Real return to the top of La Liga

MADRID, Spain -- Real Madrid returned to the top of Spain's La Liga and maintained their unbeaten record but were made to work hard for their 2-0 victory by Real Betis in the Bernabeu on Thursday night.

Real's captain and talismanic striker Raul finally broke the deadlock from the penalty spot in the 66th minute after he had been pulled down by Betis midfielder David Rivas.

A spectacular bicycle kick strike from Brazil international Julio Baptista sealed the three points in the closing moments.

"We had several chances in the first 20 minutes and the game would have been much different had we scored," Raul was quoted on Real's club Web site.

"They defended very well and also had their opportunities. It was a complicated match, but we were able to take the three points. It may not have been our best match, but winning is all that matters."

Defending champions Real have 13 points from five games with a one point lead over Villarreal and Valencia who both won on Wednesday. Arch-rivals Barcelona are a further point adrift.

I just have to love the real RAUL !!!!

Sir Alex: Don't write off Chelsea

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson feels it would be folly to write Chelsea out of the Premier League title race just yet.

The Londoners have picked up just one point from their last three games and failed to even manage a shot on target on Sunday as they slipped to defeat at Old Trafford in Avram Grant's first match in charge.

That reverse left Chelsea five points adrift of current leaders Arsenal, who also have a game in hand. And, with the fall-out from Jose Mourinho's departure still being felt at Stamford Bridge, many pundits have already dismissed Chelsea as contenders.

Ferguson is not among them. He might be stating the obvious to some but, in his eyes, the four possible title winners have not changed.

'I don't think you can dismiss Chelsea,' he said. 'How could you with the players they have got? They played a strong team at Hull on Wednesday, probably because Avram Grant was keen to get a win under his belt.

'They got a good result and that will help him no end. You cannot exclude from the top four. As I said at the start of the season, one of those four will win it.'

Hamilton sets early pace in Japan

FUJI, Japan -- World championship leader Lewis Hamilton grabbed the early initiative ahead of Sunday's crucial Japanese Grand Prix by setting the fastest time in practice on Friday. Hamilton clocked a time of one minute 18.734 seconds on the 4.563 kilometer Fuji Speedway circuit which is being used for a Grand Prix for the first time.

His McLaren team-mate and nearest championship challenger Fernando Alonso was two tenths of a second slower in the afternoon session.

The morning practice had been a story of Ferrari dominance as Kimi Raikkonen topped the timesheets followed by team-mate Felipe Massa, with the McLaren pair over half a second off the pace.

But rookie sensation Hamilton upped the ante in the second session by setting fastest times of the day in all three sectors.

Massa claimed third but was nearly three-quarters of a second adrift and Jarno Trulli gave the home fans cause optimism for this weekend with a surprise fourth place in his Toyota ahead of Raikkonen.

The race is being held against the backdrop of increasing tension between Hamilton and two-time champion Alonso, with the pair being involved in a series of incidents in the battle for the Formula One crown.

Pricci: Curlin is forgotten player in Classic cast

He arrived on the scene already a star, if the whispers emanating from Florida were true. But it certainly appeared people were jumping the gun. What’s the rush to canonization?

The chestnut colt took to the track at Gulfstream Park in February in a typically loaded special-weight maiden sprint for 3-year-olds at seven furlongs, and the workout whisperers were betting him down to 5- 2.

Didn’t these people know there were two horses with excellent form in the field, one with experience at the distance, and that his inside draw didn’t figure to help him?

Americans in command at Presidents Cup

MONTREAL - Phil Mickelson pulled Woody Austin into his arms to celebrate another clutch putt from the 43-year-old rookie in the Presidents Cup, then they walked to the edge of the 18th green to see if it would be good enough for another American victory Thursday.

Mike Weir had chipped to 3½ feet, certainly no gimme for his partner Vijay Singh.

The Canadian crowd that had cheered so wildly for Weir and the International team grew silent, enough for Mickelson to hear that familiar high-pitched tone of U.S. captain Jack Nicklaus.

“What do you want to do with (his) putt?” Nicklaus asked.

Mickelson understood the question to be a directive, and he didn’t hesitate to concede the putt and halve the match.

It was the most poignant moment Thursday at Royal Montreal, a day filled with gray skies and American red numbers on the scoreboard. The concession assured the International team a half-point, and it turned out to be the only thing it earned in the biggest opening-session rout in seven years at the Presidents Cup.

