The future of Singapore Grand Prix has been cast into fresh doubts after Formula One head honcho Bernie Ecclestone claimed the Republic no longer wants to host a race here.
Speculation was rife during September’s Singapore Grand Prix on whether negotiations to extend the Singapore race when its five-year deal expires next year would be concluded successfully.
In an interview with German magazine Auto Motor Und Sport that was published on Sunday (Nov 20), Mr Ecclestone — who once christened the Singapore night race the “crown jewel” of Formula One — claimed Singapore is not going to extend its deal.
“Look at what we have done for Singapore,” the F1 chief executive was quoted as saying. “Yes, the Grand Prix has cost Singapore a lot of money, but we’ve also given them a lot of money.
“Singapore was suddenly more than just an airport to fly to or from somewhere. Now they believe they have reached their goal and they do not want a Grand Prix anymore.”
When contacted by TODAY, a Singapore GP spokesperson said they “don’t comment on ongoing commercial negotiations”.
Mr Ecclestone’s comments came on the back of a poor 2016 edition of the Singapore race. Organisers Singapore GP reported that overall ticket sales at the Marina Bay Street Circuit were 15 per cent lower than the average attendance since 2008.
In the interview with Auto Motor Und Sport, Mr Ecclestone also said that some of the current manufacturers – including world champions Mercedes – may quit in the near future.
“It could happen to us that Mercedes and Ferrari run away,” he said. “But honestly, if the races get better, this may not be such a terrible vision.
“We have to expect the manufacturers to leave us anyway. Mercedes will retire on the day when it suits them and it’s something we had before – look at Honda, BMW and Toyota. They go when Formula 1 has done the job for them. There is no gratitude.”
Source: www.todayonline.com
