Despite growing concerns of being dropped from a revised Formula 1 calendar, organisers of the Singapore Grand Prix admit they are involved in “open dialogue” with F1 and the FIA in bid to have the night race run in 2020.
It is understood that a revised calendar will have the event sideswiped and replaced by a rescheduled Azerbaijan GP on the original September 20 date.
With Formula 1 committed to running an American leg of races from October, it seems implausible that a rescheduled Singapore Grand Prix could go ahead without having one of either the Japanese or Russian GP’s canned.
Nevertheless, event organisers have said that negotiations with F1 are evolving but admits the necessary lead-in time required to construct the circuit will likely see the race fail to go ahead.
“The Formula 1 calendar for the 2020 season is currently being finalised and Singapore GP has been maintaining an open dialogue with Formula 1, the Singapore Government, and our stakeholders during this time, to assess different possibilities,” an event spokesperson told Motorsport.com.
“Singapore GP is also working closely with the Singapore Tourism Board and various government agencies on the circuit setup timeline. As the street circuit requires considerable temporary infrastructure, sufficient lead time to complete the construction of the various components must be factored in.
“Works typically require three months to complete, and this will be predicated on whether such activities are permitted under the prevailing government regulations.
“We will continue to keep a close watch on developments. Our utmost priority remains the well-being and safety of our fans, staff, volunteers, and all Singaporeans.”
The Singapore Grand Prix has been on the calendar since 2008 and is contracted to host the event until after the 2021 season.
A revised Formula 1 calendar is expected to be unveiled shortly with the season set to begin with back-to-back races from the Red Bull Ring in Austria.