Singapore’s own F1 driver a possibility
SINGAPORE : While Singapore is bracing itself for a spectacular show at the 2008 Formula 1 SingTel Singapore Grand Prix, starting with the practice sessions on Friday, Teo Ser Luck, Senior Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports & Ministry of Transport, is dreaming of a Singapore driver starting on the grid in the not—too—distant future.
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After sitting in on a session where McLaren—Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton spoke to aspiring Singapore racers and drivers, some of whom will feature in the support races over the next three days, Teo said the Government would look into investing in karting activities. Hamilton started racing in karts when he was eight and progressed to single—seater cars, before exploding onto the Formula 1 scene last year.
“With Formula 1 coming to Singapore for five years, there will be an impact where the younger generation or aspiring drivers want to become full—fledged F1 racers,” said Teo. “I don’t see why there cannot be a time when we can produce our own driver in F1. With Lewis here, I wanted to explore what it takes to actually become an F1 driver.
“Karting is already going on in Singapore and there may be a chance to start identifying potential drivers and develop them.”
Teo revealed that plans for a permanent race track at Changi are on schedule, with the facility set to be completed in 2011. Team Singapore drivers will then have a home to practise their craft, whether for karting or for other race categories.
“I think it is important to see how we can work with SMSA (Singapore Motor Sports Association) to develop a pipeline of drivers who can scale up the ladder of car racing,” Teo added.
According to Teo, the Government is exploring various ideas for the track and once these are completed, it will issue tender forms for the parties to submit. He said the Government is open to the idea of allowing for more land for the track, if it is viable. The original plan was for a 20—hectare site.
“More and more interested parties are interested in building the track and we are exploring all the different parties and assessing what needs to be done,” he said. “It is a seafront track and we must maximise the use of that land there, not just a race track but an area where tourists will also come, as a family outing area.” — TODAY/rose
Extracted from: http://sg.news.yahoo.com/cna/20080926/tsp-524-singapores-f1-driver-possibility-36f0faa.html
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