the fans cheering when their favourite driver gets pole position or the win.”