If you're looking forward to the first Singapore Grand Prix this weekend, I've got some bad news. The fact is, you've missed it - by 47 years. No, honestly. It was held in September 1961, and if truth be told, was called the Orient Grand Prix. The year after, as part of the newly independent Malay Federation, it was known as the Malaysian Grand Prix. I bet no one at Sepang mentions that.
Singapore gained its own independence in 1965 and the Singaporean GP continued up until 1973. Older Singaporeans still talk fondly of the old road circuit, out of town on what is now the Upper Thomson Road. It was popular, with up to 100,000 fans thronging the circuit to watch not just the racing cars, but also bikes, and all manner of other cars. As part of the pre-F1 Asian racing circuit, it was also popular with drivers. Singapore took its place with Macau, Malaysia and events in Australia and New Zealand.
But it was also very dangerous. Narrow roads and tight run offs, with corners like 'Devil's Bend' ready to punish the foolish or unprepared. The hazards of bus stops, lamp posts and oil on the road were very much like the Isle of Man TT. And like the TT, the fatality rate was high - seven deaths in 11 years. That prompted the government to step in and stop it.
It's ironic that a government that stopped the grand prix all those years ago, partly because of concern over the island state's image, should launch itself so wholeheartedly into the F1 event for much the same reason. But not only will it enhance Singapore's well-burnished image, it will bring in the tourist dollars.
Whatever the motivation, just think of what they have brought to the F1 table. A night-time street race, through the towering vista of central Singapore. Forget what happens in the race, the atmosphere itself will be enough to guarantee success. From reclaimed land on Marina Bay to the historic Padang, all will be in the shadow of the skyscrapers that make up the business district.
And how Singapore has yearned for this. It hasn't been comfortable for proud locals to watch Malaysia have its decade in the racing spotlight. Despite, or perhaps because they used to be in the same country, the two are fierce rivals as well as neighbours separated by a small causeway. Sure, people made the trip north but the journey stuck in the throat a bit.