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SINGAPORE : The government is calling for proposals to build a permanent race track in Changi.
This is to help make Singapore into a regional motor sports hub by riding on the F1 fever that has hit the country.
Due to its size, the proposed Grade 2 track is not designed for F1, but other smaller races.
Races like the A1 are just some of the exciting events that could come to Singapore should this proposed track design materialise.
A 20-hectare land off Changi Coast Road will be the site for the permanent facility.
Its seafront location will make it one of the most scenic circuits in Asia.
More importantly, the track will allow year-round usage and have benefits beyond sport.
Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports said: "It is also an industry that we want to promote. A lot of people think the production and building of cars is not something that Singapore has a role in. But contrary to that, if you look at modern cars, there is a lot of research development, high-tech planning and design which goes into it and as Singapore moves up the value chain. Singapore's high precision engineering and our past experience will give us a competitive edge."
Testing of cars aside, driver training courses can also be conducted.
The track will cost some $84 million and the ministry said there are interested parties.
It will be the most compact and efficient in Asia - measuring about 2.8km.
"With limited space, there will be a compromise because the longer the track, the more corners there will be. This also means the track is likely to be slower compared to a shorter track. But having said that, you also depend very much on the design of the track," said Fan Chien Jen, Deputy Director, Motor Sports Development Division, Singapore Sports Council.
The track will also allow the sport to grow here and develop future champions at a racing academy.
"A chance for a driving school perhaps... some kind of academy that'll give the driver a chance to get on the pathway. It will allow the masses to enjoy this, not only as a spectator but also to drive," said Oon Jin Teik, CEO of Singapore Sports Council.
The ministry will not fund the project. It will call for proposals both here and overseas in May 2008.
The track is expected to be up and running by 2011. - CNA /ls
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