Singapore F1 revenue better than expected

Singapore's first Formula One Grand Prix, which was held in September, generated far more tourism revenue than initially expected, a government minister said.

The event, the sport's first night race, attracted more than 40,000 foreign visitors and generated 168 million dollars (112 million US) in tourism revenue, S. Iswaran, Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry, told parliament. A copy of his remarks was posted on the ministry website late Monday.

Officials had estimated the race would generate 100 million Singapore dollars annually in revenues.

Iswaran said that more than 110 million worldwide television viewers watched the Grand Prix.