Welcome to Time Out Singapore's 52 Weeks of #ExcitingSG – our commitment to showing you the best of what's going on in the city this week. Every Monday, a guest writer who's "in" with the scene shares a recommendation on what to see, eat, do or buy in the city. This week, we chat with Janette Tan, a senior manager handling the race operations of the Singapore Grand Prix which takes place from September 14 to 16. Here’s what she thinks about the fast cars, multitasking and this year’s Formula One race.
What gets you excited about Singapore?
Food! I live to eat, so Singapore is the perfect place for me. There are food joints available 24/7 but another thing that gets me excited is the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix, of course!
Tell us a bit about your role.
This year’s F1 is my 11th race. I first started as a volunteer. My team recruits, trains and deploys the officials and volunteers you see on the trackside in the orange, red and green overalls. I am also the point of contact for FIA F1 Race Director, Charlie Whiting. I keep in touch with the technical team and update Charlie on any track changes. During the event, I ensure that the support races are run to the highest standard as the national clerk of the course. In my spare time, I volunteer at local motorsports events and am a member of the FIA Volunteers & Officials Commission.
What about the F1 keeps you revved up?
I’ve been watching Formula One races since I was young. I love the thrill of it and the strategies each team adopts. I also love the sound of fast cars and how majestic they look up close, especially under the lights of the Marina Bay Street Circuit.
What are you looking forward to during F1 week?
A lot of people are looking forward to the concerts, but I like standing in the quiet pit lane at 3am on Sunday morning as the F1 cars are completing their parc ferme process. It reminds me of how lucky I am to be a part of this event. I also look forward to catching up with the race officials who come from all walks of life. Over the past 10 years, we have cultivated a family-like environment amongst the officials. I’ve seen couples meet at the Singapore Grand Prix, get married and have kids!