AUDI is keen on playing an active role in Singapore's motorsports industry when the permanent racetrack in Changi is up and running in 2011.

The German car maker, which is working with one of the teams bidding to build the track, has plans to maximise the track's use.

Said Audi Singapore managing director Reinhold Carl: "Just relying on races alone will not be enough to justify having a track.

"We can introduce programmes and events to make the track a year-round facility."

One suggestion is to start a driving school. Audi performance driving schools in both Europe and the United States are very popular, attracting thousands of drivers each year.

Drivers come away with a range of skills, such as defensive driving and how to maximise the use of one's car.

For example, owners of Audi's latest sports car - the R8 - may get the chance to push their cars to the limit on a racetrack.

With the R8 able to go from zero to 100kmh in just 4.6 seconds and 0-200kmh in 14.9, drivers will get to hit speeds not many can on normal roads.

However, Carl ruled out the possibility of Audi setting up a research and development facility in Singapore.

Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports Vivian Balakrishnan said last month that he had hoped the racetrack could spur companies to make Singapore their technical and engineering test beds.

Said Carl: "Most of our testing and research work is done close to our factories in Germany. It is easier to have a facility near the track so that adjustments and work can be done quicker."

But Audi race cars, which have been very successful in the Le Mans international circuit, may compete in Singapore.

Said Carl: "Nothing has been finalised yet, but we are ready to discuss."