Update 30 Sep 2022: Formula One Singapore race renewed for another 7 yrs, from 2022 to 2028
Aerial view of the Marina Bay street circuit, where the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix will be held from 2022 to 2028. (PHOTO: Singapore GP Pte Ltd)
The Formula One Singapore Grand Prix will continue to be held in the city-state for another seven years.
The Singapore Tourism Board (STB), Singapore GP (SGP) and F1 announced in a joint media release on Thursday (27 January) that Singapore will continue to host the motor-racing extravaganza as part of the FIA Formula One World Championship from 2022 to 2028.
This is the fourth contract renewal for Singapore, and the seven-year extension is the longest for the race to date. The stakeholders said in the media release that this will give Singapore a longer runway to capture pent-up demand as international travel recovers. It also allows STB, SGP and industry partners to develop new experiences to meet the evolving interests of locals and visitors.
This year’s Formula One (F1) Singapore Grand Prix has been cancelled, as restrictions on construction and business activities brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic have made it “impossible” to hold the annual race at the Marina Bay street circuit.
Race promoter Singapore GP said in a media release on Friday (12 June), following weeks of discussion with the F1 organisers, that it is unable to proceed with the race on 20 September due to the “prohibitions imposed on access and construction of the event venue”.
Apart from the closure of the event venue, other challenges include restrictions on mass gathering and worldwide travel, Singapore GP added. “These and other measures were understandably put in place by the Singapore government and the various authorities to prioritise safety and are targeted to manage the COVID-19 pandemic,” it said in the media release.
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2020 Singapore Grand Prix cancelled due to 'continuing nationwide restrictions' brought about by COVID-19 pandemic
This year's edition of the Singapore Grand Prix has been cancelled, it was announced on Friday (Jun 12).
This decision was made due to "continuing nationwide restrictions on construction and business activities" brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, said race promoters Singapore GP in a press release.
"While there are still more than three months to go before the scheduled race on Sep 20, we regret to announce that we will be unable to proceed with the race due to the prohibitions imposed on access and construction of the event venue required for a street race to be held in the city," it said.
related: Observer on economic impact of cancellation of F1 races
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Scrapping of race disappoints fans and those in related sectors
The local racing community, as well as related sectors, reacted with disappointment but also understanding, after news of the coronavirus-enforced cancellation of this year's Singapore Grand Prix broke yesterday.
Professional racer Yuey Tan, 38, who competed in the Porsche Carrera Cup at the 2014 and 2015 Singapore Grands Prix, was disappointed but said "racing is nothing more than entertainment".
He added: "I have two children and I love them very much. If this decision is going to keep people safer, I am really good with that and I can't wait for next year's race."
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F1 cancel night race 2020 over Covid-19 restrictions
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2020 Singapore Grand Prix and Night Race concerts cancelled
Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix 2020 has officially cancelled
Following a statement released by Formula 1 today (12/6), Singapore Grand Prix will no longer continue their 2020 season, alongside Grands Prix in Japan and Azerbaijan.
"As a result of the ongoing challenges presented by COVID-19, we and our promoters in Azerbaijan, Singapore and Japan have taken the decision to cancel their races for the 2020 season. These decisions have been taken due to the different challenges our promoters face in those countries," said Formula 1, in a press statement.
The long-awaited Singapore race is not scheduled to take place until 18 - 20 September, however, due to restrictions and prohibitions in the country because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, construction of the event venue has not been able to take place since May 2020 and thus, won't be ready in time for the race.
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F1 confirm 2020 Azerbaijan, Singapore and Japanese Grands Prix have been cancelled
Earlier this month the opening eight races of a revised calendar for the 2020 season were announced, beginning with the Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring in the first weekend of July.
Since then F1 have continued to work hard to finalise the remaining calendar for the season, and are confident of having between 15-18 races by the time the season concludes in Abu Dhabi in mid-December. A new calendar is expected to be published before the season begins in Austria.
But today it was confirmed that the Azerbaijan, Singapore and Japanese races will not be part of the calendar for 2020.
