F1 race organisers should keep race fresh to sustain interest

SINGAPORE: The challenge for the organiser of the Singapore Grand Prix is to keep it fresh and interesting.

Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry, S Iswaran, said if race organisers can continue to add new elements to the event in the coming years, the road ahead for future Formula 1 races in Singapore will look good.

This year's F1 night race in Singapore has been affected by the poor economy, with slower ticket sales and hotel bookings.

But organisers are working hard to spark more interest in this year's event with the inaugural F1 Rocks concert and other attractions within the circuit park.

Mr Iswaran said: "As long as we keep it fresh and interesting, the fact that it is a night race in the city centre, I think the combination of factors should continue to sustain the interest for the race, from repeat visitors and also from new fans."

With less than a month to go, it is a race against time for the 1,000 race officials as they gear up for the September event. But preparations are on track to get everyone up to speed.

Mr Iswaran also had a closer look at how race officials recover a stalled vehicle or one involved in an accident during the race.

Gabriel Tan, clerk of course, Singapore GP, said: "Next weekend, about half of the race officials are going up to Pasir Gudang, the race circuit where we actually will have a simulation scenario for them and we will give them a chance to experience a race circuit with cars going around."

The training's vital as, unlike last year's race - when the Australians took charge as key officials - Singaporeans will helm this year's operation.

Dr Kelvin Chew, chief medical officer, Singapore GP, said: "Having that one year behind us actually gave us a lot better feel of how we are going to tackle this year."

Some key officials have also been deployed at overseas races, but working on the actual site will still make a difference.

And like last year, an actual safety simulation exercise will be conducted at the Singapore street circuit. Two sessions, on the Tuesday and Thursday of race week, will be held with FIA officials observing how the Singapore race officials work.

By Patwant Singh
Source

"So that explains the launch of F1 rocks concert. There's nothing like bringing in the hottest celebrities around the globe to stir things up a bit."