Singapore isn’t giving up on hosting a Grand Prix in 2020 despite rumours it will not be included on the new calendar.
The night race around the streets of Marina Bay has been a mainstay on the schedule since its inaugural event back in 2008, but the city-state has had to deal with two separate outbreaks of the coronavirus.
A slight relaxation of lockdown measures is due to come into effect next month, including the recommencement of construction operations, which would include the building of the infrastructure needed for the race.
But the uncertainty is over whether the work could be done in time under the restrictions still in place and if fans would be able to attend, with a closed-door race ruled out as “not feasible”.
“The Formula 1 calendar for the 2020 season is currently being finalised and Singapore GP has been maintaining an open dialogue with Formula 1, the Singapore Government, and our stakeholders during this time, to assess different possibilities,” a spokesperson for the race told The Strait Times.
“Singapore GP is also working closely with the Singapore Tourism Board and various government agencies on the circuit setup timeline.
“As the street circuit requires considerable temporary infrastructure, sufficient lead time to complete the construction of the various components must be factored in.
“Works typically require three months to complete, and this will be predicated on whether such activities are permitted under the prevailing government regulations.
“We will continue to keep a close watch on developments. Our utmost priority remains the well-being and safety of our fans, staff, volunteers, and all Singaporeans.”
In the draft calendar reported on this week, Singapore was not included, with the Azerbaijan GP taking its original date of September 20.
It is possible the race could be pushed back by a few weeks, if either the Russian and Japanese GP’s were cancelled, however, after that F1 plans to complete its season with a tour of the Americas and the Middle East.
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