With clutch play from rookies Austin and Lucas Glover, and solid play from Mickelson and Tiger Woods, the Americans won 5½ points in the six alternate-shot matches to seize early control of these matches.

Ducks can reign again

The Stanley Cup may not change hands at the end of this season. Anaheim has it and wants to keep it, trying to become the first team to repeat as an NHL champion since Detroit in 1997 and 1998. The Ducks shy away from that challenge -- even if Scott Niedermayer and Teemu Selanne never take a shift for them this season.

The two future Hall of Famers are undecided on whether to retire. At some point this season both could return to Anaheim . But the Ducks are so good that even if they've seen the last of the Conn-Smythe-winning defenseman and the flashy, explosive winger who led them in goals and points last season, they can still repeat as champions.

Mets' implosion was to be expected

It’s inconceivable that the Mets have arrived at this nightmarish situation.

But even if you’re a Mets fan who’s been rendered catatonic by despair, you’ve got to appreciate baseball’s bottomless ability to astonish you with things you’ve never seen before, things that were supposed to be impossible.

Things like not one National League playoff slot wrapped up with just three games left in the season. Things like seven teams still in contention for four tickets to October. Things like the New York Mets, the most expensive team National League money can buy, blowing a seven-game lead in the space of just 14 games.The Mets haven’t lost the NL East yet, but they’re working hard at it. After blowing a 5-0 lead on Wednesday night and getting swept by the Nationals, the Mets welcomed the Cardinals to Shea Mausoleum on Thursday for a make-up game.

The Cardinals, slumping badly in September and out of the race, were supposed to be beyond caring about this game, eager just to get the season over with and go home. The Mets, desperate for a win, had their ace and inspirational leader, Pedro Martinez with an extra day’s rest, ready to save the season.

And they lost. Got shut out by Joel Piniero for eight innings and by Jason Isringhausen for the ninth. Walked back to their clubhouse like zombies, their faces blank, their minds unable to comprehend what is happening to them.

The headlines say they’re on the verge of a historic collapse. With 17 games to go, they had a seven-game lead, and no team had ever blown a lead that large with so few games to play. But the headlines are wrong.

The collapse has already taken place. What else can you call losing 11 of their last 16 games and giving up 10 or more runs in five of those losses?

Nicol takes on Rachael in match for a hat-trick of British Open titles

MANCHESTER: Malaysia's Nicol David is just one win away from a third successive British Open crown.

The top seeded Malaysian stormed to the final of the women's competition with a convincing 9-1, 10-8, 9-3 win over fourth seeded English player Tania Bailey at the National Squash Centre here on Sunday.

She will play against Australian Rachael Grinham in a repeat of last year's final.

If you do any better than this, I just have to congratulate you in person

Real Madrid 1-1 Valladolid

MADRID: Substitute Javier Saviola scored a late equaliser for champions Real Madrid as they could only draw 1-1 at promoted Valladolid in the Primera Liga on Sunday.

Bernd Schuster’s side had won three from three and their opening match in the Champions League on Tuesday, but were out-fought for most of the game by their hosts.

Right back Pedro Lopez’s 25m thunderbolt set Valladolid on course for victory midway through the second half, before Argentine Saviola, nicknamed the Rabbit, levelled four minutes from time.

“They played very well and it’s an important point for us,” Real’s Michel Salgado told Canal Plus television.

Real, who lost their 100% record, stay top with 10 points, one ahead of Villarreal and Valencia who both won.

Come one, Real can do better than that....!!!

The game after Mour, no MORE....

Sun, 23rd Sep 2007

Sunday September 23rd 2007 at Old Trafford, Manchester..

Man United (4-4-2): Van der Sar; Brown, Ferdinand (c), Vidic, Evra; Ronaldo, Carrick, Scholes, Giggs; Rooney, Tevez (Saha 78).

Manager Alex Ferguson.

Chelsea (4-3-3): Cech; Ferreira, Ben-Haim, Terry (c), A Cole; Mikel, Makelele, Essien; J Cole (Pizarro 75), Shevchenko (Kalou 59), Malouda (Wright-Phillips 68).

First team coach Avram Grant

Referee Mike Dean.

45+2 MAN UNITED GOAL Right on the stroke of half-time, Tevez dives in at the near post to head Giggs's cross past the advancing Cech.

