Will Singapore remain on the calendar after 2012?
As Bernie Ecclestone would like to see Singapore included in the F1 calendar for the long term, the city-state wants to take time to consider before extending beyond 2012.
While Bernie Ecclestone wishes to secure the Singapore night Grand Prix for the long term, local authorities—who contribute 60% to the organization of the Grand Prix—are taking their time to consider: “It’s under negotiation, but it’s more important to see if Formula One races have achieved our goals and truly enhanced Singapore’s value and helped it position itself on the international stage,” explains Teo Ser Luck, Singapore’s Minister of State for Trade and Industry, in the newspaper Today.
Organized since 2008, the Singapore Grand Prix remains a great success. This season, more than 200,000 fans are expected at the Marina Bay circuit – the organization has indeed sold all its tickets – while the city’s hotels are filled to 90% of their capacity. The Ministry of Trade and Industry itself estimated the economic impact of the race at more than 85 million euros last season, as the Grand Prix also attracts many international stars like Shakira and Linkin Park for event concerts. Singapore had also inaugurated the now famous F1 Rocks in 2009, which have since been exported to Sao Paulo, Valencia, Monza, and soon to India.
On his part, David Sonencher, executive director of the Asian Speed Festival, responsible for organizing the support races during the Grand Prix in Malaysia, China, and Singapore, believes that the city-state has changed the game: « The image of cars racing through the streets of Marina Bay, against a backdrop of skyscrapers, under the night lights, is priceless [editor’s note: the FOM would receive 35 million dollars for the grid, at each race]. This race, the organization, the atmosphere of the city, everything, is fantastic. This race has changed the game. »
During a charity gala, Teo Ser Luck confirmed this success but reaffirmed the desire to take time for reflection: « This has enhanced Singapore, especially in the field of motorsports, but we need to go beyond that. So, whether it’s economic or social, we must examine each factor, which we are currently doing » as reported in Today.
« In the past, as with the Youth Olympic Games, we have conducted feasibility studies to see if another major event in Singapore was necessary » continues the minister. « It’s the same with the Formula One race, which is undoubtedly the most important sporting event for us, and which deserves that we take our time to study the issue seriously and to see if an extension contract is possible, if it brings greater benefits and if it helps us reach new heights in the sporting calendar. »
It is, however, unlikely that Singapore will not extend the adventure, and the current trend is toward a short extension, until 2014, allowing Singapore to maintain a certain freedom to regularly reevaluate its options, unlike other Grand Prix which are committed to longer-term contracts.
