Late in 2008 we reported that Dorna had signed a deal to bring MotoGP to the Asian country of Singapore. With no track to actually host the event, the Singaporeans have been busy making a venue for the premiere two-wheeled racing class. That bit of business seems to be coming to a close, and MotoGP seems headed to Singapore in 2012 with the new Changi Motorsports Hub.
With SG Changi Private Limited building the $235 million Singaporean track with an end date in 2011, race organizers hope to be able to host a MotoGP stop in time for the 2012 season. The track, which is just outside the Changi Airport, will host not only MotoGP, but also GT events. Additionally the full facility will house a 4km FIM Grade 1 and FIA Grade 2 certified race track, a 20,000-seater sheltered grandstand, karting track, a 1/4 mile drag racing track, motor museum and 35,000 square metres of commercial space.
The original plan called for a 3.7km track, but adjustments had to be made in order to have the design accommodate running MotoGP caliber motorcycles.
Singapore Sports Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan hailed the project as a “landmark in development”, after Singapore hosted its Formula 1 night race in 2008. “The Formula 1 race is the crown jewel of Singapore sports, and we view that as step one … we need to go further than that, and that’s why we conceived the idea of building our own motorsports hub,” he said.
Source: Reuters
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