05/04/2007
NEWS STORY
Only last week, Mokhzani Mahathir, chairman of the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) said that a Grand Prix in Singapore would benefit the Malaysian round of the Formula One World Championship.
"With Singapore hosting the race, it will only create more interest and we will probably get more spectators at Sepang," said Mahathir.
However, Sports Minister Azalina Othman Said isn't so sure, and feels that Southeast Asia should only have one Grand Prix and that countries should not be competing with one another.
"The region should have one F1 race. Singapore should not compete with Malaysia," Said told reporters ahead of this weekend's big race. However, she was quick to add: "I am not worried. I have no concern with Singapore hosting the F1 race."
Speculation regarding a Singapore race is building to fever pitch, with many expecting an announcement last weekend after Mark Webber drove the proposed course in a road car. Now, with Bernie Ecclestone admitting that he wants 20 races on the calendar, not to mention night races, it is widely thought that an announcement could be made this weekend while the F1 circus is in Malaysia.
"I think Malaysia has one of the best tracks," said Azalina. "We host the hottest race in the world. I don't think Singapore can challenge the F1 race in Malaysia"
Fearing her word were falling on deaf ears, and that a deal has already been done, she added: "Singapore and Malaysia should be complementary."
However, Mokhzani Mahathir has warned that should Singapore join the 'F1 club', the two races should not be held back-to-back, as this would "cannibalise spectatorship."
Having hosted its first Grand Prix in 1999, in 2006 Malaysian GP organizers extended the contract for a further five years.