Singapore to host first-ever Formula One night race
SINGAPORE: Singapore will hold the first-ever Formula One night race next year after the Federation International de L'Automobile (FIA), the sport's governing body, gave the go-ahead, the race promoter said yesterday.
Singapore GP Pte Ltd said the FIA gave its approval for the night race through the Singapore Motor Sports Council.
"We are well on our way to creating history. With two positive lighting tests under our belt, we are on track to delivering the first night race in Formula One history," said Colin Syn, deputy chairman of Singapore GP.
"Given that one of our objectives is to showcase Singapore to Formula One fans around the world, our late start-time will help us achieve this. The stunning skyline backdrop will be an added bonus."
The inaugural Formula One Singapore Grand Prix will be held on September 28 next year on a street circuit of public roads around the city-state's Marina Bay area surrounded by skyscrapers and colonial buildings.
It is also Asia's first street race, Singapore GP said. Neighboring Malaysia hosts a grand prix on a permanent circuit, as do China and Japan.
Singapore formally began construction of its Formula One Grand Prix facilities on August 31 with a groundbreaking ceremony for the new pit building.
The facility along Singapore's waterfront will hold 36 garages for 12 racing teams on the ground floor.
Race organizers said the 5.05-km (3.13-mile) street route would offer "a number of overtaking opportunities, fast turns and technically challenging sections."
AFP
(China Daily 10/26/2007 page23)
