MotoGP’s CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta has just signed an agreement to have a round of the the 2011 MotoGP season be hosted in Singapore. Now, all that needs to happen is for there to be a MotoGP caliber track in Singapore that the 2011 two-wheeled warriors can actually race around.
Ezpeleta is quoted as saying, “Yes, I can confirm that we have signed an agreement with a promoter to stage a round of the motorbike world championships in Singapore…but it depends when the permanent track you are going to build will be completed. I understand it will be up in three years’ time, so you can have a race there as early as 2011, if not 2012.”
Singapore recently played host to the likes of Formula One. Unfortunately, the city streets course does not quite have the run-off necessary for motorcycle GP racing. The new Singapore GP track will be a purpose-built track in the Changi area of the island. 50 acres of land have been allocated for the track, with the Government willing to consider releasing more land, should there be a need.
The FIM has stipulated that tracks hosting MotoGP races must be at least 3.5km long. However, Ezpeleta has made it clear that Dorna would “prefer a race track with a length of at least 4km to 4.5km” with safety of course being the primary concern. Dorna is also hoping the venue would be able to seat at least 70,000 spectators.
It is easy to see the large growth going on in Asia right now, and accordingly Dorna wants to see that growth translate in MotoGP’s growth. With races scheduled already to be in Japan and Malayasia (China recently getting the cut), Singapore helps to further solidify premiere motorcycle racing out East.
Source: Yahoo via twowheelsblog
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