The Singapore Government announced Friday that it will be developing the motor sports industry in Singapore by working with the private sector to build a permanent race track located in Changi (eastern part of Singapore).

"The government has identified the motor sports industry as a growth industry that will contribute to sports development and the economy in Singapore. In our discussions with the private sector, industry players shared that the development of a permanent racetrack is critical for us to develop a comprehensive motor sports industry. The government has thus decided to facilitate the private sector's development of a permanent racetrack. The project will be fully funded by the private sector," said Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports.

A Request for Proposal for the permanent racetrack, located on a 20-hectare plot with a tenure of 30 years, is expected to go out in May 2008. The racetrack is expected to be completed by the end of 2010 or early 2011.

Added Dr Balakrishnan: "Motor sports is the third most popular spectator sport behind the Olympics and the World Cup. Many races are given extensive media coverage worldwide with global networks. This will certainly provide a boost to sport participation, excellence and industry.
Motor sports development is expected to lead to the birth and growth of direct and indirect motor sport businesses in sectors like services, engineering, logistics, training and education. Singapore has the infrastructure, technical expertise, manufacturing and R&D capabilities to facilitate the growth of the motor sports industry."

Oon Jin Teik, Chief Executive Officer, Singapore Sports Council said: "The SSC has set up a division to facilitate the planning and development of the motor sport industry. Together with the Singapore Motor Sports Association and other government agencies, we will look at talent identification and development, developing local motor events and bringing in international motor events."

Singapore has a large following of motor sport enthusiasts with over 100 car clubs, each with memberships ranging from 50 to as many as 2000 members. The Singapore Motor Sports Association (SMSA) and its affiliated motoring clubs have more than 4000 registered members who participate in regular motor sports activities organized by the SMSA.

D.B. © CAPSIS International
Source Singapore Sports Council

I wonder how big is the track going to be? Aim of supporting saloon-car and lower formula + bike racing or with an eye on MotoGP and F1 type stuff? You'd hope they'd also put in a nice kart track.

Ok found some more info... they're planning a track between 2.8km and 3.5km and a "Level 1" kart track.

If by level 1 they mean grade A it would have to be at least 1.2km long and at least a 150m straight. It would also have to have a full servicing park and a lot of area for competitors' tents among other things. If it really is a grade-A track then there will be a really nice karting track there as well.

So the big track is for non-F1 stuff, like smaller single seaters, saloon cars, bike racing etc.. crowd capacity at 15,000, so I doubt it would be hosting anything like MotoGP with only 15,000 seats. A small track is what you need though, it'll create good atmosphere at small events because even with 5,000 it will feel like 50,000 at Sepang.