----------------------------------------------------------------------
TODAY 31 March 2006
Grab the F1 chance before it zooms away
Take up F1 supremo's offer to have S'pore host Grand Prix
Letter from Ng Mui Lan Jessica
Some regrets had been expressed earlier about Singapore missing the
opportunity to host the Formula 1 Grand Prix in the 80s.
Now, F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone is prepared to give Singapore a
second chance to host the motor race.
While I am an F1 fan and would very much want it to happen, I am
sceptical about the way motor sport is being handled by the related
ministries, namely the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) and the
Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS).
Despite very clear signals and despite the obvious benefits to our
economy, nobody seems to be willing to take the plunge.
This is unlike the case of the integrated resorts (IRs), where
decisions were made in a relatively short period of time.
The economic benefits of hosting one round of F1 championship race
each year is something that many countries dream of, yet we are
doing nothing despite being offered a second chance.
My worry is there will not be a third chance. The time to act is
now.
If a purpose-built circuit is the way to go, then look at the
proposed Grade 2 circuit in Tuas now and upgrade it to F1 standard
i.e. Grade 1.
If we decide to go for a street circuit, I think we have a good
chance to revise the proposal for the IR in Marina Bay, and a
purpose-built street circuit can be incorporated into the
design.
It will be the first purpose-built street circuit in the world and
it is so much more workable because it is a green field site.
There seems to be a lack of co-ordination and overall strategic
planning among the various government agencies.
On the one hand, the JTC under the MTI is working on the Grade 2
circuit in Tuas. On the other, the Singapore Tourism Board, also
under MTI, may be looking at F1.
What about the Singapore Sports Council, which is under the MCYS?
Do they know what is happening?
It's about time that someone comes out and takes the lead and be
the overall coordinating point man. If not, we might as well bid
farewell to F1 again.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
TODAY 3rd April 2006
Set up new body to facilitate F1 in S'pore
Letter from Cheng Khim Seng
I refer to the letter, "Grab the F1 chance before it zooms away"
from Jessica Ng (March 31).
.
I share Ms Ng's view that it seems like no one is taking the lead
to co-ordinate with respective ministries and talk to Formula One
Management about the feasibility of this event here.
.
Perhaps, a separate agency has to be formed and empowered with full
Government support to spearhead such a programme.
.
Since we do not have much experience and expertise in organising
such international mega sporting events here, there will be ample
opportunity for us to learn and grow, collaborating with renowned
motorsports event organisers.
.
We are not short of venues for F1 cars to spin their wheels be it
on the streets of the upcoming Integrated Resort in Marina Bay or
in the heart of our city around the Suntec City and City Hall
area.
.
Time is running out for us to host the 2008 race.
.
Since Max Mosley and Bernie Ecclestone have given Singapore the
thumbs up signal, we have to be ready in pole position to race
against other Asian cities gunning for this event.
Letter from Cheng Khim Seng
I refer to the letter, "Grab the F1 chance before it zooms away"
from Jessica Ng (March 31).
.
I share Ms Ng's view that it seems like no one is taking the lead
to co-ordinate with respective ministries and talk to Formula One
Management about the feasibility of this event here.
.
Perhaps, a separate agency has to be formed and empowered with full
Government support to spearhead such a programme.
.
Since we do not have much experience and expertise in organising
such international mega sporting events here, there will be ample
opportunity for us to learn and grow, collaborating with renowned
motorsports event organisers.
.
We are not short of venues for F1 cars to spin their wheels be it
on the streets of the upcoming Integrated Resort in Marina Bay or
in the heart of our city around the Suntec City and City Hall
area.
.
Time is running out for us to host the 2008 race.
.
Since Max Mosley and Bernie Ecclestone have given Singapore the
thumbs up signal, we have to be ready in pole position to race
against other Asian cities gunning for this event. Letter from
Cheng Khim Seng
I refer to the letter, "Grab the F1 chance before it zooms away"
from Jessica Ng (March 31).
.
I share Ms Ng's view that it seems like no one is taking the lead
to co-ordinate with respective ministries and talk to Formula One
Management about the feasibility of this event here.
.
Perhaps, a separate agency has to be formed and empowered with full
Government support to spearhead such a programme.
.
Since we do not have much experience and expertise in organising
such international mega sporting events here, there will be ample
opportunity for us to learn and grow, collaborating with renowned
motorsports event organisers.
.
We are not short of venues for F1 cars to spin their wheels be it
on the streets of the upcoming Integrated Resort in Marina Bay or
in the heart of our city around the Suntec City and City Hall
area.
.
Time is running out for us to host the 2008 race.
.
Since Max Mosley and Bernie Ecclestone have given Singapore the
thumbs up signal, we have to be ready in pole position to race
against other Asian cities gunning for this event.
