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Bring back the roar of F1 to S’pore

In 2008, when Formula One came to Singapore, I made sure I was there. It was history-making, and the shrill scream of the engines enraptured me. Even after the cars had gone by, the sound did not go away completely.

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Manoraj Rajathurai

In 2008, when Formula One came to Singapore, I made sure I was there. It was history-making, and the shrill scream of the engines enraptured me. Even after the cars had gone by, the sound did not go away completely.

I could not wait for them to come round and deafen us again. The smell of fuel and burning rubber lingered, too. Clearly, it was important to be trackside for a spectacle we had never experienced before.

It is not the same on television, but the switch from a V8 to a V6 engine, be it for environmental, economic or other reasons, killed the sweet music for me.

Is it any wonder that ticket sales are declining? Those who run F1 must look at bringing back the roar of these machines (“F1 hits a chicane, but ‘the magic’s still there’”; Sept 24).

In particular, a street track like ours brings to the forefront how technology-driven this sport is, which is exciting for the business community and even youth considering an engineering career.

A visit to the garages could satiate the appetite to know more, but nothing drives and sells the event like the cacophonous V8 engines, which were exhilarating.

F1 must also ensure a better division of the spoils among the teams, and that the capabilities and performances of all the cars are up to par, rather than a particular brand dominating, which tends to douse the enthusiasm somewhat.

A new owner at the helm could help confront the challenges ahead, especially with reviving the interest that was red-hot in 2008.

For Singapore, it is a matter of pulling out all the stops to make the race more interesting, with a package of amenities, extras and building up the right atmosphere, which is about more than the race.

Then the crowds can be wowed and brought back to enjoy the entire three-day extravaganza.

If it means more money to get the required effect, then so be it. The incremental benefits over the long run cannot be denied.

Singapore needs the world to take notice of it. This is served by the extensive television coverage that F1 makes possible, especially when the city state’s profile is raised continuously for three days. No other event does this for us.

With the demands being made manageable. Singapore in turn must draw on its strengths to make the event one to savour, with surprises thrown in every year to keep people coming back for more.

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