The Straits Times understands that race promoter Singapore GP is working on a comprehensive pricing structure for grandstand and general admission tickets.

This follows the introduction of the new, lower-priced corporate hospitality suites in The Green Room at Turn 3, which went on general sale yesterday at $3,388 for a three-day pass.

Although pricing details on the grandstand and general admission tickets will only be released next month, a Singapore GP spokesman said that many of the grandstands will have 'early bird' prices. Early-bird promotions are expected to be more attractive than the 2008 prices.

The spokesman said: 'Our objective has always been to make the race as accessible as possible... we will continue to offer various pricing points with tickets ranging from single-day walkabout tickets to Pit Lane view grandstands.'

While there will be cheaper options on offer, it is understood that the prices of tickets in at least two grandstands will see an increase due to their high demand.

But to ensure that the average Singaporean will not be priced out, prices for the Bay Grandstand at the Marina Waterfront ($248-$298 last year) and walkabout tickets ($168 last year) are not expected to increase.

According to the spokesman, the one-day walkabout ticket will be offered at 'the lowest price ever'.

Organisers have already increased prices for the highest-end corporate suite packages at the Paddock Club - despite the global economic crisis,

A three-day pass to the The Formula One Paddock Club is priced at $8,000 - a $500 increase from last year.

The hikes have also been extended to suites in high demand such as the Pit Straight, Turns and Stamford suites. They will be upped from last year's $3,500-$6,500 to $5,000-$7,000.

The high demand, and the ability to offer customised options and enhanced menus were reasons behind the price hike.

When asked what the take-up rate was following the price increase, the spokesman said it is too early to reveal sales figures.

However, existing clients who had the opportunity to re-book their preferred suite early have snapped up over 30 per cent of the Club and Sky suites.

Sources also said that 60 per cent of the Paddock Club have already been booked up, even though it is open for general sale on Friday.

It remains uncertain whether grandstand and general admission tickets will be snapped up in the event of a price increase.

Although the inaugural night race had earned much praise, most fans feel that any price increase cannot be justified in this economic climate.

Organisers of April's Chinese Grand Prix have already slashed ticket prices in a bid to boost sales.

Bank employee Ana Dhoraisingam, an F1 fan for the past 25 years, said: 'With the International Automobile Federation trying to lower F1 costs, a price increase would be going against the grain.

'Fuel prices and freight rates are lower now, so it would be hard to imagine why organisers would increase prices.'

Housewife Chrissy Tan added: 'There was a novelty about the race last year. If I don't get tickets this year, it's okay, I've been there and done that.'

But for lab analyst Jeevita Ravidran, a return to the Marina Bay street circuit is on the cards - provided there is no drastic price increase. The 23 year-old lab analyst had walkabout tickets last year.

She said: 'The grand prix only happens once a year, so I don't mind going for it. It should be worth it.'

linxinyi@sph.com.sg