FORMULA ONE NIGHT RACE

FORMULA ONE NIGHT RACE:

(Economic spin-offs): 17.

Mr Arthur Fong asked the Minister for Trade and Industry with the successful completion of F1 second night race in Singapore (a) what is the revenue

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generated for our economy as compared to the one held last year; (b) how can we further improve on minimising disruptions to businesses in the Marina Bay area as well as traffic into the city; and (c) whether the Ministry will be working with LTA and the race organisers to address the bumpy track of the Marina Bay Circuit.

The Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry (Mr S Iswaran) (for the Minister for Trade and Industry): Mr Speaker Sir, Singapore has been able to host successfully two Formula One (F1) races to date and we retain the distinction of being the only night race on a street circuit set in the heart of the city. We have also complemented the race with a strong line-up of leisure and lifestyle events under the banner of the Singapore GP Season, such as the inaugural F1 Rocks concert this year. Taken together, these initiatives have helped us to maximise the branding and economic benefits for Singapore.

Last year, the event drew more than 40,000 overseas visitors and generated nearly $170 million in incremental tourism receipts. The race captured the international media's attention and was watched, at least, in terms of general TV viewership, 110 million, but it exceeds half a million when you take it on accumulative basis over the year. Hotels across all tiers also benefited substantially during the F1 race weekend last year.

It is a little more than three weeks since this year's race. The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is still collating data from various sources and should be able to give the numbers for F1 2009 by the end of the year. However, it should not be a surprise to us if this year's numbers are not as strong as last year's. This is to be expected given the backdrop of the global economic downturn. But the attendance was still very strong as the media has reported – more than 95% of the tickets

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were sold. Beyond tourism receipts and arrivals, the F1 race continues to strengthen Singapore's international branding and improves our mindshare. It also serves as a good platform for business networking, innovative activities and the creation of new opportunities.

Learning from last year's inaugural race, the organisers have made a significant effort to shorten this year's road closure period from 12 to seven days. This is by no means an easy task because it entails a significant addition of resources, coordination and also safety clearance for the international sports authorities. And this reduction has lessened inconvenience to road users. Government agencies that were closely monitoring traffic conditions observed that while there were still some instances of congestion due to the various diversions, the situation was a marked improvement over 2008.

Most stakeholders appreciated the significant improvement in the management of this year's road closures. The organisers will use their cumulative experience to review the plans for next year and explore options, together with the FIA and FOM, to further enhance road access and reduce inconvenience to road users where feasible.

On the Member's last question pertaining to the alleged bumpiness of the track, LTA remilled and resurfaced Raffles Boulevard to remove the bumps observed last year. However, we must recognise that Singapore's F1 race takes place predominantly on working city streets which are used for the rest of the year by a variety of vehicles. By its very nature, an F1 street circuit will never be as smooth as a purpose-built track. It is also noteworthy that the FIA had thoroughly inspected and approved the Marina Bay Circuit as safe for racing both last year and this year.

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Our Government agencies, working closely with race promoters and the FIA, remain committed to ensuring that the Singapore Marina Bay F1 circuit is safe for drivers, marshals, spectators and indeed all who are there at the street circuit.

Mr Calvin Cheng: In light of increased competition from new street circuits in Abu Dhabi, and with Malaysia upping its ante by introducing its own team, and with the novelty of the night race wearing off, what is the Ministry doing to ensure that our night race would continue to be internationally competitive?

Mr Iswaran: Sir, I think the short answer is that we will have to continually look for innovative ideas to enhance the attractiveness the Singapore Race in order to continue to position it as one of the top two or three races in the F1 calendar every year.

3.00 pm

Mr Speaker: Order. End of Question time.

[ Pursuant to Standing Order No. 22(3), Written Answers to Question Nos. 23-27, 31-33, 35, 38, 42 and 47-48 on the Order Paper are reproduced in the Appendix*. Question Nos. 18-22, 28-30, 34, 36-37 , 39-41, 43-46 and 49 have been postponed to the next available sitting of Parliament .]

*Cols. 1639-1658.