Will we see 6th Singapore GP?
2012-09-20 08:08
GOLDEN PENDANT: Like a giant piece of fine jewellery, the illuminated Singapore F1 GP track shines out into space. Image: AFP
SINGAPORE - Almost another year may pass before it is known whether Singapore will stay on the Formula 1 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.
'HARD LOOK'
Reports earlier in 2012 quoted Singapore officials as saying they were no longer willing to pay "top dollar" for their popular event and the cikty's minister in charge of tourism told the Bloomberg news that talks were under way.
"We will take a hard look at the benefits that accrue to the economy as a whole and in turn what are the costs the state would have to incur to continue to support this event," he said.
Bloomberg said F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone did not immediately respond to a request for comment.