SAO PAULO - SINGAPORE is pressing ahead with plans to host Formula One's first night race next year, with local promoters announcing on Wednesday a deal with a lighting contractor.

Singapore GP said in a statement they had signed a letter of intent with Italy's Valerio Maioli Spa to design and construct the lighting system after two tests in July and September at Le Castellet circuit in southern France.

The proposed system was presented to the governing International Automobile Federation (FIA) in Paris on Oct 10.

The plans envisage installing nearly 1,500 lighting projectors, powered by 12 twin-power generators, around the Singapore circuit.

'An overall average of about 3000lux levels is required to illuminate the circuit, which is enough to meet High Definition Television broadcast standards,' the promoters said. 'As a result, the track will be almost four times brighter than a typical stadium.'

The statement said the lights will be transported to Singapore in early January for testing in an environment similar to what would be expected on race day.

The grand prix is scheduled for Sept 28 on public roads around the Marina Bay area, making it Formula One's first street race in Asia.

'Valerio Maioli Spa estimates that the set up would take about two to three months. The system is likely to be set up in the second quarter of 2008,' the statement said.

The FIA gave the go-ahead last month for construction of the planned 5.067km Singapore circuit. Singapore agreed a five-year deal for the race in May. -- REUTERS