Singapore will once again hear the raucous roar of F1 cars speeding down
the Marina Bay Street Circuit. After being cancelled for two years in a
row, Singapore GP (SGP) and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has
announced that the lion city will once again host the Formula 1 Grand
Prix, part of the FIA Formula One World Championship, from 2022 to 2028.
“We
are proud to continue to host the Singapore Grand Prix for another
seven years,” Keith Tan, chief executive of STB said. “It is an
experience like no other in the world that reinforces Singapore’s
position as a vibrant and exciting global city.”
The return of the race may mark the incremental increase of tourism receipts. Photo Credit: Singapore GP Pte Ltd
Since debuting in Singapore in 2008, the night race has been staged
12 times, up till 2019. Beyond the circuit, spectators who turn up for
the race have also greatly contributed to Singapore’s local business and
hospitality players.
From 2008 to 2019, the race attracted a total of 550,000 unique
international visitors and generated more than S$1.5 billion (US$ 11
billion) in incremental tourism receipts.
“The Singapore F1 race continues to be a strong focal point for
tourists, global events and business meetings,” said S Iswaran, minister
for transport and minister-in-charge of trade relations.
Not only will the race attract international visitors as travel picks
up speed, it will also contribute to the livelihoods of local
businesses in the engineering, construction and hospitality sectors, in
turn, “generating business revenue and jobs for Singaporeans,” Iswaran
added.
In the lead up to this year’s race, sustainability has also been
worked into an agenda that includes switching to a renewable energy
source, increasing recycling efforts, and introducing sustainable
materials.
"STB welcomes the opportunity to work with our partners to introduce
new ideas and concepts to enhance the race experience and to make the
entire event one of the most environmentally sustainable street circuits
in the F1 calendar," Tan said.
Tan adds that Singapore looks forward to "welcoming international
travellers back to Singapore in 2022 for the race, and encourage them to
also explore our new and reimagined offerings."
According
to the Formula 1 website, the 2022 Singapore Grand Prix is tentatively
scheduled for Sunday, 2 October 2022, and tickets are slated to be
released soon.