Get set for plenty of Formula One-related fun this month.

Sponsors are already rolling out activities around Singapore that are bound to make motor-racing fans giddy with excitement,as the Republic prepares for the Sept 28 race -the first night race in F1 history.

An ING Renault F1 team pavilion was opened at the Marriott Hotel yesterday, featuring a full-size replica of the Renault race car and an interactive exhibition.

On display till race day, the exhibits will be sharing the spotlight with the hotel's Crossroads Cafe, which offers F1-inspired cocktails as part of its menu.

Whisky brand JohnnieWalker,one of the co-sponsors of the McLaren-Mercedes team, is also offering Singaporeans an opportunity to get up close and personal with F1 championship leader Lewis Hamilton, as well as two-time champion Mika Hakkinen on Sept 27.

This comes as part of its responsible-drinking initiative,Join the Pact.

It will also host an exclusive party for celebrities, drivers and party-goers by the trackside closer to the race date.

Non-ticket holders, fret not. Johnnie Walker will air live screenings of the race in nightspots across the island, such as St. James Power Station and Balaclava.

More sponsors are expected to launch their parties and activities during the lead-up to the race.

As Wearnes Automotive general manager for Renault, Mr Desmond Wong, told my paper:

'This is the first time that Formula One is coming to Singapore.We are doing all we can to give the public a glimpse of the F1 experience.'  

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