FORMULA One fans itching to get close to the action at next year's Singapore Grand Prix need not have to pay a single cent for front-row seats - if they sign up as race marshals.

The Singapore Motor Sports Association (SMSA) has begun the hunt for volunteers to man the track during the race.SMSA president Tan Teng Lip estimates that about 400 to 500 marshals would be needed for the Singapore race.

He said: "We will contact our affiliated clubs and institutes of higher learning to look for volunteers."

According to a spokesman for the Sepang International Circuit, the Malaysian GPrecruits about 500 to 600 marshals for each race.

The SMSA is helping race organisers Singapore GP recruit suitable candidates,some of whom are likely to come from the National University of Singapore's Motoring Club.

Club president Ricky Lim said many of the club's members already have marshalling experience in non-F1 events.

"Several of us, including myself, have been to Sepang to marshal in some races," he said.

"I think a lot of our members will be very interested to help out because it isa rare chance to get involved in a Formula One race."

According to Tan, there are three types of marshals.

One, flag marshals, who are in charge of waving colour-coded signal flags at drivers to indicate race conditions.

Two, safety marshals, who have to clear debris from the track and check on cars that stall, crash or even catch fire.

Three, pit-lane marshals, who are responsible for cars entering and leaving the pit.

With only a safety barrier between marshals and cars zipping by at speeds of up to 300 kmh, it is not a job for the faint-hearted.

A track marshal was killed by flying debris from a car crash at the Australian GP in 2001, just six months after a similar accident claimed the life of another marshal at the Italian GP.

The fact that the Singapore GP will be a street race likely to be held at night throws up more questions about the safety of marshals, especially those near the tracks.

But Tan says the safety plans for the Singapore GP will largely be the same asa day race.

"Maybe the marshals will be required to wear vests with reflective or luminous materials, so that they are clearly visible to the drivers," he said, adding that all marshals will be insured.

Lim suggested: "Perhaps lighted panels in place of flags should be used, along with digital road information like those we see on our expressways."

Aspiring marshals will have to undergo about six months of extensive training before being certified by the FIA, the international governing body for motor sports.

The SMSA also has plans to send some marshals to other races, like Sepang or the Australian GP, to gain experience.So what does it take to be an F1 race marshal?

"They must have a passion for motor sports and a clear mind," said Tan. "They must also be able to react quickly to instructions, and show initiative.

"We make no distinction between gender, race or age, so long as they show an aptitude for this sort of thing."

He stressed that being a marshal is not for those who want a free ticket to the Singapore GP.

"Marshals are recruited to perform specific duties," he said. "They must be committed and alert throughout the race."