MotoGP plans race in Singapore

The head of MotoGP promoter Dorna revealed that he has signed an agreement to stage a round of the world championship in Singapore when a planned purpose-built circuit in Changi is completed.

Ezpeleta told Singapore newspaper Today that he expects the new facility to be up and running in the next three years.

"We have signed an agreement with a promoter to stage a round of the motorbike world championship in Singapore," he said.

"But it depends when the permanent track will be completed. I understand it will be up in three years' time, so there could be a race as early as 2011, if not 2012.

"Asia is important to MotoGP's growth and Singapore is at the centre of it, that's why we want to hold a round there. But my agreement is subject to the track being built."

Singapore government official Teo Ser Luck said at last month's Formula One grand prix in Singapore that 20 hectares have been set aside for the Changi project and that more land could be released if necessary.

And the country's sports council CEO Oon Jin Teik told Today: "The Changi track is a major component of our motorsports industry development plan and it is intended to be funded by the private sector.

"The current financial climate will have an impact on the bidders we will be able to attract, but weaker players are unlikely to participate while stronger ones will need to put together even better proposals. Based on the feedback we're receiving, potential investors are still upbeat about the project."