If you did not manage to get hold of those exorbitantly-priced tickets to watch the races 'live', but still want a piece of the action, these are some parties to get yourself invited to to get up close with those celebrities whose jobs it is to glam up the action off-track.

Party: Welcome party for Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Team's racing star, Lewis Hamilton.

Venue: Hugo Boss Boutique, Level 3, Ngee Ann City

Day: Tuesday, Sep 23, 2008

Activities: Racing fans - show off your driving skills on the Grand Prix simulator at the Hugo Boss boutique until Sep 24, 2008. Come and get all your racing information too from the special Interactive Ubiq Window at the HUGO BOSS Store on Level 1 too. A sensor touch screen allows you to do just that and even watch the drivers in action to behind-the-scene preparations.

Party: F1 Party by Vertu

Venue: Indochine Waterfront, One Empress Place

Day: Friday, Sep 26, 2008

Activities: Associate yourself with that exorbitantly expensive mobile phone, which comes with its own 24-hour concierge service. And of course, mingle with the likes of actress Michelle Yeoh and world-renowned flutist Andrea Griminelli.

Party: Stylo Fashion Grand Prix Singapore

Venue: Mercedes Showroom, 301 Alexandra Road

Day: Friday, Sep 26 2008

Activities: Indulge in free-flowing champagne, gawk at lingerie models in super-expensive underwear, get front-row seats at an 18m-long runway that will showcase local and Malaysian designers. And oh yes, there will be racing simulators for those who want to take a turn at driving. Don't count on taking their cars out on a test-drive though.

Party: Amber Lounge

Venue: Temasek Reflections, Temasek Avenue

Day: Saturday & Sunday, Sep 27 & 28 2008

Activities: Pay onwards of $1,037 to buy yourself a VIP pass to this party organised by former F1 racer Eddie Irvine's sister, Sonia Irvine, and pretend you move in the same circles as those millionaires and supermodel types.

But if you really can't get those invites, these events will help get you closer to the F1 hype, without burning too big a hole in your pocket.

Party: Singapore River Festival

Venue: Boat Quay, Clarke Quay & Empress Place

Day: From 19 - 28 September

Activities: Look out for the mega-illusion "The Impossible Journey" on Wed, Sep 24 at 7.30pm. Magic Babe Ning and magician J C Sum will be attempting to tele-transport three people across the Singapore River in 2.5 seconds. True, they are not F1 celebrities, but Ning is really quite the babe.

Starts at the Central River Promenade entrance.

Party: The Pole Position Party with BMW

Venue: Velvet Underground

Day: Wed, Sep 24, 2008, from 9pm

Activities: Cosy up to the BMW Sauber F1 team and party with them before the race. Entry to Velvet Underground costs $25 for guys (incl 2 drinks) and is free for ladies.