No reason to reject

If you believe that the F1 will more likely than not come to Singapore, now is a very good time to pick up some hotel stocks. BNP recently issued buy call for a target price of around $0.92 for Amara Holdings, equivalent to its RNAV. Trading now at $0.64+. Its buy call was unrelated to F1, but if it is confirmed that F1 will come to Singapore, I believe all the hotel stocks will shoot up.

They better not reject it, I'd love to see the Singapore tracks in racing games.

If you believe that the F1 will more likely than not come to Singapore, now is a very good time to pick up some hotel stocks. BNP recently issued buy call for a target price of around $0.92 for Amara Holdings, equivalent to its RNAV. Trading now at $0.64+. Its buy call was unrelated to F1, but if it is confirmed that F1 will come to Singapore, I believe all the hotel stocks will shoot up.

Correction: BNP's target price for Amara was $0.91, not $0.92.

Sg rejected racing TWO TIMES!!!!

Now the 3rd offer!!!

Business Times - 21 Feb 2007

F1 names to speak at S'pore forum

It'll highlight biz opportunities arising from hosting top car race here

By SAMUEL EE

SEVERAL Formula One personalities will be in Singapore in early April for a motorsports forum to highlight the business opportunities arising from hosting such a race.

'The aim of the forum is to sweeten the ground in anticipation of a race that is expected in Singapore as early as 2008,' said Anand Vathiyar, executive director of UP Media, which is the organiser of Motorsports Asia: The Grand Prix for Marketeers.

'While there is a lot of talk of a race coming here, not many corporations, civil servants and SMEs understand the rich opportunities that come with hosting a world-class race event.'

The forum, on April 3 and 4 at Pan Pacific hotel, will be the first of its kind here and in the region, said Mr Vathiyar. 'Everyone from a hotdog stand guy and an outdoor media specialist, to a hotelier, a concert promoter and even a private banker out to entertain very affluent clients can map out his or her own road to success vis-a-vis the race by attending the forum and hearing it from people who have done it successfully elsewhere,' he said.

One of those people will be Jonathan Neale, managing director of McLaren Racing, which is part of Team McLaren Mercedes - one of the top F1 teams.

'Jonathan will speak about how a successful team like McLaren views Asia in business terms and the commercial viability of racing teams like McLaren setting up shop here in Singapore,' Mr Vathiyar said. 'Currently, motorsports is a S$9 billion industry in the UK alone.'

The UK is used as a base for many F1 teams because of its automotive engineering and manufacturing skills.

Other well-known F1 personalities will also be speakers and panellists at the forum, including a 'marquee driver'. Their names will be revealed in the coming weeks.

Mr Vathiyar is also media director for the A1 Team Singapore. The A1 Grand Prix series is similar to F1 but instead of individual drivers racing towards the chequered flag, each team is fielded by a particular country and wears national colours.

UP Media is also involved in talks to bring a race into Singapore, either F1 or A1.

Two parties have been named as possible hosts for an F1 Grand Prix race in Singapore next year. Hotel and property tycoon Ong Beng Seng and SUTL Group's Arthur Tay are speaking to Bernie Ecclestone and his Formula One Management company, which holds the F1 franchise worldwide. A street circuit in the Suntec/Esplanade/Padang area is being drawn up by leading F1 track designer Hermann Tilke, who was behind the Sepang International Circuit, among others.

UP Media specialises in PR, media and event marketing in motorsports, and with an associate company, counts regional companies like Discovery Networks Asia, ESPN and Wisma Atria as clients.

Besides managing A1 Team Singapore's media and marketing, UP Media is also organising the first mass karting experience for primary school students in June.

Mr Vathiyar says staging an F1 race here could cost anything from US$70 million to US$75 million. That includes US$30 million as a sanction fee - the amount paid for the right to stage a race.

Another US$40 million to US$45 million would have to be spent setting up a street circuit that complies with FIA requirements. FIA is the world governing body for motorsports.

F1 has its own street race crew and its own logistics partner to install and dismantle a street circuit within 10 days. Such a circuit will involve 'some minor inconveniences like traffic jams', said Mr Vathiyar. 'But by proposing a night race, we may have hit upon one ready solution with a built-in novelty factor,' he added.

Copyright © 2005 Singapore Press Holdings Ltd. All rights reserved.

Ong on target?
Ong Beng Seng going to become "Beng Seng" (Star) soon.


Singapore Hot Stocks-Hotel Properties up on Formula One rumour
Fri Mar 2, 2007 3:46am ET

Market View
HPPS (Hotel Properties Ltd )
Last: $3.60
Change: +0.30 (+9.09%)
Revenue (ttm): $355.4M
EPS: 0.22
Market Cap: $1,498.33M


Property firm Hotel Properties (HPPS.SI: Quote, Profile , Research) rose as much as 15.8 percent to S$3.82, on market talk that the property firm has secured rights to host Formula One (F1) motor racing in Singapore, dealers said.

The firm could not be reached for comment on Friday.

Reuters Pictures

Local daily the Straits Times reported in January that the firm, controlled by tycoon Ong Beng Seng, may have secured the rights to hold the races. Hotel Properties did not confirm or deny the report at the time.

Ong on target?
Ong Beng Seng going to become "Beng Seng" (Star) soon.:lol: :lol:


Singapore Hot Stocks-Hotel Properties up on Formula One rumour
Fri Mar 2, 2007 3:46am ET

Market View
HPPS (Hotel Properties Ltd )
Last: $3.60
Change: +0.30 (+9.09%)
Revenue (ttm): $355.4M
EPS: 0.22
Market Cap: $1,498.33M


Property firm Hotel Properties (HPPS.SI: Quote, Profile , Research) rose as much as 15.8 percent to S$3.82, on market talk that the property firm has secured rights to host Formula One (F1) motor racing in Singapore, dealers said.

The firm could not be reached for comment on Friday.

Reuters Pictures

Local daily the Straits Times reported in January that the firm, controlled by tycoon Ong Beng Seng, may have secured the rights to hold the races. Hotel Properties did not confirm or deny the report at the time.

F1 can hide, cannot run?

F1 chequered flag in sight

Source confirms Singapore race is on next year's Grand Prix calendar


Ian De Cotta
ian@mediacorp.com.sg

Singapore's bid to host a Formula 1 (F1) Grand Prix race may clear the chequered flag as early as next week.
.
Sources told Today that the Republic is expected to host an F1 race — either in April or August next year.
.
One scenario is for an update on this hugely-anticipated event to be made in Parliament during the Committee of Supply debate on the budget for the Ministry of Trade and Industry, which oversees Singapore's new tourism initiatives.
.
Speaking on condition of anonymity on Friday, a source close to the negotiations said: "I can confirm that Singapore is on the calendar next year and it could either be the third race of the season, or towards the end of the season in August."
.
Everyone involved in the deal is bound by non-disclosure rules.
.
The race, if it happens, may be a night race on a street circuit in downtown Singapore.
.
Revving up interest in the final lap of this race to host one of the world's most prestigious sporting events, Today was told that F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, who holds the rights to the race, may be passing through Singapore soon. This would coincide with his planned trip to the first race of the season in Melbourne on March 18.
.
It was Mr Ecclestone himself who first revealed exclusively to Today, in January, that he was in negotiations with businessmen and authorities in Singapore to stage a race here.
.
Two prominent businessmen — hotel and property tycoon Ong Beng Seng and luxury marina club developer Arthur Tay — have been battling for the rights to the race here. Even at this stage, it is unclear if there will be a clear winner or if both men might eventually cross the finish line as partners in this venture.
.
Speculation that the F1 deal had been sealed reached a peak on Friday, after shares in Mr Ong's flagship firm, Hotel Properties Limited, jumped more than 9 per cent, bucking an overall slump in the stock market.
.
Analysts, however, attributed the surge to interest by a major property developer in purchasing HPL shares owned by Mr Ong's in-laws. HPL, they pointed out, was not involved in talks to secure the Formula 1 deal. That deal, if it comes to fruition, is likely to be a personal business venture for Mr Ong. — Additional reporting by Clement
.
Mesenas

F1 or A1 in Singapore: Motor Sports experts divided
By Patwant Singh, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 03 March 2007

SINGAPORE: Formula One has a large following among Singaporeans.

Many do not think twice about heading to Malaysia to catch the action live.

The recently-launched A1 too has its share of fans, especially since Singapore has a team competing in the race.

So it is no surprise then when both F1 and A1 expressed their desire to stage a race here.

Singapore authorities have yet to decide whether to accept either one or both offers.

But with growing interest, and benefits such as making the city more vibrant, some suggest Singapore could play host to both races.

"Whether it is A1 GP, whether it is Formula 1, whether it is the Le Mans type GT sports cars, whether it is touring cars…Once you got a stage you can invite different performers, if you think about it, it is a theatre," says Steve Slater, Commentator, London.

F1 has already got famous German designer Hermann Tilke to map out a street circuit for Singapore.

His route covers the downtown area, including landmarks such as The Esplanade and City Hall.

Channel NewsAsia understands that A1 too will be releasing its proposed street circuit design soon.

But some caution, that having both races may be too much of a good thing.

One practical reason - many roads may need to be closed to accommodate the races.

Tan Teng Lip, President of the Singapore Motor Sports Association says, "Personally, I think for a country to handle two street circuits a year it may be too much to ask for, but I think for a start we might most probably do with one. If later on we have a permanent circuit, then more races can go there."

Whether one or two, F1 or A1, it seems the real winners will be motor racing fans in Singapore! - CNA/yy

2 nights per year for races? Not too much I think.

Well each event would likely put a mess in the city for 5 days so you don't want to many of these every year, definitely ;-)
As for A1, now that it's finishing year 2, I can safely say that it's not worth. Seriously, how many people in Singapore even know there's a Singapore team in A1, let alone have ever heard about A1 ? There are plenty of racing formulas that would bring more hype than A1 (ChampCar, Japanese GT, F3, Formula Nissan, etc.)

Now I've been again to that corner next to the Fullerton between Esplanade Bridge and Cavenagh Bridge. Possibly Esplanade Bridge is indeed large enough to put protection nets and stuff and still have the cars race through. Drivers who miss the braking point could go strait into Shenton Way so that would be reasonably safe. However, after the turn, there's a short strait before Cavenagh Bridge and the entrance on the bridge would be with a small but sharp turn left. I think F1 cars would easily reach 150kph at that point. There are only 2 lanes on the bridge, it's really super-narrow and I still can't figure how they can seriously intend to let F1 race through here. I wish I'm proven wrong 'cause that would surely be an amazing sight but I'll believe it only when I see official announcements regarding the layout of the track ;-)

Well, It would be a jackpot to have 2 races or even more per year in this tiny island. 5 days or 10 days per year of road closure is not a lot. Morever the closure are not done for the whole day. Only a few hours basically.
Secondly, to have a an A1 race here would mean great exposure to the Singapore team. We should support our teams at least with further experience they could upgrade into an F3 or an F1 driver. Any motor sport being it cars, boats, motorcycles should be brought into out little island.
We CANNOT be the venise of the east, last vegas of asia, paris of asia or even NYC of asia but what we could be are the MONACO OF ASIA. (we are the 2nd city after monaco in terms of land size per population)

Singapore set for 2008 night race
New F1 venue set to get the green light
http://www.f1-live.com/f1/photos/imgactu/06/ecclestone-suzuka-z-wri-11_081006.jpg

Hot on the heels of South Africa's re-emergence on the Formula One radar, it is being reported that Singapore is set to join the annual calendar as early as 2008.

The newspaper Today quoted a 'source' who confirmed that the project, with government support, could be given the green light next week for an April or August date.

Bernie Ecclestone is expected to travel to the island city-state, located in South-East Asia, later this month.


"I can confirm that Singapore is on the calendar next year and it could either be the third race of the season, or towards the end of the season in August," the anonymous source said, explaining that he is bound by non-disclosure rules.

Today claims that the Singapore Grand Prix will be F1's first ever night race, on a city circuit.

http://www.f1-live.com/f1/en/headlines/news/detail/070303170915.shtml
:rock: :rock:

Great news!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Finally, Singapore has awaken. :D

Awww come on, they are merely quoting Today so that's the same info ^ ^!
No official confirmation from anyone except this "anonymous source"...

"Source GMM
CAPSIS International"

Hmmm....

Yipee?

"Source GMM
CAPSIS International"

That's F1-live.com "news agency".

An indirect "YES" to F1?



Govt could give financial support to bring F1 race to S'pore
Posted: 05 March 2007 2150 hrs



SINGAPORE : Bringing the Formula One Grand Prix to Singapore could include financial support from the government - this is just one aspect of the feasibility study now underway here.

Minister of State for Trade and Industry S Iswaran said this in Parliament on Monday when responding to questions from MPs Teo Ser Luck and Liang Eng Hwa.

Mr Teo for instance had asked if the government was willing to take calculated long-term risks rather than just short-term gains when deciding on projects with long-term strategic benefits.

Agreeing with this approach, Mr Iswaran said, "An F1 race is a major financial undertaking for any business venture. It will require the government's financial and other support to be commercially viable."

As such, he said the government was willing to support such a venture up to a level commensurate with the broader benefits to the economy.

Mr Iswaran added, "In response to Mr Teo and Mr Liang, I would say that the prospects are good, but there are still issues, such as the commercial terms to be struck between a potential race promoter and the F1 Group, the level of support required from government, and the extent to which other stakeholders come forward with their support."

The Minister of State agreed an event like the F1 Grand Prix could elevate Singapore to the level of world-class cities like London.

Furthermore, it is an example of a tourism project with long-term strategic benefits - economic and non-economic, tangible and intangible.

He said, "The attention and buzz that it generates will expose Singapore to a very different audience from that in the business and financial world. It is a group we currently do not reach out to. An F1 race could also bring about broader tourism benefits and spill-over gains for associated industries such as hospitality, retail and travel." - CNA/ms

Hope the benefits are now extremely clear this time. :rant::lol:

Hope the benefits are now extremely clear this time. :rant::lol:
I wonder if this would start another round of maniac Marina Bay area property boom .... :lol: I can already imagine agents using F1 as a tagline to sell more properties in that area.

This story was printed from TODAYonline

Govt to co-drive Singapore F1 bid

It will invest funds in the venture, says minister

Tuesday • March 6, 2007

Ian De Cotta
ian@mediacorp.com.sg

AS THE drive to bring a Formula 1 (F1) race to Singapore's streets next year enters its final few turns, the Government has stepped on the accelerator, promising a cash injection.

Speaking in Parliament yesterday, Minister of State for Trade and Industry S Iswaran said: "An F1 race is a major financial undertaking for any business venture. It will require the Government's financial and other support to be commercially viable.

"The Government is willing to support such a venture up to a level commensurate with the broader benefits to the economy."

Of course, commercial terms between the potential race promoter and the F1 group still needed to be ironed out, said Mr Iswaran, who made it clear that the Government would still have to look at the cost involved when it offered its support.

In an exclusive report in January, Today revealed that the sport's commercial rights holder, Mr Bernie Ecclestone, was in talks with two parties — hotel and property tycoon Ong Beng Seng and luxury marina club developer Arthur Tay — to bring an F1 race to Singapore.

Last Friday, sources revealed the Republic could host the third leg of the series in April next year, or a race sometime in August.

Mr Iswaran indicated that the Government wanted to support the event as part of its effort to add "buzz" to Singapore and position it as a truly global city.

"That is why we are taking a very serious look at hosting a Formula 1 Grand Prix in Singapore," said the minister.

"Formula 1 is the third-most watched sporting event in the world, after the Olympics and World Cup. It is also a glamourous event — one that is attended by sports and entertainment celebrities alike."

When Bahrain, a country with a population of just 900,000, first hosted F1 in 2004, it reported tourism receipts of around US$100 million ($153 million) from 35,000 foreigners who visited it during the week of the race.

Mr Iswaran added that F1, which commands an annual global television audience of over 850 million, will also give Singapore access to an untapped market.

"The attention and 'buzz' that F1 generates will expose Singapore to a very different audience from that in the business and financial world," he said.

"It is a group we currently do not reach out to. An F1 race could also bring about broader tourism benefits and spill-over gains for associated industries."

A source close to Mr Tay's camp welcomed the news. "It means the race will definitely come to Singapore," he said. He added that a meeting between the authorities and the two bidding camps was expected to take place "very soon" to chalk out the next step.

Copyright MediaCorp Press Ltd. All rights reserved.

Opportunity seldom knocks twice. This time around I’m sure the government is doing its “due diligence”. They have probably triggered its think tanks staffed with the many scholars to do scenario studies and planning. There maybe already scholars that have been sent to field (e.g. places like Monaco) to better study the situation and to look at how it will fit Singapore, etc. Every other ministry is also studying the impact, payback, potential earnings, etc. This will be another first for Singapore and I’m sure the government would want the private sector to help take the risk and also fund the costs involved.

If this eventually becomes real, Singapore is slowly but surely transforming itself to a uniquely different global city with offerings like IR, theme parks (universal studios, maybe Disneyland), shopping, convention (MICE), etc.

Just my 2-cents worth.

Opportunity seldom knocks twice. This time around I’m sure the government is doing its “due diligence”. They have probably triggered its think tanks staffed with the many scholars to do scenario studies and planning. There maybe already scholars that have been sent to field (e.g. places like Monaco) to better study the situation and to look at how it will fit Singapore, etc. Every other ministry is also studying the impact, payback, potential earnings, etc. This will be another first for Singapore and I’m sure the government would want the private sector to help take the risk and also fund the costs involved.

If this eventually becomes real, Singapore is slowly but surely transforming itself to a uniquely different global city with offerings like IR, theme parks (universal studios, maybe Disneyland), shopping, convention (MICE), etc.

Just my 2-cents worth.

That's the root of the problem. They all think too much.

This story was printed from TODAYonline

Business windfall beyond the F1 buzz

Potential benefits to S'pore far outweigh hosting costs

Friday • March 9, 2007

Ian De Cotta
Ian@mediacorp.com.sg

News Comment

There is an air of anticipation among motor-racing enthusiasts in the country. Sports fans are equally revved up and I dare say that many Singaporeans who have no interest in "wet" or "dry" tyres and associate scarlet with Johansson rather than Ferrari are also tracking developments closely, as the country eyes a Formula 1 (F1) race here next year.

There are some who would baulk at the hosting fee for a Grand Prix, which now stands at US$35 million ($53.5 million).

They will complain that Bernie Ecclestone's Formula One Management (FOM) company — the owners of the commercial rights to F1 — has an iron grip on advertising and television broadcast rights.

But Bahrain faced similar hurdles and it still generated revenue of US$100 million for its economy in its first Grand Prix in 2004. The inaugural Malaysian Grand Prix in 1999 also saw a similar amount pumped into the country.

South Africa is fighting for a race and they project a possible return of US$130 million.

A Singapore Grand Prix could cash in such a sum, for the proposal is for a never-before-seen street race to be held at night.

It will be a duel between Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen and Jenson Button. We will hear the roar of engines souped up by technology otherwise reserved only for space shuttles and space stations, as McLaren-Mercedes goes up against Italy's fabled Ferrari and Japan's mega-rich Toyota, darting around the Esplanade, going past City Hall and Marina Bay, under the shine of lights.

While hotel and property tycoon Ong Beng Seng and Arthur Tay, the luxury marina club developer, are currently in a battle to win hosting rights for the 2008 race, the Government is keen to be a partner in any venture as it knows what's at stake.

Mr S Iswaran, the Minister of State for Trade and Industry, pointed out in Parliament the Government is willing to lend its considerable support to bring F1 to Singapore as there are "broader tourism benefits and spill-over gains for associated industries such as hospitality, retail and travels".

With more than 350 million television viewers tuning in on race day, an F1 Grand Prix here will advertise Singapore to a global audience and open up lucrative opportunities for hotels, restaurants, retail stores and shopping centres.

With approximately 35,000 visitors descending on the country and 100,000 fans expected for the Sunday night race alone, the likes of catering, equipment and limousine services can feast on a yearly pie of at least US$12 million.

Already, Mr Ecclestone has talked up the Asian market, as he looks to move more races from Europe to the world's largest continent. This year's F1 season will feature 17 races. Mr Ecclestone wants to increase the calendar to 20 races.

Right now, Asia has three Grands Prix — in Shanghai, Japan and Malaysia.

Singapore is bidding for a race next year, South Korea will host one from 2010 and India wants one from 2009.

With F1 all set to explode in Asia in the near future, a host nation could become the regional headquarters for the sport.

Currently, seven of the 11 teams in F1 are based in England and are part of a motorsports industry worth £3 billion ($8.9 billion) a year, employing close to 40,000 people in 4,000 precision engineering, design and advanced technology businesses.

Singapore's famous organisational skills, strong security, world-class transport and solid service sector industry give the country a realistic shot at becoming the regional F1 headquarters.

Hosting an F1 race will be a huge challenge logistically.

Security will be very tight, Singaporeans will have to endure delays, traffic jams and massive crowds.

But all global cities face such disruptions when the buzz of a world-class event hits town.

Copyright MediaCorp Press Ltd. All rights reserved.

March 13, 2007
F1 boss here for talks on race in Singapore

By Alvin Foo

FORMULA 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone made a pit stop in town yesterday to discuss the possibility of Singapore hosting a race.

He arrived with his wife, Slavica, on a Singapore Airlines flight from London at 6.30pm and was then whisked to a hotel in the Orchard Road area.

When asked by The Straits Times if Singapore would host an F1 race, he said: 'I don't know, but that's what I'm here for.'

Mr Ecclestone stopped over in Singapore on his way to Melbourne, Australia, for this weekend's season opener.

The Straits Times understands that he had dinner with local hotel and property tycoon Ong Beng Seng last night.

A consortium led by Mr Ong is one of two parties reportedly keen on hosting an F1 race in Singapore.

The other is helmed by Mr Arthur Tay, managing director of the SUTL Group, which owns the ONE°15 Marina Club in Sentosa Cove.

Both could not be contacted for comment yesterday.

Last week, Minister of State (Trade and Industry) S. Iswaran told Parliament that the Government was taking a 'serious look' at hosting an F1 race here.

alfoo@sph.com.sg

Copyright © 2007 Singapore Press Holdings. All rights reserved

I sure hope our Singapore hosts - OBS and A Tay set the tone at the business dinner. Once the ice is broken, they should adjourn to the KTV after dinner with Ecclestone. Their wives can take Mrs Ecclestone for a different agenda (e.g. shopping). This should be followed by a round of golf the next morning, before Ecclestone leaves for Melbourne Australia.

That’s the Asian way to discuss business and to seal a deal. Formalities can then be sorted out and signed in the boardroom.

Maybe they did …. Anyone seen them around Outrum or china-town area?


Just a little humor ……

I have a feeling we'll have good news by tomorrow. :)

F1 boss to discuss Singapore Grand Prix with Minister of State
By Ian De Cotta, TODAY | Posted: 14 March 2007 1018 hrs

SINGAPORE: While 11 Formula 1 teams work frantically to get their cars in top gear ahead of Sunday's Australian Grand Prix, race ringmaster, Mr Bernie Ecclestone, is still in Singapore for at least another day of talks about bringing a race here next year.

The Briton arrived on Monday and is expected to meet Singapore's Minister of State for Trade and Industry, Mr S Iswaran, before leaving Thursday for the opening race of the 2007 Formula 1 season in Melbourne.

Mr Ecclestone has been in separate negotiations with local hotel and property tycoon Ong Beng Seng and luxury marina club developer Arthur Tay to bring a race to Singapore.

Both men are bound by a strict non-disclosure agreement.

Since arriving in Singapore, the Formula 1 boss has met Mr Ong but has yet to meet Mr Tay.

Sources say the Singapore race could be held in April or August 2008 and that it would be the first night race in the history of the sport.

Last week, Mr Iswaran told Parliament that the Government was taking a serious look at hosting a Formula 1 Grand Prix.

He said the Government was willing to be a partner in the project and to offer financial and other support.

Before arriving in Singapore, Mr Ecclestone told the British daily Mail on Sunday that he wanted 20 races on the Formula 1 calendar next year, up from 17 this season.

With the bulk of the television audience - 350 million a race - in Europe, the 76-year-old added that he was looking at "three or four" night races in Asia, due to the time difference with Europe.

"Apart from the fact that it's a new development, and there will be a novelty factor behind it, the main reason is because so many of the Grand Prix are east of Europe and instead of having to watch them in the early hours of the morning, Europeans can instead watch them during the day if staged in the evenings in the East," Mr Ecclestone said.

"I think, for example, it's a terrible shame that the first Grand Prix of the new season should be staged in the afternoon in Australia ... Having to get up and watch it in the night over here is not the best way to get the show on the road."

The F1 boss also wants to make changes to the sport's points-scoring system for next year.

The current format awards 10 points for a win, eight for second, down to one for eighth, but Mr Ecclestone wants to give more points to the race winner.

