Singapore set for MotoGP approval

SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Singapore could host a MotoGP race as early as 2012 after plans for a suitable motorcycle racing track look set for approval, local media reported on Thursday.

MotoGP chief Carmelo Ezpeleta met with Singaporean officials last month to iron out safety issues related to the 4km track at the planned Changi Motorsports Hub.

"I am happy to tell you things are proceeding smoothly for us to come to Singapore," Ezpeleta told MediaCorp.

"Once (governing body) FIM approves the track for us, we can begin to talk terms with SG Changi about having MotoGP there and when the first race can be held."

SG Changi was awarded the tender in March to build Singapore's first permanent race track at the S$330 million ($256.4 million) Changi Motorsports Hub, which will be ready to host its first racing event in April 2012.

FIM's chief of road racing Claude Danis is due in Singapore at the end of the month to give the track final approval, Singapore's MediaCorp-owned Today newspaper reported.

The 2010 MotoGP season boasted 18 races, starting in Qatar in April and culminating in Valencia last weekend.

(Writing by Ossian Shine; Editing by Alastair Himmer. To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)