Formula wonders
Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew has been musing that his government made a mistake in not building a Formula 1 race track back in the 1980s.
'I think I was dim-witted then,' he confessed, pointing out that popular culture has helped others bring in the dollars. 'But I learned a lesson, and I'm telling my younger chaps, look, pay attention to all this, this is what will make Singapore buzz,' he said.
When Mr Lee admits making a mistake, everyone listens, and the word on the street is that the city-state could try to create a street circuit that would give Monaco a run for its money.
The idea has been raised at a time when the government is doing all it can to create a buzz and break Singapore free from its stereotyped image of an unexciting, controlled city. Some people have already pointed out that a bid for a track would need to clearly state that the electronic road pricing system and speed cameras would be turned off for the race.
From the Esplanade's spiky domes to a yet-to be-built iconic integrated resort, from the Padang, past the Raffles Hotel, an F1 street circuit could be the ultimate way of promoting Singapore to millions of potential tourists via television.
Of course, such a circuit would not come cheap, at up to US$30 million a year for the set-up and US$15 million a year in rights to stage the race. Then, there is the fact that F1 ringmaster Bernie Ecclestone will have to give the green light. So far he has seemed to dismiss the idea, saying there were no dates available in the calendar.
Singapore would also have to fight off stiff competition from potentially more lucrative venues such as Russia, India and Mexico, which are all eyeing a share of the world championship pie and its advertising dollars.
Furthermore, at a time when the city-state is publicly mending fences with its neighbour, Malaysia, it would also have to tread on eggshells to avoid stealing the race from the Sepang circuit.
But F1 drivers might learn a thing or two from local driving habits. During a ride from the airport down the expressway they can experience the thrill of overtaking on either side, and witness taxi drivers' penchant for rapid acceleration and then braking for no apparent reason.
Singapore always sets its sights on the top prizes, and a few people are already saying that this dream circuit could be used for the potential F1 breakaway, for Formula 3 or GT sportscar races if an F1 bid fails.
I cannot see the government going for it. But if it did, my money is on a grand prix victory. After all, we here all know how persuasive the authorities can be when they put their mind to it.
