Singapore pit-stop for F1?
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CNA/28/3/2006
SINGAPORE: Keep those fingers crossed and prepare for the ride of your lives.
If all goes well, Singapore could get to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix race as early as 2008. The man who steers the world's top motorsports event has all but invited the local authorities to thrash out the details with him.
In doing so, Formula One Management (FOM) supremo Bernie Ecclestone has made a dramatic U-turn.
About a year back, he told TODAY that Singapore would not hold a Formula 1 Grand Prix because of the full calendar. But speaking from London late last Friday, the Briton said that if Singapore is serious about hosting a Formula 1 Grand Prix, he will "positively try to make it happen".
Ecclestone's FOM company holds the commercial rights to the event and he said he could "squeeze" in another round in Asia and give Singapore the slot.
"I've been speaking to people about the possibility of a race (in Singapore). My advice now is that if somebody in Singapore is interested and wants to be the promoter to do this, they should contact me and we can start talking about this and see what we can do," added the Formula 1 czar.
The 2006 season has 18 grands prix, but last Wednesday in Paris, FIA - motorsports' governing body - approved new sporting regulations for Formula 1 that would allow a maximum of 20 races per season from 2008.
Responding to queries, Singapore Sports Council (SSC) chief executive officer Oon Jin Teik said: "A vibrant Singapore will be made up of unique, world-class events from the arts, entertainment and sports.
"Over the last few years, Singapore has built up a portfolio of sporting events that have brought buzz to this city-state.
"F1 motorsports is truly a sports business event. The success (or failure) of hosting such a major event is not just about fast cars and a track; instead, it requires a comprehensive plan that deals with understanding the target audience; developing a viable value proposition of commercial and lifestyle entertainment; ensuring widespread broadcast across the globe to draw sports tourism; garnering world-class sponsorship dollars; and building a sustainable year-long motorsports infrastructure.
"It is an expensive proposition but can bring good returns on investment for the country, if done properly."
"Work is in progress to profile, analyse and choose a preferred list of major events for Sporting Singapore to go after. The SSC will continue to work with all relevant agencies in the quest for a vibrant sporting calendar in Singapore.
"Personally, I have not met Mr Ecclestone but would be interested to have a chat with him," Oon added.
Ecclestone, 75, has turned Formula 1 into the world's most-watched sporting spectacle after football and it is currently worth US$2.8 billion ($4.5 billion).
Despite huge hosting fees that can rise to US$40 million, Bahrain and Malaysia reported earlier this year that Formula 1 pumps more than US$100 million into their coffers each race weekend.
While Malaysia, Bahrain and China all built new tracks, Singapore has no purposed-built circuit, but Ecclestone said: "I think a street circuit will work well. So, the moment we have a serious proposal, I will take a look at it and positively try to make it happen in Singapore. Get some people to contact me and I will talk to them."
"I think Asia is good. We have had a lot of success in Asia. Malaysia has become much stronger now and there is a lot more interest there.
"Maybe we can squeeze one more in Asia." - TODAY /dt -
Another article from Today.
Mosley backs F1 in Singapore
FIA president cites strong fan base here as a plus point
Ian De Cotta
[email protected]
Today Exclusive
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A Singapore leg of the Formula 1 world championships has received the support of no less than the boss of the sport's world governing body, Max Mosley.
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The president of the FIA who, together with commercial rights holder Bernie Ecclestone, has been instrumental in steering Formula 1 into a global sporting spectacle, told Today that "Singapore is a vibrant business region with a huge motorsport fan base and it would be a welcome addition to the sport".
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Mosley wants to see the championships less in Europe and spread more worldwide and says that FIA encourages the development of motor sports in all regions — and that Asia is no exception.
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The 66-year-old Briton, who has been president of FIA since 1992, said: "If the infrastructure and financial commitment is in place, then it is always possible that Singapore could host a Grand Prix in 2008."
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Although the FIA approved a maximum of 20 races per season from 2008 onwards, Mosley said that most of the teams still see 18 races as the optimum number in a season.
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But he also revealed that there is at the same time a strong desire for one or two races to be staged outside of Europe.
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"One important aspect to consider is whether there is a strong fan base for the sport in the region," Mosley told Today.
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"As we have seen from the many Singaporeans who frequent the Malaysian Grand Prix, this seems to be the case.
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"I believe Singapore contributes the biggest number of foreign spectators for that race."
