<TABLE border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%"><TBODY><TR>A bumpy track reflects a genuine street race
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<!-- START OF : div id="storytext"--><!-- more than 4 paragraphs -->IN RESPONSE to Tuesday's letter, 'Bumpy F1 track needs to be resolved', we totally agree with Mr Augistine Ng regarding the overwhelming and positive response from sports commentators, Formula One officials, tourists and home fans alike.
However, we must disagree with his comments that the bumpy nature of the track surface poses any form of safety issue. The safety of drivers, officials and spectators is always our No. 1 concern.
Ahead of the race, we had an ongoing dialogue with the International Automobile Federation (FIA), which sets the international standards for the safety of F1. On Sept 24, the FIA thoroughly inspected and then approved the Marina Bay Circuit as safe for racing use.
The F1 SingTel Singapore Grand Prix takes place predominantly on working city streets with existing road profile and features, which are used for the rest of the year not just by passenger cars but also by trucks and buses. By its very nature, a true street circuit will never be as ideal and smooth as a purpose-made track.
We will, of course, discuss the situation again with the FIA ahead of next year's race and we remain committed to making any changes the FIA and the teams feel may be appropriate.
We look forward to the 2010 event, just like the previous two years, offering a visual treat when our stunning city is showcased around the world as a truly unique fixture on the F1 calendar.
Meng Yew Choong
Corporate Communications Manager
Singapore GP
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<!-- START OF : div id="storytext"--><!-- more than 4 paragraphs -->IN RESPONSE to Tuesday's letter, 'Bumpy F1 track needs to be resolved', we totally agree with Mr Augistine Ng regarding the overwhelming and positive response from sports commentators, Formula One officials, tourists and home fans alike.
However, we must disagree with his comments that the bumpy nature of the track surface poses any form of safety issue. The safety of drivers, officials and spectators is always our No. 1 concern.
Ahead of the race, we had an ongoing dialogue with the International Automobile Federation (FIA), which sets the international standards for the safety of F1. On Sept 24, the FIA thoroughly inspected and then approved the Marina Bay Circuit as safe for racing use.
The F1 SingTel Singapore Grand Prix takes place predominantly on working city streets with existing road profile and features, which are used for the rest of the year not just by passenger cars but also by trucks and buses. By its very nature, a true street circuit will never be as ideal and smooth as a purpose-made track.
We will, of course, discuss the situation again with the FIA ahead of next year's race and we remain committed to making any changes the FIA and the teams feel may be appropriate.
We look forward to the 2010 event, just like the previous two years, offering a visual treat when our stunning city is showcased around the world as a truly unique fixture on the F1 calendar.
Meng Yew Choong
Corporate Communications Manager
Singapore GP