88 Penalty Saha wins a spot-kick with a blatant dive as he takes on Ben-Haim.

a classic game for Man Utd and lesson for the Blues.....

Mourinho Depart Chelsea...

Friday 21-09-2007

José Mourinho has agreed to issue the following statement on www.chelseafc.com

José said: 'I am very proud of my work in Chelsea Football Club and I think my decision in May 2004 to come to England was an excellent one.

'It was a beautiful and rich period of my career. I want to thank all Chelsea FC supporters for what I believe is a never ending love story.

'I wish great success to the club, a club that will be forever connected to me for some historic moments.

José Mourinho has agreed to issue the following statement on www.chelseafc.com

José said: 'I am very proud of my work in Chelsea Football Club and I think my decision in May 2004 to come to England was an excellent one.

'It was a beautiful and rich period of my career. I want to thank all Chelsea FC supporters for what I believe is a never ending love story.

'I wish great success to the club, a club that will be forever connected to me for some historic moments.

It make me wonder, why such a great couch and yet fail to please the president, can be the president really wanted something even more prestigious? I cannot wait to see what would that be ...

FORMULA 1™ Gran Premio d'Italia 2007

Fernando Alonso McLaren-Mercedes 10
Lewis Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes 8
Kimi Räikkönen Ferrari 6
Nick Heidfeld BMW 5
Robert Kubica BMW 4
Nico Rosberg Williams-Toyota 3
Heikki Kovalainen Renault 2
Jenson Button Honda 1

Federer rolls into U.S. Open final

NEW YORK - Roger Federer watched his opponent’s last shot of their U.S. Open semifinal sail wide, then calmly walked to the net for a handshake.

He didn’t drop to his knees, didn’t thrust an index finger to the sky to declare, “I’m No. 1,” didn’t take off his shirt — the sort of celebratory gestures Novak Djokovic came up with earlier Saturday upon reaching his first Grand Slam final.

You see, Federer does not get overly excited about semifinal victories, even at major tournaments. He’s all about titles, and now he’s one victory away from yet another: No. 4 at the U.S. Open, No. 12 overall at Slams.

Wow, its another FEDEX special

Henin wins 2nd U.S. Open title, 7th Slam

NEW YORK - Psst. The name is Justine Henin. Get to know her.

Might just be one of the greatest tennis players ever. Is certainly the undisputed No. 1 at the moment. As of Saturday night, she owns two U.S. Open championships and seven Grand Slam titles overall.

So let’s get that correct. Everybody now: Justine Henin.

Sir Charlton want to debate !

Sir Bobby Charlton has questioned whether the academy system is doing anything to end the current dearth of English talent. Charlton is convinced there are too many foreign players operating within the Premier League but he is also aware not enough is being done to correct the balance

Beckham wants loan back to England

David Beckham is considering putting his American dream on hold in a desperate bid to save his England career.

He is seeking crisis talks with bosses of the L.A. Galaxy to discuss a possible return to England on loan in January. The fiercely patriotic Beckham, who will definitely miss England's next two European Championship qualifiers -- and possibly the next four -- with a knee ligament injury, believes it may be the only way to achieve his cherished dream of winning 100 England caps.

Wise or not ? I don't know... but what can keep him from kicking , its a good choice....

sponsored by datco, ... ..

Wenger signs new three-year Gunners deal

Arsene Wenger has vowed to turn Arsenal's potential into silverware after agreeing a new three-year deal to remain in charge at Emirates Stadium.

The announcement Wenger is to extend his stay at the club he has transformed over the past decade brings an element of certainty following a difficult few months in the wake of former vice-chairman David Dein's controversial departure and the summer sale of star man Thierry Henry.

The terms of the new deal - which will keep Wenger at the Emirates Stadium until 2011 - have not been made public.

But it is understood to be worth around £4million a season to the Frenchman, making him one of the highest paid bosses in the Premier League.

However, for Wenger, the issues have never been about money - either for himself or team building.

'I have been entrusted with complete freedom to implement and execute my plans on what will make the team successful,' said Wenger, who has secured three Premier League titles and four FA Cup triumphs as well as reaching the final of the Champions League in 2006.

'That means I have a responsibility to the fans to deliver silverware and also a responsibility to the players to help turn our potential into prizes.

'I want to achieve the maximum with this team and it is young and very ambitious as well, and I feel I share that ambition with my team.

