'Full speed' ahead for F1 Singapore Grand Prix despite CPIB probe

SINGAPORE: It is "full speed" ahead for this month's Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix despite the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) probe involving Singapore GP chairman Ong Beng Seng, said Second Minister for Trade and Industry Tan See Leng on Sunday (Sep 3).

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Italian Grand Prix screening at HDB Hub in Toa Payoh, Dr Tan, who is also Manpower Minister, added that “the show goes on".

“The show goes on. And I can tell you that if you look at all of the events, everything is moving at full speed. There's no holding back of any other events whatsoever,” he said.

“Based on our ticket sales, it is very promising. I think this is going to be an exciting event moving forward.”

As part of the CPIB probe, Mr Ong and Transport Minister S Iswaran were arrested in July and subsequently released on bail.

Billionaire businessman Ong, 77, is often credited with playing a key role in a deal struck in 2007 between the Singapore Tourism Board and then-F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone, to bring the motorsport's first night race to the country. 

Mr Ong owns the rights to the Singapore Grand Prix and is chairman of race promoter Singapore GP.

The contract for Singapore to host the F1 grand prix for another seven years was signed last year – the fourth renewal and longest extension.

Mr Iswaran has been actively involved in the government's engagements with F1, including making appearances at press conferences where announcements about the event's future have been made.

On Sunday, Dr Tan declined comment on the ongoing investigations.

“As far as the investigations, they are still ongoing, so I don't think I should comment on them. Neither am I able to comment on them anyway,” he said.

“So let's wait for the