By Chia  Han Keong 

IN THREE days, the inaugural Singapore Grand Prix (GP) has become the Republic's 'Beijing Olympics'.

Just like what the 16-day sports extravaganza did for Beijing last month, the world's first Formula One night race at Marina Bay earned the Republic unequivocal acclaim worldwide for a visually-stunning and thrill-filled spectacle.

The Telegraph called the sight of the circuit going under the East Coast Parkway flyover 'a novel addition to the list of signature corners in F1'.

And, having attended both events, I could feel that the Singapore GP had galvanised Singaporeans into giving their full support to the international marquee event, just like the Beijing citizens did for the Olympics.

But how do we ensure that this past weekend is not a one-off fluke?

Indeed, just like what Beijing is doing for its iconic Bird's Nest stadium, we should channel our new-found headiness into ensuring that our latest pride - the pit building - does not sit unused until next year's GP.

How about transforming the paddock into a temporary racing museum, or having a huge car show along the starting straight?

Giant shopping bazaars can also be held there during the Great Singapore Sale.

Singaporeans should also interact pleasantly with foreign F1 visitors, and make sure their taxi rides are trouble-free.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong lauded the 'valuable buzz and publicity' generated last weekend.

It is vital that this buzz continues to hum along until the next Formula One race car drops by.

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