In the last two years, drivers such as Fernando Alonso, preferred not to challenge leading cars when they had an overall points advantage in the drivers' standings.

"With second place getting eight points, it is not right that the winner takes only 10," said Mr Ecclestone, who introduced the current system in 2003. "For 2008, I will propose a change. The guy who wins more should be champion." - TODAY/yy

Remember to watch F1 this Sunday for good news.

Decision on F1 racing deal could come Sunday
A go-ahead will put S'pore on world motor racing map


By SAMUEL EE

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(SINGAPORE) Singaporeans, get ready to start your engines. After years of waiting, you could know as early as this weekend whether you are going to get your own Formula One motor race.



Mr Ong: Had talks with Formula One Management supremo Bernie Ecclestone
Formula One Management (FOM) supremo Bernie Ecclestone, who stopped off here en route to the season's first F1 race in Melbourne this Sunday, may say when he gets Down Under that a draft deal has been reached to hold a race in Singapore.

Mr Ecclestone had talks with local property tycoon Ong Beng Seng. The deal is not in the bag yet but sources say key people working for Mr Ong are already in Melbourne working on the fine print.

If Mr Ecclestone does announce a Singapore race to the world media gathered there for this Sunday's event, it would catapult Singapore to the world motor racing stage.

Under a draft deal, the rights to host an F1 race here for seven years from next year could be awarded by FOM.

It is understood that a stumbling block could be the upfront 'sanction' fee required by FOM - the amount paid for the right to stage an F1 race. Apparently, the total fee for all seven years is being sought - and it is rumoured to be around US$250 million.

Mr Ecclestone, who arrived in Singapore on Monday night, is said to be seeking a guarantee from the Singapore government rather than from Mr Ong, who bid for the rights in his personal capacity and not with his listed HPL group. Despite not being involved in the F1 bid, HPL shares yesterday closed 32 cents higher at $4.52.

Parliament was told last week that the government is willing to provide financial and other support for any venture staging an F1 event here. It is keen to pick up half the tab, which is crucial because a typical race weekend can cost anything from US$70 million to US$75 million, including the sanction fee and organising costs.

Besides Mr Ong, SUTL Group's Arthur Tay - best known as the developer of the luxury marina at Sentosa Cove - has been linked to the F1 bid.

At one point in discussions with FOM, Mr Ong and Mr Tay were said to have considered joining forces to put forward a combined proposal. But it has now turned out that Mr Ong is the front-runner in the race to the chequered flag.

All eyes on Sunday. Don't play play:D

Singapore F1 announcement on Sunday?
20-man delegation led by S'pore government minister in Melbourne for further talks with F1 boss.

By Julian Lim
Mar 15, 2007
AsiaOne

The opening race of the Formula One 2007-2008 season in Melbourne this Sunday could come with an announcement that a tentative deal has been reached to bring the world's premiere motor racing tour to Singapore.

A 20-man delegation led by a senior Singapore minister will be at the 2007 curtain-raiser in Melbourne, according to a Reuters report.

The government officials will be following up on discussions with Formula One's top man, Mr Bernie Ecclestone, about what it will take to bring the thrills and spills of F1 racing to Singapore.



This, after the F1 supremo stopped over in Singapore en route to Melbourne for a meeting with hotel and property magnate, Mr Ong Beng Seng, who looks to be the strongest contender to seal the lucrative motor racing deal. Mr Ong's associates have reportedly also flown to Melbourne to iron out details of their proposal.

RIFE SPECULATION

The local dailies have, over the past few days, been carrying updates on the front runners in this tricky F1 courtship, as well as the authorities, who seem just as eager to host night-time races in in the city state, and set a new direction for the sport.

With even Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew admitting in 2005 that it was "a stupid decision" to reject F1 in the past and his advice to the younger ministers to "pay attention to all this, as this is what will make Singapore buzz", the recent positive comments from government ministers would seem to indicate that the possibility of Singapore hosting an F1 race under floodlights may become a reality.

Unlike previous F1 overtures, this time, it seems so close you can almost smell the burnt Bridgestone rubber in the air.

PREVIOUS ATTEMPTS

Singapore has come close to securing the rights to hold F1 races here at least twice.

The Head of the Singapore Tourist Promotion Board (STPB), now renamed the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), Mr Lim Chin Beng, could have scored a coup in the late 1980s by making Singapore the first Asian country to host Formula One racing. That honour, of course, went to Malaysia's Sepang circuit in 1999,

Alas, when it came down to the crunch, no site could be secured, despite attempts to get land parcels from Jurong all the way to the East Coast.

Mr Ong Beng Seng's first courtship of F1 in 1991 even resulted in the rights being secured. However, what Mr Ong did not count on, was having the rug pulled out from under him when the proposed race site was lost to development plans for the Laguna National Golf & Country Club.

But now, without the need for setting aside land exclusively for the development of a race track, which might end up as a 'white elephant' during the off-season, how much closer are we to closing this elusive deal?

COST VS RETURNS

According a Business Times report yesterday, one of the key factors lies in whether the Singapore government is willing to provide the necessary assurance Mr Ecclestone is seeking.

This, despite Minister of State for Trade & Industry (MTI), S. Iswaran's stating the government was "serious" about the idea of hosting an F1 race in Singapore. Responding to questions from AsiaOne, an MTI spokesperson confirmed late today that government representatives had met Mr Ecclestone for a "good discussion", but as of yesterday evening, had yet to receive a firm proposal.

The "assurance" Mr Ecclestone is seeking, is reportedly the sanction fees to hold at least seven races here, which works out to be a whopping US$250 million.

With big-money tobacco sponsors finding themselves locked out of races in the European Union, Australia, and possibly other countries to follow suit, perhaps Formula One Management (FOM) finds it important to maintain a healthy cashflow in lieu of the exit of tobacco-linked sponsors like Mild Seven, BAT, and Japan Tobacco.

BT report also said that the government would be willing help bankroll the staging of an F1 event here and would could possibly even provide half of the required funding.

But an MTI spokesperson tempered this statement by saying that although the government realises such a venture would require "financial and other support to be commercially viable... It is not a venture that the government will support at all cost." The importance of support from "key stakeholders and interested businesses, including hoteliers" was also highlighted.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Community Development, Youth & Sports, Mr Teo Ser Luck, expressed his concern at one point that overemphasis on projected returns might well ruin our chances yet again of hosting mega-scale events like the F1 tour.

"I get shivers down my spine when proposals by the people or private sector get turned down or receive a lukewarm response because the forecast on returns does not meet the standards set," he said.

I, for one, would not want to be one of the economists tasked with working out the monetary value of a six-figure live audience, countless tourism spin-offs, and 300 million television viewers worldwide.

But with the convergence of key decision-makers and the buzz each time after their meetings, motorsports enthusiasts can't help but rub their hands in anticipation at just how close we might be to becoming the 18th stop on the Formula One tour.

So, will we see Fernando Alonso running out in front in his new McLaren Mercedes-Benz, or will Ferrari return with a vengeance, even without the talismanic Michael Schumacher? Will Singapore host Formula One? Perhaps all will be revealed on Sunday.

** SINGAPORE TYCOON ONG IN SPOTLIGHT WITH F1 BID **
Sebastian Tong
Reuters

As tycoons go, Ong Beng Seng has yet to build up a large fleet of fast cars.

That might be about to change if the Singapore billionaire hotelier, who drives an Aston Martin, pulls off a bid to stage Formula One (F1) motor racing in Singapore.

Ong, 60, met Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone this week and is in the final stages of negotiations to hold a leg of the best-known racing event in Singapore next year.

Ong's bid has the public support of the Singapore government, which is trying to boost its tourism industry with the launch of two multi-billion-dollar casinos.

The proposed F1 street race, like the one in Monaco but to be held at night, would benefit Ong's portfolio of hotels and boutiques along Singapore's Orchard Road shopping belt, as the event is expected to bring in thousands of tourists and F1 fans.

Shares of Ong's Singapore-listed Hotel Properties Ltd. have surged 26 percent in the last month, on speculation that he would snag the Formula One rights, particularly given Ong's government ties.

Among the officials with whom Ong has had business ties in the past is Singapore Minister of State for Trade and Industry S. Iswaran -- at a time when Iswaran was at the state agency Temasek. Iswaran told parliament last week that Formula One racing would create "attention and buzz" for Singapore.

LUXURY BRANDS

For decades, Malaysian-born Ong and his wife Christina have thrived on Asia's appetite for brand names.

Through their companies -- Hotel Properties, privately owned Como Resorts & Hotels and Club 21 -- they have assembled a portfolio of lucrative franchises and luxury properties.

The franchises range from ice-cream maker Haagen-Dazs and the Hard Rock Cafe chain to fashion label Armani, while their hotels include London's Metropolitan and Bali's Begawan Giri.

Analysts says it is difficult to estimate the Ongs' total worth. Forbes dropped them from their rich list citing a lack of information on the value of their privately owned assets.

"They are notoriously difficult to talk to. Even though they are listed, they operate pretty much like a private company," said one analyst of Ong's Hotel Properties, which has a market value of US$1.35 billion.

The firm develops luxury homes and operates hotels, including the Four Seasons in the Maldives and Bali.

Christina -- who holds distribution rights to fashion labels such as Mulberry and DKNY -- runs Club 21, which operates 200 fashion stores worldwide and Como Resorts and Hotels, which owns several luxury spas and hotels including Uma Paro in Bhutan.

The media-shy Ong pulled off a string of deals in the 1990s, buying up hotels from Montreal to Mexico, developing swanky properties in London and launching movie-themed restaurant chain Planet Hollywood with film stars Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

But the 1997 Asian financial crisis hit Ong hard, prompting him to divest many of his assets in America, Australia, Europe and Japan, and to concentrate on Southeast Asia instead.

Now, the Ongs' businesses are benefiting from rising property prices and a recovery in regional tourism.

"Over the last few months, he's been quietly expanding his portfolio of resorts in the region. He knows what he's doing even if we don't know what he's doing," said BNP Paribas analyst Kok Ken-ji, who tracks property stocks.

FROM CLUBBING TO YOGA

Ong was an insurance broker before he joined his father-in-law, the late Peter Fu, in his oil trading and hotels business in the 1970s.

Many credit Ong for turning Hotel Properties from a pure operator of hotels into a leisure group with Planet Hollywood and Hard Rock Cafe restaurant chains.

Ong, who had a reputation for clubbing and partying, also played concert promoter, bringing acts such as Michael Jackson and the Three Tenors to Southeast Asia.

"He has been innovative in bringing a touch of showbiz glamour to his businesses," said one long-time business rival.

While Ong goes to great lengths to avoid the public gaze, he hasn't always succeeded.

In 1996, when the Singapore property market was booming, Hotel Properties attracted much unwelcome publicity because it had sold luxury apartments to former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew and his son Lee Hsien Loong at a discount.

The disclosure prompted an investigation, which cleared Lee's family of any wrongdoing. Lee and his son donated sums equivalent to the discount to charity.

Associates say Ong -- who flies around the world in his private Gulfstream 4 jet -- has mellowed since the 1990s when he was often seen hanging out with the international jet-set, including Demi Moore, Robert DeNiro and Jackie Chan.

"He's a lot more subdued these days" said a close friend, adding that these days, the father of two is more likely to be found in a yoga studio than in a nightclub.

so it seems AT is out of the race, more or less since Ong has govt ties and the govt is backing him. itches me to invest in HPL stock:banana2:

Share price has gone up since one month ago. :ohno:

so it seems AT is out of the race, more or less since Ong has govt ties and the govt is backing him. itches me to invest in HPL stock:banana2:

March 17, 2007
S'pore can well do with the buzz F1 brings
The glitter, glamour of high-powered racing can come to Republic if deal is struck

By Alvin Foo

MELBOURNE - MENTION Formula One and Melbourne taxi driver Abdi Hagi's eyes light up.

For him, this weekend's Australian Grand Prix means bigger takings.

Said the Somalia-born driver, who is in his 30s: 'Normally, I get A$150 (S$180) a day. This week, I averaged A$250 a day.

'It's much more than the A$100 a day I earned during last year's Commonwealth Games, where most of the spectators were locals.'

Indeed, every time the races come to town, Melbourne is turned into one huge party arena.

An estimated 30,000 fans flock to the city from overseas and other Australian cities during race week.

There is a whole buzz about the city. Hotels are full, the city's top restaurants entertain only diners with reservations, while beautiful people in beautiful cars fill the streets, flocking to one pre-race party after another.

The same could take place on Singapore's shores as early as next year - if a consortium led by tycoon Ong Beng Seng succeeds in bringing a leg of the series to the Republic.

Ong is part of a Singapore entourage in Melbourne to observe the Formula One season-opener.

Officials from the Ministry of Trade and Industry, including its Minister of State S. Iswaran, are also in Melbourne.

Sources say their presence points to the fact that a Singapore F1 deal is imminent.

A source told The Straits Times yesterday: 'Papers have been drawn up already. What's left are a few fine prints and for the team to iron out a few details.

'There's no better way to do that than to actually see how a race is run.'

Numbers will also be one of the key areas that the Singapore team will look at.

One particularly interesting fact is that the Australian Grand Prix is expected to be again in the red.

The race registered losses of A$5 million in 2001 and A$21 million last year due to rising operational and rights costs.

But the picture looks much rosier when taking into account the impact the race has on the economy.

Reports compiled by the National Institute of Economic and Industry Research showed that the Grand Prix added A$174.8 million to Victoria's coffers in 2005, up from $95.6million in 1996.

Among the main beneficiaries are hotels, almost all of which are full till tomorrow, despite their jacking up of prices.

In 2005, the race generated 194,994 extra visitor nights in Melbourne hotels. This year, a room which normally costs A$335 at the five-star Crown Towers now costs A$880.

Melbourne may also be hosting swimming's Fina World Championships, which starts today.

But, from the banners all over the city centre, to the tourists on its famed Lygon Street, F1 seems to be the sport of choice.

After all, this weekend's season opener will be watched by an estimated 360 million people in 132 countries.

'The race puts Melbourne on the global map,' said Australian Grand Prix Corporation chairman Ron Walker.

Now, imagine what it could do for Singapore.

alfoo@sph.com.sg

Australian GP qualifying

Live, Ch24, 10.57am

Copyright © 2007 Singapore Press Holdings. All rights reserved.

This story was printed from TODAYonline

ANATOMY OF A GRAND PRIX

What it takes to stage a Formula 1 race here

Weekend • March 17, 2007

Ian De Cotta
ian@mediacorp.com.sg

IT WAS a dream ahead of his time — to bring the glitzy, exciting Formula 1 (F1) race to Singapore. But officialdom was not ready for it — and hotelier Ong Beng Seng had to put his plans on hold.

Eighteen years on, that dream is on the cusp of reality; expectations are high that an announcement to declare Singapore as a venue for the 2008 F1 season will be made soon, perhaps even as early as this weekend. And with official blessings, too.

Over the past month, the boardroom race to clinch a deal with F1 czar Bernie Ecclestone has gained speed, with Mr Ong seen as the favourite to win the hosting rights battle. The hotelier has known Mr Ecclestone, who runs Formula One Management (FOM), since 1989.

The other businessman who has thrown his hat into the ring is luxury marina club developer Arthur Tay.

But, even as the Government gears up to partner Mr Ong or Mr Tay — or even a consortium that involves both parties — the big question is this: Is the huge investment to bring an F1 race to Singapore really worth it?

F1 attracts the rich and famous, and the super-rich and not-so-famous. During an F1 weekend, sports superstars hit town, models and actresses lend glitz and glamour as the world watches on television. But if a race does come to Singapore, there will be many issues to grapple with, from security and safety concerns to the huge disruption to the city centre and even high-priced tickets.

The race to a deal

The prospect of a race in Singapore next year intensified when Mr Ecclestone flew in on Monday and met Mr Ong.

He then called on Mr S Iswaran, the Minister of State for Trade And Industry.

Talk was that Singapore could host F1's first night race.

But no agreement has been reached yet, with sources revealing that several aspects of the deal have still to be ironed out.

One recent report said the whopping US$250 million ($380 million) for a seven-year contract that Mr Ecclestone's FOM had asked for may be an obstacle.

But a source familiar with F1 deals said this is unlikely to be the case.

Speaking to Today on condition of anonymity, he said that FOM's exclusive hold of advertising and broadcasting rights is a possible problem.

"Profit is the point of contention at the moment, and what is going on right now are negotiations to persuade FOM to give in a little here and there," said the businessman.

"Nobody wants to lose out on a business deal and these things can be negotiated to give a promoter the chance to cash in on the many areas that belong to FOM."

This is the second time Singapore is trying to seal an F1 race.

In 1989, Mr Ong successfully signed a deal with Mr Ecclestone to stage a race, starting with the 1991 season.

The agreement collapsed after the hotelier's proposal for a track to be built on a site along East Coast Parkway, beside Xilin Avenue, was turned down.

Three years ago, Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew said the decision not to build an F1 track then was a "mistake".

Said Mr Lee, who was the Prime Minister when Mr Ong first proposed his plan: "My colleagues and I said, 'Oh, It's bad. It'll teach our drivers to be reckless. Better not.'

"But that was a stupid decision because everybody wants to be on F1 and they put their names on it ... and millions of eyes are watching F1."

Since then, the wheels have turned.

The Ministry of Trade and Industry has studied various proposals to bring motor racing back here for the first time since 1973, when the annual Singapore Grand Prix series ended.



Why a Singapore Grand Prix?

Hosting rights for an F1 race now cost at least US$35 million.

With FOM holding exclusive rights to television and advertising, it is very tough for a promoter to make any profit from the huge investment.

But a successful F1 race means international branding.

"Profit is not the key reason of getting into F1," said an associate close to Mr Tay's camp. "In a high-profile event like this, top business people from all over the world will be here and the country's prestige and the promoter's prestige will grow if the race is well run.

"It can open doors."

Mr Ong and Mr Tay will also get help.

Mr S Iswaran, while giving Parliament an update of Singapore's tourism plans last week, said that the Government would help finance the cost of hosting an F1 race here to make it a viable business proposition.

An F1 race, with an annual global audience of close to a billion, will fit well with the Singapore Tourism Board's (STB) plans to attract more tourists by hosting world-class events. The STB hopes to increase visitor arrivals to 17 million and triple earnings to $30 billion by 2015.

And if the experience of other countries are anything to go by, the hopes of an F1 race being a tourism booster are not misplaced.

Earlier this week, Melbourne daily The Age reported that although the Australian Grand Prix has not once returned a profit for its organisers since it was first staged in the city in 1996 — it lost a record A$13.6 million ($16.5 million) in 2005 — it generated a total of about A$1 billion for the economy in the first 10 years.

Australian Sports Minister James Merlino revealed that the Australian Grand Prix was a key contributor to the A$1-billion annual economy of the state of Victoria.

At the first Bahrain Grand Prix in 2004, the country reported tourism receipts of US$100 million from the 35,000 foreigners who visited it during the week of the race.

"Formula 1 must first be treated as a premium event and not another major sport, just as how countries treat the Olympics and invest hundreds of millions to stage it," said Mr David Sonenscher, who was part of a consortium that lost the bid to design a street circuit here to Hermann Tilke.

"Apart from telling the world that Singapore is an exciting place to live in, F1 can also trigger the arrival of more world-class events to the country," said the Briton.

potholes in the track

For ordinary Singaporeans, the cost of attending the race will almost certainly be high. The cost of a grandstand seat at any of F1's 17 races this year starts at $600, and most circuits charge at least $350 for a normal ticket.

Organising the race is also a logistical nightmare. Mr Ron Dixon, who built the famed Champ Car street circuit at Surfers Paradise in Brisbane, said it will take at least 10 days to set things up. With corporate suites, barriers and stands to be pulled down, the Australian claimed that it would take another 25 days for the street circuit to be dismantled.

If the race does come to Singapore, the public will have to come to terms with road closures and diversions, delays, traffic jams, big crowds and security checks for at least a week.

The other big worry is race safety.

Accidents do happen in F1 and it is understood to be a main concern of the Government.

With the proposed 4.8-km track in the middle of the city, and over 100,000 people lined all along it cheering their favourites on as the cars zip around at speeds of around 300kmh, the fear of an accident is very real.

At the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix, the haunting image of a limp Ayrton Senna, after his Williams car crashed into a concrete barrier, was beamed live to a global audience. The death of possibly the sport's greatest driver ever was a harrowing experience for many around the world.

Cars could catapult into crowds, or into the water, and if any such scenario played out here, there could be a serious toll on the Singapore psyche.

Thankfully, Senna's death prompted the sport's governing body, the FIA, to make safety their top priority.

"The FIA regulations on track safety are very stringent today," said Mr Tan Teng Lip, the president of the Singapore Motor Sports Association. "There must be a fully-equipped medical centre ready to deal with accident emergencies and they must see a solid plan to evacuate the injured before they give their stamp of approval for a race to take place."

Mr Sonenscher said with safety barrier technology what it is today, a street race is as safe as a track race.

"I do not know of any accidents on a street circuit involving spectators," he said. "Perhaps, the spectre of a really bad incident has prompted organisers of a street race to do more for safety than even what the FIA or the country's regulations require."

Not all Singaporeans will buy Mr Sonescher's argument that a street race is as safe as a track race. One writer to Today's Voices page — see Page 12 — wondered whether an F1 night race on a street circuit is a good idea, citing visibility problems.

Still, if letters by other readers to this newspaper are anything to go by, many Singaporeans can hardly wait to see F1 cars vrooming their way round the Marina Bay/Esplanade circuit.

Copyright MediaCorp Press Ltd. All rights reserved.

F1 will be a new legal gambling on top of soccer @ Singapore pool :nuts: ...the govt will fully support this as this is a new premium revenue ... IR ripple effect extended beyond necklace of Marina bay into Marina Central !

Uncle Ong is the KingMaker

Tycoon Ong the key to Singapore GP, says Ecclestone


Mar 17, 2007
Reuters

MELBOURNE - Singapore's hopes of securing a Formula One grand prix depend on a deal with local property billionaire Ong Beng Seng, Bernie Ecclestone confirmed on Saturday.

The Formula One supremo told Reuters that nothing had been decided so far despite talks with Ong this week and no announcement was planned at this weekend's season-opening Australian Grand Prix.

'We are looking into all the problems and trying to find ways to solve them,' he said.

'The trouble is that the government (of Singapore) really want it to be a private enterprise. BS (Beng Seng) and I have been friends for many, many years and we are trying to put it together. If we don't get it done, it won't get done.'



The plan would be to hold the race at night under floodlights, a first for Formula One, which would boost European television audiences due to the time difference as well as providing a local spectacle.

'That's what we're looking into, that's the intention,' said Ecclestone. 'It would be a super race'.

Ong's bid has the public support of the Singapore government, which is trying to boost the tourism industry with the launch of two multi-billion-dollar casinos.

The Melbourne Age newspaper said this week that a 20-man delegation, led by a Singapore government minister, will attend Sunday's race for further discussions with Ecclestone.

The Briton also calmed Malaysian fears that a Singapore Grand Prix could threaten their own round of the championship, saying the two races were not linked and both could be accommodated on any future calendar.

Malaysia's Sepang circuit has been a Formula One fixture since 1999 and hosts the second round of this season on April 8.

Formula One, which has Monaco as the jewel in its crown, is looking for more street races on a calendar that could be expanded to 20 grands prix in future.

Abu Dhabi has already been announced for 2009, with South Korea scheduled for 2010 and the Spanish port city of Valencia, host of this year's America's Cup, among others pushing hard for a street race. -- REUTERS

Business Times - 17 Mar 2007

Tycoon Ong the key to Singapore GP, says Ecclestone

MELBOURNE - Singapore's hopes of securing a Formula One grand prix depend on a deal with local property billionaire Ong Beng Seng, Bernie Ecclestone confirmed on Saturday.

The Formula One supremo told Reuters that nothing had been decided so far despite talks with Ong this week and no announcement was planned at this weekend's season-opening Australian Grand Prix.

'We are looking into all the problems and trying to find ways to solve them,' he said.

'The trouble is that the government (of Singapore) really want it to be a private enterprise. BS (Beng Seng) and I have been friends for many, many years and we are trying to put it together. If we don't get it done, it won't get done.'

The plan would be to hold the race at night under floodlights, a first for Formula One, which would boost European television audiences due to the time difference as well as providing a local spectacle.

'That's what we're looking into, that's the intention,' said Ecclestone. 'It would be a super race'.

Ong's bid has the public support of the Singapore government, which is trying to boost the tourism industry with the launch of two multi-billion-dollar casinos.

The Melbourne Age newspaper said this week that a 20-man delegation, led by a Singapore government minister, will attend Sunday's race for further discussions with Ecclestone.

The Briton also calmed Malaysian fears that a Singapore Grand Prix could threaten their own round of the championship, saying the two races were not linked and both could be accommodated on any future calendar.

Malaysia's Sepang circuit has been a Formula One fixture since 1999 and hosts the second round of this season on April 8.