'That is one of the reasons, as well, that I wanted to get a taste of how hungry this team is first before I definitely go for it.'

The French coach, 57, continued: 'I love the job I have at Arsenal - I love to win and I feel I can win with Arsenal. They are the main reasons [I signed].

Henin sweep sisters...

Friday September 7, 2007 4:17PM

Justine Henin became only the second woman to beat both Williams sisters in the same Grand Slam tournament.

The full FIA letter to the McLaren drivers:

31 August 2007

Dear Mr De La Rosa

As you will be aware, the FIA has recently investigated whether, how and to what extent McLaren was in possession of confidential Ferrari technical information. The FIA has subsequently been made aware of an allegation that one or more McLaren drivers may be in possession, or that such drivers have recently been in possession, of written evidence relevant to this investigation.

In the interests of the sport and the Championship it is important that the FIA as the regulator establishes unequivocally and rapidly whether or not this allegation has any basis in fact.

The FIA therefore formally requests that you produce copies of any relevant documents which may be in your possession or power of procurement and which may be relevant to this case. For these purposes “documents” includes all written materials such as emails, letters, electronic communications, text messages, notes, memoranda, drawings, diagrams, data,. or other material, stored in any physical, “hard copy” or electronic form. In particular (though without limiting the generality of this request), the FIA wishes to receive copies of any electronic communications (howsoever conveyed or stored) which may be relevant to this case and which make reference to Ferrari, Nigel Stepney or any technical or other information coming from or connected with either Ferrari or Mr Stepney.

In the event that you are aware of the existence or previous existence of any document falling within the above description but are not in a position to produce it, please describe the content of the document in question, the circumstances under which it came to your knowledge and the reasons why you are unable to produce it. In the event that you are unsure as to whether any document falls within the above description, kindly submit it (or a description of it) and the FIA will assist in making a determination.

You will appreciate that there is a duty on all competitors and Super Licence holders to ensure the fairness and legitimacy of the Formula One World Championship. It is therefore imperative that if you do have any such information, you make it available to us without delay. I can confirm, given the importance of this issue, that any information you may make available in response to this letter will not result in any proceedings against you under the International Sporting Code or the Formula One regulations. However, in the event that it later comes to light that you have withheld any potentially relevant information, serious consequences could follow.

We are sending identical letters to Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton. We look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience. Thank you very much for your co-operation.

Yours sincerely

Max Mosley

Williams sisters into quarters

NEW YORK (AP) -- When you hear about SerenaandVenus Williams overpowering opponents, as happened Sunday at the U.S. Open to two recent Grand Slam finalists, it's easy to forget that the sisters are, indeed, individuals.

And as similar as their on-court styles might seem, all stinging serves and gargantuan groundstrokes, they are not quite carbon copies.

That point was driven home by their father and coach, Richard, who sat courtside for the final game of Serena's 6-3, 6-4 victory over Wimbledon runner-up Marion Bartoli, then watched Venus' 6-4, 6-2 win against French Open runner-up Ana Ivanovic.

"Serena reminds me of a pit bull dog and a young Mike Tyson, all in one," Dad said Sunday. "Venus reminds me of a gazelle that's able to move, prance and jump. Venus looks as if she is really enjoying herself out there more than Serena is right now. If they get by everyone and meet each other, it will be an interesting match."

Another all-Williams showdown is indeed nearing at Flushing Meadows, although unlike six previous meetings for major titles -- Serena leads 5-1 in those finals, Venus leads 7-6 overall -- this one would be a semifinal.

"That would be awesome because it would mean that there is a Williams in the final," Venus said. She also noted: "We have one more step."

For Serena, it's a familiar one. She will face No. 1 Justine Henin in the quarterfinals at a third consecutive major, having lost to her at the French Open and Wimbledon.

Madrid drills Villareal 5-0

MADRID (Reuters) -- Wesley Sneijder steered champions Real Madrid to a thumping 5-0 victory away to Villarreal that left them top of the Primera Liga on Sunday.

The Dutch midfielder scored two and set up another for Raul in an imperious display at the Madrigal.

His compatriot Ruud van Nistelrooy and Guti scored the others, ending a nine-match winning streak for Villarreal that stretched back to April.

Real are clear at the top with six points after two games, two points ahead of archrivals Barcelona, who were set on their way to a 3-1 home win over Athletic Bilbao by a double strike from Ronaldinho.

