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SINGAPORE: Formula One has a large following among Singaporeans.
Many do not think twice about heading to Malaysia to catch the action live.
The recently-launched A1 too has its share of fans, especially since Singapore has a team competing in the race.
So it is no surprise then when both F1 and A1 expressed their desire to stage a race here.
Singapore authorities have yet to decide whether to accept either one or both offers.
But with growing interest, and benefits such as making the city more vibrant, some suggest Singapore could play host to both races.
"Whether it is A1 GP, whether it is Formula 1, whether it is the Le Mans type GT sports cars, whether it is touring cars…Once you got a stage you can invite different performers, if you think about it, it is a theatre," says Steve Slater, Commentator, London.
F1 has already got famous German designer Hermann Tilke to map out a street circuit for Singapore.
His route covers the downtown area, including landmarks such as The Esplanade and City Hall.
Channel NewsAsia understands that A1 too will be releasing its proposed street circuit design soon.
But some caution, that having both races may be too much of a good thing.
One practical reason - many roads may need to be closed to accommodate the races.
Tan Teng Lip, President of the Singapore Motor Sports Association says, "Personally, I think for a country to handle two street circuits a year it may be too much to ask for, but I think for a start we might most probably do with one. If later on we have a permanent circuit, then more races can go there."
Whether one or two, F1 or A1, it seems the real winners will be motor racing fans in Singapore! - CNA/yy
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