Formula One, which has Monaco as the jewel in its crown, is looking for more street races on a calendar that could be expanded to 20 grands prix in future.

Abu Dhabi has already been announced for 2009, with South Korea scheduled for 2010 and the Spanish port city of Valencia, host of this year's America's Cup, among others pushing hard for a street race. -- REUTERS

Copyright © 2005 Singapore Press Holdings Ltd. All rights reserved.

March 18, 2007
A drive for life
They are the men behind a move to bring Formula One racing to Singapore - hotel tycoon Ong Beng Seng, who is negotiating with F1 owner Bernie Ecclestone. Both are shrewd businessmen who share a passion for life.

By Alvin Foo

Not noted for his driving skills, but Ong is the only man who can bring F1 racing to Singapore

MELBOURNE - IT SEEMS ironic that the man who could bring Formula One racing to Singapore is not noted for his driving skills.

Ong Beng Seng once drove a Volvo onto a roundabout at a busy Singapore intersection.

Fortunately, the tycoon was unharmed in the incident which happened almost 40 years ago.

Said a close friend: 'Let's just say Ong's never been known for his driving skills. Maybe that's why he prefers to be chauffeur-driven.'

Still, it has not stopped the 61-year-old father of two, known as BS to those close to him, from wheeling and dealing a contract that could see the Republic stage an F1 street race next year.

Added a close associate: 'BS has been bringing his friends and guests around the proposed route, which is the surest sign that the race is coming to Singapore.

'He's done it a few times already. You can tell that the man is passionate.'

The proposed circuit encompasses largely the Padang and Suntec City areas.

This passionate side is only visible from within the businessman's inner circle.

Although a public figure - Ong's Hotel Properties Ltd has a market value of $1.35 billion with luxury hotels all across Asia - he is a very private person.

So, too, is wife Christina, whose distribution rights to fashion labels include Armani, Mulberry and DKNY. She also runs the Club 21 chain.

Ong almost never grants media interviews, even though he is on a first-name basis with many film and pop stars.

Because of his preference for anonymity, his friends have asked not to be named when talking about him.

Albert Toh, who was Ong's general manager at the Hard Rock Cafe from 1990 to 1995, is the exception.

He recalled meeting several celebrities, including Virgin boss Richard Branson, through his former boss.

Said Toh: 'Once, he asked me to help find a watch for Eric Clapton when the singer was in town.

'BS can relate to people from all walks of life, and put them at ease quickly.

'He's sincere and knowledgeable, two traits people respect the most.

'Even with the staff, he would often engage them with his ideas. He would pull them by the elbow, explain his vision, and then disappear in a second.

'He gives them time to digest what he said, before getting back to them.

'If they tell him it's not doable, it's okay. He just wants to know that they've tried.'

Ong, an Associate of the Chartered Insurance Institute, worked in London and Europe before joining Motor and General Underwriters.

He later joined his father-in-law, the late Peter Fu, in his oil trading operations in the 1970s and then went into the hotel business with the purchase of Hilton Hotel and the establishment of Hotel Properties Ltd.

It was in the oil business that he made his early fortune. He would also go into the hotel business in the United States before the Asian financial crisis in 1997 saw him focusing more on Asia.

Said a long-time friend: 'Not many people realise that BS is, at times, a lonely person.

'He has often commented how he wishes for a simple life. But, because of his wealth, people come to him with ulterior motives.

'He's actually a very jovial, down-to-earth person and, to a certain extent, playful.'

Ong's penchant for the nightlife is widely known. He was also active in the entertainment industry, playing concert promoter and bringing in stars such as Michael Jackson and Simon and Garfunkel to Singapore.

He is also behind Komoco Motors, distributors of Hyundai cars.

Said a close friend: 'His mind cannot stop thinking. He's full of ideas.'

Among his many ideas bringing F1 to Singapore.

Back in 1989, his proposal to build an F1 racing track at the existing Laguna National Golf and Country Club was turned down.

Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew said three years ago that the decision to turn down an F1 race was a mistake.

So, when the opportunity arose again last year, Ong, a former schoolboy sprinter and high-jumper at Anglo-Chinese School, jumped at it.

Of course, it helps to be a personal friend of F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, who spent three days in Singapore last week meeting Ong and representatives of the Government.

The same entourage is now in Melbourne for this weekend's F1 season-opener.

They are believed to be putting the finishing touches on the Singapore deal.

Said a friend who has been working with Ong on the F1 deal: 'BS is someone who is passionate about sports. He often watches football matches when he is overseas.

'The F1 deal allows him to mix his two loves - business and sports.

'At the end of the day, because of his contacts, position and influence, there is only one man who can do it. I believe the Government knows this too.

'He sees it not only as a good business opportunity, but also as a coup for Singapore.'

Indeed.

alfoo@sph.com.sg

Copyright © 2007 Singapore Press Holdings. All rights reserved.

let's hope there'll be good news next week..

Neck very long already, still no news!!!

Quote "Because it is held at night, people have no choice but to stay the night. From what I heard, it will probably be a midnight race to cater to the overseas market," said Mr Quek.

Midnight Race????
Must prepare Pillow, bolster and pyjamas for the F1 drivers to sleep in the Cars.:lol: :lol:


Delay on decision for F1 race in S'pore could affect preparations
By Patwant Singh, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 18 March 2007 2134 hrs




SINGAPORE: Many were expecting to hear the good news this weekend about the possibility of Singapore staging its first Formula One race.

But so far, no decision has been made after the F1 race in Melbourne, where Singapore government officials and some private investors have gathered.

Disappointment aside, industry watchers said the delay could have other repercussions.

Over the past few weeks, the hype about Singapore hosting a F1 race was gathering pace.

Many had speculated Melbourne was where the decision would be announced.

Now industry watchers feel the earliest date may be next week or even April.

But to the Singapore Motor Sports Association, any delay would mean less time to prepare the manpower and logistics for the race.

Tan Teng Lip, President, Singapore Motor Sports Association, said: "Since we are doing it for the first time, a lot of training needs to be done for our officials and marshals, to get them ready. This is a more critical issue."

Being a street race also means more planning in terms of crowd control and emergency evacuation.

But no matter when the decision would be made, one thing is certain – the economy, especially tourism, will get a boost.

Chris Quek, who organises tours for Singaporeans to overseas races, sees a reverse influx of fans from Malaysia and the region.

The fact that it could be a night race also gives Singapore more advantages.

"Because it is held at night, people have no choice but to stay the night. From what I heard, it will probably be a midnight race to cater to the overseas market," said Mr Quek.

Singaporeans are already gearing up for the event with a forum called "Motor Sports Asia" planned for April, and some big names have been invited as guest speakers to give insights on why Singapore should be part of the fast action.

F1 will be a new legal gambling on top of soccer @ Singapore pool :nuts: ...the govt will fully support this as this is a new premium revenue ... IR ripple effect extended beyond necklace of Marina bay into Marina Central !

F1 doesn't bring any gambling business along, so it certainly doesn't change anything whether they race in Singapore or not, regarding this "issue". They still race somewhere else all the rest of the season so people who wanna gamble are gonna do it anyway.

Midnight Race????
Must prepare Pillow, bolster and pyjamas for the F1 drivers to sleep in the Cars.

Singapore is GMT+7/8 so a race at 1900 or 2000 would make it primetime for Asia and 1100 or 1200 for Europe which sounds a lot more likely ;-)

Hotels in Marina area to benefit most if Singapore gets to host F1
By Daryl Loo, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 19 March 2007

SINGAPORE : Experts say if Singapore gets the green light to the Formula One (F1) race, hotels in the Marina Bay area stand to benefit the most.

That's because the most likely route for the races will be through the downtown district.

And this will boost tourism, as well as occupancy and room rates.

At flag-off, the F1 race cars could take a circuit through much of Singapore's downtown area.

They could zip by sights such as Suntec City, the Esplanade theatres, Padang, and the future Integrated Resort.

So hotels along the route with commanding views of the races, such as the Fullerton, Ritz-Carlton Millenia and Swissotel the Stamford, could expect full occupancy and premium rates when the races are being held.

"Experience shows that the hotel industry will be the first to benefit from having a Formula One. The rooms will be booked up, there's no doubt about that, and prices will be maintained high. Because of the number of people that are coming down, and with the rooms booking up, they'll probably be taking rooms all the way to the neighbouring country also, just to see the races here," said Christopher Khoo, MD of MasterConsult Services.

The front-runner to organise the race is hotelier Ong Beng Seng, who is making a bid in his personal capacity.

His listed Hotel Properties Limited, which owns buildings such as the Hilton Hotel and Forum the Shopping Mall, could also benefit from the economic spin-offs.

The high cost is likely to be an issue. Hosting the race could set organisers back by as much as US$75 million for a weekend.

"Such events are expensive to organise. So for Singapore moving forward, a cost-sharing approach will be better. That would involve partnership between the private sector and government agencies, who can work together to ensure that if Singapore hosts the Formula One racing event, it is well orchestrated and well staged," said Associate Professor Prem Shamdasani at NUS Business School.

"It takes into consideration all the other activities that such an event can generate, to ensure long-term sustainability and to ensure that such an event actually makes an impact globally for Singapore."

And that's why earlier this month, Minister of State for Trade and Industry S Iswaran said the government is committed to offer financial and other forms of support to organisers of a Singapore F1 race. - CNA /ls

Taking cover again.

Go wrong, losing money = private investor's fault
Do well, making money = Govt's credit

Well Done, perfect move.

Private sector proposals will decide if Singapore hosts F1 race: Iswaran

Proposals from the private sector will decide whether Singapore gets to host the Formula One Grand Prix.
Minister of State for Trade and Industry, Mr S Iswaran, said this on the sidelines of a machinery trade exhibition on Tuesday.

He has just returned from Melbourne where the F1 race was held at the weekend.

Mr Iswaran was there to see how the Australian city organised the event.

He also reiterated the government's commitment about bringing the F1 to Singapore.

He said: "At the government level, we're quite serious about it - taking a hard look at the economics, at the technical and practical aspects, and what it entails in staging an F1 in Singapore. But again really this has to be a private sector-led effort.

"You need a race promoter, who have secured the rights from the F1 group, to be able to come and put a firm proposal on the table. So until and unless that happens, we're not really in the position to move more decisively on the matter." - CNA

I absolutely echo the same sentiment.

I just want to add

Go wrong, losing money = private investor's fault
More importantly not losing my money - Private investor’s money will be at stake.

Do well, making money = Govt's credit
Score point for GDP and economic growth = more bonus, promotion

Similar story with the IR developments.

100% foreign FDI (remember none have any s’pore GLC JV).
If not successful, then there is nothing out of the pocket.

Hypothetically speaking …
If for example it’s a Kerzner-CapitaLand consortium (40: 60) JV that won the Sentosa IR bid and not Genting-Starcruise. If it fails then, its S$2 billion out of the pocket for Capitaland share. Let the foreign investors do it and bare all the risks.

It’s a pattern that is a trademark signature and behavior isn’t it.

PS: Just a thought … Shin Corp. investment flop …. + few others (wafer fabs, hard-disk, etc). All quiet on the western front.

Just my 2-cents.

10 years series standard examination answers:

Govt to help fund F1 event if it is held in Singapore: Dr Balakrishnan
By Hasnita A Majid, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 22 March 2007 1636 hrs


The Government can help fund the Formula One event if it is held in the Republic, said Community Development, Youth and Sports Minister, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan.

Speaking at the Foreign Correspondents Association lunch on Thursday, he said commercial talks are still on-going for Singapore to host the race, and he hopes for some good news soon.

Singapore has said that it is keen to host the Formula One race, which is expected to boost the economy, especially tourism.

Dr Balakrishnan said: "Some government support will be necessary and we have indicated to the private parties concerned that some support is available. But I'm not going to divulge more details and I hope over the next few days, weeks, we'll hear some good news." - CNA/ch

Just like to share a joke extracted from another forum.

If F1 cannot come to Singapore, you will know note the following reasons.

As foreigners say... SGP is a fine city

LTA
1. Exhaust not compliant
2. No headlights
3. Exhaust noise level too high - Fail
4. No IU
5. No licence plate
6. Never display valid road tax
7. No indicator lights or brake lights
8. Driving without a valid insurance premium
9. Driving without a vaid SAingaporean Licence or validated International Driving Licence

TP
1. Exceed speed limit - fine $xxx, Y demerit points
2. Parking along yellow/zigzag yellow lines - summon
3. Waiting in a no waiting zone
4. Reckless driving / endangerment to other road users
5. Failure to give way
6. Failure to slow dopwn/stop at pedestarian crossing
7. Beating traffic light
8. Illegal racing / racing without a permit

URA
1. No coupon displayed

NEA
1. Littering (accident debris)

MISC
1. Unlawful gathering

Hehehehehe ^ ^
Not bad :-)

There is reasons why all these rules are enforced. please see below my justifications



LTA
1. Exhaust not compliant
will cause pollution, make you and your family get cancer
2. No headlights
will cause traffic accidents, make you and your family die from accidents
3. Exhaust noise level too high - Fail
will cause noise pollution, make you and your family cant get any sleep
4. No IU
do u want to cheat singaporeans so that u dun have to pay road erp?
5. No licence plate
allows criminals to get away easy, especially hit and run, imagine the hit and run accident causes you or you family members to die and the guilty cannot be caught
6. Never display valid road tax
do u want to cheat singaporeans so that u dun have to pay road tax?
7. No indicator lights or brake lights
will cause accident, people will die from these minor accident
8. Driving without a valid insurance premium
so that the accident victim can get money for hospitalisation
9. Driving without a vaid SAingaporean Licence or validated International Driving Licence
do u want your 17 yr old kid to drive your car?


will be cont...

my neck's long enough for the breaking news.. WHEN WHEN..?!

F1 will bring the price of properties @Marina Bay to a new height when it's announced ?

F1 will bring the price of properties @Marina Bay to a new height when it's announced ?
dont think so lah. if really the case, then we can also market property that can see firework higher. no such thing. only the hotel will benefit cos more ppl will stay during the f1 period.

Maybe property price @ marina bay will drop as there will be road closure and noise pollution. :lol:

F1 will bring the price of properties @Marina Bay to a new height when it's announced ?

F1 will bring the price of properties @Marina Bay to a new height when it's announced ?

Baby, I think F1 will bring the price of properties in Singapore higher generally because it will draw further global attention to Singapore, particularly when it will be the first F1 night race and on a street circuit which shows off the Singapore skyline.

Let's see...

in 2008....


Singapore Flyer completed
Supreme Court & City Hall probably in scaffolding
IR construction in ful swing
Floating Platform completed

Let's see...

in 2008....


Singapore Flyer completed
Supreme Court & City Hall probably in scaffolding
IR construction in ful swing
Floating Platform completed

Supreme Court & City Hall in scaffolding?

Supreme Court & City Hall in scaffolding?

They'll be turned into museums ;)

Maybe while they are in a makeover, they will be coverd up in cloth and animated with lights during the racing.

Webber tests Singapore circuit
From correspondents in Singapore
March 27, 2007 MARK Webber will take to the streets of Singapore this weekend for a trial run of the city-state's proposed Formula One (FOON.UL) race, the Straits Times reports today (AEST).

Singapore is in talks with Formula One over the hosting of a street circuit grand prix, which may be held at night, under floodlights - a first for the sport.

The report said Webber (Red Bull) will drive a Porsche 911 GT3 for Saturday's test run "within the legal speed limit".

"We didn't have enough time to get the clearance for a high-speed run," Jyn Wee, Red Bull's brand manager here, was quoted as saying.

The GT3 has a top speed in excess of 300k/ph and can go from 0-100k/ph in less than 5sec.

Reuters

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,21454750-23770,00.html

:banana: :banana: :cheers: :cheers: :nuts: :nuts:
so it's more or less confirmed?

so it's more or less confirmed?

It's just a Redbull marketing operation.

Reuters
29 March 29 2007

Singapore may announce plans to host a Formula One grand prix as early as Friday, possibly ending months of speculation over a deal to bring a race to the city-state.

Singapore, which wants to host a grand prix to boost tourism and jazz up its image, is expected to announce its Formula One plans next week at the latest, The Straits Times reported on Thursday, citing unnamed sources.

"There are just a few loose ends left in the deal to tie up. An announcement could be made as soon as Friday," a source said.

The Singaporean government said last week it would help to cover the costs of holding the event, which may be held at night under floodlights -- a first for the sport.

Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone met with Singapore tycoon Ong Beng Seng, who controls resorts developer Hotel Properties Ltd. , two weeks ago to discuss the possibility of holding a street race at night.

Wait Long Long, really Long.


Negotiations for F1 race going well: Iswaran
By Patwant Singh, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 30 March 2007 1716 hrs

SINGAPORE : The decision whether Singapore will host the Formula One (F1) race will come soon. This assurance came from Mr S Iswaran, the Minister of State for Trade and Industry, on Friday.

He did not go into specifics but he did reveal that the negotiations involving both the government and the private sector were going well.

The F1 race could come to Singapore, and if it does, it would be driven by the private sector.

This was confirmed by Mr Iswaran, who was speaking at the sidelines of an event organised by SPRING Singapore.

Mr Iswaran added that the government would step in, if required, so as to make it easier for the race to be hosted here.

For the moment though, the government was still waiting for the proposal from the private sector.

Mr Iswaran said, "I think we are progressing well. As we have said, we wanted the private sector to take the lead and I think the negotiations from what I understand from the private sector, they are going well.

"We are also in turn having discussions with the key players to ensure on the government side, when the proposal is finally ready, we are also ready to do our part to make this happen in Singapore. How soon, I can't say as of now, but... it would be sooner rather than later, we will come out with an announcement."

Earlier, there had been speculation that the announcement could be made as early as Friday.

But this was denied by the private investors who are working on the project. - CNA/ms

Tycoon Ong closer to clinching F1 for Singapore
Ian De Cotta
ian@mediacorp.com.sg

It looks as if Singapore will be a pit-stop in the 2008 Formula 1 calendar.
.
Speaking to reporters during a visit to a precision engineering company on Friday, Minister of State for Trade and Industry S Iswaran said negotiations with commercial rights holders Formula One Management (FOM) were proceeding smoothly.
.
"As we have said, we have wanted the private sector to take the lead. And I think the negotiations, from what I have gathered from the private sector, are going well," said Mr Iswaran.
.
"We're also, in turn, having discussions with the key players to make sure that on the Government side, when a proposal is finally ready, we're also ready to do our part to make this happen in Singapore."
.
The Minister also said that an announcement would be made sooner, rather than later.
.
Today understands that hotel and property tycoon Ong Beng Seng is now the only party involved in negotiations with Mr Bernie Ecclestone's FOM group, after sources said luxury marina club developer Arthur Tay was no longer in the running.
.
Mr Ong heads Hotel and Properties Ltd (HPL), but is bidding for the Formula 1 rights independently. The company on Friday issued a statement to the Singapore Exchange stating it was not involved in negotiations with FOM.
.
The F1 chief flew in from London three weeks ago for a meeting with Mr Ong, and both were in Melbourne for the season opener Australian Grand Prix on March 18.
.
On Friday, Mr Michael Roche, a member of Mr Ong's bidding group, confirmed that negotiations were "progressing well and positively". "At present we have no press statement as the project is very much still under assessment and feasibility studies continue," he said.
.
"We have not had any pre-determined date to conclude the deal as the format is still very much in planning and multiple complexities still exist in trying to make a downtown street race become a reality. We will of course alert the media appropriately if and when there are confirmations one way or the other." Mr Iswaran reiterated the Government's willingness to offer financial assistance, when he said: "We have preferred to keep this purely private, but of course if the proposal comes to us and some kind of Government involvement is entailed to make it easier for the private sector, we will consider that.
.
"But as of now, we have not entertained that option because that has really not been on the table."
.
F1 driver Mark Webber will take a leisurely drive around Singapore's proposed circuit on Saturday.
.
Webber, who drives for Red Bull Racing and is also the director of the Grand Prix Drivers Association, said: "It's great to hear that Singapore may be included in the global F1 calendar with what might be the first night race.
.
"It will be fantastic for the city and perfect for the drivers, given the heat in South-east Asia.
.
"However, safety is a priority so it is important that the right amount of lighting and testing is done."
.
The 4.8-kilometre track — proposed by designer Hermann Tilke — takes in landmarks like Raffles Hotel and the Esplanade.
.
Webber will not use an F1 car during his 8.30am drive.

Can they really make it for a 2008 race? I have my doubts...

Can they really make it for a 2008 race? I have my doubts...

Why?

Julian Lim
AsiaOne
31 March 2007

Red Bull racing's Formula One driver Mark Webber drove through Singapore's proposed street circuit this morning and declared that he and his fellow drivers would be looking forward to driving a "challenging & exciting" race here.

A media frenzy ensued in front of the Swissotel when Webber appeared, much to the bemusement of some of the Swissotel's guests, some craning their necks to see what the fuss was about.

The 1.84 metre tall Australian then proceeded to test out the circuit in a black Renault Megane Coupe-Cabiolet - with the top down - and completed three laps at a leisurely pace.

However, with ongoing road works and construction at Beach Road and Temasek Avenue, the asphalt that Webber had to traverse was far from race-worthy.

The morning traffic also provided some hairy moments as Webber was at one point, sandwiched between a car packed with photographers and journalists, and a slow-moving taxi along St Andrews Road. Midway through attempting a deft overtaking maneouvre, he coolly slowed down when it appeared that he might have realised that the Sepang race was still a week away.

Another more enthusiastic driver decided to shadow Webber in a 'less-than-subtle' yellow Korean-made coupe that swerved dangerously out of the Ritz-Carlton driveway ahead of this reporter to latch on to the Australian as he passed the proposed start/finish straight.

Following his jaunt along the designated route, Webber described the circuit as "a mixture of a tight and twisting section with a faster section across the start and finish line. The start of the lap looks quicker, but the middle to last sector looks a little bit tighter and slower."

When asked to compare the route with other existing street circuits like Monaco, Webber said that Singapore's version was more akin to the Adelaide street circuit, but would be faster.

In dutifully obeying local traffic laws while navigating city traffic, each 4.8km lap took more than ten minutes, which at race pace, could easily see more than six laps completed. Webber estimates lap times of no more than 1 minute 30 seconds given the current circuit layout.

Webber picked out section following the tight right turn at the Fullerton Hotel as his personal favourite, citing Anderson Bridge and the trees overhanging the track as elements which would give drivers the "sensation of speed and the rush of driving a car."

In terms of overtaking opportunities, the Raffles Avenue straight which turns left onto Esplanade Drive appears to be a prime spot, as it will see the cars trying to outbrake each other at speeds of close to 300km/hr.

The Australian seemed less enthusiastic about the sections around Suntec City which he thought were "tight and twisty", but then readily acknowledged that "to make a street circuit, you've got to have compromises. You cannot enjoy every single corner.

"There are going to be corners that have some potential safety issues."

Other concerns that were raised involved the possibility of a downpour during night racing , and how the glare from surrounding floodlights being reflected in rainwater puddles could cause havoc for the drivers, in addition to the spray bring thrown up by the cars.

"Street circuits are mentally quite draining because of the immense concentration required," he added.

"There's a few straights here but you've got blind crests and manhole covers to keep yourself occupied."

Another potential cause for concern: the heat and humidity.

Red Bull racing's head of communications, Thomas Hofmann, confirmed that temperatures in Sepang had reached 47 degrees Celsius in the past week. With drivers losing up to 3 kg in sweat, Webber noted that a night race would certainly bring some welcome relief.

With 17 races already on the current F1 calendar, the easy-going Australian driver estimates that the racing season could eventually accommodate as many as 20 races, though admittedly, it would be quite a "busy season".

So, will we see F1 in Singapore next year? Stay tuned.

Can they really make it for a 2008 race? I have my doubts...

They can. :)


They can pull off to do all this very fast. Look at how they managed to put in plants and flowers around the ****, resurface the whole streets and board up construction areas around IMF meetings. Then rip them off after IMF meeting. :)


Just re-surface the roads specially for F1 racecars, Govt to coordinate with Traffic Police, LTA, URA to divert the traffic and close the area. F1 organisers have to bring in barriers to protect the the onlookers and the F1 drivers.

Raffles **** already has *** underpass being under construction connecting with nearby Circle line station - so people can easily access to other side without crossing the road.

No need to build a track course. Singapore will be second country to have streets for F1.

We can see red hot sparks as F1 drivers brake as they navigate the bends in the night. it will be beautiful scenes when you stand at padang. Lights lit up the skyscrapers of financial district, **** Hall, old Supreme Court. F1 cars racing on the road with backdrop... in evening sun. Wow.

No matter how long we wait. There will be a BIG YES!

***** 1, 2007
F1 driver gives proposed circuit the thumbs-up
Mark Webber tests out 'track' and says he's impressed. But lots of work needed to make it race-ready

By Alvin Foo

MARK Webber is a Formula One driver usually accustomed to hitting speeds of more than 250kmh in his Red Bull RB3 race car.