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In an interview with Today this week, Ecclestone said that he could "squeeze" one more race in Asia and if Singapore is interested to host a round of the world championships and has a serious proposal, he would "positively try to make it happen".
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In response, the Singapore Tourism Board and Singapore Sports Council said they were open to discussing with Ecclestone on the possibility of hosting a race in Singapore.
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Although the high cost of hosting fees has been cited as a potential bugbear to discussions between Singapore and Ecclestone, Mosley said the biggest obstacle, tobacco advertising — which has previously put the brakes on Formula 1 coming here — is not likely to be an issue.
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"Tobacco advertising is not a matter for the FIA as we do not get involved with the commercial aspect of the sport.
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"Having said that, it does seem that the tobacco companies are on their way out and it may even be that by 2008 there will be no tobacco advertising in Formula 1, so this would not be a problem for Singapore," said Mosley.
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But the FIA chief offered one piece of advice if Singapore wants to be included in the championships: "As we have seen with Bahrain and China, the best way to get on the calendar is to show absolute commitment to build a Formula 1 homologated circuit and provide the financial wherewithal to run that circuit every year.
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"There is only one Monaco and it is difficult for any race to match the history and tradition inherent in that event."
FIA president cites strong fan base here as a plus point -
Singapore F1 GP....
Track distant : 4.53km
No of laps : 68
Total distant : 308km
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Bring it on...
it would be fun and profitable -
Gaz, is it really going to be a street circuit? A recent TNP report said that Tuas would be the home to a new racing track.
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not sure actually, but I think a street circuit is a more sensible option since we dont really have a lot of land to build a mega modern F1 track. I think if we could have that street race at the marina area, it will be damn cool, sure to attract alot of visitor and media attention.Originally posted by iveco:Gaz, is it really going to be a street circuit? A recent TNP report said that Tuas would be the home to a new racing track.
The circuit at tuas does not meet the F1 safety standard so impossible to host a F1 race there.
Lets keep our finger cross and hope something will happen. -
----------------------------------------------------------------------
TODAY 31 March 2006
Grab the F1 chance before it zooms away
Take up F1 supremo's offer to have S'pore host Grand Prix
Letter from Ng Mui Lan Jessica
Some regrets had been expressed earlier about Singapore missing the opportunity to host the Formula 1 Grand Prix in the 80s.
Now, F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone is prepared to give Singapore a second chance to host the motor race.
While I am an F1 fan and would very much want it to happen, I am sceptical about the way motor sport is being handled by the related ministries, namely the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) and the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS).
Despite very clear signals and despite the obvious benefits to our economy, nobody seems to be willing to take the plunge.
This is unlike the case of the integrated resorts (IRs), where decisions were made in a relatively short period of time.
The economic benefits of hosting one round of F1 championship race each year is something that many countries dream of, yet we are doing nothing despite being offered a second chance.
My worry is there will not be a third chance. The time to act is now.
If a purpose-built circuit is the way to go, then look at the proposed Grade 2 circuit in Tuas now and upgrade it to F1 standard i.e. Grade 1.
If we decide to go for a street circuit, I think we have a good chance to revise the proposal for the IR in Marina Bay, and a purpose-built street circuit can be incorporated into the design.
It will be the first purpose-built street circuit in the world and it is so much more workable because it is a green field site.
There seems to be a lack of co-ordination and overall strategic planning among the various government agencies.
On the one hand, the JTC under the MTI is working on the Grade 2 circuit in Tuas. On the other, the Singapore Tourism Board, also under MTI, may be looking at F1.
What about the Singapore Sports Council, which is under the MCYS? Do they know what is happening?
It's about time that someone comes out and takes the lead and be the overall coordinating point man. If not, we might as well bid farewell to F1 — again.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
TODAY 3rd April 2006
Set up new body to facilitate F1 in S'pore
Letter from Cheng Khim Seng
I refer to the letter, "Grab the F1 chance before it zooms away" from Jessica Ng (March 31).
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I share Ms Ng's view that it seems like no one is taking the lead to co-ordinate with respective ministries and talk to Formula One Management about the feasibility of this event here.
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Perhaps, a separate agency has to be formed and empowered with full Government support to spearhead such a programme.
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Since we do not have much experience and expertise in organising such international mega sporting events here, there will be ample opportunity for us to learn and grow, collaborating with renowned motorsports event organisers.
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We are not short of venues for F1 cars to spin their wheels — be it on the streets of the upcoming Integrated Resort in Marina Bay or in the heart of our city around the Suntec City and City Hall area.
