SINGAPORE - THAT'S the question being asked by fans who bought the cheapest tickets for the 2008 F1 Singapore SingTel Singapore Grand Prix in September.

Three-day passes went on sale yesterday.

They are priced from $168 for a walkabout pass to $1,388 for a premier pit grandstand ticket.

Holders of the walkabout passes are restricted to areas like Esplanade park, War Memorial park, Connaught Drive and the area behind the National Day Parade grandstands.

But the safety barriers at these spots stand taller than an adult's height.

Ms Kaylen Wan, 21, editor of F1GPSG.com, an F1 fan website, said: 'Right now, I cannot imagine what (being at) the walkabout areas is going to be like.

'But the views are going to be restricted, if we are going by the barricades used in the Monaco GrandPrix.'

NOT SO ATTRACTIVE?

Protective metal barriers, usually taller than the average adult, are erected around the entire perimeter of the racetrack.

Ms Wan said: 'There are not many hilly areas around the track in Singapore, unlike the Sepang Circuit, so the walkabout tickets might not really be that attractive for hardcore fans.'

Mr Gregory Birge, a permanent resident in Singapore, voiced his concern about 'the height of the protection around the circuit that might block the view'.

He was also concerned whether the 15,000 fans holding the walkabout passes would cause a human traffic jam as they 'walked about'.

Ms Fiona Smith, spokesman for Singapore GP, said the safety barrier could be as high as 4.5 m.

But she said there would be gaps in the barriers through which spectators would be able to see the race.

Ms Smith said: 'You will be able to watch the race up close and select the specific area you wish to view the racefrom.'

While she was unable to provide The New Paper with specific details, she said 'walkabout passes will definitely provide several vantage points at an affordable price'.

She said there will also be 'supersized screens' from which spectators can watch the entire race.

About concerns of a human crush, she said the organisers have calculated the maximum number of people who can fit comfortably in the walkabout areas.

She also assured fans that 'safety is certainly a first for this event'.

But some fans are not taking any chances and will pay more for a better view.

Said Miss Carmen Choy, 19: 'I won't buy the $168 tickets as I think the view (from the walkabout areas) won't be that great.'