But yesterday, the Australian drove around Singapore's proposed F1 ****** circuit in a rather more sedate fashion. Driving a modest Renault Megane Coupe Cabriolet, he stopped at traffic lights, obeyed the speed limit and tried not to out-brake fellow motorists and overtake them on the inside.

It was just a leisurely Saturday morning ride for the 30-year-old, who was in town for a Red Bull publicity event, as he went round the proposed 4.8km Marina and Esplanade route designed by German Hermann Tilke.

Originally, he was supposed to have driven around the track in a Porsche 911 GT3, but organisers said they changed the car because Renault is the Red Bull team's engine partner.

The test drive is not expected to have any impact on the design of the circuit or the decision whether to stage a race here.

But there was certainly enough attention on Mr Webber, both from the 20-odd photographers and journalists present as well as the tourists and staff at Swissotel the Stamford, where the drive commenced.

After reaching the 'finish line', Mr Webber said was he was impressed.

'It's a hard-core ****** circuit, much like Adelaide in the 1990s. You've got some curves, similar to Monaco's Casino Square...with more scope for overtaking. There's lots of greenery, too, making it very picturesque, just like Melbourne's Albert Park, which is set around a lake.'

Yesterday, Mr Webber took about 15 minutes to complete one lap. In the real race, he expects drivers to clock an average of one minute and 25 seconds to cover the distance.

He thinks having the proposed night race - a first for F1 - would set Singapore apart. 'This would be the signature event of the country and fuel massive global interest.'

Last month, F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone was in town for discussions with tycoon Ong Beng Seng. A deal to stage the race could be concluded as early as next week.

On Friday, Minister of State for Trade and Industry S. Iswaran told reporters: 'The negotiations...are going well. How soon, I can't say as of now, but it would be sooner rather than later.'

But impressed as he was with the route, Mr Webber pointed out that a lot of work would still be needed.

'It'll take three weeks to set up the logistics, a week to dismantle. The **** has to learn to embrace the event. People will have to be patient,' he said.

He said the roads, especially those behind Suntec ****, need to be smoothened, ideally three months before race day, to ensure safety.

And what about a night race?

'F1 cars have no headlights. Thus, the lighting has to simulate daytime conditions,' he said.

'If it rains, it could get more tricky. The glare of the lights, reflection and the spray off cars need to be considered.'

alfoo@sph.com.sg

Copyright © 2007 Singapore Press Holdings. All rights reserved.

They can. :)

They can pull off to do all this very fast. Look at how they managed to put in plants and flowers around the ****, resurface the whole streets and board up construction areas around IMF meetings. Then rip them off after IMF meeting. :)

Yup, but there's a lot of logistics involved. It needs careful planning and consideration. Unlike IMF, it's gonna be live around the world, so you cannot screw up. If a decision isn't made quickly, there may not be enough time to prepare.

wow.. night race sounds not easy.. maybe at the final lap, left only 8 cars.. the rest all crashed out retired:lol: . the floodlights along SG roads do seem dark especially when the F1 cars have no headlights.

I personally am very excited about this F1 race. It will put Singapore on the world map... I mean for me, the first time I heard of some countries' names is through the F1 itinerary when I was young.

1. SmallInvestor
2. DKSG
3. found
4. ayamani
5. raptorsuperb
6. CT
7. duckweed
8. arthur
9. LittlePig
10. Cliff
11. Freelance
12. landluv
13. Sharkie
14. PrecisionDrive*

* Subject to availability. :)

I wonder if Mark Webber of Formula One Red Bull team will join our SSC gathering in his Red Bull RB3 race car?
Maybe not. He may not have the IU and a CashCard.
:lol:

So much irony.

We may save much of money to build a trackcourse by just resurfacing the roads, closing the designated streets for F1 races. We end up paying for more electricity to turn on power lights to simulate the daytime.

But the photo of F1 cars on the steets with beautiful ******* lit up in the night - simply PRICELESS!

So much irony.

We may save much of money to build a trackcourse by just resurfacing the roads, closing the designated streets for F1 races. We end up paying for more electricity to turn on power lights to simulate the daytime.

But the photo of F1 cars on the steets with beautiful ******* lit up in the night - simply PRICELESS!

yes. agree and imagine 10 years down, when my kids will play an F1 racing game on a Singapore course... and daddy can tell him, "hey thats Raffles ****. Hey thats the Supreme Court...".

This story was printed from TODAYonline

A permanent vroom?

Amid F1 buzz, there is now a plan to build a track at Changi

Monday • April 2, 2007

Ian de Cotta
ian@mediacorp.com.sg

First, it was Formula 1, a glamorous annual event to ratchet up Singapore's image as a cosmopolitan tourist puller and put the Republic's skyline on hundreds of millions of television screens worldwide.

Now, that once-a-year race through city streets could be given a turbo-charged boost — adding to the lucrative dollars that the motor-racing industry generates — with a plan to build a permanent race track to feature races throughout the year.

The benefits to Singapore's fledgling motor industry would be enormous, sources told Today. In Britain, the heart of Europe's motor-racing community, the industry is worth £3 billion ($9 billion) a year, employing over 38,000 people across 4,000 companies. Singapore's automotive spare parts industry generates $800 million in annual sales, servicing both local and regional needs. Motor sports also provide invaluable technology spin-offs to the automotive industry.

According to sources, the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS) is considering building the permanent track facility off the East Coast Parkway, near the Changi Naval Base, which could cost between US$150 million and US$200 million ($228 million and $304 million).

The circuit, an FIA Grade 2 track stretching between 3.5km and 4km, will be capable of hosting major motorsports events, except for F1 races, which need Grade 1 circuits.

Singapore Sports Council chief executive officer Oon Jin Teik feels it is critical that Singapore takes advantage of the momentum, when it wins the rights to host an F1 race in Singapore. "A permanent track is ideal because we can't possibly close our streets regularly. It is just not viable," he told Today.

Even as F1 enthusiasts are enthusing over seeing the likes of world champion Fernando Alonso of McLaren-Mercedes and Kimi Raikkonen of Ferrari in action, fans of two-wheelers will be keen to watch MotoGP champion Niki Hayden do battle with five-time world champ Valentino Rossi. Then there's the World Superbikes series, A1 Grand Prix, the American Champ cars and the World Touring Car championships, which could turn Singapore into a hub of motor-racing activity.

Local sports car owners, who head to Sepang in Malaysia regularly for a spin, are looking forward to using a track in Singapore. "At least 50 car owners will want to rent the track every weekend," said Mr Arjunan Kulasegaram of Stuttgart Auto, who organises trips for Porshe owners.

It is believed MCYS is looking at the business model of the Sports Hub, where investors will be invited to bid to build and maintain the facility. Among those who are interested is Australian Ron Dickson, whose company D3 has built several street and permanent tracks, notably the Surfers Paradise Track in Gold Coast Australia and Mexico City.

The Australian, who is in Singapore to deliver a talk on racing circuits at the Grand Prix for Marketeers forum at Pan Pacific Hotel (April 3-4), has said that he has had discussions with the MCYS and other government departments and is currently doing a feasibility study on the project.

"Not only is it going to be a top-notch circuit, it will also have space for entertainment for the public and for corporate events," he said.

Copyright MediaCorp Press Ltd. All rights reserved.

This story was printed from TODAYonline

A permanent vroom?

Amid F1 buzz, there is now a plan to build a track at Changi

Monday • April 2, 2007

Ian de Cotta
ian@mediacorp.com.sg

First, it was Formula 1, a glamorous annual event to ratchet up Singapore's image as a cosmopolitan tourist puller and put the Republic's skyline on hundreds of millions of television screens worldwide.

Now, that once-a-year race through city streets could be given a turbo-charged boost — adding to the lucrative dollars that the motor-racing industry generates — with a plan to build a permanent race track to feature races throughout the year.

The benefits to Singapore's fledgling motor industry would be enormous, sources told Today. In Britain, the heart of Europe's motor-racing community, the industry is worth £3 billion ($9 billion) a year, employing over 38,000 people across 4,000 companies. Singapore's automotive spare parts industry generates $800 million in annual sales, servicing both local and regional needs. Motor sports also provide invaluable technology spin-offs to the automotive industry.

According to sources, the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS) is considering building the permanent track facility off the East Coast Parkway, near the Changi Naval Base, which could cost between US$150 million and US$200 million ($228 million and $304 million).

The circuit, an FIA Grade 2 track stretching between 3.5km and 4km, will be capable of hosting major motorsports events, except for F1 races, which need Grade 1 circuits.

Singapore Sports Council chief executive officer Oon Jin Teik feels it is critical that Singapore takes advantage of the momentum, when it wins the rights to host an F1 race in Singapore. "A permanent track is ideal because we can't possibly close our streets regularly. It is just not viable," he told Today.

Even as F1 enthusiasts are enthusing over seeing the likes of world champion Fernando Alonso of McLaren-Mercedes and Kimi Raikkonen of Ferrari in action, fans of two-wheelers will be keen to watch MotoGP champion Niki Hayden do battle with five-time world champ Valentino Rossi. Then there's the World Superbikes series, A1 Grand Prix, the American Champ cars and the World Touring Car championships, which could turn Singapore into a hub of motor-racing activity.

Local sports car owners, who head to Sepang in Malaysia regularly for a spin, are looking forward to using a track in Singapore. "At least 50 car owners will want to rent the track every weekend," said Mr Arjunan Kulasegaram of Stuttgart Auto, who organises trips for Porshe owners.

It is believed MCYS is looking at the business model of the Sports Hub, where investors will be invited to bid to build and maintain the facility. Among those who are interested is Australian Ron Dickson, whose company D3 has built several street and permanent tracks, notably the Surfers Paradise Track in Gold Coast Australia and Mexico City.

The Australian, who is in Singapore to deliver a talk on racing circuits at the Grand Prix for Marketeers forum at Pan Pacific Hotel (April 3-4), has said that he has had discussions with the MCYS and other government departments and is currently doing a feasibility study on the project.

"Not only is it going to be a top-notch circuit, it will also have space for entertainment for the public and for corporate events," he said.

Copyright MediaCorp Press Ltd. All rights reserved.


A new "motorised" Turf Club in the making.

This will be another lucrative mouth-watering project for Singapore Pools. Guess they already have secret Formula X (or f(x), where x = 1, 2,3) betting system in place. :lol: :lol:

there's a pretty big space at turf city isn't it, the previous horse race track, where now is just full of grass. it can be converted to a F1 racetrack right? and then like some suggestions made for there to have an international coach centre/hub thingy etc. well, that would spice up the whole turf city. currently, it's just known for seafood and fleamarket, Giant supermart, especially for the aunties who get to have free transport from AMK and Toa Payoh. such a waste.

Business Times - 03 Apr 2007

F-1: strike while the iron is hot

F-1 FEVER has never been hotter in Singapore than just now. And there is clearly a case for striking while the iron is hot - if the republic is not to lose staging the event altogether. Many others, like India, are eagerly waiting in the wings.

The trend now is for F-1 city races, that is for street circuits and races near major population centres, like those in Melbourne and Monaco. Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone - who has been discussing a possible Singapore street race with tycoon Ong Beng Seng and the Singapore government - told a French magazine recently that a grand prix in Paris, for instance, has always been his dream. Certainly, an F-1 race there, instead of the countryside of Magny-Cours, is a more attractive option for the sport's corporate backers, not to mention Paris officials themselves.

That's point one - which Singapore should capitalise on. A globally televised race here, with cars zooming past the iconic Esplanade, the Padang, downtown Suntec and the upcoming Marina integrated resort, will do more to sell Singapore than any single convention can. It can only boost Singapore's standing as one of the top global cities.

Point two is even more compelling. F-1, the epitome of motor racing, is watched by hundreds of millions live worldwide - but not necessarily at prime time by everyone. Singapore fans tune in to the Canadian or Brazilian grand prix at ungodly hours, just as Europeans get to catch the first race of the season in Melbourne in the wee hours of the morning. So, the idea of night racing - bringing F-1 racing in the East live to prime-time TV audiences in the West - was born. And Singapore, if negotiations are successful, is the top favourite to hold the very first night race in F-1 history in the coming 2008 season, guaranteeing it millions of eyeballs. Already, even before the concept of night racing here has been settled, F-1 officials are eagerly bouncing this idea for other circuits like Melbourne - clearly with TV advertising dollars in their sights. We know Singapore and F-1 officials are in their negotiations. Singapore should pull out all the stops if it wants the race. Mark Webber, director of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association, was the first to test the proposed 4.8-km Singapore circuit last Saturday - albeit in a Renault Megane Coupe and at a leisurely 15 minutes per lap, when an F-1 racer would have blazed the route in just one minute and 25 seconds. A pity, if not for red tape, Webber's PR cruise could have been a more realistic circuit test. It could have, for example, been conducted in the wee hours of the morning with roads properly closed to normal traffic.

Clearly, a lot of work needs to be done, like ensuring proper lighting for a night race. It will take three weeks to set up the logistics of a race here and a week to dismantle. Some disruptions should be expected. Singapore is also considering building a permanent racetrack in the east to feature other motor-sport races throughout the year. As Webber noted: 'The city has to learn to embrace the event.' That really is the bottom line.

Copyright © 2005 Singapore Press Holdings Ltd. All rights reserved.

Motor Racing: Singapore motorsports receives healthy boost
By Daniel Tan, channelnewsasia.com | Posted: 04 April 2007 1914 hrs

SINGAPORE: The hosting of a Formula One leg right here in Singapore, will give local motorsports a healthy boost.

According to industry experts, the extended media coverage, should the race be extended to Singapore, would bring about extensive benefits to the country.

Speaking at the MotorsportsAsia Forum in Singapore, veteran F1 Commentator Steve Slater said," Positioning itself as a style capital, as a really fantastic avant garde place to come - that's going to be a legacy that F1 coming to Singapore can give."

Slater also said that Singapore would be a "fantastic place to set up a technology centre, to set up a regional head office" for any F1 team wanting to develop their activities throughout Asia.

The forum which brought together experts in the racing fraternity from around the Asia Pacific also stressed that the F1 will not be the only vehicle that could benefit Singapore.

Former Malaysian F1 driver Alex Yoong said,"It won't do that much for the local motorsport scene. Not as much as you think."

Pointing out that Formula One is a Euro-centric sport, Yoong who now drives in the A1GP said it (the A1GP) would help the local motorsports scene more because it was more "accessible".

Much is due, he said, to the fact that competitors represent their nation as opposed to a constructor, which is traditional in most formula racing series (including Formula One).

Founded in 2004 by Sheikh Maktoum Hasher Maktoum Al Maktoum of Dubai, the A1GP is promoted as the World Cup of Motorsport. The A1GP provides for one car to be delivered to each team, and each such car is mechanically identical, built with many technical restrictions designed to limit performance, reduce running costs and prevent any one team gaining an advantage through better equipment.

This regulation thus provides a level playing field in which the driver's skill and team effort becomes the primary factor for success.

Should the A1GP find its way to Singapore hot on the heels of the F1, the local motorsport scene should have no problems getting things off to a roaring start since Singapore formed it's own A1 team in September 2006.

One month after, the team took part for the first time in A1GP, completing the competition with a credible 19th position out of 24 teams by April in the on-going 2006/2007 season.

Calling it a "milestone in Singapore Motorsport", CEO of A1GP Asian Region, David Clare said Team Singapore is performing very well for a first season. He also sees a good opportunity for Singapore to compete at a high level of motorsport, and be a catalyst for drivers to get involved in other areas of motorsport.

S'pore F1 race decision possibly after Malaysian Grand Prix: expert
By Patwant Singh, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 03 April 2007 2308 hrs







SINGAPORE: The decision on the proposed Formula One circuit in Singapore is not likely to be made this week.

This, according to veteran F1 commentator Steve Slater, who is attending a two-day forum on Motor Sports here.

He told reporters the decision is likely to be made after the Malaysia Grand Prix, which is being held at the end of this week.

Formula One driver Mark Webber's spin through the proposed Singapore circuit last weekend was the latest spark to fuel the speculation that a decision on the Singapore race was imminent.

Tuesday’s forum, attended by some 150 delegates, saw more discussion on the business possibilities of staging an F1 race in Singapore.

So the stage is set for an announcement if Singapore gets to play host - but one expert believes that everyone has to wait a little longer.

"I don't believe an announcement will necessarily be made right on the eve of the Malaysian GP in Sepang because it will be a little discourteous for Malaysians if we did that. I'm sure there is a lot of negotiation going on at the moment, very high level, there will be a lot of things that need to be sorted out - rights and internally within Singapore on things such as the road closure and everything else," says Steve Slater, F1 Commentator.

The Englishman has been involved in the sport for more than two decades.

He thinks Singapore's proposal for a night race is a great suggestion which is being considered.

But there are issues to be resolved, such as driver safety and even television coverage, under the night lights.

On the bright side, the street circuit could have other benefits for the city, besides receiving international attention.

"We are talking about blocks and fences fundamentally that can be moved around. All cities evolve and grow every year, particularly here and particularly in Asia, so it's possible to change the configuration of the track, incorporate elements into the design of new buildings and it could become a feature of the city itself," says David Clare, CEO, A1 GP, Asian Region.

Also giving it the thumbs up - former F1 driver Alex Yoong from Malaysia: "It would be better for Malaysia if it was the only track in South East Asia to have Formula One but at the same time I say a Singapore race would be good as well… there are obvious advantages to having a neighbour that has embraced motor sports so well."

According to Yoong, based on Malaysia's experience, F1 alone has not helped the growth of the local motor sports industry.

He suggested that it would be good for Singapore to host both F1 and A1, because from his observation, A1 has been a catalyst to develop motor sports and has managed to garner a strong following at the local level. - CNA/yy

S'pore F1 race decision possibly after Malaysian Grand Prix: expert
By Patwant Singh, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 03 April 2007 2308 hrs


Photos 1 of 1

David Clare

Related Videos

S'pore F1 race decision possibly after Malaysian Grand Prix: expert







SINGAPORE: The decision on the proposed Formula One circuit in Singapore is not likely to be made this week.

This, according to veteran F1 commentator Steve Slater, who is attending a two-day forum on Motor Sports here.

He told reporters the decision is likely to be made after the Malaysia Grand Prix, which is being held at the end of this week.

Formula One driver Mark Webber's spin through the proposed Singapore circuit last weekend was the latest spark to fuel the speculation that a decision on the Singapore race was imminent.

Tuesday’s forum, attended by some 150 delegates, saw more discussion on the business possibilities of staging an F1 race in Singapore.

So the stage is set for an announcement if Singapore gets to play host - but one expert believes that everyone has to wait a little longer.

"I don't believe an announcement will necessarily be made right on the eve of the Malaysian GP in Sepang because it will be a little discourteous for Malaysians if we did that. I'm sure there is a lot of negotiation going on at the moment, very high level, there will be a lot of things that need to be sorted out - rights and internally within Singapore on things such as the road closure and everything else," says Steve Slater, F1 Commentator.

The Englishman has been involved in the sport for more than two decades.

He thinks Singapore's proposal for a night race is a great suggestion which is being considered.

But there are issues to be resolved, such as driver safety and even television coverage, under the night lights.

On the bright side, the street circuit could have other benefits for the city, besides receiving international attention.

"We are talking about blocks and fences fundamentally that can be moved around. All cities evolve and grow every year, particularly here and particularly in Asia, so it's possible to change the configuration of the track, incorporate elements into the design of new buildings and it could become a feature of the city itself," says David Clare, CEO, A1 GP, Asian Region.

Also giving it the thumbs up - former F1 driver Alex Yoong from Malaysia: "It would be better for Malaysia if it was the only track in South East Asia to have Formula One but at the same time I say a Singapore race would be good as well… there are obvious advantages to having a neighbour that has embraced motor sports so well."

According to Yoong, based on Malaysia's experience, F1 alone has not helped the growth of the local motor sports industry.

He suggested that it would be good for Singapore to host both F1 and A1, because from his observation, A1 has been a catalyst to develop motor sports and has managed to garner a strong following at the local level. - CNA/yy

Very tired man, Tom and Dick all start talking.

F1 drivers hail proposed Singapore circuit
By Patwant Singh, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 04 April 2007 2049 hrs




SINGAPORE: More Formula One (F1) drivers are eager to try the proposed Singapore street circuit.

Williams drivers Alex Wurz and Narain Karthikeyan feel that the proposed night race would be a good addition to the sport.

But legendary driver Sir Jackie Stewart said much work needs to be done, and this includes a simulation that costs about US$30 million to ensure the track is safe.

The drivers are in Singapore before heading to the Malaysian Grand Prix in Sepang this weekend.

The two Williams drivers may be pros but driving in Singapore was not a breeze.

They lost out to a rookie – Singaporean Alvin Koh - who clocked the fastest time of 1:13:864 on an F1 simulator.

He won a trip to Europe to compete in a real F1 car with other winners.

And speaking of the real deal, the two Williams drivers cannot wait for the Singapore F1 race to start.

Mr Wurz said: "I don't see any problem in night racing - other racing categories have done it. I think the organisers will do a great job in making sure the electricity has a back-up. I think it just raises the show and that is perfect for all of us so I am actually looking forward to it."

With sparks flying, the night race will literally be more colourful, according to another F1 pro, Mr Karthikeyan.

The Indian national, who became his country's first F1 driver, is William's current test driver.

He, too, had a spin on the Singapore circuit.

Mr Karthikeyan said: "For me, it is quite challenging. Formula One is a sport but it's also a spectacle and for the spectators, it is going to be much more fun."

For veteran Sir Jackie Stewart, racing under the stars adds a new dimension to the sport.

The 67-year-old is a three-time former world champ, and he cautions that extensive R&D needs to be done.

This includes a simulation on the possible scenarios and dangers.

He said: "That would probably have to be done on another track, and clearly you couldn't do it here. And it must be very expensive, I think it will cost US$20 to US$30 million to be able to do it really correctly and if it were a permanent facility, it could justify that. But for a temporary facility, it may be difficult to justify financially."

Stewart, who is dyslexic, also made time to visit the Dyslexia Association of Singapore where the Scotsman, though retired from the sport, was still a hit with fans.


- CNA/so

Very tired man, Tom and Dick all start talking.

F1 drivers hail proposed Singapore circuit
By Patwant Singh, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 04 April 2007 2049 hrs

More Formula One (F1) drivers are eager to try the proposed Singapore street circuit.

Williams drivers Alex Wurz and Narain Karthikeyan feel that the proposed night race would be a good .......... also made time to visit the Dyslexia Association of Singapore where the Scotsman, though retired from the sport, was still a hit with fans.
- CNA/so


Those gentlemen are not Tom and Dick leh. They are more like Sir Tom and Sir Dick. :lol:

Business Times - 05 Apr 2007

Permanent F1 track good but not vital: Jackie Stewart

By JANICE HENG

(SINGAPORE) Singapore's proposed permanent race track is a good idea but not necessary, Formula One racing legend Jackie Stewart said yesterday.

A permanent track would be good because motorsports infrastructure could be built up around it, he said. For example, driver education and industry product launches could be tied to it.

'But I don't think that's a necessity,' he said. 'I think there is a charm, and a rarity, in having a street race.' Monaco is now the only major venue where F1 street races are held.

'You've got to have a little variety,' Mr Stewart told reporters yesterday after his visit to the Dyslexia Centre of the Dyslexia Association of Singapore (DAS).

On Singapore's F1 bid, he said: 'Singapore, I think, would be a good home for Formula One racing.' Singapore has a 'very, very well-developed infrastructure'.

Singapore would not only be a good host, it would 'gain handsomely' as well, Mr Stewart said, citing the large television audience for F1 races and the influx of tourists that F1 races attract.

'An excuse to come to Singapore would be the Grand Prix,' he said. The resulting tourist expenditure would benefit sectors such as hotels, and food and beverage.

Mr Stewart was diagnosed with dyslexia - a reading disability caused by a defect in the way the brain processes graphic symbols - at the age of 41. Dyslexia affects up to 10 per cent of people. And Mr Stewart commended Singapore for the way it handles the problem.

'You could lead the world in this,' he told DAS management. He also gave a speech to parents and students at the centre. His visit to Singapore was made possible by the Royal Bank of Scotland.

Copyright © 2005 Singapore Press Holdings Ltd. All rights reserved.

Ms Isabelle Conner of ING: F1 fans are interested in financial services.
Samuel Ee
The Business Times
7 April 2007

First, there was a Formula One driver in a convertible cruising past the Esplanade. Soon there could be a real F1 car hurtling down that same route.

A street demo of a Formula One car could be organised by financial services giant ING for its high-end clients here next year if the Renault F1 team and the local authorities give the green light.

Isabelle Conner, managing director of ING Renault's F1 programme, says it's a possibility if Renault has an opening in its 2008 calendar and the Singapore authorities are willing to close some streets for such an event.

