By Joy Fang

Click on thumbnail to view (Photos: ST, BT, Reuters)

THE Renault scandal is between the sport's world ruling body, the International Automobile Federation, and the teams, whereas Singapore is a host for the race, said Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry S. Iswaran.

"I think our job is to make sure that we put on a good show, so that visitors come here and enjoy themselves, have an eventful experience and a memorable one. I think, in that regard, we have done a good job last year, and that's our target again this year," he said.

The Singapore Grand Prix (GP) will be held from Sept 25 to 27.

Mr Iswaran was referring to recent cheating allegations where then Renault driver Nelson Piquet was apparently asked to crash his car during the Singapore GP to give teammate Fernando Alonso a race-winning advantage.

Speaking to reporters during a site tour of the Marina Bay circuit, where he was guest of honour, Mr Iswaran said he did not see the saga having any impact on Singapore's reputation as a GP host, as it was more "about a particular team's tactics, and not a comment about the venue".

Asked if he thought the controversy might even bring publicity, Singapore GP executive director Michael Roche said: "Positive or negative things in the news do keep people's eye on the race.

"More and more people definitely know Singapore is (the venue of) the next race. Maybe there's a positive side to it, and we'll gladly take the business if so."

The organisers also announced structural improvements to the circuit, such as enlarged pit entry and exit, bump removals, an improved drainage network and wider overpasses for race-goers' access.

So far, 90 per cent of tickets have been sold.

Should the recent haze pose a problem, the lighting in place is robust enough for drivers to continue with the race, said organisers.

In the event of severe haze, warning signs will be put up to advise race-goers with respiratory problems to wear masks, or not attend at all.

joyfang@sph.com.sg

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