It has been confirmed that F1 Race will go to Singapore next year. Singapore had won the bid in hosting a street circuit and possibly first for a NIGHT RACE. Singapore will be able to host the race for the next 5 years starting 2008 base on the contract with F1. The race would be held possible sometime in September or early October around the Marina Bay area which the track will runs around 4.8 kilometer. This event will be supported by the goverment and will be managed by Singapore GP Ltd who is controlled by Hotel Tycoon Ong Beng Seng. This is definately a good news for Singaporeans and also Malaysians alike as they will be able to witness at least 2 F1 race in the continent after Sepang who has been given opportunity to do so. Well now i hope i can get free tickets.
They don't even have that anymore. Besides, the local govt is too poor to even consider hosting such an event (F1 is many times larger than CART)
This is quite pathetic. Consider the amount of property taxes we pay every year and there is still not enough money . . . ranting .
There will be no headlights for the car.. but i guess there will be many spot lights around the streets. I just hope that the glass of buildings will not break due to the sound of the engine.
This new F1 Grand Prix attraction to be held in Sep/Oct next year came at the end of at least a year's hectic and long discussion because Singapore has no experience hosting it before, other than some smaller Grand Prix races organized decades ago. More importantly because of the very high costs involved, around S$150 million (US$99 million), the financing part must be adequately fulfilled. I think the main catalyst is that the government is now more outgoing and prepared to take more risks and face changes and challenges that will help Singapore uplift its image as a good place to invest, work and play. The Integrated Resorts with casinos, were a starting point. So the government (the Singapore Tourism Board) will foot about 60 percent of it with the main source of revenue derived from a tax (or cess) of up to 30% on hotel rates, the higher for hotels located close to the action, ie, at or around the Suntec City/Marina Bay/Civic District area, which forms part of the racing circuit. With a worldwide TV viewership at close to 500 million, much publicity on and revenue for Singapore can be generated. Tickets were promised at as low as S$40 with a ceiling of S$100, which should be affordable to many. It appears that the strong friendship between Singapore's hotel magnet, Ong Beng Seng and F1 CEO, Bernie Ecclestone, sealed the deal for Singapore. It is not easy to host the F1 as there are other candidates on the queue. And to make it a first in F1 racing, Singapore will hold the race at night. This will have the effect of less disruptions to work and business in the affected areas and allow spectators to enjoy the races in cooler weather. Now I have something else, other than the Singapore Open, to engage my interest.
Yeah.. Malaysia also want to do a night race. Not confirm. Cost would probably be higher since Sepang have to install many spot lights. But we do have night race in Sepang for Saloon Cars.
Actually I could watch part of the race around the Padang/Esplanade area from my office window. Not a bad idea to camp overnight and get a bird's eye view of part of the proceedings.
Here's the local article 'F1 comes to Singapore' http://www.straitstimes.com/portal/...rtid:697a6a649bb72110VgnVCM100000430a0a0aRCRD Credit goes to Mr. Ong Beng Seng for his persistent efforts in trying to convince the government who rejected the F1 idea some time ago.
