F1 in Singapore? Let's all pray...

[Mockngbrd]

source: http://www.todayonline.com/articles/109406.asp

Singapore pit-stop for F1?
Street circuit a possibility, says FOM chief Ecclestone

Ian De Cotta
ian@newstoday.com.sg

KEEP those fingers crossed and prepare for the ride of your lives.
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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.
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In doing so, Formula One Management (FOM) supremo Bernie Ecclestone has made a dramatic U-turn.
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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".
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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.
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"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.
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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.
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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.
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"Over the last few years, Singapore has built up a portfolio of sporting events that have brought buzz to this city-state.
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"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.
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"It is an expensive proposition but can bring good returns on investment for the country, if done properly."
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"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.
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"Personally, I have not met Mr Ecclestone but would be interested to have a chat with him," Oon added.
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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).
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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.
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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."
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"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.
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"Maybe we can squeeze one more in Asia."

Street circuit a possibility, says FOM chief Ecclestone

[totoseow]

start at wheelock junction =>longest formula 1 straight to westin=>right turn to old capitol=>right turn up to YMCA=> left bend, right bend pass parklane=>up the slope infront of old cockpit=>downslope pass front of phoenix hotel=>left turn in front of skate park =>right bend n up hill then down hill at orchard boulevard=> run pass 4 seasons=> right turn in front of tanglin mall n roar pass wheellock for the full lap.

for pit stops..turn in to cuscaden road.....

u heard it from toto here 1st!

[Oilman]

Originally Posted by totoseow

start at wheelock junction =>longest formula 1 straight to westin=>right turn to old capitol=>right turn up to YMCA=> left bend, right bend pass parklane=>up the slope infront of old cockpit=>downslope pass front of phoenix hotel=>left turn in front of skate park =>right bend n up hill then down hill at orchard boulevard=> run pass 4 seasons=> right turn in front of tanglin mall n roar pass wheellock for the full lap.

for pit stops..turn in to cuscaden road.....

u heard it from toto here 1st!

Haha that's a good one... how about extending it a bit beyond Tanglin Mall and make the cars go past the 60km/hr? speed camera :P

[totoseow]

why do i have a feeling april fools day is coming.

[piggyboyz]

The revival of Orchard Gudang !

Thank goodness I still keep a map of Orchard Gudang.

[TripleM]

Heard the news this am on Radio...
Hv a feeling it's gonna be the Shenton area/Marina South thingy.
Coz that place is usually quiet on w/e.

[gadaffi]

wow this is awesome man....
pray hard.
mayb from bukit timah - orchard gudang - suntec city.

[Crufty Dusty]

Although this is a good money-making opportunity, having F1 here is not going to do much to develop the local motorsport community. As it is current F1 technology is too far advanced for any practical applications to a regular production-based car. Would prefer them to host a regular production-based car series which is more applicable, and much more interesting where driver ability continues to play a very large part in determining the race outcome.

[TripleM]

Crufty
It's not the technology inspiration that the local motorsport seeks to gain...
It's quite obvious that it's all about boosting Singapore's image and of coz, it's alot of $ to be gained outta this.

[hamz]

hi TotoSeow, thats a good one!!!! yup, just surf the news this morning and saw this wonderful news!!!! hope it materialise......................should be at Tuas though the way i look at it........
Having at Orchard Rd will cripple the whole shopping thingy for a day or two
Lets see!

hamz -dubai