Aljazeera Net
18th Feb 2008
Singaporean politicians attempted to put a positive spin on the ticket sale debacle for this year's Formula One Grand Prix, saying it proved there was huge interest in the inaugural night race.
Local and international potential race-goers have endured days of frustration as the system for selling the first 70,000 tickets repeatedly failed.
The mess forced organisers to issue a humbling apology in full-page advertisements in Singapore newspapers.
"We know the frustrating time that many F1 fans have experienced over the past few days," the ads read.
"The ticketing system has improved considerably, but there may still be some delays at peak periods.
"We apologise sincerely for the frustration and inconvenience that the system problems have caused."
Race officials refused to confirm how many fans have successfully bought tickets so far.
S.Iswaran, minister for trade and industry, said the foul-up was regrettable but had a silver lining.
"There was such overwhelming and unprecedented interest that the system could not cope," Iswaran was quoted as saying in the Straits Times newspaper.
"The silver lining is that there's tremendous interest and that's something we should be happy about."
However he also acknowledged concern at the embarrassing start to an event that the government is hoping will boost its tourism earnings by $68.5 million a year.
"Naturally, everyone is a bit concerned," Iswaran said.
"The government is concerned because we want to make sure we get off to a good start and the event is seen in a positive light."
Singapore will host the sport's first-ever night race around the city-state's streets on September 28.
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/BF5007D7-9865-439F-BD50-6D8503C56937.htm