Valencia recovered from their heavy opening day defeat by Villarreal to scramble a 2-1 win at promoted Almeria.

RAUL >.......> real RAUL !!

Liverpoo 6 - 0 Derby

Xabi Alonso reflected on scoring two goals for the first time in a league match for Liverpool in their 6-0 mauling of Derby County and admitted points are more important than personal targets

The Reds pass master said he is just as happy to make goals as well as score them. He also expressed his delight with the way Liverpool have started this season.

"I would like to score 10 to 15 goals each season, but sometimes for the good of the team you have to do other jobs. It's something I would like but sometimes you have to sacrifice it for your team," claimed Alonso.

"Scoring goals is part of the job, but you have to know who you are playing with. Against Derby I was playing with Javier Mascherano. When Stevie is playing I know I will probably not get to the box as many times as I did on Saturday.

"But we have different options all the time now. Whoever is playing is playing well. Momo is doing well, Javier is playing well, so was Stevie before the broken toe.

"Whoever is playing is performing well and that is good for the manager and the team. Everyone has to be ready because if not you will go on the bench or out of the side.

"The pressure was always there to perform well because you are playing for Liverpool and you have to win. I thought we played very well and it's always nice to score six goals. I was happy to score two."

Man Utd 1 - 0 Sunderland

Saha aims to prove he's fit for Fergie test

The road to redemption has been long and painful for Louis Saha, plagued with weeks of self-doubt and hindered by the knowledge that he had lost the confidence of the one man he needed to stand by him. But as Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson thanked his one true centre forward for dragging his team from another early season hole on Saturday, Saha could finally look ahead with just a hint of optimism. "I know what I can do for this team and it's just great to get an important goal again," said Saha, who had to look back as far as February for his previous scoring contribution.

"The reason I'm often injured is because I'm totally committed and give everything - the same as every other United player."
Ian Ladyman, Daily Mail

Jose Mourinho says the title race is wide open after the Blues' unbeaten run ended at Villa Park on Sunday.

In other news, the Glazer family have rubbished reports of a £1bn takeover at Manchester United

Chelsea 0 - 2 Aston

Mon, 3rd Sep 2007

The Villa Park difficulties continue as Mourinho's men go down to a first defeat of the season, conceding goals just after half-time and a few minutes before the final whistle.

A disjointed performance left the Chelsea side struggling to create genuine chances in the box and despite a whole host of set-pieces in our favour, Scott Carson in the Villa goal had too little to do.

It is loss that raised memories of the game at Middlesbrough early last season and questions will inevitably be raised about the team's ability to function without Frank Lampard. A two week break now awaits before positive answers to those can be given on the pitch.

Mourinho reacted to this rarest of circumstances, his missing vice-captain, by changing the shape of the side.

Chelsea lined-up in 4-3-3 formation with Wright-Phillips and Malouda pushed forward alongside Drogba and Makelele coming into midfield for his first action of the season. Essien and Mikel would also patrol the centre ground.

There was a fresh look to the defence with full debuts for Belletti and Alex whose height would hopefully prove useful against the skyscraping John Carew.

Villa drafted in one of their two new signings, Zat Knight at the back, but there was no involvement for Curtis Davies.

With a minute gone, Chelsea had ever right to feel aggrieved when Wright-Phillips slipped goal side of Laursen and attempted to head for the area with the defender practically hanging off his back. Surely a free-kick on the edge of the box at the very least but referee Clattenburg waved play on.

Malouda had an on-target shot deflecetd wide after Belletti had made his first advance down the wing and seen his cross half-cleared.

That had been a promising start but on six minutes Agbonlahor received Young's pass, turned Terry and smacked a shot in from 15 yards out that Cech beat away with superb reflexes.

Malouda had a second effort saved down low and Terry headed a corner over at the far post as Chelsea steadied the ship.

Wright-Phillips continued the pressure by evading a tackle and spinning a shot across the turf that was tipped wide by Carson.

That was with 12 minutes gone. A minute later there was a nervous moment when the ball ricocheted around the box off the boots of Terry and Alex but Agbonlahor planted a good chance straight at Cech.

Wright-Phillips was seeing plenty of the ball in the early stages. On 19 minutes when he found himself on the left and tricked his marker onto the seat of his pants, the England winger disappointing dragged his shot wide.

Villa were not slow to play the ball forward high to where Carew was locked in a physical tussles with Alex and Terry. A couple verdicts in quick succession went the Chelsea defenders' way, raising just a few complaints from the Holte End.