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Time is running out for us to host the 2008 race.
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Since Max Mosley and Bernie Ecclestone have given Singapore the thumbs up signal, we have to be ready in pole position to race against other Asian cities gunning for this event.
Letter from Cheng Khim Seng
I refer to the letter, "Grab the F1 chance before it zooms away" from Jessica Ng (March 31).
.
I share Ms Ng's view that it seems like no one is taking the lead to co-ordinate with respective ministries and talk to Formula One Management about the feasibility of this event here.
.
Perhaps, a separate agency has to be formed and empowered with full Government support to spearhead such a programme.
.
Since we do not have much experience and expertise in organising such international mega sporting events here, there will be ample opportunity for us to learn and grow, collaborating with renowned motorsports event organisers.
.
We are not short of venues for F1 cars to spin their wheels — be it on the streets of the upcoming Integrated Resort in Marina Bay or in the heart of our city around the Suntec City and City Hall area.
.
Time is running out for us to host the 2008 race.
.
Since Max Mosley and Bernie Ecclestone have given Singapore the thumbs up signal, we have to be ready in pole position to race against other Asian cities gunning for this event. Letter from Cheng Khim Seng
I refer to the letter, "Grab the F1 chance before it zooms away" from Jessica Ng (March 31).
.
I share Ms Ng's view that it seems like no one is taking the lead to co-ordinate with respective ministries and talk to Formula One Management about the feasibility of this event here.
.
Perhaps, a separate agency has to be formed and empowered with full Government support to spearhead such a programme.
.
Since we do not have much experience and expertise in organising such international mega sporting events here, there will be ample opportunity for us to learn and grow, collaborating with renowned motorsports event organisers.
.
We are not short of venues for F1 cars to spin their wheels — be it on the streets of the upcoming Integrated Resort in Marina Bay or in the heart of our city around the Suntec City and City Hall area.
.
Time is running out for us to host the 2008 race.
.
Since Max Mosley and Bernie Ecclestone have given Singapore the thumbs up signal, we have to be ready in pole position to race against other Asian cities gunning for this event. -
Mosley backs Singapore
04/04/2006 12:25
Max Mosley has added another voice of power to Singapore's apparent bid for a formula one race.
With F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone already admitting the possibility, the sport's governing body president - Mosley - says the Asian country would be a 'welcome addition' to the calendar.
The FIA chief told newspaper 'Today': "Singapore is a vibrant business region with a huge motor sport fan base.
"If the infrastructure and financial commitment is in place, then it is always possible that Singapore could host a grand prix."
A Monaco-like street circuit would be the most likely venue
http://www.wheels24.co.za/Wheels24/NewsPics/0,,1369-1375_1910658,00.html -
can make use of teh IR too... not bad
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the Tuas Speedway is only 3.2km long.. not long enough for a F1 race.Originally posted by Gazelle:not sure actually, but I think a street circuit is a more sensible option since we dont really have a lot of land to build a mega modern F1 track. I think if we could have that street race at the marina area, it will be damn cool, sure to attract alot of visitor and media attention.
The circuit at tuas does not meet the F1 safety standard so impossible to host a F1 race there.
Lets keep our finger cross and hope something will happen.
However, word is that it is rated for categories up to Formula 3 and touring car GT championships. -
Mai tu liao.
We cannot afford to let this slip from our hands anymore. -
IR will not be ready until 2009 or 2010, hence it is impossible to use the IR for 2008 race. I think the F1 street race at marina will be a good promotion tool for the IR. Once the street circuit is established, I am sure A1 will also happen here.Originally posted by SBS9828X:can make use of teh IR too... not bad
I think we can forget about sepand liao. -
seems the ministers are not into this things lor... we need some back up from sum big ppl...
If only we have a Dr M of singapore... -
I think STB should champion this project. Dr. M? if we have one, I think SBS could have bought over ferrari already...Originally posted by SBS9828X:seems the ministers are not into this things lor... we need some back up from sum big ppl...
If only we have a Dr M of singapore... -
wt
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Formula One Race On "Circuit De Singapore"?
By Jackson Sawatan
SINGAPORE, March 31 (Bernama) -- About a year ago, Singapore's founding father Lee Kuan Yew voiced his regret for not having built a Formula One racing track here.
"I think I was dim witted then...but I learnt a lesson and I'm telling my younger chaps, look, pay attention to all this, this is what will make Singapore buzz," he was reported as saying.
