Safety the key for Singapore GP

Singapore is keen to join neighbours Malaysia on the calendar with a proposal to stage a street race under floodlights.

Renault team principal Flavio Briatore said he would back Singapore as long as drivers were safe.

"Really, if the driver is happy and technically it is possible to make sure it is safe for the drivers and the spectators, I am happy to do more races," Briatore told a news conference at the Malaysian Grand Prix.

"Especially if the race is held at night, (the time difference) is perfect for Europe. There would be more publicity and good communication for Formula One."

A decision on Singapore is expected to be made after the Malaysian Grand Prix.

Ferrari team boss Jean Todt said there was room for another street circuit, with Monaco already the glamour highlight of the calendar, though night racing may draw protests from television broadcasters.

"We must make sure safety is the number one item," said Todt. "I was talking with people from TV and there may be some doubts there.

"There is a street race in Monte Carlo with a lot of history. People talk about why we can't have another street race but we need to make sure that it goes in the right direction and that it is a really good race."

Todt dismissed criticism that a Singapore Grand Prix would continue the trend of taking races away from Formula One's traditional stronghold of Europe.

"Formula One is a world-wide event," said Todt. "On one side I like history and most of the races are still in Europe.

"You have places like Malaysia, Turkey, China and Abu Dhabi pushing for better organisation. And it pushes Europe to improve their organisation. It is healthy competition."

Briatore said Europe must raise their standards in accommodating the sport's increasingly influential corporate culture.

"This is the evolution of Formula One. Now corporations are more involved. We need hospitality, hotels near the airport and good service and in some places (in Europe) this is not the case, including Magny-Cours in France.

"Sure, Europe is important but I'm happy to race in different countries."