Jay Lagare

Got a heads up from Melvin that Formula 1 is coming to Singapore in 2008:

Singapore will host a Formula One race in 2008, and it may be a night race, Minister of State for Trade and Industry, Mr S. Iswaran told press conference today.

He said Singapore has won the right to host the race for five years, with option to extend for another five years, and it expects annual tourism receipts from the event of about S$100 million.

The rights were secured by Singapore property tycoon Ong Beng Seng, who has been leading the charge to bring the F1 race here.

The first race will take place in September or early October next year in a street circuit around Marina Centre, said the beaming minister, and it could “potentially” be the world’s first night race, but organisers are still looking at safety issues.

“A night race will be unique, different and allow the Singapore event to reach out to television audiences in Asia, Europe and the US. Safety is of paramount concern to all of us,” said Mr Iswaran. Therefore, we will proceed with a night race only if the safety and operational requirements of all parties including the FIA, FOA and Formula 1 teams are fully met. If not, we will revert to a day race.”

Looks like it’s time to plan a trip to Singapore. More here.