V8s make F1 Singapore night race pitch

The V8 Supercars are making an ambitious bid to become involved in Formula One's night race in Singapore which starts next year.

V8 Supercars chairman Tony Cochrane has had discussions with those involved in organizing the F1 street race – the first to be held under lights.

The V8s are keen to race in Singapore to bolster their international program in future years, with or without piggy-backing on to the F1 event.

But Cochrane has flagged the prospect of the V8s taking on a supporting role for the F1 in Singapore – the V8s racing during the day before the F1s race at night.

"Wouldn't it be great if when the F1s raced at night, we raced during the day," he said.

"What an unbelievable double-header. It would be bigger than Ben Hur."

The V8s have only just returned to the F1 fold in Australia, scheduling a non-championship support event as part of the 2008 Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park after a one-year stand-off with that race's organizers.

But if the bold plan for Singapore was to be realized, it would not be until 2009 at the earliest.

Next year's F1 race will be held on September 28 – falling midway between the new Phillip Island 500 endurance race and the sport's premier event, the Bathurst 1000 on October 9-12. News.com.au