It was a mistake, he admitted.
Now the 82-year-old Minister Mentor and father of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, may get to see if his younger chaps were anywhere near to paying attention to what could be an opportunity to correct the island state's "F1 mistake".
In an about turn from a "no" a year ago, F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone said this week that Singapore could get to host the F1 race if the island republic wants it.
He told TODAY newspaper that he would "positively try to make it happen" if the F1 management received serious proposal from Singapore.
"I think Asia is good. We have had a lot of success in Asia. Malaysia has become much stronger now and there is a lot more interest there. Maybe we can squeeze one more in Asia," he said.
The FIA, the world's motorsports governing body announced last week a new regulation for the F1 motorsports that allow a maximum of 20 races per season from 2008 as compared to 18 races in the current season.
That is where Singapore could hope to squeeze in.
Land is a scarce resource in Singapore and it does not see a benefit in building a race track on tens of hectares of precious land only to be used once a year.
But Ecclestone said he thought that "a street circuit will work well".
Circuit de Monaco is perhaps one name that springs to the minds of F1 fans at the very mention of "street circuit".
It is a name given once a year to several streets in the principality of Monaco -- ordinary streets around the town which will be closed to the traffic when the principality host the Monaco Grand Prix.
So, will Singapore close its streets to the traffic to turn it into a "Circuit de Singapore" of sort or will it build a new race track?
The more pertinent question would be -- is it sustainable to have two F1 races, one at Malaysia's Sepang International Circuit (SIC) and another at the "Circuit de Singapore" just 300km away?
SIC chief Mokhzani Tun Mahathir does not think it is a good idea.
"If Singapore host a race, it will mean that the races there and Sepang would have to run back to back... we will definitely cannibalise on each other because we are going to attract the same spectators," Mokhzani told TODAY newspaper.
He said that the Malaysian Grand Prix depended on a small regional market.
Mokhzani's father Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad who is former Malaysian Prime Minister and an avid motorsports fan, was the brainchild of the Malaysian Grand Prix.
Malaysia went on to build the race track -- the second in Asia after Japan's -- and started to host a leg since 1999. China and Bahrain had also built their own race track.
The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) was non-committal on the possibility of Singapore hosting a round of the championship, only to say that it was studying motorsports events as part of its tourism portfolio development.
"Hosting the F1 Grand Prix will be a high cost affair and we will have to consider this carefully," STB's director of cluster development Oliver Chong said, adding STB was open to the possibility.
One thing is for sure though, Singapore had let pass its only real F1 opportunity when it decided not to build a race track. The opportunity had knocked only once on Malaysia's door and its leaders grabbed it at once.
The next one coming -- if there ever will be one -- is just an afterthought.
-- BERNAMA
http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v3/news_sports.php?id=189070 -
TODAY 6/4/2006
Make known F1 feasibility studies
Letter from Kevin Wong
I refer to the letter "Set up new body to facilitate F1 in Singapore" from Cheng Khim Seng (April 3) .
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I agree that we have to be synergistic in our efforts to ensure the success of F1 in Singapore. However, preliminary studies were already done by officials from the Singapore Motorsports Association (SMSA) and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) a year ago to identify plots of land suitable for a purpose-built track or a street race in and around the Central Business District.
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We have not heard any latest updates from the SMSA or the STB.
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We need to consolidate the findings of the studies to determine our needs and limitations in hosting such an event. Then we can proceed to engage the Formula One Management.
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The engagement would put us in a better position to ascertain the people, organisations, government bodies and commercial sponsors that are suitable — and willing — to render their services and resources. If need be, a separate agency could be formed to plan, lead and facilitate the process.
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This may be the biggest race Singapore has ever had, so we need to know who and what we are up against.
. -
TODAY 11/4/2006
S'pore eyes the checkered flag
F1 GP a possibility, as is a fast-tracked decision on Marina Bay IR: Minister
Jasmine Yin
[email protected]
JUST days after this newspaper reported that Formula 1 czars were open to the idea of bringing the world's top motorsport event to Singapore, the Government has indicated that the idea could take off.
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In the clearest signal from the authorities so far, Minister for Trade and Industry Lim Hng Kiang said that the Singapore Tourism Board is "actively looking at this proposal".
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But whether Singapore joins the ranks of Monte Carlo, Montreal and Melbourne as a Formula 1 Grand Prix (F1 GP) race venue would depend on whether the Government is comfortable with the land and the money that will have to be set aside.
