GRAND VIEWS: The Singapore Recreation Club (above) and Singapore Cricket Club (next photo) are located strategically along the F1 race circuit, promising unblocked views of the action on that stretch of the track. -- ST PHOTOS: ALBERT SIM

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The lack of a resolution after months of negotiations between race organiser Singapore GP, and the Singapore Cricket Club and Singapore Recreation Club, means spectators' hopes of a grandstand view from the Padang are uncertain.

Both clubs lie strategically along the street circuit for the Sept 26-28 event, which will be Formula One's first night race. Public tickets are expected to go on sale in two weeks' time.

It is believed the two clubs, each of which holds the lease to one half of the Padang, are asking for rental that is higher than what the organiser is prepared to pay.

Said SRC president Johnny Goh yesterday: 'Negotiations are still ongoing between Singapore GP and SRC.

'It would be premature for us to comment when no concrete agreement has been reached.'

All parties involved in the negotiations declined to reveal the figures that are being discussed.

Said Singapore GP executive director Michael Roche: 'We continue to work with all the stakeholders around the circuit park to confirm commercially equitable deals for all parties.'

However, a source said: 'From how much the clubs are considering charging, it may not prove economical from an organiser's standpoint.'

Singapore GP is understood to be planning to have about 8,000 grandstand seats at the Padang, with a three-day pass priced roughly at $400.

A spectator there could potentially enjoy the perfect blend of machines from the world's most technologically advanced sport whizzing by, with the City Hall and former Supreme Court, both colonial structures, acting as the backdrop.

Other sites along the street circuit with confirmed grandstand seating include the Marina Bay floating pontoon and the stretch of Nicoll Highway in front of One Raffles Link.

Sources said they remain hopeful an agreement can be reached over the Padang's lease, but were more doubtful over talks regarding the clubhouses.

Singapore GP is also in discussions with SCC and SRC, which occupy opposite ends of the Padang, to lease their clubhouse premises for the setting up of corporate hospitality suites.

Tickets here are expected to be in the range of $6,500 to $7,000 per head.

Both clubs said they are working to see if members can access the respective premises during the race period, or watch the race.

The SCC and SRC have been at their present locations since the late 1800s, and each boasts a membership list brimming with Singapore's Who's who.

Said SCC president Anwarul Haque: 'We have to protect our members' interests and see how best we can reach a solution.'

An SCC spokesman explained: 'As we are a private members' club, we need to ensure that members' interests and access to the clubhouse are not compromised during the F1 period, that is, before, during and after the race.'

Members have already been enquiring if they can watch the race from the respective club terraces.

Some have pointed out that they should be waived from paying race fees, since they already foot club membership fees and should be allowed entry to their own club.

Said lawyer Mahmood Gaznavi, an SCC member for the past 20 years: 'Members should be allowed to enjoy privileges which come with the club's location.

'Whatever benefits that accrue, they must be given the benefit of. Similarly, if there are disadvantages, we must live with it too.

'To take away our right is tantamount to being unfair to the members. Their rights should not be compromised.'

The organiser had also previously mooted the possibility of an 'F1 village' at the Padang, where fans can browse for merchandise, hang out at food and beverage outlets and be entertained by live performances.

This is a bid to ensure that the expected 80,000 visitors who will descend on the island for the race stay on for a few more days.

A spokesman said yesterday this village has since been moved to the north-east section of the street circuit, just after the Start/Finish straight.

limze@sph.com.sg