As half-time approached, Wright-Phillips snatched at a shot after good work by Mikel and Cole but although the away team were getting behind the Villa defence frequently, options were proving limited or weren't being spotted.

The corner count at the break was 8-0 to Chelsea although good chances were more evenly matched.

Chelsea survived one more Villa attack just before the break when Agbonlahor kicked air with an acrobatic effort after Cole had cleared away a Young cross.

Villa were fastest out the blocks after the break, Young curling in a shot which Cech tipped over. It might have been clearing the target anyway.

From the corner, Knight climbed above Drogba, headed down and for once, Cole on the line couldn't pull off a clearance.

The home side were one ahead and the former Fulham defender had a debut goal. After the multitude of corners Chelsea had taken, Villa had scored from their first.

The reaction from the bench was quick with Pizarro introduced for Mikel. The young midfielder appeared to be feeling the effects of a first half kick on the foot. Malouda moved to play deeper and more central. Reo-Coker became the game's first booking for a late challenge on Chelsea's repositioned Frenchman.

Searching for the equaliser, the team stayed pushed up through a series of corners and throw-ins although the delivery was not always up to standard.

A double substitution came on 62 minutes with Joe Cole and Salomon Kalou on for Wright-Phillips and Makelele. Kalou was asked to patrol the flanks.

Cole assumed corner taking duties and from his first attempt, Terry headed over.

Barry was booked on 70 minutes for holding on to an escaping Joe Cole and then Drogba became a first Chelsea caution for showing the mildest disagreement with a free-kick decision against him.

Almost immediately two Villa players followed into the book - Carew for a foul on Essien; Agbonlahor for dissent of his own.

It took a special last ditch tackle by Terry to dispossess a goalbound Carew after an Essien slip as time began to run out. There were 14 minutes left on the clock.

Villa were increasingly a claret and blue wall across their penalty area and were defending as if their lives depended on it. When Chelsea did find a gap after a mistake by substitute, Petrov, Essien found Kalou but the young striker's shot rolled wide.

With two minutes remaining, the killer blow was struck. A pass down the wing was taken up by Young whose driven ball into the area cannoned off Agbonlahor and past a helpless Cech.

Joe Cole rolled a shot onto the post into injury time but by that stage, the end of the 18-game unbeaten Premier League run was unpreventable. The day didn't get any better with the sight of Drogba hobbling away after the whistle, aided by the medical staff.


Chelsea (4-3-3): Cech; Belletti, Alex, Terry (c), A Cole; Essien, Makelele (Kalou 62), Mikel (Pizarro 52); Wright-Phillips (J Cole 62), Drogba, Malouda.
Booked Drogba 68

Aston Villa (4-4-2): Carson; Mellberg, Knight, Laursen, Bouma; Agbonlahor, Reo-Coker, Barry (c), Young; Moore, Carew (Petrov 78).
Scorers Knight 47, Agbonlahor 88.
Booked Reo-Coker 55, Barry 70, Carew 70, Agbonlahor 70

F1 is coming to Singapore !!!!

news read on 2007.09.03

Building work for next year’s inaugural Singapore Grand Prix officially started on Friday with a ceremony to break ground at the site of the planned pit building, just off the famous Raffles Boulevard.

Singapore’s Minister for Trade & Industry, Mr Lim Hng Kiang, together with Minister of State for Trade and Industry, S Iswaran, Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive of Singapore Tourism Board, Lim Neo Chian and Mr Ong Beng Seng, dug into the earth to mark the start of construction of the three-storey complex.

The pit building will be a key part of the infrastructure for Singapore’s planned street circuit, which will hold next year’s race - the first Grand Prix to be staged at night - on September 28. The ground floor will feature garages for the 12 teams, while the second and third levels will house the media centre, race control, the winners’ podium and hospitality and viewing facilities.

Mr Colin Syn, Deputy Chairman of Singapore GP, said, “The Pit Building is at the very heart of Singapore’s F1 action. It not only technically supports all race-related activities but it is also home to the exclusive Paddock Club. We’re very happy to be given the opportunity to be involved in the design and construction of the pit building. It's going to be very exciting seeing it take shape.”

Formula One racing’s governing body, the FIA, is expected to finalise the exact route for the Singapore race next month, as well as carrying out further lighting trials and safety checks