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"This is a very important proposition and we have to study the full impact and make a proper evaluation," said Mr Lim on the sidelines of an International Enterprise Singapore event yesterday.
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Setting aside land for a race circuit is a "very big decision" to make in land-scarce Singapore and the feasibility of building an urban track must also be studied, he said.
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"It's not an easy evaluation to make."
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The decision may have to be made in a race against time. The Formula One Management (FOM) has approved a proposal to add up to two more races to its calendar and is in the process of firming up its schedule for 2008.
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It has already received expressions of interest from South Africa, Mexico, Russia and India and FOM chief Bernie Ecclestone, whose company holds the commercial rights to the event, has previously told Today: "My advice now is that if somebody in Singapore is interested and wants to be the promoter to do this, they should contact me and we can start talking about this and see what we can do."
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The hosting fees for the event can reach US$40 million ($64 million) and a new track can set the host back another US$200 million. But cities vie for Formula 1 because of the tourist dollars and prestige it brings.
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While the Government tries to reach a quick decision on Formula 1, it already appears to have fast-tracked the process for assessing the ongoing bid for the Marina Bay integrated resort (IR).
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The four bidders — Genting International, MGM Mirage, Las Vegas Sands and Harrah's Entertainment — made their first pitch to the authorities last week. It had been assumed that they would be invited for a second round of presentations to bolster their case.
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Now, Mr Lim, who was part of the panel of ministers that heard out the bidders last week, indicated that the second round might not even be necessary, and will take place next month only "in case we need to listen to the bidders again to clarify certain things".
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He added: "In all likelihood we may not need to call them up because we've gone through the process of meeting them. Our officials are meeting them now. We're going through the internal evaluation, then we make a decision.
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"All I can say is that the four bids are very, very good bids, and it shows that they take us seriously and that they want to develop a very good product in Singapore."
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Various panels made up of primarily civil servants have been set up to evaluate, score and rank the proposals and subsequently make their recommendations to a five-man Ministerial Committee led by Deputy Prime Minister S Jayakumar, who will then leave the final decision to the Cabinet.
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Mr Lim said that the winner for the Marina Bay IR bid will be announced by the "end of May or early June".
F1 GP a possibility, as is a fast-tracked decision on Marina Bay IR: Minister -
from www.itv-f1.com
Singapore evaluates F1 venue
Tuesday, 11, April, 2006, 14:30
Singapore is gearing up for a bid to host a round of the Formula 1 World Championship when the sport opens up its calendar to 20 races in 2008.
Singapore joins Greece, Russia, Mexico and India on the list of nations courting F1 over future events when the sport's regulations change to allow an extra two races in the schedule.
The south-east Asian nation’s Minister for Trade and Industry Lim Hng Kiang told the Today newspaper that his government is “actively looking at this proposal”.
"This is a very important proposition and we have to study the full impact and make a proper evaluation," Lim said.
Lim revealed that four bidders have put in proposals to stage the event and added that it was unclear whether the heavily populated country would opt for a street track or create a purpose-built venue.
"All I can say is that the four bids are very, very good bids, and it shows that they take us seriously and that they want to develop a very good product in Singapore."
He added that the government was considering both options, but that “it would be a very important decision” to dedicate land to the project.
F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has welcomed Singapore’s interest saying: "My advice now is that if somebody in Singapore is interested and wants to be the promoter to do this, they should contact me and we can start talking about this and see what we can do.”
But according to Lim the Singaporean government is already going ahead with talks.
"In all likelihood we may not need to call them up because we've gone through the process of meeting them,” said Lim.
“Our officials are meeting them now. We're going through the internal evaluation, then we make a decision."
WHAT?!?!?! what what what?! what is this? when bernie says u CALL HIM to start talks, u jolly well CALL HIM, u don't meet with someone else, whoever "them" is. Erf. This is the best chance we ever gonna get to make good. It'd be utterly stupid if the ego and pride of our govt in thinking themselves more important than they are to lose it to other people! -
Singapore evaluates F1 venue
Wednesday, 12, April, 2006, 11:04
Singapore is gearing up for a bid to host a round of the Formula 1 World Championship when the sport opens up its calendar to 20 races in 2008.
Singapore joins Greece, Russia, Mexico and India on the list of nations courting F1 over future events when the sport's regulations change to allow an extra two races in the schedule.