ING became the title sponsor of the Renault F1 team this year in the biggest non-tobacco sponsorship deal in F1 history.

But while ING may partner Renault in such an event next year, at least one other car maker is said to be keen to do a street demo this year.

This is according to Anand Vathiyar, organiser of this week's MotorsportsAsia: The Grand Prix for Marketeers, a forum highlighting business opportunities arising from hosting a motorsports event here.

'While organising the forum we met another client who is very keen to do something like this and we may not have to wait next year,' Mr Anand says. He declines to give more details, but it is understood the client is among the top five F1 teams.

'If it does happen, one possible scenario is an F1 car racing down Esplanade Drive before turning right towards Anderson Bridge while the VIP guests watch from the Fullerton Waterboat House, sipping their champagne and nibbling on canapes,' says Mr Anand.

'Several private and public sector groups are already lined up to broadcast the event and promote it internationally if it gets the go-ahead.'

Such street demos have been organised regularly in other countries. ING, for instance, will hold a Warsaw City Event with Renault in June.

During the day-long programme, F1 drivers will race for an hour before visiting a children's hospital and performing other charity-related work before lunching with the country's top CEOs.

'Renault is very flexible and open to such events,' says Ms Conner, adding that this is one of the reasons Dutch-based ING picked the French team among the top three F1 teams when it decided late last year to become a sponsor.

'Culturally, it is a good fit because we are both very approachable brands concerned with value for money,' she says.

Ms Conner spoke about 'The Road to F1 Sponsorship' at the two-day MotorsportsAsia forum. ING offers insurance, banking and asset management services in 50 countries but still has an issue with brand awareness, she said. To increase this in its target markets of Asia and Central and Eastern Europe, the company homed in on F1 from a list of sports.

'F1 is one of these turnkey sponsorships,' she says. 'You sign one contract and you get access to 17 Grand Prix races around the world. So right away you get access to a platform and 850 million fans.'

She won't say how much the sponsorship is costing ING annually, but the first year of its three-year deal is likely to be more than US$80 million, because apart from the title sponsorship there are also on-track branding and other publicity costs.

But the amount should be worth it because research shows F1 fans are interested in financial services, according to Ms Conner.

'F1 fans are a very good representation of the population and they are slightly more interested in managing their assets.'

Reuters
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
7 April 2007

Any future Singapore Grand Prix is likely to take place at the opposite end of the calendar to Malaysia, Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone said on Saturday.

"With the Singapore race, there will be even more interest in the region," Ecclestone told Malaysia's New Straits Times newspaper.

"The Malaysian GP would probably remain (at the beginning of the season), while the Singapore race will probably be at the end," he added.

Singapore is keen to join neighbours Malaysia on the calendar with a proposal to stage a street race at night, a first for the sport, and there had been some previous speculation that the two events could be paired.

A decision on Singapore is expected to be made after this weekend's Malaysian Grand Prix at the Sepang circuit, which first hosted a race in 1999 and extended the contract for a further five years in 2006.

Asked if Malaysia would continue to host F1 races beyond 2010, Ecclestone said there was no reason not to.

April 8, 2007
Ecclestone wants S'pore race to be at end of season

SEPANG (MALAYSIA) - SINGAPORE'S chances of hosting an F1 Grand Prix were boosted yesterday when Bernie Ecclestone revealed he already had the perfect slot for the race on the calendar.

The Republic is bidding to host an F1 race and should find out soon after today's Malaysian Grand Prix if its attempt has been successful.

The FI supremo revealed that he has already decided that, if Singapore hosts a race, it will be held at the end of the season - the opposite end of the calendar to Malaysia.

'With the Singapore race, there will be even more interest in the region,' he told The New Straits Times. 'The Malaysian GP would probably remain (at the beginning of the season), while the Singapore race will probably be at the end.'

He believes there will be no clash of interests 'as it could only be positive for the region'.

'I can only see a positive impact for Malaysia,' he said. 'The Singapore GP will be a street race and at night, so it will be colourful and interesting.

'I see a lot of people from Malaysia going down there and vice versa.'

The president and CEO of Formula One Management said fans were unlikely to skip the Malaysian GP and descend on Singapore for its race in droves.

He said the Singapore race would give international exposure to both countries.

'Think back a few years, before Malaysia had a Grand Prix. Many people never thought of going there,' he said.

'So the races give more exposure and open people's eyes to the country. With the Singapore race, there will be even more interest in the region.'

Malaysia's F1 contract ends in 2010. Will it be renewed?

He said there was no reason not to.

'We have a contract which we could've cancelled because of the tobacco legislation in Malaysia. But we have not done it,' he said.

Meanwhile, Michael Roche, who heads the feasibility study team for the proposed Singapore GP, said the bid for an F1 race in the Republic was still a work in progress.

'We don't have the luxury of space in an island city-state,' he said. 'That is always the big challenge - trying to make it feasible.

'They've improved a lot of the road systems. A lot of land has been reclaimed, giving us the luxury of being able to create a pit area.

'But nothing has been confirmed yet. The reason we're hesitating is that it's such a massive jigsaw puzzle.

'Each time we think we've overcome an obstacle, we lift up the stone and there are other issues and obstacles.' he said.

He agreed with Ecclestone that the two races would bring greater exposure and economic gains to the region.

But he believed that having the Malaysian and Singapore GPs back-to-back would make more sense, as spectators from all over the world could spend two weekends travelling across the region.

Copyright © 2007 Singapore Press Holdings. All rights reserved.

Reuters
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
8 April 2007

Malaysia's Sepang circuit looks shabby and is in need of a facelift, according to Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone.

"They did such a fantastic job when it first started, but now it has become, if you don't mind, like an old house that needs a bit of redecorating," Ecclestone told Malaysia's New Straits Times newspaper.

The Sepang International Circuit complex first staged a Grand Prix in 1999 when it was hailed for its state-of-the-art facilities and space-age design.

"It's difficult to maintain, as it's very big. It's starting to get a little shabby and looks a bit tired," he said.

Ecclestone told the paper that the state of the facilities would affect Malaysia's reputation if it weren't improved.

"There is rubbish all over the place and it's not really a good sign for Malaysia," he said. "We're on worldwide television, and it needs to look good, much like in the beginning."

Malaysia is one of several Asian stops on the Formula One Grand Prix circuit along with Japan, China and Bahrain.

Singapore is also applying to stage a race at night under floodlights and Ecclestone believes this concept would help boost television coverage in Europe.

"We lose so much television in Europe because of the time change," Ecclestone said in the interview. "So I've been urging the people to look at floodlighting the circuits in order to have the race at night.

"It would be good for this part of the world, and it will be prime time on television for us in Europe."

A decision on Singapore's bid is expected to be made next week.

Channel News Asia
8 April 2007

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/imagegallery/store/phpzRlXGr.jpg
Foreign Minister George Yeo

Minister for Foreign Affairs George Yeo said if Formula One is hosted by both Malaysia and Singapore, it would be a win-win situation for both countries.

He said this after attending the Malaysian Grand Prix in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday.

Mr Yeo added that bilateral ties between Singapore and Malaysia could be further enhanced if both countries are part of the Formula One calendar.

The Minister also said that with the two Southeast Asian countries hosting the F1, interest in the sport would increase tremendously.

Singapore is expected to join the F1 family and an announcement on this is likely to come soon.

This story was printed from TODAYonline

Green light for S'pore F1 race?

Monday • April 9, 2007

Ian De Cotta
in Sepang, Malaysia
ian@mediacorp.com.sg
— with agencies

WITH the track surface hitting a scorching 57 degrees Celsius yesterday at the Malaysian Grand Prix in Sepang, hints that Singapore would soon see a Formula 1 race of its own were sizzling.

Giving the strongest signal yet that the Singapore Government would support such a race, Foreign Minister George Yeo said: "I'm happy to say that if it comes to Singapore, it will be a complementary relationship with F1 in Sepang.

"Ours will be a city circuit, and I believe because we are a space apart, the two races will be able to energise each other and develop the F1 market in South-east Asia."

As for whether the Government had considered the inconveniences a Singapore Grand Prix could bring, Mr Yeo — the first Cabinet Minister to speak in such detail on the issue — said: "I think there will be bad traffic jams, the noise will be horrifying and there will be inconveniences to the members of the public. It is a trade-off, whether on balance it is a plus or minus.

"We decided to go ahead, so I hope we can minimise the inconveniences to members of the public."

Watching his first F1 race at the VVIP Hospitality Suite as a guest of Sepang International Circuit chairman Moktar Mokhzani, Mr Yeo told the media a Singapore race would be an opportunity for both countries to boost cooperation, much like Johor's Iskandar Development Region project.

He said he had had a "good" chat with Malaysian Youth and Sports Minister Azalina Othman Said — who recently expressed her concerns that an F1 race in Singapore would affect attendance at Sepang (picture) — and his view was that any competition between the two neighbouring circuits could be resolved.

Mr Yeo added: "I also spoke to Ong Beng Seng the other day who is keen on working collaboratively with Sepang, and I mentioned this to Mr Moktar Mokhzani earlier today." Mr Ong, the Singaporean hotel and property tycoon, is currently in negotiations with F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone.

Meanwhile, just hours before yesterday's Malaysian Grand Prix, Mr Ecclestone was quoted as saying the Sepang circuit was getting "shabby" from a lack of care.

"It has become, if you don't mind, like an old house that needs a bit of redecorating," the New Straits Times quoted him as saying in an interview. "It's starting to get a little shabby and looks a bit tired."

Mr Ecclestone acknowledged that it was difficult to keep Sepang tidy because of its large 260-hectare size but said the circuit had to put its best face forward.

"There is rubbish all over the place and it's not really a good sign for Malaysia. We're on worldwide television and it needs to look good, much like in the beginning."

Malaysia hosted its first F1 Malaysian Grand Prix in 1999 and last year, promoters Sepang International Circuit renewed the contract for another five years.

Copyright MediaCorp Press Ltd. All rights reserved.

This story was printed from TODAYonline
..........
"Ours will be a city circuit, and I believe because we are a space apart, the two races will be able to energise each other and develop the F1 market in South-east Asia."
..........

"We decided to go ahead, so I hope we can minimise the inconveniences to members of the public."



so the answer is a clear yes? :) :cheers: :banana:

finally! :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :cheers:

Nothing is confirm yet til they sign the contract
Anyway saw the news frm F1 live Bernie to reconsider singapore night race
http://www.f1-live.com/f1/en/headlines/news/detail/070408072737.shtml

I heard an Ang Moh F1 driver says night race in Singapore very risky as what happen if light goes off!!!

I thought those racing cars got head light. Wrong maaah?

Imagine driving on ECP and all a sudden no light. Lucky all our Japan and Eropean cars got head light.

Below is what I read hor, I do not make up story one Okay.

World champion Fernando Alonso spoke out on Saturday against plans for Formula One to race at night on city streets.
The McLaren driver was responding to a question on Southeast Asian city state Singapore’s bid to stage a Grand Prix under floodlights. A decision is expected after this weekend’s Malaysian Grand Prix.
“I think for me, it is impossible,” the Spaniard told reporters after qualifying on the front row for Sunday’s race at Sepang circuit. “I think there is a huge safety issue racing in the streets.
“We are trying to develop tracks to make it safer. We are changing corners in Barcelona for safety reasons and now we want to go to the streets. Something is going wrong there.” Alonso said he was surprised few people had addressed the technical issues concerned with having so many floodlights trying to mimic daylight.
“Racing at night requires a huge amount of light,” he said. “No one has thought that something might happen if the lights go out. It is not a football match.
“I think there are many, many things to sort out before night racing becomes a reality.” McLaren team boss Ron Dennis said he was keeping an open mind on the prospect of night racing but advised world governing body, the International Automobile Federation, against making the sport a testing ground.
“I would hope that any venue considering (night racing) would probably first host a GP2 race or some other race that brings out the validity of that concept,” said Dennis.
“I don’t think it should go directly to Formula One. That would be irresponsible.” (Reuters)

F1 cars dont have headlights, they only have a single light at the back of their car, and its a single LED light activates at raining races or at the monaco tunnel ...(its more of a warning light) a night race will be dangerous of course, but we will see how things turn out (perhaps its because of this reason which is why theres a delay in the decision)


@shctaw

in future try to provide a link, as i was very skeptical about that articlel; no offence
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/57900

Channel News Asia
11 April 2007

Minister of State for Trade and Industry S Iswaran on Tuesday said that having two Formula 1 races geographically close to each other - one in Malaysia and and a potential race in Singapore - is not a problem.

He echoed the sentiments of Datuk Mokhzani Mahathir, Chairman of Malaysia's Sepang International Circuit, who earlier this month said having races in both Malaysia and Singapore's was not a bad thing, if managed properly.

Mr Iswaran said this in response to a question brought up in Parliament by MP Ho Geok Choo of West Coast GRC.

She had asked for Singapore's response to a comment by Malaysia's Youth and Sports Minister that Singapore should not establish F1 racing as this would be competing with Malaysia.

Mr Iswaran replied, "We do not see competition arising or being disadvantageous just because of geographical proximity. In fact there are several F1 races that take place in the same region...Each race is unique in terms of its character and circuit design. Sepang has a dedicated circuit while we are looking at a street circuit in Singapore. So should Singapore host the F1 Grand Prix, there will be much scope for both countries' events to complement each other."

Most F1 fans think race in S'pore will complement Malaysia GP
By Patwant Singh, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 13 April 2007 1856 hrs




SINGAPORE: Formula One (F1) fans in Singapore and Malaysia welcome the idea of two races in the region.

In fact, many will support both races, claiming they offer different attractions.

An estimated number of 5,000 Singaporeans were at Sepang for the Malaysian Grand Prix over the weekend.

Many Singaporeans made the journey up in coaches as some operators had included accommodation and entry tickets to the event.

There were also many first-timers who were caught up with the recent F1 buzz in Singapore.

Ardent F1 fans said they would love to see the fast action in Singapore, come 2008.

And many believe it would complement the Malaysian GP.

Even Malaysian fans feel Sepang will continue to thrive.

One of them said: "We have already been here for eight years. People know about Malaysia and we know our strengths."

Similarly, tour operators are not worried that business would be affected. Some are even thinking of innovative ways to cash in on the two races.

Rendy Wong, Manager, Luxury Tours and Travel, said: "I feel it is a gain. We can even work out a package together."

And based on the crowds at Sepang, staging another race in the region could only help satisfy the growing demand for the sport.



- CNA/so

They went to Albert park, they went to Sepang. I wonder how much money they're going to waste before making the freakin' decision.

LOL, before they said to build a second F1 track at Johor, Malaysia, 10 minutes from Singapore................

Hurry up and approve!!!!

these Suspense is really killing mi
when will they really sign the contract
if we dun sign it quick,
im worried :ohno: they might not hav enough time to prepare for the race next year
the logistics, road repavement on uneven road, trial run, etc

No !! Wait wait.
Need to buy a property before they announce it !!!

April 14, 2007
Fans already trying to book hotel rooms along S'pore's F1 route

By Hoe Pei Shan

EVEN though a formal announcement about Singapore hosting a Formula One race has not been made, eager fans have already begun preparations to catch the action.

Unlike the majority of races which are run on purpose- built stadium tracks, a street circuit translates into easier viewing access, be it from offices, hotel rooms or even the Esplanade.

And Singaporeans are trying to take advantage of that.

Hotels along the proposed street circuit - like Swissotel The Stamford, Pan Pacific, and Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore - have been receiving enquiries from private and corporate clients interested in rooms from which they can view the race.

This, despite reports stating that next October is the earliest the Republic could host the glamour event.

Said a Swissotel spokesman: 'We have already had several enquiries regarding rooms to watch the F1 race.

'However, nothing is concrete because we've not finalised the room rates and the date of the race has not been announced.'

Said a Pan Pacific spokesman: 'We foresee room rates increasing due to the demand during the race period.'

In Monaco, one of F1's two street races along with Melbourne, hotel rates can range anywhere from triple to five-fold of the norm when the F1 circus rolls into town.

There has also been debate here over whether room rates of hotels in the area should be overseen and standardised by the Ministry of Trade and Industry or private-sector-driven.

But the MTI refused comment yesterday.

Nonetheless, hard-core F1 fans, like info-comm technical officer Terry Tan, 46, do not mind the extra costs.

'We have been thinking of watching the race from Swissotel because it's where the exciting turns in the track are,' he said.

'With more people sharing a room, even if the rates triple, it's still cheaper than standard tickets

'What's more, we can watch it from the comfort of a hotel.'

According to Tan, the junctions between St Andrew's and Stamford Roads and Bras Basah and North Bridge Roads will be the ones to watch from.

And right in front of another sharp bend in the route is The Fullerton Hotel.

Said Fullerton's general manager Louis Sailer: 'Should the race materialise, we will offer luxury packages in line with F1's prestigious image.'

Meanwhile, the hotel has launched two new cocktails - the Fullerton Hairpin and Monte Carlo Hairpin - at its Post Bar 'in support of Singapore's bid for this highest echelon of racing'.

They will be available throughout the F1 season.

Copyright © 2007 Singapore Press Holdings. All rights reserved.

April 14, 2007
Fans already trying to book hotel rooms along S'pore's F1 route

By Hoe Pei Shan

EVEN though a formal announcement about Singapore hosting a Formula One race has not been made, eager fans have already begun preparations to catch the action.

Unlike the majority of races which are run on purpose- built stadium tracks, a street circuit translates into easier viewing access, be it from offices, hotel rooms or even the Esplanade.

And Singaporeans are trying to take advantage of that.

Hotels along the proposed street circuit - like Swissotel The Stamford, Pan Pacific, and Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore - have been receiving enquiries from private and corporate clients interested in rooms from which they can view the race.

This, despite reports stating that next October is the earliest the Republic could host the glamour event.

Said a Swissotel spokesman: 'We have already had several enquiries regarding rooms to watch the F1 race.

'However, nothing is concrete because we've not finalised the room rates and the date of the race has not been announced.'

Said a Pan Pacific spokesman: 'We foresee room rates increasing due to the demand during the race period.'

In Monaco, one of F1's two street races along with Melbourne, hotel rates can range anywhere from triple to five-fold of the norm when the F1 circus rolls into town.

There has also been debate here over whether room rates of hotels in the area should be overseen and standardised by the Ministry of Trade and Industry or private-sector-driven.

But the MTI refused comment yesterday.

Nonetheless, hard-core F1 fans, like info-comm technical officer Terry Tan, 46, do not mind the extra costs.

'We have been thinking of watching the race from Swissotel because it's where the exciting turns in the track are,' he said.

'With more people sharing a room, even if the rates triple, it's still cheaper than standard tickets

'What's more, we can watch it from the comfort of a hotel.'

According to Tan, the junctions between St Andrew's and Stamford Roads and Bras Basah and North Bridge Roads will be the ones to watch from.

And right in front of another sharp bend in the route is The Fullerton Hotel.

Said Fullerton's general manager Louis Sailer: 'Should the race materialise, we will offer luxury packages in line with F1's prestigious image.'

Meanwhile, the hotel has launched two new cocktails - the Fullerton Hairpin and Monte Carlo Hairpin - at its Post Bar 'in support of Singapore's bid for this highest echelon of racing'.

They will be available throughout the F1 season.

Copyright © 2007 Singapore Press Holdings. All rights reserved.

They may end up getting a room before and after F1 and watching F1 race on TV in their room :lol: :lol:

No !! Wait wait.
Need to buy a property before they announce it !!!

I thought only hotels, retails, pubs will benefit most from F1, but not residential ?
Sail and 1 Shenton are the nearest residentials at vicinity to the F1 Circuit.
I notice the 4 room stack in 1 Shenton Gold tower facing towards the Esplanade and Fullerton will have a direct view of the race track along Esplanade drive and the sharp turn at the Fullerton towards Anderson bridge. Those units will command a higher selling price when F1 is announced ?

F1, sport stars support S'pore staging a race on the island
By Patwant Singh, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 15 April 2007 1657 hrs




SINGAPORE: Most Formula One drivers are for the proposed Singapore race, including two-time former World Champion, Mika Hakkinen.

Hakkinen competed in the first race at Sepang in 1999 where he finished third.

He retired from F1 in 2001.

The 38-year-old Finn was in KL to spread Johnnie Walker's responsible drinking message by distributing water bottles to patrons at KL's nightspots.

Hakkinen supports the Singapore street race since he is familiar with such a set-up as he lives in Monaco, the only other street circuit in the F1 calendar.

He said: "I feel it is a good idea because it will definitely create more business opportunities to the country and different companies.

"It will definitely increase tourist numbers. It is up to the people to show the whole world how good the place is."

Other celebrity athletes were also in KL to catch the action, including Thai tennis ace Paradorn Srichaphan, who would like to see an F1 race in Thailand.

He said: "I would like to see more races in Asia. I really don't mind where the race is going to be, but I want to see more and more in Asia. It's good that Singapore could have one."

Asians aside, European F1 fans in Sepang are also eager for action in Singapore.

One of them said: "They are different races – one is a night race, one is a day race. I think there is room for two."

Title : S'pore nightlife set to light up if F1 stages night race in city

SINGAPORE: A Formula One race in Singapore will be a boon to the republic's nightlife scene – more so if it is a night race in the city.

Many fans are already looking forward to partying the night away – before and after the race – should it be staged here.

The racing teams and their sponsors usually throw big-scale parties on the eve of big races.

In KL, the McLaren Mercedes team invited pop group Earth, Wind and Fire to their party, with their own race drivers upping the glam factor.

Red Bull took the feminine approach – organising a mini personality contest with its Formula Unas.

Such hot action is set to sizzle here too if Singapore hosts the race.

Some think that as the race is likely to be in the heart of town, with a lot of night spots, this will give the race an added dimension of excitement.

Besides the race and nightlife, merchandising is also big at F1 host cities – something which Singapore businesses will be looking forward to.

Nik Faruk Fadzil, Managing Director, Motorsport Universe, said: "We have been getting a lot of enquiries from downtown Singapore. We have got our partners in Singapore all geared up for business next year. So from an insider in the business, we are looking forward to a race next year."

Events management and public relations companies will also be racing after the F1 dollar.


- CNA/so

Title : Motor racing: Malaysia says it has host rights for Formula One until 2015
By :
Date : 22 April 2007 1406 hrs (SST)


KUALA LUMPUR : Malaysia has won an extension to keep hosting a Formula One Grand Prix until 2015, despite concerns about its course and talk of a bid from Singapore, the head of the Sepang circuit said Sunday.

"We have secured a five-year extension from 2011 to 2015," Mokhzani Mahathir, chairman of the Sepang International Circuit (SIC), told AFP.

The announcement comes just weeks after Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone took SIC to task, saying the Sepang facility was "shabby" and needed to be updated.

"There is rubbish all over the place and it's not really a good sign for Malaysia. We're on worldwide television and it needs to look good, much like in the beginning," Ecclestone said.

Mokhzani said there were plans for a major upgrade that would include building an "automotive-related theme park with bike and go-kart tracks".

It was not immediately clear what effect the announcement would have on hopes of neighbouring Singapore securing the rights to host a Formula One race.

But Malaysian Sports Minister Azalina Othman said earlier this month that while there was "no concern" about Singapore hosting an F1 race, there should only be one race in Southeast Asia.

Singapore is keen to host a Formula One race and the government has already given its blessings pending ongoing negotiations between Singaporean tycoon Ong Beng Seng and Ecclestone.

Ong is bidding for the right to host an F1 race in Singapore which would be a city circuit, unlike Malaysia's purpose-built Sepang race track.

"If it comes to Singapore, it will be a complementary relationship with the F1 in Sepang," Singapore Foreign Minister George Yeo said earlier this month.

Meanwhile Sepang has been mulling the possibility of night races as early as next year, and Mokhzani said he was waiting to hear from Forumla One about the lighting standards that would be needed.

"With race cars running at speeds above 320 kilometres, you need lights close to daylight," he said.

Ecclestone has spoken of including night races in Asia on the F1 schedule as early as next season to boost TV audiences, especially in Europe.

Top drivers including world champion Fernando Alonso have opposed the plan, citing safety fears.

But others have given their qualified support.

"For me it is okay as long as there is enough lighting," Ferrari driver Kimi Raikkonen said on the sidelines of the Malaysia Grand Prix in early April.

His teammate Felipe Massa said: "As long as we can see and as long as it is safe, why not?" - AFP/c

I read from somewhere that the obstacles preventing the race in Singapore are the trees along the suggested track. Safety issues lah.

Would you cut down the trees for a 3 day race annually for like 5 yrs?

Or maybe Singapore can have mobile trees? :P

I read from somewhere that the obstacles preventing the race in Singapore are the trees along the suggested track. Safety issues lah.

Would you cut down the trees for a 3 day race annually for like 5 yrs?

