Singapore: F1 out, Champ Car in?

UPDATE #3 As we have reported for a number of years, there is plenty of room in the world for another GP series because F1 simply can't add anymore races and demand far outstrips supply. Champ Car has finally wised up and began to satisfy the need adding races in Beijing, South Korea, Japan (soon), Argentina and perhaps Brazil. But the world demand is still not satisfied, the latest example being yet another Asian country, Singapore. The lure for Champ Car is the fact that Singapore is in the Asian market Champ Car is targeting for expansion.

Bernie Ecclestone has thrown cold water on speculation that Singapore is poised to grab a F1 grand prix. The F1 supremo, 74, told local magazine 'Today' that the already swollen calendar cannot accommodate a new race. ''Now we've got 19 races,'' Ecclestone said, ''which I've got to try to reduce to seventeen. 'Until we can … get the teams to agree to twenty races, we can't add any more.''

And Singapore, it seems, wouldn't bag pole position for that elusive twentieth slot, anyway. India, Russia and Mexico are all higher on Bernie's priority list. But he did scotch the myth that Singapore is a no-go because it's too close to Malaysia. ''(We) don't have a problem with (that),'' Ecclestone insisted. The question is, however, will Champ Car step in and add Singapore to its repertoire since it is one of the biggest cities in the world, rich in contrast and color where you'll find a harmonious blend of culture, cuisine, arts and architecture, and close enough to Brisbane (Surfers) to pair up the two races?

. 04/20/05 You'd be forgiven for being confused about whether Singapore is likely to feature on a future F1 calendar. But the local 'Electric New Paper' publication is adamant that the small country is in with a shout. Earlier, the paper revealed plans for a Monaco-style street race, although an actual Formula One bid was denied by Motor Sport association president Matthew Lee. However, on Tuesday, the Singapore Tourism Board said: ''(We have) been actively looking at the development of a motorsport event in Singapore.'' And, although backing Lee's GP denial, the statement added that the Board 'does not rule out' a bid 'in the future.' 04/18/05 This rumor is downgraded to 'false' today. Don't believe everything you read, warned the man supposedly at the helm of a 'Singapore grand prix.' Matthew Lee, president of the Motor Sport Association there, said recent media articles left him 'surprised.' Contradicting supposed statements, Lee said he hasn't met with the Tourism Board since 2003. ''We could hold a grand prix,'' he conceded, ''but whether we'd get permission is something else. And the SMSA is too small to be a F1 promoter.'' Meanwhile, Singapore prime minister until 1990, Lee Kuan Yew, said he regretted not building a grand prix F1 track. ''(F1) makes no sense to me,'' he said at a business forum, ''but I am sure it would have made Singapore buzz.'' 04/11/05 Singapore grand prix Singapore is devising plans for a Monaco-like street grand prix. Matthew Lee, president of the Motor Sports Association there, said he met late last year with the Singapore Tourism Board. He told the Electric New Paper: ''And we've knuckled down the exact roads for a possible … (3.8 km) circuit.'' An F1 debut is slated for 2007. But, first, money must talk to Bernie Ecclestone. The race would reportedly cost Singapore $13.1m every year, and about $43 million in year-one. Lee said: ''From a driving point of view, Singapore has the potential to be one of the best and most exciting street circuits in the world.''. With that said, F1 has no room in its schedule so Champ Car may have to step in and take it.