HERE'S the big question on everybody's mind when it comes to the 2008 Formula 1 SingTel Singapore Grand Prix: Who are the celebrity names who are coming in to town?

Tongues have been wagging since Singapore got the go-ahead to host the event last October.

To be held next weekend from Friday to Sunday, the inaugural Grand Prix here will be a night event whose circuit will see racers zooming around Marina Bay.

Already, there has been much buzz among those involved in the event, from F&B operators to media and even organisers like the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), that celebrities like socialite Paris Hilton, footballer David Beckham and supermodel Naomi Campbell had shown interest in attending the race.

However, they are all as yet unconfirmed, said Mr Rostam Umar, director of communications at STB, the main organiser of the event. A spokesman for the race's promoters, Singapore Grand Prix, added that "negotiations are still in the works" for A-list names.

However, Taiwanese TV fans will be excited to hear that Dee Hsu, also known as 'Little S', will be in town for a Johnnie Walker party at the Amber Lounge, held at Temasek Reflection, a ticketed party area at Millenia Walk.

Hsu, the sister of Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu, hosts variety talk show Here Comes Kang Xi.Hsu, invited to the party specifically by the scotch brand, will be here to cover the races and the Amber Lounge party for her variety show.

The party, a staple at most F1 events, targets the elite party-goer. The lounge covers over 1,200 sq m and charges up to 7,250 (S$14,780) for a VVIP table,inclusive of a free flow of drinks.

Meanwhile, a party organiser confirmed that supermodel Campbell has been invited to a very exclusive, closed-door party next Sunday.

The invite-only party, which will not be publicised, will be held at an undisclosed location usually open to the public.
"Naomi has said that she is very interested in coming, but hasn't confirmed her attendance as of yet," said the source. Campbell is also friends with party boy and F1 driver Lewis Hamilton "who will be competing in the Singapore Grand Prix " making it likely that she will come to support him.

Malaysian-born actress Michelle Yeoh -companion of Mr Jean Todt, executive director of Scuderia Ferrari, Ferrari's racing division - is also likely to make an appearance.

As for other stars like Beckham and Hilton, they have been known to frequent other F1 circuits in the past. Hilton attended Monaco's 2005 races, while Beckham and wife Victoria were guests of the Honda team last year at the British Grand Prix's Silverstone circuit.

"Celebrities are often invited guests of the F1 drivers as they may be in the same party circuit," said Mr Rostam, adding that Singapore's Grand Prix will likely see such celebrity friends in attendance.

There are around 20 drivers from 10 elite teams who will be in Singapore to compete in the race.

Around 99 per cent of the tickets to the event, which will see around 106,000 people per day, have been sold. Only Grand Premiere seats around the Esplanade steps are left. Those go for $2,588 each.

Any celebrity takers? We guess you'll have to wait and see to find out.

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