Singapore set to join MotoGP calendar

Singapore looks set to become the latest country to join the MotoGP calendar as it gets ready to build a new circuit in Changi.
Lorenzo, Race Start, Portuguese MotoGP Race 2010
Lorenzo, Race Start, Portuguese MotoGP Race 2010
© Gold and Goose

Singapore has moved one step closer to securing a spot on the MotoGP calendar following the news that its proposed venue is likely to receive FIM approval.

Singapore has worked hard over the last two years to establish its first permanent race track, with SG Changi winning the tender back in March to build the S$330 million ($256.4 million) venue.

With the FIM president Carmelo Ezpeleta visiting the proposed 'Changi Motorsports Hub' to discuss safety issues, he says there is little reason to doubt that Singapore won't be ready to host a race as early as 2012.

"I am happy to tell you things are proceeding smoothly for us to come to Singapore," Ezpeleta told MediaCorp.

"Once (governing body) FIM approves the track for us, we can begin to talk terms with SG Changi about having MotoGP there and when the first race can be held."

Motorsport has become increasingly popular in Singapore following the first-ever Formula 1 night race to be held there in 2008, though it is undecided whether MotoGP will follow the lead of its four-wheel counterpart - as well as the Qatari race - and hold the event under floodlights.

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