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SINGAPORE, (Bernama) -- Singapore's
preparation to host a leg of the Formula One race next year has
begun in earnest with work on the proposed race track expected
to begin next month, about a year ahead of the race in September
next year.
Some 70 per cent of the 5.05km-long street circuit is already
in place along the existing road network around Marina Bay while
the rest, or 1.2km, will have to be built to form the eastern
section of the circuit, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) said.
"The process to get the street circuit ready for the inaugural
Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix in 2008 has been set in motion,"
said STB.
The island state's Land Transport Authority (LTA) was slated to
begin road works sometime next month, while the design of the
paddock building, which will house the control tower, garages
for the teams, hospitality lounges, press room and other facilities,
was being finalised.
"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," the STB said in
a statement.
STB said that work on the race track will commence once the route
is confirmed by the FIA, the world motor racing governing body.
Besides construction of a new 1.2km road, other work include the
construction of vehicular and pedestrian underpasses, widening
of roads as well as modifications to existing road kerbs and traffic
islands.
Lim Neo Chian, STB Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive, said that
the planning for the F1 Singapore Grand Prix was progressing well.
"We have refined the proposed street circuit and submitted
the plans to the FIA for its assessment and endorsement. 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," he said.
He was confident that both the circuit and paddock building would
be officially endorsed very soon.
The Singapore F1 Grand Prix is scheduled to take place on Sept
28, next year.
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