F1 in discussions to extend Singapore GP contract

Formula One chief Chase Carey praised the Singapore Grand Prix on Wednesday, suggesting that the Southeast Asian country will continue to host the race beyond this year.

Singapore GP joined the Formula One calendar in 2008. This year’s race, the country’s 10th, is the last one under the current contract.

Negotiations taking place on Singapore GP future

In an interview with Bloomberg, Carey, who replaced Bernie Ecclestone as the sport’s CEO in January, said that negotiations to keep the Singapore GP on the calendar are already taking place.

“We’re actively engaged in that discussion and it is our goal to reach an agreement that works for the both of us,” said the F1’s CEO.

'We're proud of the race, we have a good relationship and our goal is to get to a place where we build on that partnership long-term.'

The Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry confirmed that the negotiations are on.

'We are in discussion with Formula One on the term renewal for F1 and are carefully considering several issues. More details will be shared when ready,' said a spokesperson of the Ministry.

Singapore: ‘Subject of confirmation’

In the F1’s provisional 21-race calendar for 2018, the Singapore round is marked as ‘subject of confirmation’.

China’s race, which takes place in Shanghai, is also waiting for confirmation to be included in the 2018 calendar.

However, another race in the Asian region, the Malaysia GP, will drop off due to cost reasons after its 2017 edition.

According to Carey, races in India and South Korea, which were organized by Ecclestone but dropped-off after just a few editions, are unlikely to return.

“We had a race in Korea, we had a race in India, but they were very much one-offs, deal of the day, as opposed to a commitment to really build and grow a sport,” he said.

This year’s Singapore GP takes place from the 15 to the 17 of September.