The FIA is understood to have given its approval to the proposed track layout for the Singapore Grand Prix, however, there is still no official confirmation as to whether the race will be the first 'night race' in the history of the Formula One World Championship.

"After months of poring over the drawing board, we are now one step closer to our dream," said Colin Syn, deputy chairman of Singapore GP. "However, there is no time to celebrate, it is now full speed ahead for us to get this race on the road."

Furthermore, The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has awarded contracts for three major works around the proposed 5-km circuit, which, it is hoped, will attract crowds of more than 130,000.

In addition to being Asia's first street race, and possibly a night event, the race will be run counter-clockwise, like the events in Istanbul and Sao Paulo.

Minister of State for Trade and Industry S Iswaran revealed that organisers are still waiting for the FIA to confirm whether the event can be a night race, confirming that the Singapore Tourism Board and other government agencies are working closely with the race promoter in order to ensure that the lighting trials run smoothly.

Organisers have already held lighting trials at several circuits and if given approval they will start conducting lighting trials next May on the start and finish straights.

"The in-principle circuit confirmation from the FIA will pave the way for road works to commence," said Iswaran. "The Land Transport Authority will manage modifications to some existing infrastructure, such as road kerbs and traffic islands, as well as the construction of a new 1.2-kilometre road alongside the pit building that forms the start and finish straight."