Ecclestone in Singapore to discuss Formula One race

SINGAPORE, March 13 (Reuters) Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone, in Singapore to discuss with property tycoon Ong Beng Seng plans to host a grand prix, said no decision has been made.

''The reason I am here is to discuss that,'' Ecclestone said, when asked whether he had decided to partner with Ong to bring motor racing to the Southeast Asian city-state. ''No decision has been made,'' he said today Ecclestone declined to comment on whether he was speaking to other parties in Singapore.

Shares in Singapore-listed Hotel Properties have jumped more than 1.5 times in the last two months on investor hopes that the firm may have won the rights to host a grand prix.

A Singapore minister said in parliament last week that it may support plans to bring Formula One to the island as the buzz and attention generated by the event would draw a different group of visitor to Singapore.

Singapore, mainly known as business centre, has been trying to jazz up its image in a bid to woo more tourists.

Ecclestone told Reuters in an interview earlier this month that he was keen on a night-time race in Singapore.

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