Or maybe Singapore can have mobile trees? :P

Mobile Phones - Yes
For Mobile Trees - may need to install wheels at bottom of the trees, to wheel them around during F1. :lol: :lol:

AP
Kuala Lumpur
23 April 2007

Malaysia is yet to decide whether it wants to keep hosting the Formula One race when its contract expires in 2010, a spokesman for the Malaysian venue said Monday confirming a news report.

Sepang International Circuit chairman Mokhzani Mahathir was quoted by the New Straits Times as saying the government has received a new contract for a five-year extension until 2015 but that it is still weighing the viability of several new clauses attached to the contract.

"We have received the contract to host the World Championship until 2015 but we have not signed it yet," he said in the report. The report didn't reveal details of the new clauses.

In an e-mail to The Associated Press, Mokhzani only said he would issue a statement soon on the matter.

A spokesman for the Sepang International Circuit, Azhar Ghazali, confirmed the report but declined to give further details.

The newspaper said the situation has become complicated as neighboring Singapore is bidding to secure a slot on the F1 calendar as early as next year, with plans for night races on a city circuit.

Sports Minister Azalina Othman earlier this month said Malaysia, which has hosted the Grand Prix since 1999, wasn't worried about Singapore's F1 bid but stressed there should only be one race in the region.

The New Straits Times said Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone, during the Sepang race earlier this month, gave a vote of confidence for Malaysia to continue to host the race but criticized the circuit for being dirty and "shabby."

"There is rubbish all over the place and it's not really a good sign for Malaysia. We're on worldwide television and it needs to look good, much like in the beginning," Ecclestone was quoted as saying during the Malaysian leg of the Grand Prix two weeks ago.

Mokhzani acknowledged that there were shortcomings in the circuit but told the newspaper that a major upgrade, including building an "automotive-related theme park," would begin if the deal for the race to continue was inked.

Like most Malaysian infrastructure...maintainence is a big problem that needs improvement.

The Sepang F1 track will deteriorate rapidly if F1 is not hosted there anymore.

Singapore is good at maintaining things..... more capable government generally.

By Alan Baldwin
LONDON, April 23 (Reuters) - Formula One's governing body
would need to carry out a full safety assessment before agreeing
to any night-time race, FIA president Max Mosley said on Monday.
"We wouldn't sanction night racing for Formula One without a
very careful investigation," the International Automobile
Federation (FIA) head told Reuters.
Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone and Singaporean
property billionaire Ong Beng Seng have been discussing the
possibility of holding a race under floodlights in the south
east Asian city state.
Ecclestone is keen on the idea, which would boost European
television audiences due to the time difference but some
drivers and team bosses have expressed concern about safety
issues.
Double world champion Fernando Alonso said this month that
he considered the idea to be impossible.
"There are all sorts of factors there, some of which have
been highlighted and some of which haven't yet, and we want to
look at that very carefully before we sanction it," said Mosley,
attending the launch in London of a U.N. global road safety week
with former world champion Michael Schumacher.
Mosley did not rule out, however, the possibility of a
Singaporean night race appearing on the calendar as early as
next year.
"So far there hasn't been an application but if there is a
serious attempt to run a night race then we will have a very
careful look at it," he said.
"We have a safety commission which looks specifically at
these problems and they will probably come up with a number of
recommendations and research to undertake before saying okay,
because it would be a big step and we wouldn't want to make a
mistake.
"One mustn't underestimate the logistics, the degree of
lighting that will be necessary for really good television
coverage, the cost, the complications and all the things that go
with it," continued Mosley.
"But that's not really our problem, all we would be
concerned about would be the safety aspect."

GREAT START
Mosley expressed satisfaction with how the first three races
of the Formula One season, the first since the retirement of
Ferarri's seven-times champion Schumacher, had gone with three
separate winners and three joint championship leaders after
Bahrain.
McLaren rookie Lewis Hamilton, the first driver to finish
his first three races on the podium, had also made a big
impression.
"The impressive thing about Lewis Hamilton is that he hasn't
put a foot wrong, and that's what's so unusual with a
beginner...that's really impressive," he said.
"We've been fortunate. But we mustn't put too much on Lewis
Hamilton. If things don't go so well for him for a few races, it
doesn't mean anything. He's obviously got a huge future in front
of him."
Mosley said rule changes since the end of last season, with
engine development frozen and the departure of Michelin leaving
Bridgestone as sole tyre supplier, had shown no adverse effect.
"What's interesting is that the hugely controversial engine
freeze, nobody seems to notice. It's made no difference. The
only difference is that it's saving the big manufacturers
probably about a billion euros a year.
"What I now hope is that the cars stay evenly balanced, and
that nobody pulls out a huge lead," added the Briton.
Mosley said the glamour sport still needed to make
overtaking easier and to encourage wheel-to-wheel racing:
"That's going to take time, but we are working on it," he said

Lately, all quiet about the F1 in Singapore.

I really hope it hasn't fallen through ...

if it goes this way, we might have it in 2009 or not at all....:ohno:

I think no go lah. :ohno:
Maybe they should turn Pulau Ubin into a Grade 1 Formula one race track.

The hype was all newspapers-created anyway, and mostly due to neighboring Malaysian GP taking place with lots of F1 VIP hanging around. Just be patient and let those involved finish the work ;-)

let those involved finish the work ;-)

and tell us that we can't have it here afterall.....

and tell us that we can't have it here afterall.....

:ohno: don't say that Kit. I'm so looking forward to having it here. :cheers:

Don't worry lah, just wait.

He may have accidentally bump onto this F1 girls and now slowly recover from concussion. :lol: :lol:

http://img460.imageshack.us/img460/4760/f1girlwc7.jpg

^^ :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer:

This appeared as the headline of BT today.

COULD the chequered flag finally be in sight? After more than two months of waiting, an announcement about a Formula One Grand Prix race here could be imminent.

Singapore's F1 race in sight?
A new firm, Singapore GP Pte Ltd, has been set up by Ong Beng Seng-linked parties.


May 09, 2007
AsiaOne

In yet another sign that Singapore's first Formula One Grand Prix race is becoming more of a reality, an "event promotion" company , Singapore GP Pte Ltd, was registered last Thursday, by parties linked to property tycoon Ong Beng Seng.

The company office is listed as HPL House in Cuscaden Road, according to the Accounting & Corporate Regulatory Authority. Two of its three directors are Mr Teo Hock Seng, the managing director of Komoco Motors, and Mr Colin Syn, president of Hard Rock Cafe, The Business Times reported today.

These parties and entities, according to BT, are all linked to Mr Ong, who is the controlling shareholder of mainboard-listed HPL, which owns Hard Rock Cafe, and is also the majority shareholder of Komoco.



CORE INFLATION RECEDES

While Mr Ong has kept silent on the F1 matter, the only public announcement thus far has been given by HPL, which categorically says it is not involved in an F1 deal.

Nevertheless, all signs point to the fact that Singapore may stage its first F1 race next year. Parliament has been told that the government will underwrite half the cost of staging a race, and various ministers have commented on the F1 issue.

Formula One Management supremo Bernie Ecclestone has also flown in and out of Singapore since word spread earlier this year that Mr Ong was linked to an F1 bid.

are the tickets going to as cheap as Malaysia's?

are the tickets going to as cheap as Malaysia's?

Why don't you take a guess? ;-) I've taken mine already.

Why don't you take a guess? ;-) I've taken mine already.

If its 3 times more ex than the CHEAPEST hill sitting tickets in Malaysia then will go....or else..i will just watch from TV

Can stand along the street to watch free of charge ? Don't think they can block the whole stretch of almost 5km road.

How about we all chip in to buy a high unit in the sail and during the race every year, all of us can watch it from the unit.

How about we all chip in to buy a high unit in the sail and during the race every year, all of us can watch it from the unit.


.... just come to my office and watch .....

.... just come to my office and watch .....

:banana: thats the spirit:banana:

Bad news, is still suffering from the serious head injury from the F1 girls. :lol: :lol:

F1 bid: Hurdles remain for 2008 race

Financial, logistical issues still unresolved between backer, Govt and franchise holder

By Christopher Tan, Senior Correspondent
May 10, 2007
The Straits Times

TALKS on Singapore's bid to host a Formula One race have entered the final lap, but the chances of holding a race in the 2008 season look increasingly remote.
The Straits Times understands talks between event backer Ong Beng Seng, F1 franchise holder Bernie Ecclestone and the Singapore Government are stuck in second gear because of financial and logistical hurdles.

'He (Mr Ong) wants the Government to foot a large part of the bill, but the Government thinks that it is unwise,' said a source familiar with the negotiations.


Another source said Singapore is negotiating for better terms from Mr Ecclestone on the basis that holding a night race - an idea the F1 supremo is keen on - would be costlier.

Asked for comments and an update of developments, a Ministry of Trade and Industry spokesman repeated what Minister of State S. Iswaran said in Parliament in March: 'The Government is willing to support such a venture up to a level commensurate with the broader benefits to the economy.'

In other words, there is a limit to how much the Government would be willing to invest in the race.

The cost of holding each race in the F1 calendar is estimated at US$70 million, more than Mr Ong's listed Hotel Properties makes in a year.

Beyond money, the task of working out the logistics is proving to be a nightmare. The main concerns lie with maximising public safety and minimising disruption to businesses in the busy Marina Bay area - the site earmarked for a 5km street circuit.

Roads may have to be resurfaced, some would have to be widened, kerbs have to be remodelled, and fences and crash barriers have to be erected.

But lighting is said to be the main challenge. So far, the FIA - the international motorsports governing body - does not have a lighting standard for F1 because there has never been a night race before.

'We will need floodlights which we use at the National Stadium and quite a lot of them. It's costly,' said yet another source, who added that these lights can blind drivers in their low-slung cars.

For these reasons, Singapore is unlikely to make next year's race calendar.

'It took us two years to prepare for the SEA Games and over a year to prepare for the International Monetary Fund-World Bank conference,' the source said. 'It's going to be tough.'

A senior executive in Mr Ong's team, who is spearheading the F1 project, told The Straits Times earlier that Singapore had to decide by April if it wants to make it in time for the 2008 season.

Missing 2008 may have more serious implications. Other cities may bid to become new venues and there may not be many slots left in a year's time. There are currently 17 races a year.

Dr Winston Lee, who was among those involved in an attempt to bring F1 to Singapore between the late 1980s and 1991, said: 'It was offered to us on a silver platter, on condition that we built a circuit in two years. It would be a shame if we should lose the opportunity to run an F1 race again.'

Dr Lee recalled his disappointment when a site earmarked for a circuit was secured for $131 million by NatSteel, which then built the Laguna National Golf and Country Club there.

Another person involved in the previous attempt to stage F1 here, retired teacher Harold Netto, said: 'We had figures to show that tourist arrivals in cities in the month during an F1 race surpassed the other 11 months combined.'

Mr Netto, who was president of the Singapore Motor Sports Club at that time, said official approval had been given, but it was later 'vetoed'.

'It was a big letdown. We had worked on it for nearly two years,' he said.

Meanwhile, Mr Ong's F1 team has started its engine.

A company called Singapore GP Pte Ltd was registered on May 3, with an issued capital of $20 million.

Shareholding companies of Singapore GP are Komoco, Mr Ong's car distribution unit, and Reef Enterprises, one of his own holding companies.

Its officers include Komoco boss Teo Hock Seng and Mr Colin Syn, president of Hard Rock Cafe, which Hotel Properties runs. Another director is Mr Michael Roche, a director at Lushington, another of Mr Ong's companies, which brings in international artists for concerts here.

:bash: No go.
3 is a crowd to do business.Like one husband 2 wives.Sure no go.:ohno:

:bash: No go.
3 is a crowd to do business.Like one husband 2 wives.Sure no go.:ohno:

Don't pour cold water on it yet.

doesn't look good leh...

i want to see F1 race here:)

So annoying with this flip-flop news...:ohno: good news one day and then bad news tomorrow, then good, then bad, then good, then bad....making us nuts ! .:nuts: ... if it can't make it, then HPL share price will drop like shit since it went up so much over past 2-3 months due to the anticipation that Ong BS can make it.

Mr. Ong, your share price went up so much, so don't hesitate so much on the spending ! Just DO IT like a MAN !!! :lol:

The cost of holding each race in the F1 calendar is estimated at US$70 million, more than Mr Ong's listed Hotel Properties makes in a year.


Haha, now they've done their math, and they don't feel so committed anymore.
As I said earlier, the longer time they spend on it, the more unlikely it gets we have the race next year, so now it all depends on how competent are those people to collaborate in organizing the event... And that is not looking good at the moment.

Streets of Valencia to host grand prix from 2008
Thursday 10th May 2007

The street track of Valencia has been added to the 2008 schedule.

The announcement means that Spain will host until at least two grands prix until 2011 when the deal for Barcelona to run the Spanish GP expires - a reflection of the country's growing interest in the sport due to Fernando Alonso's emergence.

However, it is confirmation that the European GP will be based on the streets of the seaside resort, rather than on the circuit on the edge of the city which regularly hosts test sessions, that is bound to capture the imagination of F1 supporters worldwide.

At a press conference on Thursday, F1 ringmaster Bernie Ecclestone confirmed that a seven-year deal had been finalised.

Source: http://www.planet-f1.com/story/0,18954,3213_2118472,00.html

Alright, so we've been beaten to it. I'd say that a big blow to our chances of hosting a new race next year. Or any time soon. In my opinion it could very well be that this deal was signed because Ecclestone was unhappy with how negotiations were going with Singapore.

What a shame after all the hoo hah over the past few months ! :mad2:

Ai yah just organise a Singapore F1 kart racing event.All bengs can participate.I also participate.

I think Mr Ong should look at partnering with Mr Tay. Anyway, I hope Singapore has an F1. It could be a factor to pull more wealth to Singapore. If Monaco can do it, we should at least try our best....

I guess we will have one just before next GE :)

just build a Grade One F1 track on Pulau Tekong and turn it into a car industry island with best mechanics to mod and fix cars. and also posh show halls for car expos....

just build a Grade One F1 track on Pulau Tekong and turn it into a car industry island with best mechanics to mod and fix cars. and also posh show halls for car expos....


I thought the government has asked for a tender for building a permanent track in Changi South?

I thought the government has asked for a tender for building a permanent track in Changi South?


Thats a grade 2 track. Not qualified for F1, maybe just good enuff for Japan GT and the likes of that

Singapore to announce F1 decision at 5pm today.

i'm keeping my fingers crossed!!

This reminds me of the casino "debate".

Will it be like last time where we more or less know the casinos are coming...even before its announced.

Reuters
Singapore
Friday, May 11, 3:05 PM

An aide to Singapore tycoon Ong Beng Seng has confirmed that he will be attending a government press conference to announce its decision on hosting a Formula One (F1) race in the city-state.

The office of Colin Syn, who heads the Hard Rock Cafe franchise of Ong's Hotel Properties Ltd., said Syn would be attending the briefing at 0900 GMT or 5 p.m. local time.

Hotel Properties had earlier said that any investment by Ong in the F1 race would be in his private capacity.

Stock market seems to be pricing in that it will be good news. Look at HPL up 6.6% now.

If I had the money and knew how I would have bought a lot or two.

Singapore to announce F1 decision at 5pm today.

OMG!!! :eek:

Hopefully good news......:happy:

It will be funny if the government announces the approval for 2 races tracks. One for F1 and the other for A1. :lol: Guess double is bliss .. not for everything though.

If no go, holding press conference for what?
All should have already taken cover or at least hiding under a table :lol: :lol:


S'pore's F1 announcement today

By Julian Lim - May 11, 2007
AsiaOne

The Ministry of Trade & Industry (MTI) has called a media conference at 5 pm today to announce its decision on hosting a Formula One race in Singapore.

Sent at 2.20pm this afternoon, the media release from MTI requested journalists to arrive latest by 4.30pm, which is significantly shorter notice than usual for press conferences, signalling the possibility of the long-awaited confirmation of what Singapore motorists have been longing for.

Earlier this week, the media reported that a company named 'Singapore GP Pte Ltd' had been registered with the Accounting & Corporate Regulatory Authority on May 3, with an issued capital of 20 million shares of $1 each. Under one of the pre-requisite fields, the company's activity has been described as 'event promotion'.

Two of its three directors are closely tied with property tycoon, Ong Beng Seng, who has been leading the charge to bring Formula One. Ong is the top man at hotel and resorts developer, Hotel Properties Ltd.

F1 supremo, Bernie Ecclestone, also stopped over in Singapore en route to the Australian Grand Prix earlier this year for talks with Ong and some government officials.

Senior officials from MTI and the Ministry of Community Development, Youth & Sports (MCYS), in comments made, also showed their support for staging the F1 here, but also made clear that they would leave the private sector to spearhead the effort. A government entourage also went to Melbourne for the opening race of the season, fuelling further speculation that an announcement was due then.

Motorsports Asia, a forum, has been abuzz with chats on hosting the race. And recent stopovers by Red Bull Racing's Mark Webber and Team AT&T Williams' Alex Wurtz got those watching the scene intently even more excited.

The media has in the past week been focusing on the operational details of the race, such as the proposed street circuit and the new 'night racing' concept, which threw up many practical issues that would have to be addressed, such as the massive task of lighting the track with power-sapping floodlights. And still, we waited.

Will the 5 pm announcement put the months of behind-the-scenes wrangling and media speculation behind us? We will know soon. Watch this space.

If no go, holding press conference for what?
All should have already taken cover or at least hiding under a table :lol: :lol:


S'pore's F1 announcement today

By Julian Lim - May 11, 2007
AsiaOne

The Ministry of Trade & Industry (MTI) has called a media conference at 5 pm today to announce its decision on hosting a Formula One race in Singapore.

Sent at 2.20pm this afternoon, the media release from MTI requested journalists to arrive latest by 4.30pm, which is significantly shorter notice than usual for press conferences, signalling the possibility of the long-awaited confirmation of what Singapore motorists have been longing for.

Earlier this week, the media reported that a company named 'Singapore GP Pte Ltd' had been registered with the Accounting & Corporate Regulatory Authority on May 3, with an issued capital of 20 million shares of $1 each. Under one of the pre-requisite fields, the company's activity has been described as 'event promotion'.

Two of its three directors are closely tied with property tycoon, Ong Beng Seng, who has been leading the charge to bring Formula One. Ong is the top man at hotel and resorts developer, Hotel Properties Ltd.

F1 supremo, Bernie Ecclestone, also stopped over in Singapore en route to the Australian Grand Prix earlier this year for talks with Ong and some government officials.

Senior officials from MTI and the Ministry of Community Development, Youth & Sports (MCYS), in comments made, also showed their support for staging the F1 here, but also made clear that they would leave the private sector to spearhead the effort. A government entourage also went to Melbourne for the opening race of the season, fuelling further speculation that an announcement was due then.

Motorsports Asia, a forum, has been abuzz with chats on hosting the race. And recent stopovers by Red Bull Racing's Mark Webber and Team AT&T Williams' Alex Wurtz got those watching the scene intently even more excited.

The media has in the past week been focusing on the operational details of the race, such as the proposed street circuit and the new 'night racing' concept, which threw up many practical issues that would have to be addressed, such as the massive task of lighting the track with power-sapping floodlights. And still, we waited.

Will the 5 pm announcement put the months of behind-the-scenes wrangling and media speculation behind us? We will know soon. Watch this space.

Haha....quite true.....very SINGGOV way of doing things....:lol:

Hahah. I agree with you charging bull.

Let's await the expected news.

OK, its 5 already! Time to pop the champagne?

Banner at press conference says Singapore to host F1 from 2008

Banner at press conference says Singapore to host F1 from 2008

:banana: :cheers:

YES!!!! Confirmed liao! Just watched it live from CNA!!

ChannelNewsAsia
Singapore
11 May 2007

Singapore will hold a Formula One race in 2008.

This was announced at a press conference on Friday afternoon.

Formula One head Bernie Ecclestone had earlier met property tycoon Ong Beng Seng to discuss the possibility of holding the race in the Republic.

Singapore is keen to host an F1 race and the government has given its blessing to the negotiations between Mr Ong and Mr Ecclestone.

However financial and logistical hurdles have recently slowed progress on a deal.

The government said it was "willing to support such a venture up to a level commensurate with the broader benefits to the economy".

The cost of hosting a race is estimated to be US$70 million.

Aside from the costs, the task of working out logistics, particularly maximising public safety and minimising disruptions to local businesses in the area earmarked for the race, was also proving to be a challenge.

A senior member of Mr Ong's team has previously said a decision needed to be made by April this year if they were to be ready for a 2008 race.

AsiaOne
Singapore
11 May 2007

Months of behind-the-scenes wrangling and media speculation have finally be laid to rest. The Ministry of Trade & Industry (MTI) has just announced the much-awaited decision at a hurriedly called press conference.

Yeah!!! Thats lovely...:yes:

finally!!!!:cheers: :cheers: :cheers:

OMG YAY, f1 in singapore!! let's celebrate!

Understand that they will raise the hotel room's tax rate to 30% during F1.
Wow, very fast and efficient when coming to tax increment.


Motor racing-Singapore says to host Formula One race in 2008


SINGAPORE, May 11 (Reuters) - Singapore will host a Formula One race in 2008, a government minister said on Friday.
S. Iswaran, Minister of State for Trade and Industry, told a press briefing that a first race could be held in September or October next year and might be a night race.

A Formula One night race would be the first in the world, although several Grand Prix drivers have spoken against it, citing safety concerns.

Singapore wants to host the Formula One [FOON.UL] race to attract more tourists and raise its profile abroad

alright!!! It should be a night race!

Bloomberg news was out before 5pm.

check it out
http://www.formula1.com/news/6063.html

What do they mean by "... has an option to host for a further five years ..."?

How many years is this contract? 1+5?

What do they mean by "... has an option to host for a further five years ..."?

How many years is this contract? 1+5?


I think it should be 5+5.

we are becoming the Monaco of the East!!! Way to go Singapore Govt!

2008 F1 Singapore Grand Prix

HUAT AR!!!

LONG LIVE LEE KUAN YEW!!!

hurray. :banana:

really looking forward to this event as well as the opening of the singapore flyer.

:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

.... just come to my office and watch .....

Where's your office? ^ ^

Btw, glad I was wrong... I love the poster art! :-)

What an event..!! :banana:

I think it should be 5+5.

I think it's 1 or 5 from what i intepret from the news. but 5 + 5 is the standard way of doing it.

:dance:

"80,000" spectators, while a permanent pit area with deluxe paddock facilities will be built adjacent to the existing Singapore Flyer complex.


f1.com official annoucement:

Singapore confirms 2008 night race


11 May 2007

Singapore will host a round of the 2008 FIA Formula One World Championship, it was confirmed on Friday. The race, to be held on a new street circuit, will be the first night-time event in Formula One history.

The announcement follows the agreement of a five-year deal between FOM CEO Bernie Ecclestone, Singapore entrepreneur Mr Ong Beng Seng, and the Singapore Tourism Board.

“I am very pleased to welcome Singapore to the Formula One family and we look forward to this exotic addition to the championship,” said Ecclestone. “This will be the first fully lit street race in Formula One.

“As a night race we anticipate it will quickly establish itself as one of the most dramatic and atmospheric races on our calendar. I know the Formula One drivers, teams and fans are all looking forward to coming to Singapore next year.”

The new race is scheduled to take place towards the end of the calendar in September or October. The timing of the night event means it can be broadcast at a convenient time for European TV audiences as well as thrilling local fans. It is also expected to have a hugely positive economic impact on the region.

"We are delighted to have reached a deal to bring this landmark event to Singapore, and look forward to working with F1, the Singapore Tourism Board and the business community to deliver a great race and vibrant support events together with the very best of Singapore’s famed hospitality and cuisine.” Ong added.

The Singapore Grand Prix will take place on public roads around the Marina Bay area. The design proposal includes powerful lighting systems that will replicate daylight conditions and the most stringent safety protocols will be applied to ensure driver and spectator safety.

Grandstand seating and hospitality areas lining the track will be able to accommodate more than 80,000 spectators, while a permanent pit area with deluxe paddock facilities will be built adjacent to the existing Singapore Flyer complex.

“It will be more than just a motor race,” commented Singapore’s Minister of State for Trade and Industry, Mr S Iswaran. “We envision it to be a national festival, and one that presents many opportunities for participation for everyone, both visitors and Singaporeans alike.

“Singaporeans are excited about the race coming to Singapore and I share their enthusiasm. Singapore looks forward to welcoming the Formula One drivers, teams and fans to Singapore next year.”

The Singapore Grand Prix will be managed by Singapore GP Pte Ltd, a newly incorporated race promotion company formed between Komoco Motors and regional events company Lushington Entertainments, via its parent company Reef Enterprises.

http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/4052/singaporestreetya7.jpg

Why is the street circuit different now?

It's on! Formula One race is coming to Singapore in 2008

By Julian Lim - May 11, 2007
AsiaOne

Singapore will host a Formula One race in 2008, and it may be a night race, Minister of State for Trade and Industry, Mr S. Iswaran told press conference today.