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AZERBAIJAN, SINGAPORE AND JAPANESE GRANDS PRIX OFFICIALLY CANCELLED
After earlier reports on Thursday, the sport has now confirmed that the races have been called-off due in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“As a result of the ongoing challenges presented by COVID-19, we and our promoters in Azerbaijan, Singapore and Japan have taken the decision to cancel their races for the 2020 season,” F1 said in a statement. “These decisions have been taken due to the different challenges our promoters face in those countries.
“In Singapore and Azerbaijan the long lead times required to construct street circuits made hosting the events during a period of uncertainty impossible and in Japan, ongoing travel restrictions also led to the decision not to proceed with the race.” “At the same time we have made significant progress with existing and new promoters on the revised calendar and have been particularly encouraged by the interest that has been shown by new venues in hosting a Formula 1 race during the 2020 season.”
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Formula 1 2020: Japan, Singapore and Azerbaijan races cancelled
Singapore is unable to build its street circuit in time for the 2020 race
The Japanese, Singapore and Azerbaijan Grands Prix have been cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic. Formula 1 has tried to find a way to hold the races in 2020 but announced on Friday that was not possible in the uncertain global situation.
The historic event at Suzuka is off as a result of Japan's ban on many international travellers. Races in Singapore and Baku cannot be held because the street circuits cannot be built in the current climate.
The cancellations mean F1 has lost a further three key grands prix to the Covid-19 crisis that has already claimed the season-opening race in Australia and the blue-riband Monaco event.
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Formula One facing worsening financial crisis with races in Azerbaijan, Singapore and Japan cancelled
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix is normally F1’s highest payer CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES
Although the sport remains confident of reaching its minimum target of a 15-race world championship, with eight summer events in Europe already confirmed, the choice of autumn cancellations is proving a painful one. The street race in Baku, a fixture on the roster since 2016, is normally F1’s highest payer, agreeing to an annual hosting fee in excess of £40 million.
Similarly, Singapore, with its glittering night-time spectacle at Marina Bay, generates vast commercial revenue. The absence of Suzuka, arguably the drivers’ favourite track, will also be acutely felt, especially as it is likely to be replaced by a Russian double-header at the bland Sochi Autodrom.
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Marina Bay Street Circuit
- When was the track built? The Marina Bay Circuit arrived on the scene in 2008. A street track with the city's famous skyline as its spectacular backdrop, the initial circuit plan by Herman Tilke was refined by KBR Inc, while the event has quickly established itself as one of the standouts on the F1 calendar.
- When was its first Grand Prix? In 2008, Singapore had the honour of hosting the first night-time race in F1 history. The Grand Prix – the 15th round of that season – proved a huge hit with the teams and drivers, while Renault’s Fernando Alonso claimed a controversial victory.
- What’s the circuit like? The 5.063km Marina Bay Circuit is one of the most physically demanding on the calendar, its bumpy street surface coupled with humid conditions giving the drivers plenty to think about. With 23 corners, they are working the wheel a lot, too, around the high-speed lap – the physical stress causing them to lose as much as 3kg over the course of a race. The circuit also boasts some of the most unique features of any track on the F1 calendar, including Turn 18, which actually sees the drivers pass underneath a grandstand.
- Why go? If you want to see Singapore at its best, there’s no better time to do so than when Formula 1 arrives in the heart of this buzzing city. Get the lay of the land by taking a ride on the Singapore Flyer, a giant Ferris wheel overlooking the track’s permanent pits complex, then get stuck into Singapore’s incredible bar and restaurant scene. Cocktail fanatics should also make a pilgrimage to the famous Raffles Hotel – the proper home of the Singapore Sling (non-alcoholic versions are available!)
- Where is the best place to watch? Get yourself comfy in the grandstand located at Turn 1, which offers spectacular views as the cars accelerate into the first corner, before braking hard and whipping through Turns 2 and 3. You’ll get a great view of the start too – expect to see plenty of sparks fly as the drivers blast off the line.
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