Organisers plan to widen Singapore F1 race track in 2009

Written by Writer on Saturday, November 22nd, 2008

Organisers plan to widen Singapore F1 race track in 2009

SINGAPORE: Expect a more exciting Singapore Formula One race next year, with more overtaking opportunities, as organisers plan to widen some parts of the track.

The Singapore F1 race was a success by all accounts. It even clinched the title of Motor Sport Facility of the Year at the Professional Motor Sport World annual awards ceremony in Cologne, Germany recently.

But race promoter Singapore Grand Prix agrees the race can go a gear up, even though the track layout or design will not be changed for now.

Teo Hock Seng, chairman of Singapore Grand Prix, said: “Turns 1, 2, 3 – the chicane area – could be modified to open up a little bit more. Perhaps Stamford corner could be extended so that there is a little bit more access for overtaking.”

Two more areas which could see a wider run-off are at St Andrews Road, outside the former Supreme Court, and Turn 22, just before the pit building.

Other proposed changes include the paddock area for the support races, which will be moved to another part of the circuit park to make way for more food and beverage outlets to cater to spectators.

Ticket prices for some of the seats will be adjusted as well, with some going up and others lowered. There are also plans to attract more overseas visitors next year. At this year’s race, about half of the crowd were foreigners.

Access via waterways will also be increased. Only a small group of the spectators used this mode of transport to get to the race this year. - CNA/so

By Patwant Singh, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 21 November 2008