First organised in 1961, the race was initially known as the Orient Year Grand Prix. The following year, the race was renamed the Malaysian Grand Prix. After Singapore attained its independence in 1965, the race at the Thomson Road circuit was renamed the Singapore Grand Prix. The event was discontinued after 1973 and a variety of reasons have been suggested, including an increase in traffic, the very high danger and the unsuitability of the track for racing, the inconvenience of having to close roads for the event

In 2008, an agreement for a five-year deal was signed by Singapore GP Pte Ltd, the Singapore Tourism Board, and Bernie Ecclestone. In November 2007 it was announced that the telecommunications company Singtel would sponsor the event. The official name of the event became the Formula 1 SingTel Singapore Grand Prix. The race was co-funded by the Government of Singapore, footing 60% of the total bill, or S$90 million, out of a total tab of S$150 million.

The inaugural Formula One SingTel Singapore Grand Prix was held as the first night-time race in the history of Formula One Grand Prix. Through the years, the event had been marketed using various marketing activities.

Spaniard Fernando Alonso won the first Formula One edition of the Grand Prix, driving for the Renault team.

According to Wikipedia