The latest reports suggest that the organizers of the Singapore Grand Prix will not be extending their contract to hold the event after next year. They join the Malaysian Grand Prix, which also says that they are unlikely to renew their Formula One contract.
The event was first introduced onto the Formula One season calendar in 2008 at the Marina Bay Street Circuit, becoming the first night race in Formula One history. The first event was won by Fernando Alonso in the Renault and the race instantly flooded the media with the “Crashgate” incident. The event resulted in a permanent ban on Flavio Briatore and a five-year ban on Pat Symonds. The event has been held every year since its original introduction.
No official reason as to why Singapore would leave the calendar has been released. The event has cost the country a lot of money to organize, but has also helped increase the popularity and tourism of the country. It’s understood that many of the venues have reported low attendance and low television ratings over the past few seasons, which may also be the case of Singapore.
There has been no official statement from the event organizers regarding the future of the event. The circuit will host the 2017 Singapore Grand Prix, after which their Formula One contract expires. Even Bernie Ecclestone believes that the organizers will not seek the renewal of their contract. Canada, Brazil and Germany are also events that are in doubt for the future.
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