He said Singapore has won the right to host the race for five years, with option to extend for another five years, and it expects annual tourism receipts from the event of about S$100 million.

The rights were secured by Singapore property tycoon Ong Beng Seng, who has been leading the charge to bring the F1 race here.

The first race will take place in September or early October next year in a street circuit around Marina Centre, said the beaming minister, and it could "potentially" be the world's first night race, but organisers are still looking at safety issues.

"A night race will be unique, different and allow the Singapore event to reach out to television audiences in Asia, Europe and the US. Safety is of paramount concern to all of us," said Mr Iswaran. Therefore, we will proceed with a night race only if the safety and operational requirements of all parties including the FIA, FOA and Formula 1 teams are fully met. If not, we will revert to a day race."

He said the government would cover 60 per cent of the estimated annual cost of up to S$150 million and that an extra hotel tax would be charged during the race week to help meet the costs.

Singapore has been pushing hard for the race. Last month Australian Formula One driver Mark Webber tested the Singapore's 5.2-km street circuit in a Porsche 911 GT3.

FI Supremo Bernie Ecclestone expressed his enthusiasm at the prospect of a night race in Singapore.

"Singapore is going to be the leader with the street race at night. Everyone's excited about the idea," he said via teleconference from Spain.

Singapore's announcement comes a day after Ecclestone confirmed that Valencia, Spain, would also stage a F1 race in 2008 on a street circuit. The eastern Spanish city will hold F1 races for seven years beginning next year.

Ecclestone has previously been reported as saying he would like to include several night races on the F1 circuit -- especially in Asia -- in a bid to make their broadcast times more accessible to European and North American television viewers.

The proposal has so far met with mixed responses from teams and drivers, with safety concerns the main issue.

Speaking at the packed media briefing, Mr Iswaran noted that over the past few months, there has been a palpable buzz at home and internationally at the prospect of Singapore hosting an F1 race.

"Singaporeans from all walks of life are excited and we share their excitement. By holding the race on a street circuit in Marina Centre, we will bring the buzz and excitement into the heart of the city, so that everyone can join in the festivities. And there will be ample opportunity for broad-based participation in the event - whether as a guest, a spectator, a volunteer, or simply to participate in the events that will be held around the race," he said.

On the economic benefits and positive spill-overs from F1, the minister said it would add vibrancy to Singapore as a global city and business centre, that is abuzz with high quality entertainment and events.

"A world class event like the F1 race, with more than 500 million viewers worldwide, will take us closer to this objective. F1 will give a strong boost to our tourism sector. It is expected to generate incremental tourism receipts of about S$100 million a year," Mr Iswaran told a packed media conference.

"Hotels, night spots, restaurants, retailers, airlines, taxi drivers, and many other groups will benefit. The hive of activity surrounding the race will create opportunities for individuals and companies alike.

"There will be broader economic spin-offs as well. Our growing private wealth management industry, strong contingent of MNCs and local companies, and diverse retail and entertainment establishments can all take advantage of the event to derive benefits for their clients and their business."

On the government's role, Mr Iswaran said the staging the F1 is a major financial undertaking for any company, costing as much as $150 million a year.

"Revenue from ticket sales, merchandising and sponsorship will defray some of the costs. However, given the larger economic benefits from an F1 race that do not accrue to the Race Promoter, there is a case for commensurate support from public funds," he said, adding that STB will, therefore, co-fund about 60 per cent of the cost of the event from the Tourism Development Fund.

Calling on the hotel sector to pitch in, he said: "The Government cannot do this alone. While the tourism-related businesses and the economy, in general, will benefit from the F1 Grand Prix, the hotels, in particular, will be significant beneficiaries. Hotels in Monaco and Melbourne, for instance, are near full occupancy and are known to raise their room rates by up to 2 to 3 times, with stipulated minimum stays of 3 to 4 nights, during the race period.

"We expect hotels in Singapore to benefit similarly and we need our hotels to contribute their fair share.

"The Government, therefore, intends to impose a special F1 cess on hotel room revenues to defray some of the cost of staging the F1 race in Singapore. The F1 cess will be for a limited period of about 7 days around the race.

"It will be tiered so that track-side hotels which will benefit from the highest increases in room rates will pay a higher rate, and those further away will pay a lower rate. We are looking at a cess of no more than 30 percent to ensure that hoteliers still keep a significant share of the upside whilst making a meaningful contribution. The F1 cess is expected to raise an average of about S$15 to S$20 million per year. "

The government is in talks with members of the hotel industry, including members of the Singapore Hotel Association (SHA) EXCO, and the feedback has been positive, he said.

The Minister also warned of disruption to traffic, as some roads will have to be closed in the period leading up to the race, during the race days, as well as after the race. There may also be some access restrictions around the track during the race period.

"We will need the understanding and cooperation of all Singaporeans and stakeholders affected by such inconveniences. I would like to assure everyone that our Government agencies will work closely with all stakeholders concerned to minimise any disruptions and inconveniences. We will set up an inter-agency committee for this purpose to work in partnership with the Race Promoter to ensure that Singapore stages a world-class F1 race whilst doing our best to mitigate the inconveniences. "



Singapore Tourism Board' chief executive and deputy chairman Lim Neo Chian, who was also at the media briefing, said he expects the Singapore F1 race to attract 80,000 spectators, many of them foreigners and add boost the economy by filling hotel rooms, increase retail spending and other spinoffs.

He said the F1 is the third most watched sports in the world, after the Olympics and World Cup.

Mr Ong, who was also at the press conference, said that it has taken 12 "difficult months" to reach the decision to host the F1 race and the next 16 months will be challenges. He expects there will be differences but says the business community will work closely with the government agencies to make the event a success.

Mr Ong, with three others, has formed a company, Singapore GP Pte Ltd, with a capital of 20 million shares of $1 each. Under one of the pre-requisite fields, the company's activity has been described as 'event promotion'.

Ong is the controlling shareholder of mainboard-listed Hotel Properties Ltd, which owns Hard Rock Cafe. He is also the majority shareholder of Komoco. Ong is the controlling shareholder of mainboard-listed Hotel Properties Ltd, which owns Hard Rock Cafe. He is also the majority shareholder of Komoco.

The chequered flag is finally is sight, signally an end to the months of behind-the-scenes wrangling and on-and-off media speculation.

Where's your office? ^ ^

Btw, glad I was wrong... I love the poster art! :-)


Sorry guys!
I realised they have changed the circuit.
The new circuit doesn't go into Suntec anymore. So it doesn't make any sense to come to my office now!
I could only see the cars zoom past the Singapore Flyer and nothing much.
What a waste!

YEA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sorry guys!
I realised they have changed the circuit.
The new circuit doesn't go into Suntec anymore. So it doesn't make any sense to come to my office now!
I could only see the cars zoom past the Singapore Flyer and nothing much.
What a waste!

Awwwwwww.........ask them to change back?:lol:
Thanks for the offer anyway. But maybe u can change office.:lol:

Anyway, the third site for the gardens by the bay is being enroached by the tracks.
Is this y the govt didnt award the winner for that site? the govt very tricky har.....

The longest strait on Raffles Boulevard would be about 800m long, which is not too bad. According to the map, the following turn seems to be rather wide-angled, which is not good in term of overtaking opportunity. Also, the grand stand is facing the opposite direction, so I'm not sure who will get to see the action except cameras, really. However, the turn may end up being built sharper than drawn on the map. I guess a visit could help figure out what can be done there.

The part around the seating gallery looks to be slow and boring, but the rest of the track features some interesting turns, like the flowing bends after Anderson Bridge and the wide-angle bend in the acceleration zone just before the finish line. I'm also curious to see how the road looks like at the first corner, the map shows a rather fast turn that could be very interesting.

I think I'll try to go take a walk around the track soon :-)

They said the circle around the fountain of wealth is quite a hazardous one, dunno why.

Anyone knows how the track manage to cut into the seating gallery ?

Don't think there is any space for the track between the seating gallery and the floating platform as well.
With speed of 300km/h, I just wonder how many cars gonna drop into the bay infront of the seating gallery ?

I guess they'll be building extra roads there temporarily?

They said the circle around the fountain of wealth is quite a hazardous one, dunno why.

Probably - for safety reason....


Anyway, it has been confirmed. Not sure if the grand stand and the floating platform would remain for another 5 years.... after hosting 5 years of racing...

The hype was all newspapers-created anyway, and mostly due to neighboring Malaysian GP taking place with lots of F1 VIP hanging around. Just be patient and let those involved finish the work ;-)

:cheers1: a big THANK YOU to all those involved in the work for successfully bringing a great event to Singapore.

Sept is a great month to host F1. Imagine after the National Day celebration in Aug, we will have another great fire works in Sept for the F1 event at Marina Bay !

Sail T1 and MBR bay facing units will have a great view of the F1 race !

The padang field will be another great site for a huge seating gallery !

The Clifford Pier Hotel has not started building. I believe Far East now have to expedite their construction to open their hotel before Sept 08 if they don't want to miss earning the big bucks.

Anyone knows how the track manage to cut into the seating gallery ?

Don't think there is any space for the track between the seating gallery and the floating platform as well.
With speed of 300km/h, I just wonder how many cars gonna drop into the bay infront of the seating gallery ?

I think there is space, since now we're speaking about a bit of track, and not the starting grid anymore. You'd be surprised how narrow of the roads on some tracks such as Monaco and Melbourne. And don't worry, cars won't be driving at 300km/h. There are three very sharp turns just before the gallery, so if they're driving at half that speed it will be good already ^ ^

Sail T1 and MBR bay facing units will have a great view of the F1 race !

The padang field will be another great site for a huge seating gallery !

The Clifford Pier Hotel has not started building. I believe Far East now have to expedite their construction to open their hotel before Sept 08 if they don't want to miss earning the big bucks.

Best views will be from the Flyer, Millenia Tower and Swissotel. I'd say the residential units with the most interesting point of view will be those on top of High Street Centre.

As for Clifford Pier Hotel, I don't think they can make it for 2008 :-) But it doesn't matter, they still have at least 4 years of F1 after that ;-)

By the way, I guess-timated a track length of approximately 5,3km. So that would be a maximum of 58 laps or just under 308km.

They've been brilliant by creating the track in front of the seating gallery. It now makes full use of the seating gallery which can seat over 30,000 people. They can easily create another seating gallery for another 15,000 on the floating platform. Another seating gallery at Pandang field for another 30,000 as well.

hmmm seats on floating platform? wont it become too heavy and sink? hahaha :nuts: :banana: :banana: :lol:

According to the floating platform specification, it can take 1070 tonnes or equivalent to 9000 people + 200 tonnes stage props + 3 x 30 tonnes vehicles.

They said the circle around the fountain of wealth is quite a hazardous one, dunno why.

Actually there is an F1 track bible of rules and regulations. temporary roads/barriers/alignment must be added to adhere to that.
I think it must be impossible for the fountain part to comply..therefore it is excluded.

http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/4052/singaporestreetya7.jpg



How do they create a hole in the NDP seating gallery?:nuts:

May 12, 2007
Singapore GP will be a stunning spectacle
F1 race will earn the Republic recognition as one of the world's great sporting locations

By Steve Slater

IT HAS been a long time coming but, in the words of Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone himself, the Singapore Grand Prix is a 'win-win' event.

Formula One wins because it gains a spectacular new venue.

And, if everything drops into place, it will have an even more spectacular new night-race format.

It is a real boost to the F1 calendar.

Singapore wins too.

Hosting a Formula One Grand Prix places it on the map as one of the world's great sporting locations.

Given Singapore's ability to add yet more value, I will happily bet that it will be one of the world's 'must watch' sporting events of 2008.

And that is before we get to the estimated $100 million in revenue that visitors are set to bring in.

Yes, I speak as a died-in-the-wool motorsports enthusiast.

But I really think that this event will make Singapore leap in global recognition.

Imagine the cost of placing an advertisement on every major TV network in the world showing how great Singapore looks. It would be prohibitively expensive.

Yet, the global coverage of the Singapore Grand Prix will effectively be a TV commercial, lasting two hours.

Singapore has already set the sporting world buzzing with its announcement that the race could be held at night.

It is, of course, subject to a further series of tests.

Quite rightly, the Grand Prix organisers and Formula One will demand the highest levels of safety and security before they commit to the new format.

Even if the race is held during the day, it will look and sound fantastic.

Imagine the shriek of the V8 engines, along with the reflections, bouncing off the glass walls of the buildings along Raffles Boulevard.

Then there is the dash across the bridge on Esplanade Drive, followed by the near-hairpin bend at the Fullerton Hotel and the squeeze across the Anderson Bridge.

What a track!

The Singapore circuit is going to be very different to most people's perceptions of a street circuit, which are based on the very tight confines of the Monaco track.

Do not forget that it was first developed in the 1920s. While it has got a great atmosphere, as a race track, it is hopeless.

In contrast, Singapore is going to have some really quick, flat-out sections, such as the Raffles Boulevard, which will see the cars getting close to 300kmh.

There are likely to be some great overtaking opportunities, such as at the end of Republic Boulevard.

And the first corner of the lap will be right in front of the Singapore Flyer. Now, that is a great place to watch the race.

It all sounds great, then imagine watching it at night - with the shining backdrop of the city.

If anything, it will be twice the spectacle, complete with red-hot glowing brake discs and flashes of flame from the exhaust pipes.

It will be a stunning spectacle.

Most importantly, the track is right in the heart of the city. And, assuming that tickets are priced at the right level, it has more potential than any other race to become a 'people's Grand Prix'.

While we cannot all aspire to be on one of the millionaires' yachts in the Marina, the track has the potential to offer lots of viewing opportunities.

I'm sure too that the event will turn into a week-long festival, ensuring that the Singapore Grand Prix becomes 'the Singaporean's Grand Prix'.

Let us make it happen.

stsports@sph.com.sg

Steve Slater is the expert half of the popular F1 commentary duo on STAR Sports. He has been involved in the sport at many levels including as journalist, race-organiser, radio broadcaster and now, commentator.

Copyright © 2007 Singapore Press Holdings. All rights reserved.

look what i found in todayonline:)

http://i9.tinypic.com/4ptvn82.jpg

Wow, this is at the URA centre eh? And I think there is a tunnel below the Seating Gallery, as the track goes under it.

Wow, this is at the URA centre eh? And I think there is a tunnel below the Seating Gallery, as the track goes under it.

probably some journalists photoshopped the track lines

Looks like they have revised the original plan

Here are pics of some of the streets that would be part of the route:

Past Supreme Court / City Hall / Padang
http://home.pacific.net.sg/~mippy/SXY4.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/rotpics03/sccny.jpg

Over the Fullerton Bridge (by encon)
http://img243.imageshack.us/img243/8667/dsc0208oh2.jpg

http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/264/dsc0195mr6.jpg

by babystan03
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e126/ylstan02/1st%20Sep%202006/DSC_0054.jpg

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e126/ylstan02/1st%20Sep%202006/DSC_0047.jpg

Rounding this corner at the Esplanade
http://www.sky.s64.pl/home/W/Sing/sbn16.jpg

Past Fullerton Hotel
http://www.jellesen.dk/webcrea/places/sing/30x.jpg

Across Anderson Bridge (by baqthier)
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/503/9cbdmarinawalk4.jpg

Down this street (by babystan03)
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/ylstan04/23%20Feb%202007/DSC_0044.jpg

and this! (by babystan03)
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/ylstan04/24%20Feb%202007%20Fireworks/DSC_0030.jpg


The sights of Singapore will be well broadcast!

Classic Quote:

1. "Don't issue thunderbolts of wisdom from the top of Mount Olympus." - Wynn when complained on the micro-management by 'bureaucrats' on several issues leading up to the submission of bids, particularly design-related issues of Marina Bay IR

2. The Briton termed as "a bit of pain" in dealing with Singapore officialdom threatened to scupper the long-awaited deal."
- Already gave enough face, didn't say pain in the neck or in the A**.

:lol: :lol:

The Beng Seng, Bernie show

SINGAPORE: Just a week ago, property tycoon Ong Beng Seng was wondering if his dream of bringing the glitzy Formula 1 race to Singapore would come crashing down yet again.
His 18-year-old friendship with F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone notwithstanding, differences over "the money part" and what the Briton termed as "a bit of pain" in dealing with Singapore officialdom threatened to scupper the long-awaited deal.

But just a day after a newspaper reported that hurdles remained in Mr Ong's F1 bid, the tycoon made a rare appearance at a press conference, alongside Minister of State for Trade and Industry S Iswaran and Singapore Tourism Board chief executive Lim Neo Chian, to announce the good news – F1 is coming to town next year.

True to his reclusive nature, Mr Ong, dressed casually in a short-sleeved shirt, was fidgety, clearly not comfortable being surrounded by flashing camera lights and a group of eager journalists. But whether he liked it or not, he was the man of the moment.

Speaking from Barcelona via teleconference, Mr Ecclestone, 77, said: "If it wasn't for him (Mr Ong), there wouldn't be any possibility of a race in Singapore. We have five countries waiting to host a round of the championships. It's because of our friendship over the years that he has persuaded me to come to Singapore."

Yet, just days earlier, the fate of Mr Ong's second attempt – he tried but failed to bring F1 to Singapore in 1991 – seemed to be in the balance.

Mr Ong, who is managing director of Hotel Properties Limited (HPL), said: "It's been very trying and challenging. It's been a long road with Bernie on this subject. It's taken us 12 rather difficult months to get to this position … Until last week, we didn't know if this was going to take place at all."

According to Mr Ong, there were many stumbling blocks, not least the commercial aspects – or as he put it, "the money part of it" – of holding a Grand Prix race on a street circuit, which Mr Iswaran said would cost about $150 million.

And in typical Singapore style, they had found a novel way to fund part of the cost. Mr Iswaran said the Government would impose a special F1 tax of not more than 30 per cent on hotel room revenues.

And there were other logistical and safety issues that had to be factored in, especially since the negotiating parties were also considering the possibility of making Singapore the stage for F1's first night race ever, an idea that Mr Ecclestone was keen on.

"I think we can drop the possibility of a day race," said Mr Ecclestone, responding to scepticism over the safety of a night race.

Mr Ong added: "Being a street circuit, we have a lot of leakages, with a lot of office buildings and hotels and generally, whether we could fit everything in with all the F1 requirements."

And then, there was the matter of cutting through the bureaucratic red tape. In fact, the straight-talking Mr Ecclestone said it was "a bit of a pain" to deal with the Government, which would be footing 60 per cent of the $150-million tab.

At this point, Mr Iswaran interjected and said: "Be kind, Bernie, be kind!" – to which Mr Ecclestone responded: "I'm trying to be honest."

The flamboyant Briton, who just a day earlier had struck a 26-million-euro ($53 million) deal for the Spanish city of Valencia to host a street race, added: "It's just that the people in Government have been so, so thorough with it. I tend to do things a little bit more on trust."

While there was speculation that SUTL Group managing director Arthur Tay was also trying to bring F1 here, Mr Iswaran, who has been the Government's pointman in the negotiations, said that Mr Ong – who recently registered a new company, Singapore GP Pte Ltd, to organise the race – was the only person in the running.

Of Mr Ecclestone, Mr Iswaran said: "I would say Mr Ecclestone is a tough negotiator. He calculates but at the end of the day, he's prepared to cut a deal."

According to sources, up until March, the parties were still carrying out feasibility studies. Issues such as sponsorship, broadcasting rights and the timing of the race still had to be ironed out. Even as late as last month, there was still no agreement on how much exposure the "Singapore brand" would get during the F1 race.

So, what was the deal breaker in the end?

According to Mr Ong, it was Mr Ecclestone's visit to the city two months ago, his first in the past "10 or 20 years".

Mr Ong said: "After looking at our city, both Mr and Mrs Ecclestone were actually very impressed. And I think this swung the deal for Singapore."

While Mr Ong preferred to focus on the business aspects of the F1 deal during the 30-minute press conference, the journalists, who don't often get a chance to get up close with one of Singapore's richest men, also wanted to know something more personal: What kept him trying for the past 16 years?

Mr Ong replied: "It's a difficult question to answer. Some personal interests –I like sports. The second thing is I really believe it's good for Singapore. And I think it's also really good for Formula 1 to be in Singapore."

And now that his dream has come true? "Of course, we feel good. Second time around, you know. I'm quite elated at the prospect and I hope I can do a good job of it," came his understated reply. -

any idea night racing starts and end at what time?

Understand that the race will start around 7pm.

that's not very dark when it starts though..

Don't worry lah, just wait.

He may have accidentally bump onto this F1 girls and now slowly recover from concussion. :lol: :lol:

http://img460.imageshack.us/img460/4760/f1girlwc7.jpg

1. Those f1 girls' pictures u posted.. they're butt ugly..

2. Of cos u can't watch from the streeets!! ppl pay US$500 to watch it in other countries.. wot wld even make u suggest that u can just stand on the street n watch for free?!? nuthing in singapore is free...remember?

How do they create a hole in the NDP seating gallery?:nuts:

Like any stadium, they have entrance in the gallery to allow any equipments to enter. I believe the officers of floating platform/gallery seats have suggested to allow F1 cars to race into the entrance of the gallery and then emerge infront of audience against the beautiful skyline and to the cheerleaders on the platform. The audience can see F1 cars zooming over Fullerton Bridge from gallery.

I am much surprised with additional of new roads exclusive for F1 cars. It is fascinating to have permanent structure next to Singapore Flyer. Wow.

that's not very dark when it starts though..


What if the drivers kept their eyes on the beautiful and colourful Singapore Flyer and forget to drop to lower gear at the turn in front of the Singapore Flyer? :)

Hotels along proposed route report bookings and enquiries since yesterday evening
Vincent Wee
12 May 2007

Even with no definite date for the Singapore Grand Prix, hotels on the proposed F1 route are already reporting a huge number of requests for room bookings for likely weeks.

http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/5130/bt62167551205200712094fcg8.jpg
Racing in the city: A model of the proposed F1 circuit in downtown Singapore

The phones started ringing within minutes of the official announcement that Singapore will be hosting the race from 2008, hoteliers said.

Industry sources also told BT that corporates like Daimler-Chrysler and some of the banks had made big block bookings for their premium clients at Swissotel The Stamford, one of the hotels along the route, while other hotels have reported heavy corporate bookings even though there is no word on when the motor race will he held.

At the Pan Pacific, public relations manager Cheryl Ng said: 'The hotel began receiving inquiries for accommodation shortly after the announcement was made.' Other hotels along the route include Marina Mandarin, The Oriental, Ritz-Carlton, Conrad, Raffles Hotel, and The Fullerton.

The money will not all be flowing one way. The hotel trade will, however, be expected to help stump up some of the $150 million the event is expected to cost - but reactions to the F1 cess announced yesterday were generally positive. 'We're supportive of it,' said Ritz-Carlton's director of public relations Evelyn Yo.

Marina Mandarin's general manager Tony Cousens said: 'F1 will be a great event for Singapore, fantastic international positioning for Singapore and, as such, as with other destinations for events, a levy to support it will be understandable.'

Likewise at Pan Pacific, where Ms Ng said: 'The confirmation of this event is extremely encouraging, not only for the hotel but for the outlook for the hospitality industry on the whole and with this news, the hotel will be starting a committee to begin preparations for this event.'

The general manager of Royal Plaza on Scotts, Patrick Fiat, said: 'It's definitely a big boost for tourism in Singapore and one of the best things that can happen for the branding of the country.'

Hoteliers were, however, unwilling to comment immediately on how room rates will be affected by the levy and by the race it is intended to help pay for. While acknowledging that the Grand Prix will be an excellent opportunity to boost business, most said they would need more time to assess the supply and demand situation at the time.

'Although it is too early to predict the rate changes at this stage, we expect an increase,' said Ms Ng.

'This will become clearer once we have an idea of the final concept - day or night - which will generate the expected tourist arrival numbers and subsequently, the demand. This is encouraging for local hotel rates in general, which are still behind other Asian cities like Shanghai and Hong Kong.'

Even without this new attraction, hoteliers were already looking forward to a 20% year-on-year rise in room rates.

Clearly, with the addition of the race cess, they can be seen to rise by at least 50% - although the experience in other F1 cities like Monaco and Melbourne suggests that rates could be at least 2-3 times the normal charges during the race period.

My only concern is how Beijing 2008 Olympics from 8th to 24th Aug will impact Singapore 2008 F1. Maybe October, rather than September, would be a better choice for F1 in Singapore.

I'm worried the vehicles fro Raffles Ave will collide head on with vehicles from Stamford Road should they overshoot.

woah... the fullerton hotel's corner is so tight.:nuts:

only the floating platform area and singapore flyer need new road rite? I wonder if they will be opened for normal traffic during the rest of the yrs.

My only concern is how Beijing 2008 Olympics from 8th to 24th Aug will impact Singapore 2008 F1. Maybe October, rather than September, would be a better choice for F1 in Singapore.

