Singapore is bidding to become the latest addition to the
increasingly crowded Formula 1 calendar after disclosing plans to
host a race within the next three years.
Meetings have been held between the Singapore Motor Sports
Association (SMSA) and the countrys tourist board about the
feasibility of staging a city-centre event on a street
circuit.
A site on the seafront has been ear-marked, and a 3.8 km (2.4-mile)
layout has already been sketched out.
We met with the Singapore Tourist Board late last year to discuss
it in a feasibility study group, and weve knuckled down the exact
roads for a possible F1 street circuit since, said SMSA president
Matthew Lee in an interview with Singapores Electric New
Ppaer.
Lee admitted that Singapore will only stand a chance of luring the
F1 circus if the tourism board agrees to underwrite the
project.
Lee anticipates a set-up cost of £16 million for the street circuit
and an annual outlay of £7-10 million, predominantly in rights fees
to F1 promoter Bernie Ecclestone.
Money talks first, especially when it comes to Bernie Ecclestone,
he said. This is an open secret in the world of Formula 1.
The proposed route for the circuit passes some of Singapores most
recognised landmarks, including Raffles Hotel and the Victoria
Concert Hall.
Lee believes the wide city streets would lend themselves to
overtaking while providing some of the challenge of classic urban
venues such as Monaco and Macau.
