Behind closed doors Singapore GP 'not feasible'

Fresh doubts have been cast over the 2020 Singapore Grand Prix, although race promoters remain in 'open dialogue' with Formula 1.

Only the Australian, Monaco and French grands prix have been officially cancelled from the 2020 Formula 1 calendar to this point, but there remains serious doubts over the latest edition of the Singapore race.

“The Formula 1 calendar for the 2020 season is currently being finalised and Singapore GP has been maintaining an open dialogue with Formula 1, the Singapore Government, and our stakeholders during this time, to assess different possibilities,” a spokesperson told Singaporean newspaper, The Straits Times on Saturday.

As with other street circuits, there is a significant amount of time required to prepare the circuit for grand prix racing. In the case of Singapore, this time is calculated at three months, giving a mid-June deadline for a decision on whether to hold the event to be reached.

“Singapore GP is also working closely with the Singapore Tourism Board and various government agencies on the circuit setup timeline. As the street circuit requires considerable temporary infrastructure, sufficient lead time to complete the construction of the various components must be factored in," added the spokesperson.

“Works typically require three months to complete, and this will be predicated on whether such activities are permitted under the prevailing government regulations."

Even if the race were to take place, it is unlikely that fans would be granted access. However, the spokesperson confirmed it is, "not feasible to conduct the race behind closed doors”.

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