SINGAPORE: Most Formula One drivers are for the proposed Singapore race, including two-time former World Champion, Mika Hakkinen.

Hakkinen competed in the first race at Sepang in 1999 where he finished third.

He retired from F1 in 2001.

The 38-year-old Finn was in KL to spread Johnnie Walker's responsible drinking message by distributing water bottles to patrons at KL's nightspots.

Hakkinen supports the Singapore street race since he is familiar with such a set-up as he lives in Monaco, the only other street circuit in the F1 calendar.

He said: "I feel it is a good idea because it will definitely create more business opportunities to the country and different companies.

"It will definitely increase tourist numbers. It is up to the people to show the whole world how good the place is."

Other celebrity athletes were also in KL to catch the action, including Thai tennis ace Paradorn Srichaphan, who would like to see an F1 race in Thailand.

He said: "I would like to see more races in Asia. I really don't mind where the race is going to be, but I want to see more and more in Asia. It's good that Singapore could have one."

Asians aside, European F1 fans in Sepang are also eager for action in Singapore.

One of them said: "They are different races – one is a night race, one is a day race. I think there is room for two."



- CNA/so