The south-east Asian nation’s Minister for Trade and Industry Lim Hng Kiang told the Today newspaper that his government is “actively looking at this proposal”.
"This is a very important proposition and we have to study the full impact and make a proper evaluation," Lim said.
Lim revealed that four bidders have put in proposals to stage the event and added that it was unclear whether the heavily populated country would opt for a street track or create a purpose-built venue.
"All I can say is that the four bids are very, very good bids, and it shows that they take us seriously and that they want to develop a very good product in Singapore."
He added that the government was considering both options, but that “it would be a very important decision” to dedicate land to the project.
F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has welcomed Singapore’s interest saying: "My advice now is that if somebody in Singapore is interested and wants to be the promoter to do this, they should contact me and we can start talking about this and see what we can do.”
But according to Lim the Singaporean government is already going ahead with talks.
"In all likelihood we may not need to call them up because we've gone through the process of meeting them,” said Lim.
“Our officials are meeting them now. We're going through the internal evaluation, then we make a decision." -
Originally posted by HENG@:
They are not refering to Bernie lah..they are talking about the Marina IR bid.
from www.itv-f1.com
Singapore evaluates F1 venue
Tuesday, 11, April, 2006, 14:30
Singapore is gearing up for a bid to host a round of the Formula 1 World Championship when the sport opens up its calendar to 20 races in 2008.
Singapore joins Greece, Russia, Mexico and India on the list of nations courting F1 over future events when the sport's regulations change to allow an extra two races in the schedule.
The south-east Asian nation’s Minister for Trade and Industry Lim Hng Kiang told the Today newspaper that his government is “actively looking at this proposal”.
"This is a very important proposition and we have to study the full impact and make a proper evaluation," Lim said.
Lim revealed that four bidders have put in proposals to stage the event and added that it was unclear whether the heavily populated country would opt for a street track or create a purpose-built venue.
"All I can say is that the four bids are very, very good bids, and it shows that they take us seriously and that they want to develop a very good product in Singapore."
He added that the government was considering both options, but that “it would be a very important decision” to dedicate land to the project.
[b]F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has welcomed Singapore’s interest saying: "My advice now is that if somebody in Singapore is interested and wants to be the promoter to do this, they should contact me and we can start talking about this and see what we can do.”
But according to Lim the Singaporean government is already going ahead with talks.
"In all likelihood we may not need to call them up because we've gone through the process of meeting them,” said Lim.
“Our officials are meeting them now. We're going through the internal evaluation, then we make a decision."
WHAT?!?!?! what what what?! what is this? when bernie says u CALL HIM to start talks, u jolly well CALL HIM, u don't meet with someone else, whoever "them" is. Erf. This is the best chance we ever gonna get to make good. It'd be utterly stupid if the ego and pride of our govt in thinking themselves more important than they are to lose it to other people!
[/b] -
I doubt it. they specifically said they do not need to call "them". Them in this case being bernie isn't it? The statement coming right after bernie saying sg should call him, who else can it refer to?Originally posted by Gazelle:They are not refering to Bernie lah..they are talking about the Marina IR bid. -
Originally posted by HENG@:I doubt it. they specifically said they do not need to call "them". Them in this case being bernie isn't it? The statement coming right after bernie saying sg should call him, who else can it refer to?Originally posted by Gazelle:TODAY 11/4/2006
S'pore eyes the checkered flag
F1 GP a possibility, as is a fast-tracked decision on Marina Bay IR: Minister
Jasmine Yin
[email protected]
JUST days after this newspaper reported that Formula 1 czars were open to the idea of bringing the world's top motorsport event to Singapore, the Government has indicated that the idea could take off.
.
In the clearest signal from the authorities so far, Minister for Trade and Industry Lim Hng Kiang said that the Singapore Tourism Board is "actively looking at this proposal".
.
But whether Singapore joins the ranks of Monte Carlo, Montreal and Melbourne as a Formula 1 Grand Prix (F1 GP) race venue would depend on whether the Government is comfortable with the land and the money that will have to be set aside.
.
"This is a very important proposition and we have to study the full impact and make a proper evaluation," said Mr Lim on the sidelines of an International Enterprise Singapore event yesterday.
.
Setting aside land for a race circuit is a "very big decision" to make in land-scarce Singapore and the feasibility of building an urban track must also be studied, he said.
.
"It's not an easy evaluation to make."
.
