F1 in Singapore: One up for bilateral ties

The Straits Times, April 28, 2007
By Imran Imtiaz Shah Yacob, For The Straits Times


KUALA LUMPUR - THE prospect of Singapore bidding to host a Formula One grand prix has led to charged emotions in Malaysia. The reverberations from the thunderous roar of the Formula One cars at Sepang can barely muffle the concerns running through the minds of Malaysians: What if Singapore poses a direct challenge to or, worse, eventually takes the event away from Malaysia?

However, the situation is not a zero-sum game. Formula One is an international sport that should rightly serve as a bridge between nations, not as a cause of division.

As Ferrari CEO Jean Todt says: 'Formula One is a worldwide event. You have places like Malaysia, Turkey, China and Abu Dhabi pushing for better organisation. And it pushes Europe to improve their organisation. It is healthy competition.'

The prospect of Singapore joining the ranks of the Formula One circuits must be viewed in complementary terms. The negotiations are within the privilege of the interested parties.

In the event that Singapore gets the green light to host a city-circuit race at night towards the end of the racing season, every effort must be made to work together for the benefit of the sport and the economic well-being of both Malaysia and Singapore. Failure to adopt such an approach could create an obstacle on the path to warmer relations.

Singapore's Foreign Minister George Yeo, in stressing the complementary nature of the proposed Singapore race, has found a friend in Datuk Mokhzani Mahathir, the chairman of the Sepang International Circuit, who is of the view that provided the races are managed properly, the events, despite their geographical proximity, could turn out for the betterment of all.

There are two differences between Sepang and Singapore. First, Sepang is a purpose-built track as opposed to the proposed city circuit of Singapore. The challenging and state-of-the-art Sepang circuit has been a thrill for drivers over the past nine years. Malaysia has reaped many benefits in successfully managing the event. Fittingly, the largest contingent of F1 enthusiasts over the years has come from Singapore.

Second, provided the race in Singapore is not held back-to-back with Malaysia's, it is conceivable that under the present climate of closer relations, both countries can steer the race in the same direction. The experiences of Malaysia in being the first South-east Asian nation to host such a prestigious event could serve Singapore well. Likewise, night racing with its safety concerns and logistical complexities as proposed by Singapore could be a further area of cooperation as the same may be envisioned for Sepang.

The apparent problems faced by Malaysia in hosting the event as stated by F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone are merely housekeeping problems. Malaysians should not view Mr Ecclestone's comments as a veiled endorsement of Singapore's bid. The success reaped so far has been Malaysia's and so it is up to Malaysia to face the issues raised.

Similarly, a grand prix in Singapore would not be without its problems. Three-time world champion Nelson Piquet has compared racing in Monaco to 'riding a bicycle around your living room'. Minister George Yeo has also warned of the possibility of traffic congestion and noise pollution, noting that there would be trade-offs and sacrifices for Singapore to host the race.

In summary, as speculation mounts about the possibility of two grand prix races in this region, one at the beginning of the season and the other at the tail-end of the race calendar, what must be highlighted is that many mutually beneficial systems and collaborations could be put in place. An opportunity to double up on the gain is on the table.

Ultimately, it is not about Singapore versus Malaysia. It cannot be. It is about the sport, the fans and regional prosperity.

Imran Imtiaz Shah Yacob is a writer and lawyer based in Kuala Lumpur. He can be contacted at imran.yacob@gmail.com