Singapore and Valencia set to woo the world next year.

Singapore and Valencia had agreement to host F1 grand prixs’ from 2008.

In Singapore, it will be on a street circuit around the Marina Bay district, and is planned for September or early October.

"Singapore is going to be the leader with the street race at night - we're excited about the idea," said F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone.

"Safety is of paramount concern to all of us," said Singapore's Minister of State for Trade and Industry S Iswaran.

"Therefore, we will proceed with a night race only if the safety and operational requirements of all parties are fully met - if not, we will revert to a day race.

F1 cars do not have lights and so the circuit would have to be brilliantly lit for visibility purposes.

Singapore will stage the race for five years, with Ecclestone keeping the option to extend the deal for a further five years until 2017.Ecclestone wants to expand the F1 calendar from 17 to 20 races per season, and the addition of Singapore is the second new race in two days after Valencia joined the circuit on Thursday.

Singapore's government anticipates tourist revenues of around £33m from the event, and says it will cover 60% of the estimated cost.

Whereas, in Valencia it will be on a circuit around the Spanish city's new America's Cup port.

"This will be an urban circuit rather than a street circuit and even better than some of the ones that are already on the calendar," said Ecclestone.

"I'm convinced that we'll make a excellent job of it because it will be the best urban circuit in the world."

Valencia's willingness to pay an estimated 26 million euros ($35.20 million) to stage each race, and the boom in popularity of Formula One in Spain since the emergence of double world champion Fernando Alonso, are seen as major factors behind the decision.

The inclusion of the Valencia race would give Spain two grands prix next year, an announcement at odds with Ecclestone's previous opinion that no European country should have more than one race.

Pics: Turkishpress.com

Source: partly from Rediff