Singapore to host a F1
Money talks first, especially when it comes to Bernie Ecclestone (boss of F1). This is an open secret in the world of Formula One. According to Singapore Motor Sports Association (SMSA), talks have already been held between the SMSA and the Singapore Tourism Board regarding the possibility of hosting a race. Singapore is bidding to join the list of countries hosting a F1 grand prix and hopes to be added to the calendar in 2008. Plans are being drawn up to have Singapore become the 18th circuit in the 2008 season. There are now 17 races in the F1 calendar. Singapore will be slotted between Belgium and Japan, some time in September 2008. The proposal was for a street circuit, and for the race to be conducted at night within the Central Business District - a first for F1. A street race is more exciting. And it brings the race to the people. For a fixed circuit, you have to bring the people to the race. The last time Singapore had a Grand Prix was in the 1973, it was a street circuit in Upper Thomson.
Update: Singapore F1 Race is all set for Sept 28, 2008 - 35 Years after it was banned. The new Singapore Grand Prix will be on a 5.2-km street circuit around the Marina Bay area, taking in sights such as the Esplanade, Merlion and Singapore Flyer. The 2008 season will kick-start in Melbourne on March 16, and finish in Sao Paulo, Brazil on Nov 2, a total of 18 legs, with street races in Singapore and Valencia (European GP) the new additions. The Singapore Grand Prix could also be the first to be staged at night, if safety requirements are met. It will be sandwiched between the Belgian GP a fortnight earlier and the Shanghai GP on Oct 19, 2008.
According to the spokeperson, Singapore has the infrastructure that lends itself to a street race, probably more than any other city in the world. If Monte Carlo can do it, we can. And the spin-offs for Singapore would be tremendous - This will be bigger than the IRs and will be far bigger than IMF.
The Singapore Street Circuit is a street-based circuit around the city state's Marina Bay and is the venue for the Singapore Grand Prix. The track is 5.1-kilometres (3.15-miles) long in a harbourside location similar in style to the Monaco Grand Prix and the new circuit in Valencia. It is planned to be the first night-time event in Formula One history the Singapore GP was given a night-time qualifying and second practice. This will be the first fully lit street race in Formula One history.
The Singapore Grand Prix will also run anti-clockwise. Starts and ends in the pit area of the circuit is located in an empty plot of land off Republic Boulevard and beside the Singapore Flyer. A temporary track will lead from the pit area and zig-zag under the Benjamin Sheares Bridge to Republic Boulevard and turn onto Raffles Boulevard. Racer than will have to pass the overhead street mall that links Marina Square with Pan Pacific Hotel and passing Suntec City on the right. It will then proceed along Nicoll Highway, Stamford Road and St. Andrew's Road around the Padang, past the City Hall and the old Supreme Court. The a gentle left with Singapore Cricket Club on the left and Victoria Concert Hall on the right, racer may get a quick glimpse of the Dalhousie Obelisk on the right rear view mirror.
The track will then go onto the Anderson Bridge, past the Fullerton Hotel and make a tight left turn to Esplanade Drive beside the Merlion Park and accelerate at high speed along Esplanade Bridge. It will join Raffles Avenue and cut right after the Esplanade to the front of the Marina Bay Outdoor Gallery and return to the pit area via another temporary road around the Singapore Flyer.
Updated On: 15.02.10