Formula 1 Coming to Singapore!

The news is finally out. After several attempts by the government to push for a race in Singapore, they have clinched the right to host the Formula 1 race from 2008 onwards. A five year contract, expect great excitement every year in this event.

The Singapore will host the first race in September or October of 2008 and it could potentially be a night race, the first ever night street race F1 has ever held. The only thing that they have to worry now is the safety issues. As this is a street race, a lot of safety preparations are needed to keep the audiences as well as the drivers safe as they whip up at speeds of 300km/h and zip past the streets, around corners and tall buildings. At the same time, holding a night race would present added challenges to ensure that proper lightings are set up so that the roads are as bright as day, so that the drivers could see well and avoid disaster.

Government officials as well as those in the F1 business are quite enthusiastic in holding such a race, and with Singapore as a backdrop, the country would certainly be under the global spotlight when the most expensive sports event takes place. The proposed track race course has already been plotted and it would be around the Marina Bay, Esplanade area.

The course winds through several reputable hotels, that would surely be attractive for guests to stay there and watch the race unfolds at the comfort of their hotel balcony. Furthermore, it passes the iconic and newly built Singapore Flyer, the tallest ferris wheel ever constructed. Due to be completed next year, there could not other better timing than to host the race in 2008. One of the most watched sports in the world, all eyes would be on Singapore once the race begins. And with a 5 year contract, by 2010, Singapore’s first Intergrated Resort, should be completed by then, adding to the overall scenic skyline of Singapore. By then, Singapore would be an exciting place to be for locals and tourists alike. Just imagine the influx of tourists that would be arriving in Singapore, not to watch the F1 races, but also the opening of the IRs. High rollers, the rich and famous would flock to Singapore for the IR casinos and conventions and at the same time have a chance to watch the F1 races, complementing each other to the prestige of both events.

You can read the full news here.