Singapore Race uncertainty to continue for now.

[Rob]

Wednesday 19 September at 07:35 : Sep.19 (GMM) Almost another year may pass before it is known whether Singapore is staying on the formula one calendar.

The city-state's popular night race, set to take place this weekend for the fifth time, has become one of the most highly anticipated stops on the sport's annual calendar.

But the current contract does not run beyond 2012, even though Singapore reportedly has to serve more notice before it can cease organising the event.

Reports earlier this year quoted Singapore officials as saying they were no longer willing to pay "top dollar" for their popular event.

S. Iswaran, the government minister in charge of tourism, told the Bloomberg news agency that talks are underway.

"We will take a hard look at the benefits that accrue to the economy as a whole and in turn what are the costs that the government would have to incur in order to continue to support this event in Singapore's context," he said.

Bloomberg said F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

http://www.onestopstrategy.com/daily...e+for+now.html

If it did not continue past this year, who would miss it? I know i have said few things against the race, but it has become a highlight on the calender. Be a shame if didnt continue. Think should just drop Valencia and save Singapore. It F1 mag this month they were saying about Barcelona and Valencia alternating from next year. No do not like that idea, i like Barcelona track. That would be big shame to loose that track from F1.

[Hornet]

If it did not continue past this year, who would miss it? I know i have said few things against the race, but it has become a highlight on the calender. Be a shame if didnt continue. Think should just drop Valencia and save Singapore. It F1 mag this month they were saying about Barcelona and Valencia alternating from next year. No do not like that idea, i like Barcelona track. That would be big shame to loose that track from F1.

That's not possible because the problem here is not about calendar slot. Its pretty obvious that Singapore is almost guaranteed a spot next year, if the government are willing to fit the retarded bill. With or without Valencia it doesn't make any difference because the decision is now in the hands of the Singaporean government. Its a money problem.

This is just another common financing issue with hosting F1 race. How much cash you are willing to bleed just to host a race. Is it worthy for the country at all.

[F2002]

Not amongst my favourites.

Give me a real track, any time.

[Tobes]

Let it go, it's a 'gimmicky', pointless unnecessary race, made possible solely for the £'s, the only history it has created so far is to be the race in '08 that Flavio fixed, i'd take Istambul Park back any day...

[Suzie]

Aside from the novelty value of it being at night, I really couldn't care less if it stops.
All the journos and media people are going on about how great Singapore is, and how it's their favourite race to go to. Well yeah, good for you. It's not so good watching it at home and wondering if anything exciting's going to happen.

[Rob]

That's not possible because the problem here is not about calendar slot. Its pretty obvious that Singapore is almost guaranteed a spot next year, if the government are willing to fit the retarded bill. With or without Valencia it doesn't make any difference because the decision is now in the hands of the Singaporean government. Its a money problem.

This is just another common financing issue with hosting F1 race. How much cash you are willing to bleed just to host a race. Is it worthy for the country at all.

Shame it happening again to another track and venue, wish Mr.E would open his eyes to the real world and the ££££ problems every country is going through right now.

[Rob]

Aside from the novelty value of it being at night, I really couldn't care less if it stops.
All the journos and media people are going on about how great Singapore is, and how it's their favourite race to go to. Well yeah, good for you. It's not so good watching it at home and wondering if anything exciting's going to happen.

What gets me is when you hear the journos and the drivers, they bang on about sleep during the day and work at night. Big deal, i used to do that (hope soon, waiting hear about new job ) and ALOT of people around the world do aswell.

[Nova]

I dont care for this track. I dont like to see any race not happen though, but its never been a barn burner. Whatever that is.

[racingbradley]

i'd take Istambul Park back any day...

Me too and Nevers on a yearly basis as well. No do not want Spa to alternate with Nevers.
Singapore & Valencia can go. as far as I care.

[Hornet]

Strange thing is I think Singapore is actually more exciting than Hungary. Its significantly wider than Hungary and we actually saw some actions in the past. A number ended up in crashes of course but at least something is happening.

Much better than the bore feast Monaco where you can't even overtake if the driver in front of you is on 3 wheels.

[Hermann]

I like Singapore, i would miss it. They can skip Abu Dhabi instead, because the only interesting thing there are the camels.

[Ken]

I cant say I am that fussed about Singapore.

The cars really look good under the lights, but after that not a lot to watch.

I agree with Rob about the finance issue and that applies to other venues as well, be they track or street races.

[eddie]

A little bird told me it could be replaced by Thailand. Not sure if anyone heard anything.

But I do like Spore. I think Alonso does as well

Will be there this weekend with my Ferrari Club mates.

[Corey]

I remember back in 2008 they said the street circuit is just gonna last for 5 years only and a new permanent circuit is being built/

[YukiRaikkonen]

Certainly haven't seen any news or talk of building a new perma circuit here as far as I know.

[F2002]

I might have to change my mind after this weekend's race: the weather forecast says rain, rain, rain.....