Formula One night race gets green light

The streets of Singapore, with the imposing Marina Bay as a backdrop, will be the venue for the historic Sep 28 race, according the world governing body FIA's official website.

Formula One will stage a night race in 2008 for the first time.

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The streets of Singapore, with the imposing Marina Bay as a backdrop, will be the venue for the historic Sep 28 race, according the world governing body FIA's official website.

F1 officials also confirmed that the Canada Grand Prix will be part of an extended 18-race calendar for 2008 and the European Grand Prix would be a day-time street race to be held in Valencia, Spain this time.

It was also announced that there would be a 10-year freeze on engine development starting 2008.

A change could be made after five years but only with the unanimous agreement of all stakeholders and a two-year notice period.

The French Grand Prix, which F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone had previously said would not be on the calendar, was also spared the axe.

The Turkish race had already been moved from August to May 11 to accommodate the Valencia event.

The 2008 F1 season ends Nov 2 in Brazil.