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SINGAPORE: The decision on the proposed Formula One circuit in Singapore is not likely to be made this week.
This, according to veteran F1 commentator Steve Slater, who is attending a two-day forum on Motor Sports here.
He told reporters the decision is likely to be made after the Malaysia Grand Prix, which is being held at the end of this week.
Formula One driver Mark Webber's spin through the proposed Singapore circuit last weekend was the latest spark to fuel the speculation that a decision on the Singapore race was imminent.
Tuesday’s forum, attended by some 150 delegates, saw more discussion on the business possibilities of staging an F1 race in Singapore.
So the stage is set for an announcement if Singapore gets to play host - but one expert believes that everyone has to wait a little longer.
"I don't believe an announcement will necessarily be made right on the eve of the Malaysian GP in Sepang because it will be a little discourteous for Malaysians if we did that. I'm sure there is a lot of negotiation going on at the moment, very high level, there will be a lot of things that need to be sorted out - rights and internally within Singapore on things such as the road closure and everything else," says Steve Slater, F1 Commentator.
The Englishman has been involved in the sport for more than two decades.
He thinks Singapore's proposal for a night race is a great suggestion which is being considered.
But there are issues to be resolved, such as driver safety and even television coverage, under the night lights.
On the bright side, the street circuit could have other benefits for the city, besides receiving international attention.
"We are talking about blocks and fences fundamentally that can be moved around. All cities evolve and grow every year, particularly here and particularly in Asia, so it's possible to change the configuration of the track, incorporate elements into the design of new buildings and it could become a feature of the city itself," says David Clare, CEO, A1 GP, Asian Region.
Also giving it the thumbs up - former F1 driver Alex Yoong from Malaysia: "It would be better for Malaysia if it was the only track in South East Asia to have Formula One but at the same time I say a Singapore race would be good as well… there are obvious advantages to having a neighbour that has embraced motor sports so well."
According to Yoong, based on Malaysia's experience, F1 alone has not helped the growth of the local motor sports industry.
He suggested that it would be good for Singapore to host both F1 and A1, because from his observation, A1 has been a catalyst to develop motor sports and has managed to garner a strong following at the local level. - CNA/yy
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