Sep.18 (GMM) A Singapore government minister has played down the link between the Asian city-state and what is arguably the worst example of cheating in the history of motor racing and sport.
Renault's two most senior chiefs have departed over the scandal, which erupted when Nelson Piquet informed the FIA that his crash during F1's inaugural night race last year had been deliberate so that his teammate Fernando Alonso could win the race with an unusual strategy."From what I understand from the experts, this is really about more a particular team's tactics and so on, not a comment about the venue," trade and industry senior minister of state S.Iswaran told reporters."So I don't think it has any particular impact on Singapore. This is really a matter between the FIA and the teams," he added.It also emerged this week that 90 per cent of all the tickets for the second Singapore grand prix, to be held at the Marina Bay circuit next weekend that has a daily capacity of 85,000, have been sold.There have also been reports about visible smoke haze above Singapore, due to fires in Indonesia, that will still be present when the F1 circus begins congregating next week."As for the ... safety and impact on (the race due to) the haze situation -? it will be a decision taken by the FIA, so we'll leave it in their good hands," S.Iswaran added.He admitted that government cautions or health advisories may be necessary.
