IT TAKES six weeks for Monaco to gear up for its annual Formula One Grand Prix.

Singapore will need a much longer time, with some preparations expected to
start within a few months for the island's maiden GP next September.

So road closures, traffic disruptions and construction work could be a common
occurrence around the Marina Bay race venue - right till the Sept 26-28 race
weekend.

Organisers were tight-lipped about the details, although it is understood an
announcement could be made soon.

However, an idea of what to expect, especially in the two-month lead-up, can be
gleaned from Monaco.

The principality, which has been hosting street races since 1929, hosts F1's
only other street race.

"We begin setting up six weeks before the race," said Christian Tornatore,
deputy manager of Automobile Club de Monaco, in an interview.

ACM are the race organisers of the 3.34km Monaco GP.

"The main job is constructing the 18 temporary grandstands," said the
55-year-old.

"In Singapore's case, it's its first time hosting an F1 race, so there'll be
much more things that need to be built.

"It's all very complicated and will take longer."

Sources involved in preparations here said it would take substantially longer
than the six weeks that Monaco needs.

Among the more important tasks, subject to the circuit's finalisation, is
building a new road running parallel to the shoreline under Benjamin Sheares
Bridge.

This will also be where the Start-Finish line is. A permanent pit area, with
paddock facilities, and grandstand will likely be built there too.

The roads along the 5.26km circuit also need to undergo considerable upgrading.
They will have to be resurfaced, and some may even have to be widened.

Kerbs would also have to be remodelled. Safety barriers and fences also need to
be installed.

Alterations to the Marina Bay pontoon to allow race cars to pass in front of
the grandstand also need to be made.

Expect work to ramp up after next year's National Day Parade, which will again
be staged at the floating platform.

Like Monaco, organisers here are likely to begin constructing temporary
grandstands in those final six weeks.

Temporary seating is expected to be built in the open area between Connaught
and Esplanade Drives, at the Marina Gardens area and along Marina Promenade
Park near the Singapore Flyer.

Corporate hospitality tents will also have to be put up at the Padang, which is
expected to be turned into a circuit park and entertainment venue.

Singapore's race could be the first to be staged at night, subject to safety
clearances. If so, lighting poles and generators to power them will need to be
set up about a month before.

Preparations should intensify closer to the race weekend.

In the final week in Monaco, the circuit is washed daily from Monday to
Wednesday, the day before free practice.

"Then, we leave it dry till Sunday," said Tornatore. "This is important as the
rubber that the F1 cars leave on the roads shouldn't be removed, so that the
cars can get more grip."

On Thursday, three hours before the first practices, the circuit is closed for
the first time.

From Thursday to Sunday's race day, the programme starts at about 9am, although
work begins before the sun rises.

"The circuit is closed by 5am. We have about 500 marshals and control people to
conduct final checks - and see if the cleaning machines missed any debris,"
said Tornatore.

And, by 7pm on Sunday, three hours after the prize presentations, the roads are
opened again. It then takes four weeks to dismantle everything.

With the logistical nightmare that plagues the principality annually, it is
only natural some citizens are peeved.

"But businesses are usually very happy because of the tourists coming in," said
Tornatore.

"Almost everyone here supports the Grand Prix, and those who are not happy will
leave and take a holiday."

Said trader Ian Chong, who works in Millenia Walk: "There will be
inconveniences for sure.

"But these disruptions are a small price to pay for the privilege of having an
F1 race."