Good point. However, I would thought the Olympics may have slight impact to the National Day celebration on the 9 Aug, as some people may travel to Beijing while some watch the Olympics from TV.
Don't think F1 will be affected as it will probably be held late Sep or early Oct.

Anyone care to share their thoughts on how they think F1 will impact property prices and sentiment? At the very least, it should increase Singapore's "mindshare" among foreigners and increase Singapores hip quotient.

The track was geared more towards making more money than anything else. No current track passes by so many hotels at all.

The track was geared more towards making more money than anything else. No current track passes by so many hotels at all.

It would now miss the grand old Raffles Hotel with this new track. Raffles Hotel was originally in the planned track route I believe.

It would now miss the grand old Raffles Hotel with this new track. Raffles Hotel was originally in the planned track route I believe.


Hopefully, beside Singapore Flyer, I can see Republic Boulevard and the Grand Stand from my office.

What a waste! Never come into Suntec!

Hopefully, beside Singapore Flyer, I can see Republic Boulevard and the Grand Stand from my office.

What a waste! Never come into Suntec!

Yah true .... what a waste to skip the Fountain of Wealth. Now F1-wananbes driving Evos, Rexes or Integras are going to do "2 Fast 2 Furious" races with their kakis along the same route. Maybe soon we might hear about tree-wrapping accidents around there.... :ohno:

Yah true .... what a waste to skip the Fountain of Wealth. Now F1-wananbes driving Evos, Rexes or Integras are going to do "2 Fast 2 Furious" races with their kakis along the same route. Maybe soon we might hear about tree-wrapping accidents around there.... :ohno:


Ha ha! Now TP needs to mount more speed camera along the route.

F1 is n.a. machine while Evos and Rexes are forced-induction cars.
So more like Civics and Integras kind. Or M3, RS4/5 and M5/6 kind.
Time to rush down to Kah Motors, PML or PA? Just like rushing down to showrooms?

Hopefully, we also get A1, Moto GP, Japan GT300/500, Superbikes, etc. soon in Changi South.

this is a really tough track with so many sharp turns and corners.:nuts:

Should be a 3 stop track if overtaking is not possible.

1. Paddock club, 4500 seats for high end corporate @ $6,000 per seat = $27m
2. 75,500 other seat @100 (estimated, could be more) = 7.55m
3. Govt grant = 60% of 150m = $90m
4, Cess Hotel Tax = $15m (estimated 15m to 20m)

Total : $139.55m, hosting cost is : $150m

This does not include his hotel (Four seasons, Hilton, Meridian) and shopping (Forum Gallery) belt in Orchard Road, three or four Big Corporate Sponsorship money (expect SIA, ST engineering, Capitaland and Keppel Corp with tons of money to be interested) and F1 Merchandise sales.

Conclusion: He will have quite good Profit not loss. He is very shrewd Businessman and has fully recovered from the F1 girls hangover.:lol: :lol:

F1 hosting will also attract more investors to Singapore.

Hotel, property, Specialty resturant.

Business will boom in Pub, tourism, service industry.

The impact is hugh. Now Malaysia have another reason to hate us even more.

Should consider bringing back X-Game.

More importantily, he has fulfilled his dream in bringing F1 to Singapore after the 1991 setback and as his name implied become a Beng Seng (明星) or SuperStar.:lol: :lol:

Well Done man, Ong, well done. The new twinkle twinkle little star :lol: :lol:

:lol: im going to stalk the drivers

Yah true .... what a waste to skip the Fountain of Wealth. Now F1-wananbes driving Evos, Rexes or Integras are going to do "2 Fast 2 Furious" races with their kakis along the same route. Maybe soon we might hear about tree-wrapping accidents around there.... :ohno:

yea, i was imagining them making that high speed circle around the very bright fountain that would splash water on their precious cars...

Went to Marina Sq today and sat on the steps going down towards the road to Esplanade. Was just wondering, if the public is not able to just stand somewhere and look for free, they will have to cordon off lots of areas at Marina Sq. And what about the pedestrian eating mall outside Esplanade and Thai Express there etc. Do they have to close? Or maybe like "In order to dine, you have to pay 30% more than usual price"? Char Kway Teow from 4 dollars per plate will mark up to 10 each?

By the way, Republic Boulevard now is real narrow. 1 lane road.

I'm worried the vehicles fro Raffles Ave will collide head on with vehicles from Stamford Road should they overshoot.

This is F1. Cars from both sides probably won't see each other...

yea, i was imagining them making that high speed circle around the very bright fountain that would splash water on their precious cars...

You do know those cars can race under raining conditions do you?

Went to Marina Sq today and sat on the steps going down towards the road to Esplanade. Was just wondering, if the public is not able to just stand somewhere and look for free, they will have to cordon off lots of areas at Marina Sq. And what about the pedestrian eating mall outside Esplanade and Thai Express there etc. Do they have to close? Or maybe like "In order to dine, you have to pay 30% more than usual price"? Char Kway Teow from 4 dollars per plate will mark up to 10 each?

By the way, Republic Boulevard now is real narrow. 1 lane road.


Republic Boulevard is 2+2.
May become 4 with flower pots in the middle?

Went to Marina Sq today and sat on the steps going down towards the road to Esplanade. Was just wondering, if the public is not able to just stand somewhere and look for free, they will have to cordon off lots of areas at Marina Sq. And what about the pedestrian eating mall outside Esplanade and Thai Express there etc. Do they have to close? Or maybe like "In order to dine, you have to pay 30% more than usual price"? Char Kway Teow from 4 dollars per plate will mark up to 10 each?

By the way, Republic Boulevard now is real narrow. 1 lane road.

The whole area will be cordoned of for sure. its a safety procedure. what if kids or some crazy pple decide to venture into the racing line?:nuts:
so pple cant just stand somewhere to look. maybe far away places lah

I think people will at least have to go through 1 race to get a feel of what F1 is really like. Though a street race, its much more than putting a few fast cars on the road and see who wins. Take Melbourne's Albert park track for example. When full cordoned off, you will hardly noticed that those roads are actually part of the park and open for public use. If you think you can stand at the side of the road and catch a glimpse of the race, forget it.

To have 100,000 spectators is an understatement, the foreign workers standing at the roadside watching is already 400,000. :lol: :lol:


Just $40 to watch S'pore F1?
Organisers target 100,000 spectators, 60% from S'pore

Jose Raymond
jose@mediacorp.com.sg

THE price of a ticket to watch million-dollar cars speed down Singapore's downtown streets during next year's Formula 1 Grand Prix could be as low as $40 to $50.
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This, however, is likely to be the price for standing-room-only tickets along the 5.26-km street circuit on race day.
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Having set their sights on 100,000 ticketed spectators, with 60 to 70 per cent of them based here, Singapore GP, set up by hotel and property tycoon Ong Beng Seng to oversee for the Singapore F1 race, is expected to keep a substantial chunk of the tickets affordable — even as it woos the world's elite.
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Yesterday, 48 hours after it was announced that Singapore had successfully clinched hosting rights for the race, Mr Colin Syn, a director at Singapore GP, told Today: "We have yet to decide on the ticket pricing, but a large number will be affordable and (the prices will be) on par with all other Grand Prix races on the circuit."
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Added fellow director Teo Hock Seng: "Ticket prices will have to be of international standard. The tickets will be tiered; the price for a three-day pass will be different from a single-day pass."
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However, both men are confident that the final ticket prices will be competitive enough to ensure a massive turnout. Mr Teo, who is also the managing director of Hyundai vehicle distributors, Komoco Motors, noted: "Formula 1 is very much an elite event, but we expect that there will be a big rush for tickets when they go on sale.
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"We are very confident that we will be able to get close to 100,000 fans for Singapore's first race."
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A three-day pass at other F1 races in Asia can cost between $44 and $1,391 (see box). Across the Causeway, the cheapest tickets at the Malaysian Grand Prix cost RM50 ($22.40) for a single day Hillstand pass, which lets you sit in the open, exposed to the elements, on a grassy knoll overlooking the Sepang course.
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At the other end of the spectrum, the organisers of the Singapore Grand Prix are likely to reserve between 10,000 and 15,000 tickets for the VVIPs, VIPs, corporate sponsors and guests of the organisers and racing teams — as is done at other F1 races.
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Add to this some 20,000 diehard F1 fans from around the world, who are expected to pour into Singapore for the race, which is likely to be in September or early October next year.
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This leaves an estimated 65,000 tickets for local enthusiasts. But just where will they be seated?
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As far as seating arrangements go, Mr Syn told Today that it would only be finalised once the street circuit was confirmed. But well aware of the island's scorching days and sudden downpours, he added: "Wherever possible, we will try to get stands in for the fans. The only problem we could have now is that there are too many trees along the circuit. Even if we have to fit stands between the trees, we will.
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"The race circuit has yet to be finalised and once we get that done, we will be able to seek permission from the Land Transport Authority on issues like how many lanes we will be able to close at certain areas. Only then will be able to finally decide where the stands will go up."
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Based on the working plan, which may change, there is likely to be a permanent seating stand at the Start/Finish line along the Marina Channel – with the best view of the chequered flag. After the first turn, cars will race down Marina Promenade Park, zipping between the fans' stand and the floating platform.
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The floating platform is the venue for this year's National Day Parade and when completed the stand facing the platform should seat about 27,000 people – however with minor alterations to the structure for the Singapore F1 race, the stand is expected to seat about 23,000 people.
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Stands are also expected to be built around the Marina Centre Gardens area, along Esplanade Drive and St Andrews Road, depending on the number of lanes of road which will be closed for the race.
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By using a street circuit, Singapore GP organisers acknowledge that there is a likelihood of leakage – essentially people watching the race for free from public vantage points. For example, anyone who stands along the Benjamin Sheares Bridge should be able to catch a very good view of the race.
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Mr Teo said they were aware of such loopholes and the authorities would be roped in to plug them. Among them, the former Assistant Chief of General Staff (Training), Brigadier General (Retired) Lawrence Leong, who recently joined the Singapore Tourism Board, and will now sit on the Singapore Grand Prix working committee. Mr Teo said: "One of his roles will be to help us liase with all the government agencies involved in the F1, like the police and Land Transport Authority, to help sort out all logistical woes."
Organisers target 100,000 spectators, 60% from S'pore

To have 100,000 spectators is an understatement, the foreign workers standing at the roadside watching is already 400,000. :lol: :lol: !

Construction workers can watch free of charge (FOC) from the IR site next year. By Sep 08, the hotels and the Science museum should had been built at least half it's way. Don't be surprise you see lots of binoculars looking from the construction side across the bay.

It's hard to prevent public to get a peek FOC around the area as the street circuit is within the core commercial, hotel and shopping district. People can watch free from shopping mall and offices...may be with binoculars.

Expect binoculars and telescope prices to go up next year. Buy now !

Do anyone think I would be prevented from launching my kayak into the waters and watch from the bay?

As you will be caught for possible terrorist attack.

Do anyone think I would be prevented from launching my kayak into the waters and watch from the bay?

Better not.

Be warned: they might send a submarine to sink your kayak with torpedo. :lol: :lol:

With the F1 car racing on land, I assume the F1 boat racing at the Bay will die off ?

With the F1 car racing on land, I assume the F1 boat racing at the Bay will die off ?

The floating stage in the bay would likely pose a serious hazard for any F1 boat race.

The floating stage in the bay would likely pose a serious hazard for any F1 boat race.

test skill mar...those who canot make it...perish.....LKY's rule of thumb:D

oppsss:lol:

Singapore F1 race a turbo-charged boost for Asia
Posted: 15 May 2007 0811 hrs



SINGAPORE : From three Grand Prix four years ago to six today, Asia has become the new focus for the movers and shakers who drive Formula One.

The announcement of Singapore as a host city last week reinforces F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone's belief that the region is a key cog in the sports's future development.

With little chance that any Asia-Pacific Grand Prix will be axed any time soon, it means it will host at least six races from 2010 - in Australia, Malaysia, China, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore.

Three of them (China, South Korea and Singapore) have been added since 2004 at the expense of Formula One's traditional base in Europe as the sport aims for a more globalised calendar.

Germany and Italy both dropped one of their two races this season, with the Nuerburgring and Hockenheim now alternating as hosts of the German Grand Prix while the San Marino Grand Prix at Imola was axed.

And there has been talk of Asia getting an even bigger slice of what has become the world's most watched sporting spectacle after football.

"India, we are talking," the diminutive Ecclestone, president of Formula One Management, told autosport.com over the weekend.

Promoters and marketers are acutely aware of the opportunities in the Asian region where economies are growing rapidly and its citizens are becoming increasingly wealthy.

The inaugural Grand Prix in China in 2004 generated an estimated US$650 million in revenue.

The drive into Asia gels with Ecclestone's remarks ahead of that landmark race when he said: "It (Asia) is the most important part of the world and I mean most important.

"Europe has become a bit of a Third World - when you see what people are doing here it's quite incredible."

The addition of Singapore adds another dimension to the high-octane sport many felt was becoming boring in the Michael Schumacher era.

While safety issues are still being ironed out, the aim is for the affluent city-state to hold the first ever night race in Formula One's 60-year history, around a street circuit to boot.

While top drivers including world champion Fernando Alonso have opposed the plan, citing safety fears, others have given their qualified support.

The attraction to Ecclestone and Singapore is that it will fit nicely with European television audiences, and if racing under the stars comes to fruition it is certain to be one of the world's most watched sporting events of 2008.

"It will be unique, different and allow the Singapore event to reach out to television audiences in Asia, Europe and the United States," said Singapore's Minister for Trade and Industry S.Iswaran.

It will surely boost Singapore's global recognition with a potential audience of 500 million people watching a race that will pass modern skyscrapers, colonial-era buildings and the country's Marina Bay waterfront.

The spectacle will also generate huge sums of money, with an estimated US$100 million forecast in extra tourism revenues from an expected 80,000 fans, many of them from other parts of Asia.

Extra income will come from ticket sales, merchandising and sponsorship, helping offset the 150 million dollars' cost of hosting the race.

"Singapore is a leading business centre and our aim is to be a vibrant global city that is abuzz with high quality entertainment and events," said Iswaran.

"A world class event like the F1 race, with more than 500 million viewers worldwide, will take us closer to this objective." - AFP/ch

F1's flagged off, but some hotels are stuck at the start line
Johnson Choo
johnsonchoo@mediacorp.com.sg
— Additional reporting by Daphne Chuah

EARLY-BIRD fans rushing to book a front-row hotel view of Singapore's inaugural Formula One (F1) race next year face a major roadblock.
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A check with eight major hotels lining the proposed race circuit in the Marina Bay area showed that they are not taking confirmed bookings for next September and October.
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The main reason: The hotels cannot yet determine their room rates, as the race dates have not been fixed.
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Six hotels have blocked out the entire two months and will not be taking any bookings until rates are firmed up. Two more — the Conrad Centennial Singapore and Raffles Hotel — will accept tentative reservations pending the new rates.
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Those that have blocked off their calendars following last Friday's F1 announcement include The Oriental Singapore, the Marina Mandarin Singapore and the Swissotel The Stamford Singapore.
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The Pan Pacific Hotel — which will honour bookings already made for that period — said it would note the names of interested customers and update them when rates are available. The Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore said it only takes reservations up to 11 months in advance.
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But over at The Fullerton Singapore, which is also not taking any confirmed bookings, a group of customers have already put themselves on a waiting list. In response to queries, the hotel merely confirmed it had set aside "a fair number of rooms" for the F1 season.
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In general, industry sources told Today that while they were happy about Singapore having been chosen to host the race, they were caught off guard by the high F1 cess of up to 30 per cent.
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The Government explained last week that the additional cess would be applied on a graduated scale: Hotels with the best view of the circuit will pay the full 30 per cent, while those farther away will pay less.
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Hotel operators say the cess could eat into a big portion of their profit-margins and may force them to push room rates to a new high.
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During the International Monetary Fund and World Bank meetings last September, which saw 16,000 delegates converging here, hotels nearest to the event venue at Suntec Singapore almost doubled their standard room rates to about $440 per night.
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Experts say the estimated 35,000 overseas visitors projected for the F1 event will certainly put a strain on room supply and drive up rates.
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"It will really depend on how popular the F1 will be, but I don't think the number of hotels will be enough," said Mr Colin Tan, head of research and consultancy with Chesterton International.
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And the impact will be much greater when the integrated resorts are completed by end-2009 or early-2010. Said Mr Tan: "Visitors will probably stay on and visit the integrated resorts. As a result of the shortage of rooms in the area, there could be a spill-over into hotels outside the CBD."
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Meanwhile, news of Singapore hosting F1 gave trading on the stockmarket a boost yesterday. The ST Index rose 5 per cent to cross the psychologically-important 3,500 mark.
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"Cathay Pacific benefited from the Olympics and we're going to see the same effects on Singapore Airlines and the tourism sector. This has a spill-over effect on the general economy in terms of overall confidence of the consumers and of the people, and on spending," Mr Leslie Phang, head of Investments (Asia) at the Commonwealth Private Bank, told Channel NewsAsia.

Do anyone think I would be prevented from launching my kayak into the waters and watch from the bay?

How do you expect to see cars barely taller than a dining table from a vantage point below ground level? 0_o

Millenia/Centennial Tower can watch for FREE. :lol:

Millenia/Centennial Tower can watch for FREE. :lol:


Coffee is also free ..... but I need to make.

Race is on to get strategic spots to catch F1 GP
By Patwant Singh, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 15 May 2007 2228 hrs


The Fullerton Waterboat House

Related Videos

Race is on to get strategic spots to catch F1 GP

SINGAPORE: As hotel rates are likely to skyrocket and premium tickets out-of-reach for the average F1 fan, people are starting to scout for alternative locations in Singapore to view the race.

Marina Square Shopping Centre's second level is a great spot to see the cars hurtling on one of the longer stretches, Raffles Boulevard.

Millenia Walk also provides grandstand seating at no cost.

The Food Court at Marina Square offers a spectacular view of the cars coming out of the floating platform area next to the Esplanade.

Those working around the Suntec area will also have a chance to catch the cars, without leaving their offices.

One company on the 29th floor of Centennial Tower has a bird's eye view of some parts of the race, including the new section at Marina Promenade and the Singapore Flyer.

Gilbert Kwek, GM, Sales and Marketing, DaimlerChrysler, Southeast Asia, said: "Our staff and the sales people will have a party in the office. All round our offices, you can probably see certain parts of the track, so most of the staff are actually quite excited about it and they intend to have a party in the office during the race season."

More private parties can also be expected at The Fullerton Waterboat House where fans can catch the action against a scenic backdrop like Esplanade Drive and the Anderson Bridge.

It is also understood that some corporations are willing to spend S$400 per person to book the restaurant for their guests.


- CNA/so

Race is on to get strategic spots to catch F1 GP
Patwant Singh
Channel NewsAsia
15 May 2007

Race is on to get strategic spots to catch F1 GP

As hotel rates are likely to skyrocket and premium tickets out-of-reach for the average F1 fan, people are starting to scout for alternative locations in Singapore to view the race.

Marina Square Shopping Centre's second level is a great spot to see the cars hurtling on one of the longer stretches, Raffles Boulevard.

Millenia Walk also provides grandstand seating at no cost.

The Food Court at Marina Square offers a spectacular view of the cars coming out of the floating platform area next to the Esplanade.

Those working around the Suntec area will also have a chance to catch the cars, without leaving their offices.

One company on the 29th floor of Centennial Tower has a bird's eye view of some parts of the race, including the new section at Marina Promenade and the Singapore Flyer.

Gilbert Kwek, GM, Sales and Marketing, DaimlerChrysler, Southeast Asia, said: "Our staff and the sales people will have a party in the office. All round our offices, you can probably see certain parts of the track, so most of the staff are actually quite excited about it and they intend to have a party in the office during the race season."

More private parties can also be expected at The Fullerton Waterboat House where fans can catch the action against a scenic backdrop like Esplanade Drive and the Anderson Bridge.

It is also understood that some corporations are willing to spend S$400 per person to book the restaurant for their guests.


Wah! If 29th floor is bird eye, then my 3xth floor must be superbird eye.:lol:

Anyway, DaimlerChrysler needs to change name to Daimler.
They of course need to support their own team - McLauren Mercedes.

Question: HERE'S the $90 million question: why is the government spending so much to help race promoter Ong Beng Seng stage a Formula One car race?

Answer: The reporter is brainless. Govt already mentioned several times before that the agreement is "non disclosure", if s reporter does not know the exact meanng of "non disclosure", he should refer to Oxford dictionary ISBN 0-19-431423-5 and find out. F1 is actually a hot potato, no one really want to carry this baby. Continously pressing the govt will only result in non renewnal of the contract from 2012.


Q2: Why the government is using taxpayers' money to co-fund what is seen as a private entrepreneur's business deal.

Answer: Why must be tax payers' money? after all, the govt collected several billions of money annually from Singapore Pools, Turf Club, tobacco and liquor tax. Spending all this sinful taxes to rejuvenate Singapore is perfectlt right.
Frankly speaking, we are spending $5b annually on defence, until now I still don't know where is the enemy. :lol: :lol:



The economic gains from F1
Government's next task is to take the message to the public

By SAMUEL EE

HERE'S the $90 million question: why is the government spending so much to help race promoter Ong Beng Seng stage a Formula One car race?


Your mileage may vary: While Singapore is expecting tourism revenues of $100 million from F1, Kuala Lumpur reaps in around US$100 million
That's what seems to be bugging some Singaporeans ever since the announcement on next year's Singapore Grand Prix was made - that the government is using taxpayers' money to co-fund what is seen as a private entrepreneur's business deal.

Last Friday, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) announced that it will pay 60 per cent of the estimated $150 million cost - or $90 million.

In return, the government expects the race to generate incremental tourism receipts of $100 million a year, part of which will be paid by hotel guests in the form of a special F1 cess on the hotels lining the 5.2 km route.

STB believes that F1, with all its hype and hundreds of millions of television viewers, will add lustre to the name of Singapore, with the resulting branding leading to intangible benefits for the island's image, tourism and business.

This point has been strongly emphasised, but some still maintain that as a businessman, Mr Ong is in it for the money, and yet he somehow managed to convince the government to foot the bulk of the cost.

But this is too simplistic a conclusion to make, given the complicated nature of the F1 business mechanism.

There are several issues at work here. One is whether the government could have sealed the F1 deal without Mr Ong, who is a personal friend of F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone. Mr Ecclestone said no; he would not have signed on the dotted line if not for Mr Ong.

Two: Does Mr Ong stand to make a bundle of money by getting the government to take such a huge stake? He said no. Given his low profile, we may never know that. But from past experience in other countries, race promoters don't break even, and hence need government support to make the whole thing work. So the conclusion here is that Mr Ong did not want to over-extend himself financially, and would have withdrawn entirely if not for the government's support.

Three: Why even go into something like this when nobody makes any money, and an event like the F1 is so disruptive to those living in the host country? Three reasons: Prestige, prestige, prestige. Conclusion? Prestige at all costs.

Given the reluctance of all parties to clarify the figures involved - which are bound by confidentiality agreements - perhaps the next best way to look at this matter would be to examine Malaysia's experience with F1.

Compared to Singapore, Malaysia is a veteran. The 'set up' is similar - it's a joint venture between the Malaysian government and the Sepang International Circuit (SIC), which, without the government involvement, would run an annual deficit. Yet the SIC will mark its 10th race next March, six months before Singapore's five red lights get a chance to go out next September or early October.

The Malaysian government has been behind F1 since the first Grand Prix race in 1999. Putrajaya underwrites it as a national project and will continue to do so because it is the country that benefits, and the money is recouped through various corporate taxes. And as part of a larger motorsports policy, the SIC's permanent track - as opposed to Singapore's street circuit - allows other events like the Moto GP, Japan GT Championship and Merdeka Endurance race to attract tourists all year round.

But even with government help, the organisers have to work hard to gain maximum mileage from F1. Just getting the fans to turn up and buy a ticket isn't enough. In addition to watching the race, they have to be convinced to stay on for ancillary events like live concerts and mega street parties.

Of course, all this doesn't mean that Singapore's experience will be exactly the same. But to help allay people's concerns, the government and/or Mr Ong may do well to shed light on how they derived the figures that they have thrown up.

For example, while Singapore says it will cost $150 million to stage F1 here, the corresponding figure across the Causeway is said to be about US$70 million to US$75 million - roughly $106 million to $114 million at today's exchange rates. And although Singapore is said to expect tourism revenues of $100 million, Kuala Lumpur is understood to enjoy around US$100 million.

Perhaps these variations could be easily explained by the fact that a debut race on a street circuit at night will cost more, and the tourism receipts are just a conservative estimate by the government.

Notwithstanding the arguments for and against financial help, or the figures, what is certain is that the Singapore government must have been convinced of F1's bigger economic gains after witnessing Malaysia's success. And that is why it is supporting Mr Ong. Now it just needs to convince the public.