Singapore to host at least four more F1
races
By Neo Chai Chin | Posted: 18
October 2010 2221 hrs 
Photos 1 of 1
Singapore Grand Prix (file picture)
SINgAPORE : Singapore will host at least four more
Formula One (F1) night races, even as government agencies and race
promoter Singapore Grand Prix begin their review on extending the
contract agreement, said Trade and Industry Lim Hng Kiang.
Under the current contract, Singapore will host the night race
until 2012.
The F1 Administration has the option to offer a five-year
extension.
But should Singapore decide not to take that up, it will still have
to serve notice, taking the last race hosted to 2014.
Singapore Grand Prix, together with the Singapore Tourism Board and
other government agencies, will conduct a review to study the
race's costs and benefits to the local economy over the long
term.
This could take a year to complete, and its outcome will be
announced, said Mr Lim.
Factors to be studied include the race's projected attendance and
overseas visitorship in future, its impact on tourism and other
sectors, its contribution to Singapore's international branding,
and how F1 would continue to fit in with the renewal and
transformation of the Republic's tourism landscape.
Current signs appear promising. Mr Lim said preliminary numbers for
this year's international night race visitorship stands at 40,000 -
close to levels seen for 2008's inaugural race.
On the recent delayed delivery of F1 tickets to Youth Olympic Games
(YOG) volunteers, SingPost said it has conducted an internal
investigation.
Tickets were sent out late as some reached SingPost after the 5pm
collection time.
Some items also had to be repackaged and manually sorted as they
were not properly sealed and were of non-standard size. - CNA
/ls