The decision may have to be made in a race against time. The Formula One Management (FOM) has approved a proposal to add up to two more races to its calendar and is in the process of firming up its schedule for 2008.
.
It has already received expressions of interest from South Africa, Mexico, Russia and India and FOM chief Bernie Ecclestone, whose company holds the commercial rights to the event, has previously told Today: "My advice now is that if somebody in Singapore is interested and wants to be the promoter to do this, they should contact me and we can start talking about this and see what we can do."
.
The hosting fees for the event can reach US$40 million ($64 million) and a new track can set the host back another US$200 million. But cities vie for Formula 1 because of the tourist dollars and prestige it brings.
.
While the Government tries to reach a quick decision on Formula 1, it already appears to have fast-tracked the process for assessing the ongoing bid for the Marina Bay integrated resort (IR).
.
The four bidders — Genting International, MGM Mirage, Las Vegas Sands and Harrah's Entertainment — made their first pitch to the authorities last week. It had been assumed that they would be invited for a second round of presentations to bolster their case..
Now, Mr Lim, who was part of the panel of ministers that heard out the bidders last week, indicated that the second round might not even be necessary, and will take place next month only "in case we need to listen to the bidders again to clarify certain things".
.
He added: "In all likelihood we may not need to call them up because we've gone through the process of meeting them. Our officials are meeting them now. We're going through the internal evaluation, then we make a decision..
"All I can say is that the four bids are very, very good bids, and it shows that they take us seriously and that they want to develop a very good product in Singapore."
.
Various panels made up of primarily civil servants have been set up to evaluate, score and rank the proposals and subsequently make their recommendations to a five-man Ministerial Committee led by Deputy Prime Minister S Jayakumar, who will then leave the final decision to the Cabinet.
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Mr Lim said that the winner for the Marina Bay IR bid will be announced by the "end of May or early June".
F1 GP a possibility, as is a fast-tracked decision on Marina Bay IR: Minister -
Business Times - 18 Apr 2006
Big names vie to bring back motor racing
A1 says its edge in S'pore is in the use of existing streets
By CONRAD RAJ
(SINGAPORE) The race is on between Bernie Ecclestone's Formula One and Dubai's A1 Grand Prix to bring motor racing back to Singapore.
After Mr Ecclestone said last month that he had been 'speaking to people about the possibility of a race (in Singapore)', local events company Sports Republique has said it wants to bring in A1 and is in talks with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and other government organisations to seek sponsors.
It feels there is a better chance of getting A1 up and running than F1 - because A1 can use the existing streets.
Although Mr Ecclestone has said he thinks a street circuit would 'work well' in Singapore, F1 usually runs on tracks - which can cost more than $200 million to build.
Krishna Ramachandra, a director of law firm Arfat Selvam Alliance, which has an interest in Sports Republique, told BT: 'The clear attraction of A1 is that a street race is a distinct possibility.'
A1 management knows just what a Singapore race would involve, Mr Ramachandra said. 'In fact, the areas suggested by them are as follows: Marina South; Tuas area near Raffles Marina; Sentosa; downtown along the Esplanade, around the Padang, etc; and other areas like Changi, Pasir Ris.'
He also said F1 promoter's fees alone are in the region of US$30 million, while the total cost of hosting an A1 race is only about US$18 million.
Another positive is that A1 host nations must field a team, Mr Ramachandra said. And that means a Singapore driver, which would help spark the development of a motor racing scene here.
'Cultivating a pool of talented Singaporean race drivers would allow Singapore to participate in other global motor racing competitions,' he said.
'It is also in line with the Sporting Singapore initiative.'
A1, conceived by Sheik Maktoum al Maktoum, a member of the Dubai royal family, pits 25 national teams against one another in various formats, including street races and rolling starts.
Unlike in F1, A1 drivers compete for their country - not a private team or constructor. And the cars are identical, using a Lola chassis and 550 bhp V8 Zytec engine with a top speed of 304 kmph.
Richard Dorfman, managing director of broadcast and television at A1 Racing, said: 'We are thrilled with the prospect of having a race in Singapore. Singapore truly has the platform to be the Monaco of the East.'
Singapore's infrastructure support and its geographical location are well suited for a race as part of the A1 Asian leg, Mr Dorfman said. 'The broadcast angle and publicity will be immense for a country like Singapore.' A1 is organised so that there are no calendar clashes with F1. The two seasons run consecutively, so there is no more than a couple of weeks' overlap, with F1 from March to October and A1 from September to April.