Mirage77

Let's have just one F1 race in region: Azalina

Apr 05, 2007
The Straits Times

KUALA LUMPUR - MALAYSIA'S Sports Minister Azalina Othman Said believes that there should be only one Formula One Grand Prix in South-east Asia.

But she denied that Malaysia, which hosted its first F1 in 1999, was jittery over neighbour Singapore's bid to host it.

'The region should have one F1 race. Singapore should not compete with Malaysia,' she said yesterday.


'I'm not worried. I have no concern with Singapore hosting the F1 race.'

Commercial negotiations are under way and the Singapore Government is prepared to support an F1 race.

A decision is expected after this weekend's Malaysian Grand Prix. F1 driver Max Webber drove through the proposed street track in Singapore last weekend, fuelling speculation that a decision was imminent.

Singapore's Minister of State for Trade and Industry, S. Iswaran, has told parliament the country was taking a 'very serious look' at hosting an F1 race.

Sports Minister Azalina said Malaysia has a far superior track and touted the country's hospitality service as a draw for race teams as well as tourists.

'I don't think Singapore can challenge the F1 race in Malaysia,' she said. 'Singapore and Malaysia should be complementary.'

Her comments contrasted with that of Mokhzani Mahathir, chairman of the Sepang International Circuit.

Mokhzani said last week that Singapore's move would create more regional awareness and interest in the sport.

'With Singapore hosting the race, it will only create more interest and we will probably get more spectators at Sepang,' he said.

But he warned against holding the races back-to-back, as that would 'cannibalise spectatorship'.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

Curb Zone

 

BMW_Dude

What do you think on the matter James, do you think a circuit around Singapore would be good!

I personally like street circuits like Monaco and Melbourne, they generally have less grip, and seem to bring more excitment to the races!

Mirage77

I certainly welcome a circuit in Singapore. We actually had mini-F1 races in the 1960s but it was eventually phased out by the government due to space and safety issues... But today, the priority is generating revenue and attracting tourists from all around the world. It's a great idea, but as Mark Webber who tested the track said, our proposed circuit would need some work as some parts of the route (for example, a roundabout) is problematic should a crash happen. All other cars will be blocked because the roundabout's pretty narrow.

Furthermore, we cannot afford any major crashes as the circuit is set right at the heart of Singapore's CBD - there are buildings that are worth millions of dollars in there - which in turn, hold millions of dollars of businessmen and businesswomen.

Webber had much to say, but then again he was in a Megane cabrio testing the circuit. He was supposed to test the track in a 997 GT3 but the plan was shelved in the end because he's a Renault driver.

BMW_Dude

Shame, I'm sure he didn't like the route if he was doing it in a Renault!

I'm sure they can build crash barriers that can withstand the force of a formula one car, think Monaco, there are some very expensive buildings there, and they protect them. If people want this track to happen, I'm sure they will make it happen!

Mirage77

Yes well... It's almost 100% sure it's gonna happen. So expect to see F1 races broadcasting from Singapore from as early as 2008.

Curb Zone