Singapore Gets In-Principle Approval To Host F1 Night Race Next September

Singapore will host the first Formula One night race next year.

The sport's governing body, FIA, has given the in-principle approval to Singapore to host the September 28 race under the floodlights.

Lighting trials have been conducted overseas to assess if a night race could be staged in Singapore.

Singapore had earlier said that a night race will be unique, different and allow the Singapore event to reach out to television audiences in Asia, Europe and the US.

And Singapore would proceed with a night race only if the safety and operational requirements of all parties including the FIA, FOA and Formula 1 teams were fully met.

Singapore will host the F1 Grand Prix for five years with the option to extend the deal by another five years.

The race is expected to rev up Singapore's tourism sector with a projected revenue of some $100 million.

The 2008 campaign starts as usual in Melbourne on 16 March and concludes at Interlagos in Brazil on 2 November. - CNA/ir