Preparations for Singapore Grand Prix going ahead amid CPIB probe involving Ong Beng Seng

SINGAPORE: Race promoter Singapore GP on Friday (Jul 14) said it was going ahead with preparations for its Formula 1 event in September, amid an anti-corruption probe involving its chairman Ong Beng Seng.

"Singapore GP continues with the planning and preparations for the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix slated for 15 to 17 September 2023," the organiser said in a statement.

It was announced earlier on Friday that Mr Ong had been arrested and asked by the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) to provide information in relation to his interactions with Transport Minister S Iswaran.

Singapore GP said it understands that CPIB’s investigations are ongoing, and that it is "not at liberty to provide any further information".

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) similarly said on Jul 21 that preparations for the Formula 1 night race will continue as planned. 

"We remain committed to work with all partners involved to ensure the success of the event," said Ms Ong Ling Lee, STB's executive director of sports and wellness.

The anti-graft agency has not revealed the nature of its investigation involving Mr Ong and Mr Iswaran.

Mr Ong, 77, owns the rights to the Singapore Grand Prix, which was the first-ever F1 night race when awarded to the country in 2007.

The Singapore-based Malaysian billionaire is often credited as the driving force in the deal struck that year between the Singapore Tourism Board and then-Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone. 

A contract for Singapore to host the F1 event for another seven years was signed last year - its fourth renewal and longest extension - bringing the event back to Marina Bay after a two-year absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Mr Iswaran has been actively involved in the government's engagements with F1, including making appearances at press conferences where announcements about the event's future have been made.

On Wednesday, Singapore GP announced the full entertainment lineup for this year's event, adding American rock band Kings of Leon to a list already including the likes of Post Malone and Robbie Williams.