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SINGAPORE: Singapore will host the first Formula One night race next year.
The sport's governing body, FIA, has given the in-principle approval to Singapore to host the September 28 race under the floodlights.
Lighting trials have been conducted overseas to assess if a night race could be staged in Singapore.
Singapore had earlier said that a night race will be unique, different and allow the Singapore event to reach out to television audiences in Asia, Europe and the US.
Singapore would proceed with a night race only if the safety and operational requirements of all parties, including the FIA, FOA and Formula 1 teams, were fully met.
The inaugural Formula One Singapore Grand Prix will be held on a street circuit of public roads around the Marina Bay area surrounded by skyscrapers and colonial buildings.
It is also Asia's first street race, said the race promoter, Singapore GP Pte Ltd.
Neighbouring 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 organisers said the 5.05-kilometre street route would offer "a number of overtaking opportunities, fast turns and technically challenging sections."
Singapore will host the F1 Grand Prix for five years with the option to extend the deal by another five years.
The race is expected to rev up Singapore's tourism sector with a projected annual revenue of some S$100 million.
The 2008 campaign starts as usual in Melbourne on 16 March and concludes at Interlagos in Brazil on 2 November. - CNA/ir
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