Thomson Road: Singapore’s first street-circuit was a treacherous jungle adventure

The Singapore Grand Prix is, for many, a highlight of the Formula 1 calendar, an unforgiving circuit through the streets providing plenty of floodlit drama. The history of the sport in Singapore, however, goes back to 1961 when the Thomson Road track brought racing on both four wheels and two. Winter weather in Europe meant that racers came to Asia, with events at Macau, the Tasman Series in Australia and New Zealand, and the grands prix in Malaysia and Singapore.

This was a road circuit, covering just over three miles, and was immediately popular with the bike-racing fraternity, especially those who enjoyed the road races on the Isle of Man. It was a track that rewarded the brave, featuring a series of corners known as The Snakes and Devil’s Bend, a tricky hairpin. Thomson Road became one of Asia’s most famous circuits, hosting the Malaysian Grand Prix from 1962 to 1965 after which it became the Singapore GP following independence from Malaysia.

The first of these, drawing a remarkable 100,000 spectators over two days, was won by Brit Ian Barnwell in an Aston Martin DB3S. Thanks to sponsorship from the likes of Rothmans, racing at Thomson Road could be sustained and finance became available for better facilities. Viewing for the thousands of spectators who came to this perilous circuit – despite its dangers – was exciting through the 1960s. By the early ’70s the races could be seen on television in Australia, New Zealand and Asia.

Half the circuit was made up of twisty roads through the jungle, surrounded by trees and virtually no run-off. The remainder was a newer section which included the Murder Mile, a main straight which had a nasty bump where cars would take off. This was not a place, on two or four wheels, for the faint-hearted. In its short history seven lives were lost and the circuit was closed due to concerns for the safety of drivers and riders. It would be 35 years before Singapore hosted another grand prix, this time on the streets around Marina Bay with floodlights and Tecpro barriers lining the track.

New Zealander Graeme Lawrence, who won the grand prix three years in a row from 1969-71, said it was the most dangerous track he’d raced on and the Kiwi had driven at plenty of daunting places. The monsoon rains brought a whole new meaning to racing in wet weather and Aussie Vern Schuppan’s victory in 1973 signalled the end of an era. The cost of introducing proper safety measures on the demanding terrain, and into the surrounding jungle, was deemed to be prohibitively expensive.

The story, however, has a more positive ending. Sections of the circuit are still intact and can be seen in Thomson Nature Park where dedicated racing fans can find parts of the old track and, if you know where to look, the famous Devil’s Bend is preserved. A peaceful end to a turbulent history.

Visit Motor Sport’s online database to see details on racing circuits past and present.

Thomson Road 

In Use 1961-73
Fastest Race Lap 1min 54.9sec, Leo Geoghegan, Birrana 273, Australian F2, 1973