Former world champion Fernando Alonso said 'impossible', fellow Formula One star David Coulthard called it a 'gimmick', but Singapore Grand Prix executive director Michael Roche says a 'unique and exciting challenge' is about to become a reality.
Forget the International Olympic Committee meeting in 2005 which awarded the Olympic Games to London, the inaugural Youth Olympics to be held in 2010 or the two multi-billion-dollar casinos rising out of Marina Bay, Singapore is about to host its 'biggest sporting and social event', says Roche.
The first night race in the 58-year history of Formula One will be staged in the Lion City on September 28, making Singapore 'the leader' and an 'exotic addition' to the Formula One family, says F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone.
The organisers proudly claim they have already sold 92 per cent of the 100,600 tickets and the Ministry of Trade and Industry is expecting a tourism bonanza of S$100 million (HK$578 million).
Night will become day for the 20 drivers and their teams as the organisers deliver on Ecclestone's promise that Singapore's CBD is 'going to be lit as if it's daylight'.
All safety requirements have been met and the FIA has given its blessing, says Roche.
'Creating the first night race in Formula One history sets us apart, and the design of our track will give the drivers some unique challenges,' said Roche. 'The combination of long straights and fast, flowing corners will create one of the fastest street circuits.
