15/04/2005
NEWS STORY
The Singapore Motor Sports Association (SMSA) has denied recent reports that it has held talks with Singapore Tourism Board (STB) officials in the hope of securing a round of the Formula One world Championship
It's understood that SMSA president Matthew Lee was stunned to learn that comments regarding Singapore's bid for an F1 race, including details of a possible street circuit or even a dedicated track, had been attributed to him.
"I'm so surprised by all these stories," said Lee, according to Today. "The last time I met STB officials was in 2003 for the Asian Supercross motorbike championship at Suntec City. As it was an international event, we had to work with STB to promote it. But we have never discussed anything relating to Formula 1.
"People have asked me if Singapore could host a Formula 1 race," he admitted. "My answer is, sure, of course we can. We can build a street circuit or a permanent circuit, but whether this would be allowed is another matter.
"However, Singapore is a small country and hosting a Formula 1 race is not cheap. So I am not too sure if it would be in Singapore's interest to do so.
SMSA vice-president, Tan Teng Lip, was also eager to dismiss the recent speculation: "We have not made any approach to anyone concerning a Formula 1 race in Singapore," he said. "You need a promoter to organise a major race like Formula 1 and the SMSA are not in a position to play that role."
At the recent Malaysian GP, when asked if he would consider an F1 race in Singapore, Bernie Ecclestone said: "Singapore is just too close to Sepang. I don't think it is possible."