SINGAPORE will soon have a racing track that faces the sea.

It will be like Australia's famous Phillip Island that hosts the Australian Motorcyle Grand Prix and a leg of the World Superbike Championship.

It will boast one of the longest straights - a maximum 1km start-finish straight that's possible based on the dimensions of the 20ha plot. This is even longer than Phillip Island's 835m-long finish.

WELL-CONNECTED

The Changi East race track - which can easily accomodate a 3.5km circuit - is a five-minute drive from Changi Village. Next to the planned Singapore Air Show site, it faces Changi Ferry Terminal along Changi Coast Road, and Pulau Tekong. Changi Airport is a five-minute drive away.

OPEN HOUSE

The Singapore Government is now officially telling Singapore and the world after Friday's announcement: Come to Singapore, or see our designated site for a permanent Grade 2 race track (by the ruling motorsports body FIA's guidelines) that can host motorsports events below F1, and includes a Grade 1 karting track.

Get your pitch together and approach the Singapore Sports Council from now till next May - when an official tender for a 30-year tenure will be called - to design your winning track and bid.

A TREAT FOR THE MAN IN THE STREET

Car fan clubs, car testing, defensive and advanced driving courses, it's possible day and night.

PRIVATELY FUNDED

No government subsidies will be given for what could cost close to $100 million, as it is believed the private sector is already more than able and willing to come in with bids.

The plan's four-pronged approach:

1. Build a race track to sustain and grow public interest.

2. Build an entire business ecosystem to sell Singapore to the world.

3. Allow mass and professional participation.

4. Develop youth talent.

COMPETITIVE PRICING

Motoring enthusiasts can avoid three-hour journeys to Malaysia's Sepang F1 circuit to get their racing kicks, or even to Johor's cheaper but much older Pasir Gudang track.

Singapore Motor Sports Association (SMSA) director of special operations Winson Ow said: 'If you're travelling up to Sepang circuit in Malaysia, you'll have to compare the costs of a return trip over the weekend.

'At least $100 or more for petrol, about $100 in toll charges. Don't forget track charges, which can be about $13,000 for half a day.

'That can be $200 or more per person if you go in a big group of 50 to 70 drivers, and about $300 or more per person, in a smaller group.

'So even if basic track prices turn out slightly more expensive than Sepang, I'd still come here because of all the trouble, time saved, and possible traffic summonses saved on.'

As Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports Dr Vivian Balakrishnan said: 'It's good for motoring enthusiasts all round, because there will be good competitive pricing pressure to lure them back to Singapore.'