13/08/2007
NEWS STORY
The Singapore Tourism Board (TSB) has revealed that work on the track that will host a round of the Formula One world Championship next year will get underway next month.
Being a street circuit, as much as 70 percent of the track is already in place, however, the eastern 1.2 km section of the track still has to be built said the TSB.
"The process to get the street circuit ready for the inaugural Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix in 2008 has been set in motion," said the STB yesterday.
"The street circuit offers a number of overtaking opportunities, fast turns and technically challenging sections for F1 race drivers, which in turn will present viewers with compelling race action to keep them on the edge of their seats," it added.
Road works are due to begin next month, once the exact layout is approved by the FIA. Meanwhile, the design of the paddock complex - which will house control tower, team garages, hospitality lounges and press room are still being finalised.
In addition to the remaining 1.2 km section of the circuit, there is still much other construction work, including the construction of vehicular and pedestrian underpasses, the widening of roads and modifications to existing kerbs and traffic islands.
"We have refined the proposed street circuit and submitted the plans to the FIA for its assessment and endorsement," said Lim Neo Chian, STB Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive, according to the Malaysia National News Agency. "Concurrently, we are combing through the details for the rest of the infrastructure works, such as finalising the design concept and construction schedule of the paddock building."
The race is scheduled to take place on September 28, next year.