V8: Supercars set for Singapore GP support

V8 Supercar bosses have confirmed that Singapore Grand Prix organizers are courting the championship to appear on the 2011 schedule.

An announcement as to next season’s calendar has been postponed by a month as discussions continue between the two parties. It’s understood that as well as becoming part of the weekend’s support package, race promoters will seek advice from tin-top officials as to how to improve the off-track entertainment.

V8 Supercars CEO Martin Whitaker told V8X magazine that F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone had personally expressed an interest in having the series come on board.

“What’s really interesting is they want more expertise in running the entertainment element that goes hand-in-hand with a street race,” he said. “It’s everything that goes with it; it’s the street party culture that brings the city alive for the duration of the race meeting.

“(Bernie would) love to have us there in an earlier timeslot. It’s better for the spectators, better for the city and puts an extra four hours on to the show as far as Singapore is concerned.”

Any V8 Supercar race held in Singapore would most likely be a non-championship round, similar to that supporting the Australian Grand Prix, due to clashing television rights.

“(It’s) clearly one of the things we would have to work at,” Whitaker added.

Catch V8 Supercar coverage on Motors TV throughout 2010.

Tom Hornsby