11 May 2007
Unofficial artwork for the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix. © FOASingapore will host a round of the 2008 FIA Formula One World Championship, it was confirmed on Friday. The race, to be held on a new street circuit, will be the first night-time event in Formula One history.

The announcement follows the agreement of a five-year deal between FOM CEO Bernie Ecclestone, Singapore entrepreneur Mr Ong Beng Seng, and the Singapore Tourism Board.

“I am very pleased to welcome Singapore to the Formula One family and we look forward to this exotic addition to the championship,” said Ecclestone. “This will be the first fully lit street race in Formula One.

Valencia street race for 2008


10 May 2007

The Spanish city of Valencia is set to host a round of the FIA Formula One World Championship next year. The race, to be known as the European Grand Prix, will be held on a newly-constructed harbour-side street circuit.

A seven-year agreement was announced on Thursday in a press conference attended by Formula One Management CEO Bernie Ecclestone, Valencian government's President Francisco Camps and Valencia's mayor Rita Barbera. The deal is conditional on Camps winning local elections next month.

The news means Spain is due to become home to two rounds of the world championship for the foreseeable future. Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya stages the 2007 Spanish Grand Prix this weekend.

Valencia’s Mediterranean backdrop will provide a spectacular setting for the new track. The city, currently hosting the America’s Cup sailing event, is no stranger to Formula One racing. The nearby Ricardo Tormo track is a regular testing venue and Valencia has been the location for numerous car launches.

Night time circuit

Do you think they will have to have some awesome lighting fitted in the area or the cars get head lamps fitted? as far as i know they dont have them do they?

Night time circuit

Do you think they will have to have some awesome lighting fitted in the area or the cars get head lamps fitted? as far as i know they dont have them do they?

With the Singapore race likely to be held at night to coincide with prime-time television broadcast in Europe, another concern he raised was adequate lighting.

“Some television promoters are sceptical the lighting will be sufficient for TV audiences to follow the race clearly,” he said.

Fitting the F1 cars with headlights – the norm in other motor-racing events that take place at night such as the Le Mans 24 Hours race – is not an option as their aerodynamic designs are often the key to their success.

Headlights will also add to the weight of the cars.

However, the Frenchman was optimistic that a Singapore race would be well-run. “You have good infrastructure. There is already good accommodation, and I believe it will be very well-organised,” he said.

'Spore rocks!

I visit at least once a year, and the last year I was there was during 'National Day'. Wow!

It reminds me of the Monaco race. Small country, grand show!

Is SG the new Monaco?

(They will rule the bio-tech world. They built a billion dollar facility and US scientists are flocking there, away from the Bush administrations religious dogma)

'The Singapore Grand Prix will take place on public roads around the Marina Bay area. The design proposal includes powerful lighting systems that will replicate daylight conditions and the most stringent safety protocols will be applied to ensure driver and spectator safety.'