Singapore: Singapore has won a five-year deal to host a Formula One race from next year, the government said on Friday.

The race may be held in September or early October 2008, and the city-state has the option to extend the deal for another five years after 2012.

The race could be the first-ever night Grand Prix.

“Singapore could potentially stage the first-ever night race,” S. Iswaran, minister of state for trade and industry, told a press briefing.

He said the race would only be held at night if safety requirements were fully met.

The sport’s supremo, Bernie Ecclestone, speaking by teleconference, said he was confident a night race would be held and that safety conditions would be met.

“It’s going to be lit as if it’s daylight,” he said.