Formula 1 could stage a double-header at Singapore's Marina Bay Street Circuit to ensure that the planned 23-race 2022 season goes ahead. RacingNews365.com understands from a senior F1 source that team bosses recently discussed the idea as the sport seeks a replacement for the axed Russian GP. The Sochi Autodrom was due to play host to the 17th round of the campaign on 25 September, kicking off a late run of flyaway events. However, the race was called off, and then cancelled entirely, in the wake of Russia's major military assault on neighbouring Ukraine.
Singapore put forward as a potential replacement
Russia was originally scheduled as part of a triple-header sequence with Singapore and Japan. However, there is a chance that Singapore could now step in to host a race on both 25 September and 2 October, before the F1 paddock moves on to Suzuka. It is understood that the first weekend would feature a mid-afternoon race start, with the second weekend retaining the usual 20:00 slot. Given that the circuit is constructed well in advance, and the bay location is favourable, there would be minimal added disruption for the city-state. This would also ease some of the recent concerns regarding F1's freight movements, as reported by RacingNews365.com .
What about the previously mooted Qatar?
Despite talk of Singapore doubling up, it is understood that Qatar remains on F1's radar. Qatar's sovereign wealth fund, QIA, holds a 17 per cent share block in the Volkswagen Group, which has been on the brink of entering the sport for some time. With the VW Group recently stopping short of committing their Audi and Porsche brands, following the latest round of discussions, an extra race in Qatar could be an important bargaining chip for F1. Qatar has been linked with the 25 September vacancy for some time, having hosted its first-ever Grand Prix last season, ahead of embarking on a new 10-year deal from 2023. However, the main concern over a race being held in Qatar at that time of the year is the extreme heat, with temperatures pushing 40 degrees Celcius, hence why other opportunities are being explored.
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